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8 Great Cheap Bass Guitars 2024
With this list of cheap bass guitars, I am providing lower price points that will allow you to get a decent instrument. Most cheap instruments are very difficult to play. What I offer here is finding the balance between price and quality.
In this blog are 8 cheap bass guitars, the reason you should choose them, and a detailed buying guide for beginner guitar players. Let’s get right to it!
If you also want to learn the guitar, check out the best classical guitars on a budget!
Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass Guitar – $250

The Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass Guitar is one of the best cheap bass guitars on the market. It’s a remarkable blend of classic style and contemporary functionality. It stands out for its versatility and affordability, ideal for players who desire a diverse range of sounds without a hefty price tag.
Reasons to Buy
A key feature of the TMB100-MGR is its unique pickup configuration, which combines a single-coil Jazz Bass pickup with a split P Bass pickup. This setup allows for a wide array of tonal options, catering to various playing styles and genres, making it an excellent bass guitar for beginners and seasoned players looking for a cost-effective yet versatile instrument.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Poplar is known for its balanced tonal qualities.
- Neck Type: TMB4 Maple Neck, providing a comfortable playing experience.
- Fretboard: Jatoba with white dot inlay, adding a sleek look and smooth feel.
Squier Classic Vibe 60s PRecision Bass LRL OWT- 450$
The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass in Olympic White (LRL OWT) is a nod to the golden era of bass playing. It combines vintage aesthetics with modern playability, making it ideal for bassists who appreciate the classic P-Bass sound and style.

Reasons to Buy
Unfortunately, as mentioned, this electric guitar does not feature a single-coil Jazz Bass pickup or a split P Bass pickup. It’s equipped with a Fender-designed alnico split-coil pickup, offering that classic, punchy Precision tone that makes it an excellent bass for various styles, from rock to jazz.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Poplar is known for its lightweight and balanced tonal qualities.
- Neck: Maple with a comfortable “C”-shaped profile.
- Fretboard: Laurel adds a smooth feel and a touch of warmth to the tone.
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II Bass WS – 300$
The Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II in Walnut Stain embodies style and substance. This bass is tailored for players seeking a compact and comfortable instrument without compromising tone and quality. The short-scale bass length reduces the distance between frets, making it easier to navigate the fingerboard and more appropriate for performers with smaller hands.

Reasons to Buy
The G2220 Junior Jet II is known for its powerful and punchy sound, courtesy of its dual Gretsch mini humbucking pickups. It’s an excellent choice for players looking for the distinct Gretsch tone in a more accessible, budget-friendly, reliable bass.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Basswood, providing a light and resonant tone.
- Neck: Maple, ensuring durability and a smooth playing experience.
- Fretboard: Black walnut, contributing to a warm and clear sound.
- Tuner: The four-saddle adjustable bridge and die-cast tuners ensure excellent intonation and tuning stability.
Epiphone Thunderbird IV – 450$
The Epiphone Thunderbird IV Bass is a classic choice for bassists who love a blend of vintage style and modern playability, famed for its unique design and powerful sound. I believe this is one of the best bass guitars on our list.

Reasons to Buy
This electric bass guitar is renowned for its rich, full-bodied tone and solid sustain, achieved through its dual humbucking pickups. Its distinctive body shape and iconic headstock make it a visually striking instrument.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Mahogany is known for its warm and resonant qualities.
- Neck: Maple, offering durability and a comfortable playing experience.
- Fretboard: Rosewood, contributing to the bass’s smooth feel and rich tonal character.
The Epiphone EB-3 – 450$
If you want a bass that delivers a deep, resonant tone, the Epiphone EB-3 Bass is the best option. It’s a classic bass, offering a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary functionality. Bassists who desire the iconic SG shape favored it.

Reasons to Buy
The EB-3 stands out for its versatile sound. This bass has a dual pickup configuration: a Sidewinder humbucker at the neck and a mini-humbucker at the bridge. This setup allows many tonal possibilities, from warm, smooth lows to punchy, growling highs.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Mahogany, providing warmth and resonance.
- Neck: Mahogany with a slim profile, ensuring comfortable playability.
- Fretboard: Rosewood, adding depth and clarity to the overall sound.
Yamaha TRBX305 5-String Electric Bass – 430$
The Yamaha TRBX 305 is a versatile, modern bass guitar known for its ergonomic design and exceptional playability.

Reasons to Buy
The TRBX 305 features Yamaha’s proprietary pickups and a 5-way Performance EQ switch, offering a wide range of tones suitable for various music styles. As mentioned, it does not have a single coil Jazz bass pickup and a split P bass pickup. Instead, its advanced electronics ensure diversity in sound, making this guitar hard to beat. Also, the shorter scale length feels good while playing the bass.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Solid mahogany, providing a warm and rich tone.
- Neck: Maple and Mahogany, five-piece construction for stability and comfort.
- Fretboard: Rosewood, contributing to smooth playability and a balanced sound profile.
Have you considered what songs you will play if you buy one of these guitars? Here is a list of easy electric guitar songs only for you!
Ibanez SR300E-MGB – 350$
The Ibanez SR300E MGB is a sleek, modern bass guitar known for its lightweight design and smooth playability. It’s probably one of the best cheap bass guitars on our list.

Reasons to Buy
This model does not include a single-coil Jazz bass pickup and a split-p bass pickup. However, it features Ibanez’s PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups, providing a broad spectrum of tones. Its affordability, versatile sound, and renowned slim neck profile of the SR series make it a great affordable bass for both beginners and experienced players.
Notable Specifications
- Body Material: Mahogany, known for its warm tone.
- Neck: SR4 5-piece maple/walnut neck, offering durability and comfort.
- Fretboard: Jatoba provides a smooth playing experience and adds tonal warmth.
Don’t forget to check out the top 10 5-string bass guitars here!
The Höfner Ignition Violin Bass Guitar SB – 450$
The Höfner Ignition Violin Guitar SB is a beautifully crafted instrument, known for its iconic design and rich, warm sound.

Reasons to Buy
What makes this guitar one of the best budget bass guitars in 2024? This model has neither a single-coil pickup nor a split-p bass pickup. Instead, it’s equipped with Höfner’s staple nickel pickups, delivering the classic, Beatles-esque tone that Höfner is famous for. Its affordability and distinctive violin-shaped body make it an excellent choice for bass players seeking a unique and vintage-style instrument.
Notable Specifications
Body: Spruce top with flame maple back and sides, contributing to a resonant and articulate sound.
Neck: Maple, offering stability and comfort to play bass.
Scale length: It’s a shorter scale bass of 30″.
Fretboard: Rosewood enhances the overall warmth of the instrument’s tone.
Considerations for Buying A Cheap Bass Guitar
Balancing sound quality with cost is crucial when shopping for the right cheap bass guitar. For beginners and seasoned players alike, the focus should be on getting the best tonal quality within your budget. Evaluate the bass’s sound characteristics and how they align with your musical style.
Sound and Pickups
Look for ones with decent pickups. Varieties include single and dual pickups, ranging from single coil to humbucking. Many affordable models also feature active EQ for enhanced tone control. They may not have the refined tone of higher-end models, but budget bass guitars can still offer quality sound.
Build Quality
Look for reputable brands like Sterling, Squier, Epiphone, and Ibanez, known for their solid construction even in budget models. Durability is key, especially for regular performers. You should also consider the type of wood used to build the bass.
Check out the 15 best budget-friendly guitars of 2024 here!
Scale Length
Consider short-scale basses if you have smaller hands or are transitioning from guitar. These basses offer a different feel and sound than standard full-scale models and can be more comfortable for some players.
What Should Be The Budget For A Budget Bass Guitar?
The budget should be around $370/£300 for a cheap bass guitar. There are a lot of brands providing good value for money without compromising on quality.
Recommended Brands
Sterling by Music Man, Yamaha, and Squier are recommended brands for cheap bass guitars. These brands are notable for their bass guitars, which offer a combination of affordability, build quality, and classic design replication.
What To Look For While Buying A Cheap Bass Guitar Online?
Purchasing a bass guitar online offers convenience that traditional shopping can’t match. You can access various models from various manufacturers, often at competitive prices. Whether you’re just starting with bass or searching for an affordable bass guitar, we’ve got you covered. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:
Adjustments May Be Needed
When a bass guitar is shipped, it may undergo various temperature and humidity changes, affecting its setup. Be prepared to make minor adjustments upon delivery, such as tuning, adjusting the truss rod, or setting up the action to your preference. These are typical tweaks and can often be done at home or with the help of a local guitar technician.
Return Policy
Most online music retailers offer a return policy, typically 14 days to a month. This policy is crucial for online purchases, as it allows you to physically test the instrument and ensure it meets your expectations regarding feel, sound, and build quality. Always check the return policy details before purchasing, including any restocking fees or shipping costs in case of a return.
Product Reviews and Demos
Take advantage of online reviews and video demos. These resources can provide valuable insights into the bass’s performance, sound quality, and build. User reviews can also highlight common issues or advantages that might not be evident from the product description alone.
Secure Transactions
Ensure that the website you are purchasing from is secure and reputable. Look for indicators such as HTTPS in the web address and read through customer feedback about the retailer’s service.
Shipping and Handling
Consider the shipping and handling policies. Check if the retailer offers shipment insurance and inquire how the guitar will be packaged. Proper packaging is vital to protect the instrument during transit.
Find The Best Deals of These Cheap Bass Guitars
When looking for the best cheap bass guitars in the vast world of bass, remember to keep an eye on Guitar Center and Musician’s Friend. You’re well on your way to finding the best budget bass guitars on this list. Don’t forget that these websites offer free shipping to the USA.
Cheap Bass Guitars FAQ
The bass guitar is generally considered more straightforward to start learning than some other instruments, mainly because it often involves playing one note at a time rather than chords. However, mastering the bass guitar, like any instrument, requires practice and dedication. The simplicity or difficulty also depends on the style of music and the complexity of the bass lines.
The cost of bass guitars varies widely based on brand, quality, and features. There are budget-friendly bass guitars available, especially suitable for beginners, which can cost a few hundred dollars. Professional, high-end bass guitars can cost several thousand dollars. Generally, you can find a good quality beginner or intermediate bass guitar without breaking the bank.
Yes, the bass guitar is tuned to play lower notes than a regular guitar. The standard tuning of a bass guitar is E1-A1-D2-G2, which is an octave lower than the lowest four strings of a guitar. This lower range gives the bass its distinct role in providing the rhythmic and harmonic foundation of music.
For beginners, it’s often recommended to start with a 4-string bass as it’s easier to handle and learn. Brands like Squier, Yamaha, and Ibanez offer great bass guitars for beginners that are affordable yet well-constructed. The Squier Affinity Series, Yamaha TRBX174, and Ibanez GSR200 are some popular choices among beginners for their playability and quality.
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