The best cheap bass guitar can be the start of something big. When a bass feels right, you can’t help but pick it up every day, and that’s when your chops really start to grow.
Best Cheap Bass Guitar - 2024 (Standard Scale) | Best Cheap Bass Guitar (Standard Scale) Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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The Best Cheap Bass Guitar – 2024 (Short Scale) | The Best Cheap Bass Guitar (Short Scale) Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
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*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
The great thing is, today’s best budget bass guitar options aren’t the clunky, hard‑to‑play planks they used to be. These days, even affordable models can deliver solid tone, reliable hardware, and the kind of feel that keeps you coming back for more.
I’ve spent plenty of time with both high‑end instruments and what I consider the best bass guitars for beginners, and the gap isn’t nearly as wide as it used to be. A good, affordable bass can carry you from your first practice session to your first gig without holding you back. It can also make a perfect backup for a seasoned player who just wants something dependable.
If you’re hunting for the best beginner bass guitar, whether for yourself, a student, or a family member, this guide will walk you through the instruments worth your attention. Multi‑instrumentalists looking for an easy‑to‑play “beater” will also find some solid short‑scale picks here. You’ll see both long and short-scale basses that you can buy right now from major US retailers like Amazon, Sweetwater, and Guitar Center.
That also means you won’t see basses like the Harley Benton, which is sold exclusively outside the US. When you’re choosing a bass, keep in mind that scale length can tell you a lot about the instrument’s feel. If you’re unsure which size will suit you best, the playability tips in the Things to Consider section will help you figure it out before you buy.
Best Cheap Bass Guitar – Standard Scale
The Donner DUB-1 is the best cheap bass guitar in the full-scale category. This cheap bass guitar is tailored for beginner bass players. Aside from the bass, it also comes with essential accessories and a functional design, providing a dependable cheap bass guitar option.
Pros:
- Very affordable.
- Bundled with essential accessories (gig bag, cable, strap).
- Solid, lightweight basswood body.
- Minimal setup needed, easy to adjust.
- Good tuning stability
- Limited 21-fret range.
- Basic bridge hardware.
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The Donner DUB-1 4-String Bass Guitar is an ideal entry point for beginner bass players.
It comes bundled with essential accessories like a gig bag, guitar cable, and strap. This offers both convenience and cost-effectiveness by eliminating the need for separate purchases.
The DUB-1 features a solid basswood body with sleek arches and chrome tuner keys. It also comes with brass strings, and a PVC pickguard, emphasizing functionality while delivering a natural, vibrant sound.
However, the DUB-14 is listed at 13.22 lbs. which happens to be the heaviest bass guitar on this list. This is quite unexpected since its body is made of basswood, which is supposed to be lighter than the common guitar wood, maple, or mahogany.
Its components are basic, as expected of the cheapest bass guitar in the full-scale category. But, they’re adequate for learning and can be upgraded in the future.
Feedback from users highlights the DUB-1’s sturdy build and good sound quality. It also requires minimal setup out of the box, usually needing only minor adjustments to be a very good bass.
Although there are minor issues such as noisy pickups and bridge stability, these factors don’t significantly affect its overall reliability and value.
Overall, the Donner DUB-1 best budget bass guitar in the full scale category. It’s a dependable choice as an entry-level bass if you’re just starting or looking for a budget bass option.
- Body: Solid African Basswood
- Neck: Canadian Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: C
- Fingerboard: Purpleheart
- Scale Length: 34″
- Nut Width: 1.65″
- Frets: 21
- Pickups: P-bass pickups (passive)
- Controls: Volume 1, Tone 2
- Bridge: 4-Saddle Vintage Style
- Weight: 13.22 lbs.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Ibanez GIO GSR200 4-String Bass Guitar
The Ibanez GSR200 combines Ibanez’s trademark playability with versatile tones in a cheap bass. Comes in standard-size bass guitar format. This makes it a solid choice for players seeking reliability and performance at a lower price.
Pros:
- Affordable with Ibanez’s trademark playability.
- Flat and wide fingerboard for smooth action.
- Two single-coil pickups (P/J) for tonal versatility.
- Phat II EQ knob boosts low frequencies for depth.
- Not for those with smaller hands.
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The GSR200 is a standard-size, cheap bass guitar with Ibanez’s trademark playability and impressive tone versatility.
This bass guitar maintains quality and tone-shaping capabilities while keeping the price accessible. It’s part of Ibanez’s renowned Sound Gear line, known for its mentioned good features.
It features a standard scale length and a slightly wider nut width for better string spacing. It also has a flat 12″ fingerboard radius, which gives it an easier fretting feel and smoother action.
The GSR200 bass is equipped with two single-coil pickups (P/J) for tonal variation. It’s then enhanced by Ibanez’s Phat II EQ knob, which boosts low frequencies for added depth.
Users have noted its impressive quality, with some purchasing it for their kids but ending up “borrowing” it due to its playability.
The GSR200 is also praised for its enduring performance and sound quality. It performs well even after years from when it’s bought.
If you appreciate Ibanez’s flat, fast-action fingerboard and seek a standard scale bass in the sub-$200 range, the GSR200 is a solid choice.
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: GSR4
- Fingerboard: Jatoba
- Scale Length: 34″
- Nut Width: 1.614″
- Fingerboard Radius: 12″
- Frets: 22 Medium
- Neck Pickup: Dynamix P neck pickup (Passive)
- Bridge Pickup: Dynamix J neck pickup (Passive)
- Controls: Phat II EQ, Master Tone, Neck Volume, and Bridge Volume
- Bridge: B10
- Weight: 9 lbs.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Yamaha TRBX174 4-String Bass Guitar
The Yamaha TRBX174 is a cheap bass guitar that blends a traditional pickup setup with contemporary aesthetics. It has a streamlined body, an extended fingerboard, and versatile playability suitable for a range of musical styles.
Pros:
- Sleek double-cutaway mahogany body.
- Extended range of 24 frets.
- Classic P/J pickup configuration.
- Designed to handle heavy hybrid string sets.
- Chunky neck.
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The Yamaha TRBX174 maintains an affordable price and easy playability, making it ideal for beginners. This bass guitar combines a classic P/J pickup configuration with a modern look.
Its double-cutaway mahogany body gives it a sleek and contemporary look. Its cutaway ensures easy access up to the 24th fret, which is essential for capturing a more modern sound.
Its 24-fret fingerboard is a practical feature appreciated by many playing more complex passages. Although it may be extensive to some.
This guitar is designed to handle heavy hybrid string sets used in alternate tunings, ensuring versatility and durability. Credit to its 5-piece maple/mahogany neck, paired with a rosewood fretboard.
It has a C neck, which is quite chunky and is ideal for single-string action and bends than fast-paced playing.
The TRBX174 is equipped with a P/J pickup configuration (Precision Split Coil + Jazz Bass pickups). This bass guitar allows for easy tone changes, catering well to various genres like pop, R&B, and classic rock.
It includes dedicated volume knobs and a single-tone knob, enhancing its functionality and appeal.
Overall, the Yamaha bass guitar is best if you play slow to medium-paced music and want maximum fret access. It offers solid playability, versatile tones, and modern aesthetics at an affordable price.
- Body: Mahogany
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: C
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 34″
- Nut Width: 1.57″
- Fingerboard Radius: 10″
- Frets: 24
- Neck Pickups: Split Single Coil / Ceramic (passive)
- Bridge Pickups: Single Coil / Ceramic (passive)
- Controls: Neck P.U. Volume, Bridge P.U. Volume, Master Tone
- Bridge: Vintage Style
- Weight: 11.29 lbs.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Yamaha BB234 4-String Bass Guitar
The Yamaha BB234 reintroduces the classic Yamaha Broadbass line with modern updates. This cheap bass guitar offers a modified double-cutaway body, a unique pickguard shape, and a neck tailored for modern sound. Complemented by Yamaha’s Custom V3 passive ceramic set, this is a tonally versatile bass guitar at an accessible price point.
Pros:
- Lightweight with improved balance.
- Classic vibe.
- Thin BB neck with enhanced upper fret access.
- Classic Precision-style tones.
- Modern player-friendly maple neck design.
- Limited range for a full scale bass.
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The Yamaha BB234 is a re-introduction of the classic Yamaha Broadbass line, which debuted in the 70s. This entry level bass is the cheapest of Yamaha’s BB line of guitars.
It features a modified double-cutaway alder body, which enhances access to the upper frets. Meanwhile, its unique pickguard shape maintains a distinctive appearance.
The BB234 delivers a tone reminiscent of classic Precision-style bass guitars. Thanks to Yamaha’s Custom V3 passive ceramic set.
Its maple neck is designed with a thinner profile tailored for modern players. It is complemented by lighter tuners (as most affordable bass guitars tend to have heavy tuning machines) that enhance its overall balance and playability.
At a mere 8.8 lbs., this bass is the lightest among the best budget bass guitars with a regular scale length. However, it only has 21 frets, which can limit your playable range.
The Yamaha BB234 offers a versatile combination of timeless tone and contemporary features—all at an accessible price point. If you’re looking for a good bass guitar that blends a classic vibe with modern playability, consider the Yamaha BB234.
- 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 (passive)
- Bridge Pickup: VSC3b Ceramic Single-coil (passive)
- Controls: Neck PU Volume, Bridge PU Volume, Master Tone
- Bridge: Vintage Style
- Weight: 8.8 lbs.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
The Best Cheap Bass Guitar – Short Scale
Short-scale bass guitars have shorter necks than regular basses. Unlike standard basses, which typically measure from 32″ to 38″, these bass guitars only measure from 28″ to 30″. They have less string tension, making them great for children or anyone who wants a bass that requires less force to play. They also produce a warmer, more midrange tone.
Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short Scale 4-String Bass Guitar
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed to produce the product’s Gearank Rating.
The Ibanez GSRM20 is the best cheap bass guitar in the short-scale category. It embodies Ibanez’s reputation for ergonomic design. This affordable bass guitar features a smooth short-scale build, lightweight construction, and good tonewoods.
Pros:
- Smooth and fast playability.
- Reduced string tension.
- Flat 12″ fingerboard radius with low action setup.
- Lightweight and ergonomic design.
- Not a traditional bass guitar.
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Ibanez has a strong reputation for creating instruments designed with fast and comfortable playability in mind. The Ibanez GSRM20 falls into this same classification.
This short scale bass is known for its smooth playability, featuring a flat 12″ fingerboard radius and a low action setup.
It’s one of the best bass guitars for beginners available on the market. Thanks to its short-scale design, lightweight body, and contoured edges.
Many users consistently praised its surprising quality. Given that it was the cheapest bass guitar in the short-scale category.
Ibanez also maintained high standards in tonewood, an aspect that is particularly appreciated by owners. The combination of mahogany, maple, and rosewood is highly regarded for its balanced tone, durability, and playability.
These wood combinations contribute unique qualities that create a versatile and well-rounded instrument. The same materials are also present in the Yamaha TRBX174.
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly short scale bass the Ibanez GSRM20 deserves your consideration. It offers ease of play and good sound quality.
- 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.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Ibanez TMB30 4 String Bass Guitar
The Ibanez TMB30 is a cheap bass guitar featuring the iconic Ibanez Talman shape. It has an offset body and a short 30″ scale length fingerboard. It comes equipped with a P/J pickup configuration, which makes it a good choice for players looking for a stylish and tonally versatile bass guitar.
Pros:
- Stylish and lightweight offset body design.
- Good upper fret access.
- Reduced string tension.
- Versatile P/J pickups.
- Unique 9.4″ fingerboard radius.
- Rounder neck profile.
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The TMB30 is an offset body bass guitar that features the Ibanez Talman shape. It has a stylish and lightweight design with good cutaway access for the upper frets.
Its offset body and short 30″ scale length fingerboard not only enhance its appearance but also reduce string tension. This provides a different playing feel compared to full scale bass guitars.
Ibanez has equipped the TMB30 with a versatile P/J pickup configuration. It features a single-coil Jazz bass style pickup at the bridge and a split single-coil Precision style pickup in the middle position.
This setup offers a wider range of tonal options, a departure from the typical single pickup seen in this price range.
It’s important to note that the TMB30 deviates from Ibanez’s usual flat radius profile. Instead, it opts for a rounder 9.4″ radius fingerboard. This choice contributes to its unique feel and playability.
Overall, if you appreciate cool bass guitars that combine playability with visual flair, the Ibanez TMB30 is a solid option.
It is among the best beginner bass guitars, but it can also serve as your secondary bass option.
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple (Bolt-on)
- Neck Profile: TMB4
- Fingerboard: Jatoba
- Scale Length: 30″
- Nut Width: 1.614″
- Fingerboard Radius: 9.45″
- Frets: 20 Medium
- Bridge Pickup: Precision Split Single-Coil Neck, Jazz Bass Single-Coil Bridge.
- Controls: 2 x Volume 1, Tone
- Bridge: Standard Bridge
- Weight: 7.93 lbs.
Rating Source Highlight
*Displayed values are prior to the Gearank Algorithm’s adjustments it makes when evaluating the source.
Gretsch G2220 II Junior Jet 4-String Bass Guitar
The Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II is a budget bass crafted for ease of play and versatility. It features Gretsch’s renowned craftsmanship and vintage-style tones from its dual single-coil pickups. With its electric guitar-like format, the G2220 Junior Jet Bass II appeals to a wide range of musicians looking for a smaller, accessible bass option.
Pros:
- Guitarist-friendly design.
- Flat fingerboard providing great playability.
- Vintage-style tones from dual single-coil pickups.
- User-friendly controls.
- Gretsch craftsmanship.
- Not for fans of the traditional bass form factor.
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The Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II is a short-scale bass guitar with a 30.3″ scale length. This cheap bass is ideal for younger students of the instrument and for those who want a small bass that’s easier to play.
Despite it being a cheap bass guitar, the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass II doesn’t compromise on quality. It boasts Gretsch’s expected craftsmanship.
Its maple neck and 12″ radius rosewood fingerboard provide a flat, beginner-friendly feel.
This is also a decent bass guitar for guitar players. The G2220 Junior’s guitar-shaped single-cutaway “Jet” profile body makes it look and feel closer to a regular electric guitar.
This can be a favorite among guitarists who occasionally switch to bass, requiring minimal adjustments between instruments.
The Gretsch G2220 is equipped with two single-coil pickups. They resemble more of a humbucker pickup than the conventional single-coil pickup.
These pickups deliver vintage-style tones that complement their mellow nickel plated steel strings.
The hardware and controls are more straightforward. It includes volume, tone control, and pickup selectors—all of which contribute to its sleek design and user-friendly appeal.
Overall, the Gretsch Junior Jet Bass II stands out as versatile and attractive for short-scale bass guitars.
Whether you’re expanding your tonal options, adding to your collection, or a guitarist, needing to record a bass track yourself, this can be the bass for you.
- Body: Basswood
- Neck: Maple
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Scale Length: 30.3″
- Nut Width: 1.563″
- 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 Tuning Machines
- Weight: 8.375 lbs.
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Cheap Bass Guitar
Body Shape, Finish, and Weight
One thing you learn pretty quickly as a bass player is that these instruments can be hefty. Even budget models often have a bit of weight to them, so it’s worth setting expectations, especially if you’re buying for a younger player. The body shape, size, and curves can make a big difference in how comfortable the bass feels against you when you play.
Looks matter more than some players admit. If a bass catches your eye, you’ll be more likely to pick it up and play. For a beginner, having an instrument they think looks cool can be the nudge that gets them practicing more often. If you’re not sure where to start, you can’t go wrong picking a bass that looks like the one played by your or your student’s favorite bassist.
Playability
No matter what types of string instruments you’ve played before, playability is a big deal. A key factor is scale length, essentially the distance your strings are stretched. Standard bass scale length is 34″, which balances string tension with tone nicely. Short‑scale basses around 30″ or less have lower string tension and are easier to handle, especially for younger players or those who just want a lighter, more compact feel. You can read more about it in our scale length guide.
Fingerboard radius also affects comfort. Even though the fretboard might look flat, most have a slight outward curve. Higher radius numbers mean a flatter fretboard. Ibanez, for example, often uses a 12″ radius, which is quite flat and friendly for beginners, while more traditional basses have a rounder feel. Nut width controls how far apart the strings are, and narrower nuts are easier for smaller hands. Neck profile, the shape of the back of the neck, also changes the feel; slimmer necks are easier to wrap your hand around, though some players prefer chunkier necks for grip. A deep cutaway at the neck joint will make reaching the higher frets much easier.
Then there’s string action, which is the height of the strings above the fretboard. Beginners usually do better with lower action because it takes less pressure to fret notes. Too low, though, and you might get “fret buzz”, that rattling sound when the vibrating string hits the frets. It’s fixable by raising the action slightly. Some players prefer a higher action for better intonation control and resonance. Whichever you choose, it pays to know how to tune a bass guitar, and to consider the role of bass string gauges in the feel and tone.
Bass Pickups
Your pickups have a huge say in how your bass will sound. In this price range, you’ll mostly see affordable versions of the classics. Single‑coil pickups are bright and detailed, great for vintage tones you’ve heard on countless records. The split single‑coil “P” style, as found on Fender Precision basses, is punchy and versatile. “J” style pickups, taken from the Fender Jazz Bass, have two magnetic poles per string and are known for their clarity and bite. Humbuckers are thicker and warmer, making them popular in rock and metal. If you’re not sure what to pick, start with the type your favorite bassist uses, it’s a good shortcut.
Most budget models use passive pickups, which don’t need a battery and have a straightforward tone. Active pickups, which you’ll see more on higher‑end models, offer extra tone‑shaping but require a 9V battery.
Bass Amps, Cables, and Other Gear
A bass guitar on its own is silent, so at the very least you’ll need a 1/4″ cable and a bass amp to hear yourself. From there, you can branch out into gear that shapes or expands your sound, like bass preamps, PA systems, or audio interfaces for recording. It’s worth planning for these extras because they can make a huge difference in how you practice, perform, and capture your playing.
The Best Cheap Bass Guitar Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2016. The current edition was published in August 2025.
We looked at highly rated bass guitars in the sub $300 range that meet these criteria: have a standard 4-string setup, have fretted fingerboards, come with magnetic pickups, and are readily available at major gear retailers in the USA.
Because of the price restriction, some budget basses that are priced above $300 are filtered out, including the Squier Classic Vibe 60’s Precision Bass, Sterling by Music Man Stringray, and others.
18 bass guitars met our criteria and were placed on our shortlist for closer examination.
We gathered the most recent reviews, ratings, recommendations, and discussions about the basses that met our criteria. The data we gathered came from over 10,400 sources, all of which were then processed using 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.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
As a music director, I have to know and teach the bass parts to our team of musicians. And while I mainly play guitar, I’ve enjoyed playing bass on many occasions. My favorite bass is a decades-old P-bass clone from the ’70s, the Yamaha Pulser PB-400. It has been used by generations of musicians still plays like a dream, and sounds great. I also enjoy playing my brother’s 5-string Yamaha TRBX 305, which is a big departure from a traditional 4-string P-bass.
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Supplemental Writing and Research
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using a photograph by Roman Voloshyn / Shutterstock.
The videos have been embedded in accordance with YouTube’s Terms of Service.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers.
More Best Cheap Bass Guitar for Jaw‑Dropping Sound on a Budget Related Posts
Comments:
11 responses
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The following basses were removed from the recommended list above when we published our May 2022 Edition because they’re no longer available or have been out-ranked by other options above:
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Publication of our June 2021 Edition resulted in the following basses coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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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.
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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:
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The following bass has been removed from our recommended list due to a lack of availability: Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Ray4.
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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.
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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”.
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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.
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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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