If you are just starting out, or you already played for a couple of years and looking for the best bass guitar on a budget, but you still want it to be good and reliable, you came to the right page.
Starting out can be frustrating. You are bombarded with hundreds of options to chose from. There are many different brands and numerous options to choose from. For example, 4 – 5 string, different pickup options, short scale – full scale, and so on and so forth. This search can be really frustrating without any guidance. However, this list will hopefully shed some light on that never-ending search.
In this article, we are going to list the 5 most reliable and yet affordable instruments you can get in 2020. We included many different styles and you will be able to find the instrument that fits you. All of these instruments are below $400, these are the most budget-friendly basses we could find, that we can still use for far more than just practicing at home.
Let’s dive into it.
Ibanez GSRM20
The first instrument on our list is the Ibanez GSRM20. This instrument is a really exceptional beginner guitar since it has a shorter scale – 28.6″ rather than the full scale, which is typically 34″. The shorter scale makes it easier to lay your hands on it and it is a perfect guitar for any younger, starting bass players.
The solid-body comes with a mahogany body and comes in 6 different colorways ranging from starlight blue to transparent red (pictured above).
This Ibanez is the best bass on this list – it is perfect for any younger, beginner players.
Dean Edge
Dean is known to have really interesting designs, in both the bass and the guitar world. We were interested in the stripped-down instrument with a single soapbar pickup – The Dean E09 Edge. This pickup configuration gives you a really unique sound. The pickup has more growl to it, different than the classic Jazz Bass or a Precision Bass setup. It has a contoured body for playing comfort. The neck is profiled so that it is easy to play on the 22-fret neck.
This guitar is really for someone who is looking for a more aggressive sound, with a unique look at a low cost.
Ibanez Talman
This classic Ibanez bass, in my opinion, is one of the most visually appealing guitars on this list. Also, this instrument is really affordable. For less than $200 you can get this great looking and great sounding instrument.
The Ibanez Talman bass is made out of a mahogany body and is available in 5 different finishes, ranging from mint green to classic sunburst. The maple neck comes with a rosewood fretboard with 22 frets.
This guitar is really versatile, you can get a good rock tone out of it. But if you prefer more mellow tones, the P-Bass pickup can provide that as well. This is a great choice for someone looking for a classic look and sound with a more modern visual appeal.
Sterling by Music Man
This is the affordable version of classic Music Man Stingray Bass. It gives you the classic Music Man visuals but at a budget-friendly price.
The body is made of Basswood and the neck is a Maple on Maple neck. It comes in a couple of different classics finished as well. It has the classic humbucker style pickups which will give you the unique tones Music Man’s are known for. Mostly used to get that classic funky tone as Louis Johnson got out of his Music Man bass. But also can achieve a really heavy, Rage Against the Machine tone out of this instrument as well.
It plays really well and the neck is comfortable. If you want the classic Music Man sound on a budget, the Sterling bass is a good choice for you.
Squier Classic Vibe 60's Jazz Bass
The last guitar on our Best Budget-Friendly Bass Guitars list is this Squier 60’s Jazz Bass, which is the ultimate classic bass you can get for an affordable price. This instrument combines the luxurious playability that made the classic jazz bass the most sought after instrument in the market. It includes a slim, “C”-shaped neck profile with narrow-tall frets, as well as a vintage-style bridge with threaded saddles. This Squier model features a 1960s-inspired headstock, a throwback to the real classic 60’s vibe. It comes in three different classic finished; three-color sunburst, black, and daphne blue. The neck is maple with an Indian Laurel fingerboard.
This instrument is one of the most versatile basses on this list. Also, out of all of these basses, this is the most expensive on this list, but it is still budget-friendly and is a good investment.
You can use this guitar on almost any style of music, from rock to pop all the way to bluegrass. That is why it is called a classic vibe bass.
Finally
All these basses are suitable for home practicing, jam sessions, or even live gigs as well.
This list is only a handful of what is out there. But in our opinion, these are the 5 best bass budget-friendly bass guitars you can get in 2020.
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