If you spend your money wisely buying one of the best bass guitars under $500, then I think it could be the only bass guitar you’ll ever need. I’ve gigged budget basses extensively, and while it’s true that you may not have the most feature-packed bass at this budget price point, personally, I like a simplistic bass that is comfortable to play and energizing to listen to.
Below $500 is the area of the market where you will find the best value, with some guitars having craftsmanship and quality that far exceed their price. Another benefit of buying a cheaper bass is that you have scope to enhance them through modification, upgrading parts such as the electronics or hardware, quickly turning a plucky underdog into a beast that can rival even the finest basses. This is a great route for players who want their instrument to grow with them, but may not be able to afford buying an entirely new instrument regularly.
My top pick bass guitar for less than $500 is the Squier Classic Vibe Precision Bass, which plays, looks, and sounds great. The Fender neck profile is popular for a reason, and the one on this budget bass feels spectacular. If you want something that maximizes your budget, the Epiphone EB-3 bass is a great option, delivering a snarling tone and excellent playability.
If you’re buying a bass for the first time, make sure you go check out my how-to-choose section, which will guide you through everything you need to know before making a purchase. I’ve also added a glossary of key terms to help you break down the lingo used in this guide, plus a comprehensive FAQ section that answers all the common questions you might have.
My top picks
For just about any player looking for a bass under $500, the Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass is an easy recommendation. It is versatile, it looks great, and most importantly, it feels superb, particularly its neck, which is easily the quality of basses at twice the price.
If you want a budget bass that doesn’t hold back on aggression, the Epiphone EB-3 bass could be an ideal fit. The dual humbuckers (one of which is a mini-humbucker) provide an array of tones, but sound their best when dishing out hard-hitting rock. It’s a bass that has stood the test of time, and in my opinion, has never got the credit and love it deserves.
If you want a comfortable, short-scale bass guitar, the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet is an excellent option. It’s become a bit of a modern classic thanks to its excellent build quality and low price point. It’s simple, super playable, and holds a variety of tone options thanks to the dual pickups and tone control.
Best overall
✅ Buy if: Playability is key for you. The neck is particularly comfortable and easy to navigate.
❌ Avoid if: You’re looking for a super-modern bass. This will cover most genres, but it isn’t ideal for high-gain.
Overview
The Squier Classic Vibe 60s Precision Bass takes the recipe that started it all and pretty rigidly adheres to it – for this, I thank them. When their parent company, Fender, created the P Bass back in the 60s, they basically got it right almost instantly, so changing it would be criminal. Vintage versions of those original P Basses sound exceptional and go for thousands of dollars. The Classic Vibe 60s P Bass also sounds exceptional, but is a whole lot cheaper.
Build quality
I am regularly astonished by the construction of Squier’s Classic Vibe line, and that is no different here. Every piece and component feels well-manufactured, which isn’t always the case on a budget instrument. Are there a few small areas where it doesn’t quite match the standard of a full-blown Fender bass? Perhaps, but they are almost insignificant when compared to the amount that does match up.
Playability
The playability of this bass easily compares to that of some bass guitars over $1,000, with the neck feel a particular high point despite the Fender ‘C’ profile being one of a few areas that Squier haven’t quite adhered to a vintage P-Bass thanks to the slightly narrower nut width – personally, I think this is a change that will suit the majority.
Sounds
The sound it produces is very much that of a classic P-Bass, with plenty of attack on the front and warmth in the sustain that sits perfectly in a mix or with a band. It’s got a lovely full tone that will please vintage bass fans, with plenty to appeal to modern players too. Its single pickup also means it’s easy to dial in a great sound with minimal fuss.
Best budget
✅ Buy if: You want a classic-looking bass guitar with attitude in the sound and style.
❌ Avoid if: You’re expecting Gibson-level quality; there can be some quality control issues.
Overview
Building on a legacy of legendary bass players, the Epiphone EB-3 makes a few changes to Gibson’s classic bass guitar formula to make it accessible for everyone. Based on the guitar played by John Entwistle and Jack Bruce, the quality of this bass far outweighs its price tag.
Build quality
Highlights of the EB-3’s build quality are the solid mahogany body and neck, tone woods you often won’t find on bass guitars at this budget. I love the use of the vintage appointments, with everything from the color options to the hardware having a quintessentially vintage charm. One thing that also feels vintage-correct, but for negative reasons, is a few quality control issues, though these are few and far between.
Playability
The set-in neck feels fantastic to play on, offering a platform that’s comfortable and stable, with a resonance that goes all through the instrument thanks to its all-mahogany design. Although the original Gibson was a short-scale instrument, the 34” scale here definitely benefits the rock bass player with its well-defined voice.
Sounds
The roar of this bass is pretty apparent from the moment it’s plugged in, and girth comes to mind as soon as you chug on the strings – it’s great for players who use a pick. Select the neck pickup for warmth and roundness, whilst the bridge pickup offers that clanky, treble-heavy tone that cuts through amazingly. The tone controls are super versatile too, so when you take into account different playstyles, you’ve got a lot of combinations at your fingertips.
Best short scale
✅ Buy if: You want a comfortable, short-scale bass, particularly if you play with a pick.
❌ Avoid if: A super-refined, complicated bass is your preference. This is a simple, rock and roll machine.
Overview
Gretsch may not be best known for their bass guitars, but they do have a few different models in their range, including the G2220, which has become something of a modern classic, due to its combination of simple, easy-to-use functionality, standout looks, and, crucially, extremely attractive price point.
Build quality
The G2220 is simple, and that’s a good thing, because there’s so little to go wrong. A bolt-on maple neck, paired with a basswood body, is a solid foundation for great tones. The hardware is a little basic, but that’s to be expected at this price point – I’d consider upgrading the tuning machines if you want to make an immediate upgrade.
Playability
The short scale makes the G2220 eminently playable, whilst never feeling cramped on the fingerboard. You’ll be flying up and down the neck in no time with this bass thanks to the reduced string tension, which benefits both pick and fingerstyle players. It’s a particular favorite of guitarists, so it would suit 6-string players looking to add a bass to their collection.
Sounds
Boasting a pair of articulate single coil pickups, the G2220 is great for bassists of the rock or soul persuasion thanks to its smooth, warm tone. As you’d expect, the neck pickup is where you’ll find all the jazzy velvety tones you could want, whilst the bridge pickup offers clarity. It’s not as powerful-sounding as some on this list, but it’s certainly got variety thanks to the tone control.
Best 5-string
✅ Buy if: You want a budget bass with the feel and build quality of something significantly more expensive.
❌ Avoid if: You want multiple pickups. The single humbucker is versatile, but always going to be somewhat limited.
Overview
The full-fat Music Man StringRay is a mainstay of the modern bass guitar world, and the Sterling by Music Man StringRay RAY5 comes astonishingly close to replicating the sound and feel of its much more expensive, bigger brother.
Build quality
The StingRay RAY5 is generally really solidly built, with a sturdy bolt-on maple neck that features a comfortable satin finish. Overall fit and finish is high, as is expected from any product from the Music Man family. That being said, if you’re expecting the same premium hardware you’d find on their American-made products, you won’t find it here; however, it’s dependable for the price, particularly when compared to other 5-string basses at this price point.
Playability
Despite needing a wider neck to accommodate the extra string, everything still feels very playable, with that satin finish neck feeling particularly comfortable. I got used to it pretty quickly, with the nut width providing great playability and comfort. It’s a rounded ‘D’ neck profile, so it feels nice and fast with a variety of playing styles and techniques.
Sounds
It’s an impressive-sounding bass capable of going from warm and round straight through to treble-heavy clank with just a movement of your picking hand. This is courtesy of the powerful H - 1 ceramic humbucker combined with the 2-band active preamp. If I had a gripe, it’d be that the two-band EQ is missing a mid-control, but you can still get a massive array of sounds out of this bass guitar.
Best jazz bass
✅ Buy if: You want a great alternative to classic J-Basses made from quality construction materials.
❌ Avoid if: You want something with powerful pickups that really kick hard; these are more jazz-focused.
Overview
No longer the new kids on the block, Sire has relatively quickly become a brand that is synonymous with value for money, producing some of the best budget bass guitars available. They launched their bass brand smartly, with world-renowned bassist, songwriter, and record producer Marcus Miller putting his name to their bass line. The V3P is the entry-point in the range, but its quality feels everything but entry-level.
Build quality
The build of Sire’s bass guitars is verging on legendary at this point, and that’s in no small part because they own their own factories, meaning everything is built to their standards and specifications. They also cut out distribution by handling that themselves, so they can not only keep an eye on build quality, but also make their products wildly cheap. That’s how you get products like the V3P, an incredibly solidly built instrument, with a mahogany body, maple neck, and real rosewood fingerboard, the foundation for this exquisitely built instrument.
Playability
Despite being their entry-level bass, the rosewood board on the V3P has rolled edges, making it delightful to play – I can’t stress enough that this is not something you’ll find on many guitars under $1,000, let alone under $500. I’ve always been surprised by how reliably excellent Sire’s (including the V3P) are out of the box, so if you are concerned that you might need to factor in the cost of a setup, you may well be able to save a few bucks with that not needed.
Sounds
The V3P has a pair of Marcus Miller J-Revolution single coils, adjusted with independent volume controls and a single tone control. It’s simple, but functional. The pickups are clear and tight, with good balance and definition, producing warm lows and articulate highs that lean towards vintage jazz-style playing, but would comfortably work across pretty much any genre.
Best modern
✅ Buy if: You want a versatile bass that is equally capable across a plethora of genres.
❌ Avoid if: You like a chunky neck. For some, the quick, thin neck may be too thin
Overview
Considering what’s on offer here, it’s kind of amazing that the Ibanez SR300E doesn’t cost more than $500. With its dual humbuckers, active electronics, and awesome range of colorful finishes, this bass guitar has looks and sound that belie its price tag.
Build quality
From colors to hardware, the SR300E feels considerably more expensive than its price point, with solid fit and finish throughout. The Nyatoh body is resonant, but lightweight and, combined with a 5-piece maple/walnut neck that provides stability, feels like a robust and relatively uncompromised instrument.
Playability
The neck is ultra-thin and playable, a feature of most Ibanez guitars. The body is also incredibly slim, and the overall feel of this bass is so lightweight that it will surprise you when you first pick it up, and your back and shoulders will thank you on those longer sets.
Sounds
With its twin humbucker configuration and active, three-band EQ, you’ve got some powerful options for sculpting a great bass sound, be it round and warm or treble-heavy and clanky. It’ll do pretty much any style you can think of, despite its distinctly ‘metal’ looks. The active electronics give it amazing power and clarity, too.
Also consider
How to choose
With so many budget bass guitars available, it’s easy to feel like you’re getting option paralysis. How does one bass separate itself from the others? The good news is that many budget bass guitars are now much higher quality than was historically the case, so the likelihood of making a categorically ‘wrong’ decision is much lower than it used to be. There are a few things you can consider to help you get the right bass for you.
1. Shape & size
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Bass guitars are pretty large instruments, and if you’re on the smaller side or buying for a child, then it is worth bearing in mind that the largest bass guitars may not be the most comfortable for them. If that’s the case, then consider a short-scale bass, many of which will deliver just as much as a larger bass, in everything except size.
There are also plenty of classic bass shapes that are exciting to look at, but may not be the most ergonomic to play, for example, the Epiphone Thunderbird is an iconic shape, but not one that’s suited to all players due to its large size and a neck that has a tendency to sink to the floor, which can be heavy and uncomfortable.
2. Style of music
Many of the best bass guitars, even those under $500, can handle most genres decently, but if you’re a fan of a specific style, some basses will be more suited to that style than others.
For example, if you play genres that lean towards higher gain, then a bass with humbuckers or active pickups with lots of power may be a good option. Alternatively, if you are a jazz player, smoother, warmer pickups and good on-board tone shaping would be ideal. If, however, you are keen to play lots of different styles and genres, an all-rounder like a Squier Precision Bass would suit most scenarios.
3. Upgrades & mods
The vast majority of mass-manufactured bass guitars are great for modifying; however, it is worth bearing in mind that not all parts will be compatible with every bass style or shape. If you are thinking about modifying your budget bass, or think you may want to in the future, it may be worth leaning towards a style that is likely to have parts upgrades easily accessible.
For example, a Squier Jazz Bass will generally be able to be upgraded with Fender parts like-for-like, making the modifications very simple, whereas other manufacturers may have slight differences that mean that parts take a bit more effort to fit.
FAQs
Should I buy a cheap new bass or a used mid-tier one?
Historically, I’d have probably said that a mid-tier used bass would surpass the quality of a new budget bass by a significant margin, but the gap between budget basses and mid-tier bass guitars is now smaller than it’s ever been.
My advice would be to explore used basses, because there are bargains to be had, but consider that you are unlikely to have any kind of significant manufacturer guarantee with a used bass, so if things go wrong, you could be significantly out of pocket. For that reason, I’d still go for a new budget bass, and if you want to make it more ‘mid-tier’, then I would look to do that through modifications.
Is $500 enough for a good bass guitar?
You might be surprised at how great some bass guitars under $500 can be – I’d happily use only $500 basses for gigging for the rest of my life. It’s true that you may see some tradeoffs in quality, such as finishes or slightly cheaper hardware, but the reality is that manufacturers cannot afford to make poor-quality bass guitars now, because there are plenty of others that do. Competition in the budget market has lifted the quality across the board.
What should I prioritise with a cheap bass guitar?
When looking for a cheap bass, or any guitar at any price for that matter, build quality and comfort are the first things I always look at, because it doesn’t matter how good the pickups are, or how nice the color is, if it doesn’t feel great to play. Look for a bass with a nice neck, and that fits your size/shape – that may be a short-scale bass – the rest can follow from there.
Should I get a 4-string or a 5-string?
For most applications, a 4-string will be more than sufficient, so if you aren’t sure what to go for, then that’s what I would suggest buying. If you are playing a genre that requires the extended low-range that a 5-string provides, such as metal, then a 4-string probably won’t do. If you are entirely new to bass guitar, a 4-string is a good place to start, after which a 5-string can be purchased. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget 5-strings too, so you won’t have to spend a fortune to add one to your collection.
What about short-scale versus full-scale?
Short-scale basses can be ideal for smaller players, but they are not just for them, with many guitarists favoring a short-scale bass as it feels closer to an electric guitar than a traditional, larger bass.
Short-scale basses aren’t as plentiful in the sub-$500 price bracket as their larger brethren, but there are still plenty available, and, generally, they will be built to a similarly high standard – a particular favorite of mine is the Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II, which feels instantly accessible for players of all shapes, sizes, and playing backgrounds.
When speaking about short-scale, it’s important to distinguish that they are different from ¾-size instruments, many of which are very much aimed at a junior market and may not be as high-quality as more senior-pitched products.
Which budget brands make good, cheap bass guitars?
There are an ever-growing number of brands that produce magnificent budget bass guitars, but if I had to pick a few that produce almost exclusively excellent basses at a super affordable price point, I’d suggest Squier is a great place to start and Sire produce some of the best pound-for-pound basses that are available on the market, though both of these brands lean towards more traditional shapes, so you may want to look at the likes of Ibanez or Yamaha for something a little more modern.
How important is the amp when using a budget bass?
If you’re going cheap with the bass guitar, then a more premium bass amplifier is a nice thing to pair with it; that’s not always possible. Rather than stretching too far and spending an extortionate amount on an amp, I’d recommend looking at one of the best bass preamp pedals instead, as that can help shape your sound brilliantly and will be perfect for both recording and live use, with the DI output being taken instead of that from your amplifier.
Can I upgrade a cheaper bass guitar?
Yes. In fact, I absolutely encourage it. Cheaper basses can be the perfect platform for modifications, and you may be surprised how quickly (and cheaply) you can make impactful changes. The first places you will want to start are electronics and hardware – two areas where costs are often saved in construction. Please bear in mind that not all bass parts work with every bass, so find parts that will work with your style of bass.
Key terms
- Action: The height of the strings above the fretboard. On bass, higher action can increase sustain and reduce fret buzz, while lower action makes fast playing easier but may cause clatter or buzz. The action can be altered relatively easily, but you may want to have a professional setup to address action issues.
- Bridge: The metal hardware sitting towards the bottom of the guitar where the strings anchor to the body. On the bass, the bridge affects sustain, resonance, and can include saddles used to adjust intonation and string height. On budget basses, this may be an area where costs have been saved and can be a good area to upgrade.
- Fretboard (fingerboard): The playing surface on the top of the neck where your fingers push the strings down to make contact. These can be made of many different woods or composite materials. Unlike an electric guitar, which almost universally has frets, Bass fingerboards may be fretless.
- Frets: Metal strips embedded in the fretboard that divide the neck into semitones (½ step notes). On bass (and all other guitars), accurate frets improve tuning stability and note clarity. You may see frets described by their size, e.g., ‘Jumbo’, which refers to their height and width.
- Intonation: A term that describes how in-tune the instrument is across the entire neck, from top to bottom. On bass, intonation is adjusted at the bridge saddles so notes higher up the neck match their true pitch.
- Neck: The wooden section of a bass that connects to the body and has the headstock at the top. They are composed of the primary neck wood, the fretboard wood, and frets, also (usually) with a truss rod mounted internally for tension. Bass necks are longer than guitar necks, affecting feel, sustain, and tension.
- Pickups: Electro-magnetic devices that convert string vibration into an electrical signal. Different bass pickups (single coils or humbuckers, passive or active) produce distinct tones and output levels.
- Scale length: The vibrating length of the string from the nut at the top of the neck to the bridge where they are mounted. Common bass scales include 34", and short-scale (approximately 30"), which affects tension, tone, and playability. Some basses can have increased scale lengths of 35” or longer.
- Setup: The overall adjustment of a bass, including action, neck relief, intonation, and pickup height. A good setup improves tuning, comfort, and consistency of tone. Budget guitars may not have much of a setup from the factory and would benefit from a professional setup.
- String gauge: The thickness of the strings. Heavier gauges increase tension, volume, and low-end weight; lighter gauges are easier to play but have less weight and punch. Heavier gauges are often used for drop tunings.
- Tone: The character of the bass sound, shaped by a mixture of different factors, including playing technique, pickups, strings, setup, and amplification.
How we test
When we evaluate a budget bass, we aren’t just looking at it as a piece of gear; we are looking at it as the potential spark for a lifelong musical journey. Our team consists of seasoned players who remember exactly what it felt like to fret that first note, allowing us to approach every one of our buying guides with players in mind.
Here's what we look at whenever we test a budget bass guitar:
1. Ergonomics & accessibility
A bass is a physically demanding instrument. Our first priority is determining who a specific model is actually for. We test for:
- Weight & balance: Does it cause shoulder fatigue, or suffer from "neck dive" (where the headstock tilts toward the floor)?
- Scale length: Is it a standard 34-inch scale for adults, or a short-scale instrument better suited for younger players or those with smaller hands?
2. Build quality & construction
Even at an entry-level price point, a bass should feel like a tool, not a toy. We go over every inch of the instrument to ensure:
- Solid hardware: We check that the tuning machines hold pitch and the control knobs turn smoothly without "scratchy" electronic noise.
- Structural integrity: We inspect the neck pocket, bridge mounting, and finish for any cracks, blemishes, or signs of poor craftsmanship that might affect longevity.
3. Playability testing
The biggest reason beginners quit is a "hard-to-play" instrument. To test this, we play across the entire neck—not just the first few frets. We look for:
- Frets: Are the fret ends smooth, or do they feel sharp against your hand?
- Neck feel: Is the fretboard dry, or is it well-finished and "fast" to play?
- Factory setup: We assess the "action" (string height) out of the box to see if a beginner can comfortably hold down a note without excessive finger strength.
4. Sounds
Finally, we test the electronics. A beginner bass needs to handle a wide variety of genres, from Motown "thump" to modern Rock "growl." We run every bass through:
- Standard bass amplifiers to test "in-room" presence.
- Audio interfaces to see how it performs for home recording.
- Digital modelers to test their response to modern effects and pedals.
We look for articulation in the pickups and responsiveness in the EQ knobs, ensuring the bass provides enough tonal variety to keep a new player inspired as they explore different musical styles.
Read more on how we test gear and service at Guitar Player.
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