The Best Cheap Bass Guitars - Electric Under $300
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass (Short Scale)
Ibanez knows how to make guitars, including affordable bass guitars, play as fast and comfortable as possible. Case in point is the Ibanez GSRM20, which features Ibanez' smooth playability with its flat 12" fingerboard radius and low action setup.
Combined with its short scale configuration, lightweight body, and contoured edges, this super affordable bass is considered by many as the most playable basses in the entry level market, as reflected in reviews.
And it's not just playability because Ibanez did not skimp on the quality of the pickups and tonewoods, which are well appreciated by owners.
Features:
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: Slim
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 28.6"
- Nut Width: 1.614"
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Frets: 22 Medium
- Middle Pickup: PSND P Single-Coil
- Bridge Pickup: PSND Single-Coil
- Controls: Volume 1, Volume 2, EQ, Tone
- Bridge: B10
- Weight: 8.4 lbs.
Pros
The saying "age doesn't matter" easily applies to the Ibanez GSRM20, with its long list of commendations from young players who are just starting out, and older more experienced players who just want an affordable bass that's easy on the hands. As expected, Ibanez' ergonomic and fast neck action get a lot of praise, with many being glad at just how easy and comfortable this bass is. The general sentiment is that this bass guitar has surprising quality for the price.
Cons
There are a few who complained about the quality of the tuning pegs, with a small number of reports of tuning instability. There are also some who complained about fret buzz, one of the drawbacks of having low action. Thankfully, this can be easily corrected with a few adjustments.
Overall
If you're looking for a cheap bass guitar that's easy to play, while still sounding good, then check out the Ibanez GSRM20.
Ibanez GSR200
The Ibanez GSR200 is an affordable standard size bass guitar with Ibanez' trademark playability and impressive tone versatility. It is part of Ibanez' Sound Gear line, which is well known for their quality and tone shaping capabilities, only this one is stripped down to keep the price affordable.
The GSR200 comes with a standard scale length of 34", a nut width of 1.614" and their flat fast action 12" fingerboard radius.
Ibanez equipped this bass with two single-coil pickups (P/J) for tone variation, but what makes it special is the addition of Ibanez' Phat II EQ knob, which is essentially a bass boost built in for emphasizing the lows better.
Features:
- Body: Agathis
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: GSR4
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.614"
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Frets: 22 Medium
- Middle Pickup: Powersound P Single-Coil
- Bridge Pickup: Powersound J Single-Coil
- Controls: Phat II EQ, Master Tone, Volume 1 and Volume 2
- Bridge: B10
- Weight: 9 lbs.
Pros
It's not surprising that playability gets the bulk of the commendations. But it was interesting to read how parents who bought this bass for their kids end up "borrowing" the bass from them because of its quality. The fatter sound of the bass via the Phat II EQ also got a lot of positive mentions, with many stating that this sonic versatility is great for beginner to intermediate players who are beginning to craft their own sound. Value for money and its eye pleasing appearance were also appreciated by many of its users. Interestingly, there was one reviewer who has had this bass for over 5 years and reported that it still plays well and sounds good.
Cons
Like the other basses in this price range, there were users who reported on the GSR200's tuning stability and occasional fret buzz. But it is not as common as some think, given the very small number of people that reported having issues.
Overall
If you prefer Ibanez' flat fast action fingerboard, but want a standard scale one in the sub $200 price range, then you should get the GSR200.
Ibanez TMB100
Here's the reality, most bass guitars in this price range probably share similar components, but Ibanez packaged the TMB-100 to not look cheap at all. And this is what enthralls many users, with its distinct retro style offset profile and color options.
Ibanez calls the body shape of this bass as Talman, and to my eyes, it looks like a cross between a Sting Ray and a Mustang.
This bass has two pickups, which you can blend as you please, and it also sports a 2-band EQ. Controls are implemented in a brilliant way, by designing each of the two knobs to have two rotary controls.
Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: TMB4
- Fingerboard: Jatoba
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.614"
- Frets: 20 Medium
- Neck Pickup: Dynamix P Split-coil
- Bridge Pickup: Dynamix J Single-coil
- Controls: 1 x Volume/Balancer, 1 x Treble/Bass Boost/Cut
- Bridge: B10
- Weight: 8.6 lbs.
Pros
From the sound to the overall feel of the instrument, the general consensus is very positive. Since beginners and students are easily impressed, they make up most of the users who give the Ibanez TMB-100 high ratings. But there are also some experienced bassists who are just as impressed, especially with the range of tones they can get for the price. Mike Brooks of Music Radar concludes his review by saying: "It’s solidly constructed, performs very well and is comfortable to wear."
Cons
There are some negative comments about playability, but they may be due to string action and setup, both of which are adjustable. There are also a few who describe the sound as a little too plain, but it does have reasonable sonic flexibility for its price.
Overall
If you are looking for an affordable bass guitar with a different appeal, then check out the Ibanez TMB100.
Dean Custom Zone
I was about to write this one off as just another flashy looking toy, but the specs and reviews told me otherwise. While the sharp colorful finish options are really what make this bass stand out, the guitar's tried and tested specs also deserve special mention.
While it does look different, everything else about this bass follows classic specifications. From its standard scale length of 34", nut width of 1.5" and fingerboard radius of 9.5", to the single P style split-single coil pickup.
Still, Dean must have executed the simple design of this bass really well for it to gain quite the popularity and positive ratings in the entry level market that it has.
Available finishes include Nuclear Green, Yellow and Fluorescent Pink.
Features:
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Profile: C
- Fingerboard: Maple (painted)
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.5"
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Frets: 20
- Bridge Pickup: DMT Design P Style
- Controls: Master Tone, Volume 1 and Volume 2
- Bridge: Diecast bridge
- Tuners: Sealed Diecast
- Weight: 9.8 lbs.
Pros
Many of the users who bought this bass were attracted to the instrument because of its fancy colors, but the reviews show that they got more than just eye candy. The general consensus is that this bass is a great looking and great sounding instrument, considering the price. There were even experienced players who found the quality surprising enough to write up a good review, and this sentiment is shared by YouTube gear reviewers as well. Having said all that, it is still the color that got the most compliments, both from the reviewers and from their friends and audiences.
Cons
Fret buzz out of the box was reported a few times by more experienced players, thankfully these same people were able to make the adjustments to get the action just right. Tuning stability was also raised by a few users, who said that while they are usable, they will probably switch out the machine heads for something better.
Overall
If your budget is limited and you want a colorful bass that literally and visually stands out from crowd, then this is your best bet.
Fender Squier Affinity Precision PJ
Over half a century after it was first released, the Precision bass is still among the most copied and top selling bass guitars in the world, a testament to its legacy and longevity.
The Squier Affinity Precision PJ is part of Fender's entry level line of instruments, an affordable version of the popular Precision bass profile with an extra single-coil pickup in the bridge position. This two pickup configuration is based on the classic Precision PJ design, which combines the Precision and Jazz bass electronics.
Fender continues to silently update this model, introducing slight improvements to the design while retaining the overall look and feel of the original.
Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple (bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: C shape
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.625"
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.5"
- Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo
- Middle Pickup: Standard Split Single-Coil Precision
- Bridge Pickup: Single-Coil Jazz
- Controls: Master Tone, Volume 1 and Volume 2
- Bridge: Standard 4-saddle
- Tuners: Standard open-gear
- Weight: 6 lbs.
Pros
Most of the positive comments are from beginners and their parents who are impressed with the playabiltiy and sound of this bass. They are also joined by experienced bassists who are impressed with the overall value and quality of this entry-level bass. While some may say that it doesn't have the feel of a premium instrument, most do agree that it got the look down just right.
Cons
Speaking of playability, there are some who complain about frets being a bit sharp, a common issue among new instruments in this price range.
Overall
There's a reason why so many manufacturers keep on cloning the Precision bass, so if you want one, might as well get the legit version from Fender Squier.
Yamaha TRBX204
Yamaha TRBX204 is a 4-string bass with active pickups, a feature that isn't normally available in this price range. While this one does sport P/J style pickups, it is unique enough in terms of design and electronics to not be called another clone.
Yamaha's distinct double cutaway body gives it a very distinct appeal, and it makes it easier to reach the higher frets.
It also features bass and treble preamp controls right at the instrument.
Features:
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Profile: Not specified
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.574"
- Fingerboard Radius: 10"
- Frets: 24
- Middle Pickup: Ceramic Split-coil
- Bridge Pickup: Ceramic Single-coil
- Controls: Blend, Bass, Treble, Volume
- Bridge: Vintage Style
- Weight: 11.14 lbs.
Pros
Yamaha's reputation for being student friendly is upheld by this bass, with many reports of its neck and fretwork being really good for the price. Many also appreciate the tone and sonic versatility afforded by its built-in active electronics. It also helps that it has a premium appeal. It is also described by many as having a low neck action.
Cons
There are a few reports of fret buzz and other action related issues, thankfully these are workable through basic string setup.
Overall
If you're looking for an affordable bass guitar with modern active electronics, then this is your best bet.
Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet II
At publication time this was the Highest Rated Bass Guitar Under $300.
The Gretsch G2220 II Junior is a short-scale bass guitar, with 30.3" scale length, ideal for students of the instrument and for those who are looking for a bass guitar that's smaller and easier to play.
It sports a single-cutaway basswood body that follows their "Jet" profile, only this one is a bit more compact.
Another distinct feature of this bass guitar is its two mini-humbucker pickups, which gives it a distinct tone that complements the slacker sound of its strings.
Everything else is straightforward, including its volume and tone knob, and pickup selector.
Features:
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 30.3"
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Frets: 20 Medium Jumbo
- Middle Pickup: Mini-Humbucker
- Bridge Pickup: Mini-Humbucker
- Controls: Master Tone, Master Volume, Pickup Selector
- Bridge: Standard 4-saddle Bridge
- Tuners: Chrome Die-cast Tuners
- Weight: 8.375 lbs.
Pros
It gets a lot of thumbs up for its easy playability, many of which are from guitar players who are happy with the minimal adjustment required to play this bass. It's straightforward operation is also well received, along with its simple yet pleasing aesthetics. Many of the positive comments are from non-bassists who want to add the bass guitar into their tool kit.
Cons
There are some comments about the quality of the string that it ships with, but those who replaced the strings report dramatic improvement. There are also a few who complained about hardware issues like loose output jack.
Overall
If you're looking for a nice looking short scale bass to add to your tool kit, then check out the Gretsch G2220 II Junior.
Yamaha BB234
The BB234 is Yamaha's take on the classic Precision PJ design, with some adjustments to the overall design for improved playability.
It sports a modified double cutaway alder body that allows for more upper fret access, and it has a distinctly shaped pickguard.
For the pickups, this one is equipped with Yamaha's Custom V3 passive ceramic set, to give it a tone that's more akin to classic Precision style bass tones.
The neck is crafted from maple, with a thinner profile to accommodate modern players, and it sports lighter tuners for better weight balance.
Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Profile: Thin BB
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34"
- Nut Width: 1.575"
- Fingerboard Radius: 10"
- Frets: 21 Medium
- Neck Pickup: VSP3n Ceramic Split Single-coil
- Bridge Pickup: VSC3b Ceramic Single-coil
- Controls: 2 x volume, 1 x master tone
- Bridge: Vintage Style Bridge (19mm String Spacing)
- Weight: 8.8 lbs.
Pros
Comfortable and great sounding nicely encapsulate how most users feel about this bass. Many appreciate its classic precision tone, which works for many styles, from basic chord posts to funky slapping. Students and experienced bassists alike are satisfied with its playability, especially when considering its price tag. Build quality, aesthetics and attention to detail are also commended.
Cons
Other than the few who are concerned about the lightweight tuners, there aren't any notable issues with its tone and playability.
Overall
The Yamaha BB234 offers classic tone with modern playability at a very modest price point.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cheap Bass Guitar
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Body Shape, Finish and Weight
First off, bass guitars are notorious for being hefty and heavy, so it is important to set your expectation, especially if you're getting one for a child. This is where body profile, size and curvature helps, the general idea is to get one that will be reasonably comfortable.
But it's not just about functionality, having a bass guitar that appeals to the eyes can spell the difference between forced and inspired practice. So it is important to get the look that you, or your child prefer - right at the start. If you're not sure which style to go for, the safest route is to get one that looks like the bass guitar of your or your student's favorite bassists.
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Playability
There are multiple factors that dictate playability for bass guitars, one of which is Scale Length, it is basically the distance that your strings are stretched out, and as such it indicates the tension of the strings. The most common scale length for bass is 34", because it has just the right balance of tension and tone. Other basses can have a scale length that is as short as 30", which significantly reduces string tension, ideal for young players or for those who want an instrument that's smaller and easier to play.
Fingerboard Radius, which indicates the curvature or flatness of the fingerboard, is an important playability specification that you should look at. Although the fret board may look basically flat at first glance most of them are actually curved outwards. Higher radius fingerboards are closer to being flat. Ibanez is known for their 12" fingerboard radius which is one of the flattest, while traditional bases have a lower radius that results in more curve. Flatter 12” and up fingerboards are ideal for beginners and younger players. The Nut Width tells you how far apart the strings are spaced, the narrower the nut width is, the easier it is for smaller hands to reach each string. The Neck Profile describes the shape of the back of the neck, the thinner and flatter, the easier it is to play, but there are some who prefer fatter necks for better grip. A bass guitar with a good cutaway at the neck joint allows for easier access to the upper frets.
String Action refers to the height of strings above the fretboard. It's a specification that's not always directly given by the manufacturer because it can vary for each instrument. Beginners will want those with low action, but not too low to avoid "fret buzz", which means that the vibration of your string is hitting the frets. Some buyers report "fret buzz" in new bass guitars and although this can be annoying it can be fixed by raising the action. There are those who prefer slightly raised action for better intonation control of each note as you press the strings, and better overall string resonance as well.
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Pickups
Being an electric instrument, pickups dictate most of the instrument's resulting sound. Single Coil pickups are the most common, because of their crisp and detailed sound which reproduces classic bass tones as heard on countless tracks from the past. Split-Single Coil pickups are often labelled as "P" style pickups since they were first used in Fender's Precision bass. The other popular pickup type is called the "J" style, which is short for Jazz bass pickups that have two magnetic poles assigned per string. Humbuckers generally sound warmer and fatter, and are widely used for modern rock and metal. If you don't have experience or a particular preference yet, then again just go for the pickup configuration used by your favorite bassists.
Most of the basses in this price range have Passive pickups and electronics, which means they do not require a battery and have limited tone shaping options. Those with Active pickups and electronics allow for more tone shaping but require a 9V battery to properly function.
Cheap Bass Guitar Selection Methodology
The first edition was published September 20, 2016 written by guitar and bass teacher Alexander Briones who also wrote the latest edition published on July 16, 2020.
To streamline the list, we only feature sub $300 bass guitars with standard 4-string setup, fretted fingerboards and magnetic pickups. And to make the resulting list useful, we only consider bass guitars that can readily be bought from major gear retailers in the US.
For this July 2020 update, we gathered the most recent reviews, ratings, recommendations, and discussions about the basses that met our criteria. The data we gathered amounted to over 4,400 rating sources, all of which were then processed by our Gearank Algorithm to produce a rating score out of 100 for each one. We then used these scores to select the highest rated ones to recommend. For more information about our methods please read How Gearank Works.
Comments
The following bass guitar
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The following bass guitar came off our recommended list today due to a lack of availability, but you can still read our analysis of it: Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass PJ.
As a result of the February
Submitted by Jason Horton on
As a result of the February 2019 update the following basses were removed from our recommended list above - but you can still read our analysis of them:
The following bass has been
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The following bass has been removed from our recommended list due to a lack of availability: Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4.
So the editor's pick of the
Submitted by Marc (not verified) on
So the editor's pick of the best sub<$300 bass is the bass listed for $400. Fantastic journalistic practices. That's one way to completely ruin an otherwise very good and highly useful comparison review.
The "Editor's Pick" is an
Submitted by Jason Horton on
The "Editor's Pick" is an item which we described as "This is where we sometimes present additional options which didn't quite fit into our list above but which you may also find interesting and useful."
But I can see how people would be confused if they didn't read that, so I've changed the title of the section to "Additional Option".
Your demo video on the Toby
Submitted by Jim Brewster (not verified) on
Your demo video on the Toby is almost useless, I play bass, not guitar, and your demonstrater seems more interested in pretending he's playing a guitar. That doesn't help me, if I want to sound like a guitarist, I'll plug in a Les Paul.
Watch the entire video...
Submitted by Garegh62 (not verified) on
Watch the entire video... Geezuz
If you watch the video all
Submitted by Jason Horton on
If you watch the video all the way through you'll see that he demonstrates traditional styles as well as the style of play you didn't like - the main thing is that it does demonstrate the different tones you can get from the Epiphone Toby Deluxe IV.
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