Bass guitars are integral instruments in virtually every genre of music. This guide is intended to assist first time buyers (or their parents) in finding an entry-level bass guitar priced under $300.
Features of an ideal beginner bass include its short-scale neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, and dual single-coil Jazz Bass pickups with dedicated volume and tone knobs to easily switch between tones.
1. Build Quality
No matter if you’re just beginning or an experienced bassist looking for a new instrument, finding an affordable bass that sounds fantastic and stays in tune is not as difficult as it might appear. Today there are numerous models which provide both affordability and quality simultaneously.
A bass guitar’s quality can be measured by its build, neck, fretboard and pickups. A quality instrument should have a wooden neck that produces warm tones while an accessible fretboard featuring fret markers and string location markers is also important for its playability. Furthermore, strong bridge & string saddles should provide stability while its pickups should provide variety from smooth jazz sounds to punchy growls.
Body style of a bass can have an immense effect on its tone and playability. Solid body basses were built for amplified playback, featuring fuller, richer sounds than semi-hollow basses. Beginners may wish to start out on one made from basswood due to its strong, resonant tones; semi-hollow basses offer more of a hollow sound, making them suitable for exploring different tones without an amp.
Considerations should also be given to the neck, which should be easy and comfortable for you to move around on. While there are various styles and sizes of necks available to beginners, those just beginning should opt for one with a U-shaped design; it allows easier grasp and access to upper frets.
Ibanez Talman TMB100 proves that size doesn’t always matter when it comes to affordable bass guitars. This compact model features short scale length and versatile pickup configuration for an array of tones that is sure to satisfy anyone who wishes to connect with the legacy of The Beatles or simply wants an easygoing feel with a short scale bass.
2. Sound
No need to break the bank if you want an awesome bass guitar; Reverb offers some amazing budget basses like the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II seen here in Black which sounds amazing without breaking your budget. Check it out today on Reverb and make your decision with confidence!
This short-scale bass is perfect for players with smaller frames or those seeking an enjoyable playing experience. Crafted from solid swamp ash with an Alnico single-coil pickup configuration that offers tons of versatility in tone, you can opt to isolate either pickup for greater tone flexibility. Or combine both together for your own distinctive bass sound!
One of the greatest features of this bass is its versatility: you can use it in almost every genre imaginable from jazz and rock through metal and country. Furthermore, this model comes equipped with a premium amp that will deliver full, rich sounds without overshadowing your bassline.
The Yamaha TRBX174 Bass Guitar for sale cheap is another budget bass that should be explored. Designed by Leo Fender himself, it boasts impressive tones and expert playability at an attractive price point. Powered humbucking pickups provide you with an incredible variety of tones to select from while its deep cutaway design allows easy access to higher notes on its fretboard.
No matter your playing experience or level, Reverb offers bass guitars for sale that will meet all your individual needs. Be sure to explore our extensive collection of new, used, vintage, and rare bass guitars from some of the leading brands – you never know what treasures await you!
3. Playability
The bass guitar is the foundation of any rock or pop ensemble, providing both rhythmic support and adding deep, punchy tones to music. While not an instrument easily learned, with practice and dedication one can master great bass playing skills – especially for beginners and multi-instrumentalists looking to expand their musical horizons with this instrument. A cheap bass guitar can also make an excellent investment when starting out or looking to add other genres of music into their arsenal.
When selecting a bass guitar, pay close attention to its string action – this refers to how far away from the fretboard the strings sit from being plucked by their strings. Beginners may prefer bass guitars with low string action for easy learning; experienced guitarists may prefer higher string action for better intonation control when moving up and down their instrument’s neck.
Another key factor in the playability of a bass guitar is its fingerboard radius. While most modern basses feature a flat 12″ radius, there are some cheaper basses with slightly curved fingerboards which may make learning to play easier for beginners.
Beginners often find fretless neck bass guitars are ideal for learning the instrument as they do not require the use of a guitar pick. Fretless basses also boast unique sounds as the strings press directly against the wood of their neck instead of being gripped between metal frets, making for easier finger access across their fingerboard. If looking to purchase such an instrument cheaply online or locally for sale, ensure its neck has an appropriate wide nut width to enable newcomer fingers to access each note more efficiently on its fingerboard.
P/J style bassists tend to favor its versatile pickup configuration, consisting of one split single coil pickup and one humbucker bass pickup, for its ability to create an array of tones and sounds, making it a good option for beginners who wish to broaden their musical horizons. A Mustang PJ bass offers this type of pickup configuration as well as its short scale neck for easy playing.
4. Accessories
Bass guitars are essential components of a music ensemble, providing both harmonic foundation and rhythmic pulse for many genres. When searching for cheap bass guitars for sale, it is essential to make sure that you find quality instruments that play well and stay in tune. The most efficient way to find one that meets both your budget and needs is shopping from a reliable seller with an array of instruments; this increases the odds that you find something appropriate quickly.
Shop with a reputable seller and you can be confident they will be honest and transparent about the condition of the bass guitar for sale, answering any queries that arise regarding it as well as answering any other related queries that come up about its purchase. This makes selecting the appropriate guitar simpler so that your experience with it is satisfying and ensures a positive purchase decision overall.
Beginners should look for bass guitars with easy-to-use necks to help learn the fundamentals and increase chances of sticking with this instrument. A quality bass should have ample sustain to provide an impressively full sound.
Advanced players may wish to consider four or five-string bass guitars; five-string basses will produce deeper tones and be more challenging than four-string basses.
Bass guitars for sale typically include features such as built-in tuners and active preamps that will enhance their EQ to help create your ideal tone, making these features especially helpful if used live performances.
Bass guitars for sale come in all kinds of materials, from wood such as mahogany and rosewood to vintage finishes that enhance their aesthetics.