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What’s a good beginner bass guitar?

This one is being written by user request.

When it comes to electric bass guitars, the “safe” thing to do is to start out with a 4-string that is inexpensive, but not so cheap that it will fall apart in a year, and something you can bang around without worry.

Can you upgrade a beginner bass?

Yes. People often buy parts from us to specifically upgrade low-cost basses. If you’ve bought one already, the warranty period has expired and you’re ready to upgrade, we have everything from pickups to preamps to bridges to tuners and a lot more. We also routinely post discounted bass gear too, so be sure to check that out.

Things to know about beginner electric bass instruments

It is better to buy new than used

With a new bass, you get a warranty. And in America, larger guitar stores offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee where if you don’t like it for any reason, you can take it back and get a full refund (assuming the instrument is not damaged and is in saleable condition).

Beginner bass guitars have almost no resale value

This is yet another reason to buy new. The moment you buy the bass, it is very unlikely you will ever be able to sell it for what you bought if for. That being true, you are better off buying new so you have that 30-day period where you can return it for a refund if you want.

During that first 30 days, do not modify the instrument in any way just in case you want to return it. After that 30 days, you are stuck with it, so if you have modifications planned, wait a month after buying first.

You do not “inherit” someone else’s problem when you buy new

Seasoned bass guitar buyers know how to spot flaws in used instruments, but those that are just starting out do not. Once again, buy new. And if the bass has a problem, you have a warranty where you can get it fixed, exchange it or get a refund.

Better to buy the bass at a guitar store

This is recommended for one reason. Shipping an instrument (especially one for repair or replacement) has never been an easy process. But it is easy to drive to guitar store where you bought the thing if you encounter issues.

Remember to include “blemished” as well as new

At larger guitar stores, some instruments arrive where the paint has been scuffed or chipped, so it is discounted as a “blemished” or just “blem” for short.

A blem is still a brand new bass guitar with the same return policy and the same warranty, just with a scuff or two in the paint. If you can find one of these, that’s a very good beginner buy.

Fender and Squier

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Squier Affinity P Bass

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Squier Affinity J Bass

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Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass

fender-jag
Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass

Of the four above, the “most traditional” is the Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass. The P bass for many is the go-to instrument, and even seasoned bass players give the Squier VM P a nod because of its maple fretboard, “woody” appearance, better hardware, better electronics and “proper P bass feel.”

The Fender Modern Player Jaguar Bass is a China build. However, “it’s a Fender.” If Squier puts you off and you want Fender-branded without breaking the bank and have it be something that’s a good beginner bass, Fender’s MP Jag with its P/J pickup layout is a good choice.

LTD

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LTD B-10

The B-10 is a P-style bass from ESP LTD. Simple design, no frills, and usually only comes in black.

Dean

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Dean Edge 1

The Edge 1 from Dean has two color offerings (Trans Amber and Trans Red), and has real-deal soapbar pickups in it. This Dean also has that “looks a lot more expensive than it is” thing going on with it.

Yamaha

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Yamaha RBX170

The RBX170 surprisingly has some good hardware in it (you’ll particularly appreciate the tuners and control knobs), and a good “punchy” tone with its P/J pickup layout. The bridge is a bit on the cheap side, but then again, this sells new for under $200 USD.

Ibanez

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Ibanez GSR200

The GSR200 has been around for a while and can be found in many different colors. The advantage of this over other inexpensive basses is 4 control knobs instead of just 2 or 3 (volume/tone for each pickup). Also, the “leaned” tuners does make it easier for the player to grab a tuner and tune with.

Do you agree with this list?

Let us know by writing a comment or two. And feel free to mention any beginner basses you think would work well.

22 thoughts on “What’s a good beginner bass guitar?”

  1. I think this is the only place I’ve ever seen it recommended to buy new over used for a starter guitar. If you buy used you can get a much better bang for your buck – a much nicer guitar and you’ll probably pay less for it than a new guitar of lower quality. There are plenty of guides out there to teach new players how to spot good quality used guitars and spot potential flaws. I’d never recommend buying new for a first guitar.

    Reply
    • Totally agree. Wouldn’t go the eBay route, but G/C has tons of cheap used bases with a reasonable return and trade in policy. As far as basses go, a MIM Squire is hard to beat.

      Reply
  2. I think the Ibanez is the best bet~ the neck is slim and easy to play, plus for a little more you can get an active EQ version which will dramatically improve tone out of the box

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  3. I would add getting your instrument set up before playing it. Specifically with the Affinity models, they’re not very easy to play right out of the box but can be adjusted. Well worth the $20 or so you’ll pay to have this done by a pro.

    Reply
  4. I don’t agree with the philosophy of this list — buy beginner basses new from the store. IMO, “beginner basses” should be avoided like the plague. Never buy the entry level of ANYTHING! You will have to move up to be productive anyway, and having a cheap POS to learn on makes learning a more frustrating experience. If you want the least likelihood of having an enjoyable, growing and developing experience, get a beginner bass.

    What that means in this article is this: If you want to get a Squier, don’t get the one of the Affinity line, get a Classic Vibe or Vintage Modified. If you’re going to get an Ibanez, don’t get a GSR, move up to the SR series. A friend of mine once said, “Never be afraid to spend more for a better product.” It is especially true in this case. If someone is willing to spend $150-180 for a bottom-of-the-line entry level bass with no resale value, it is a much better investment to spend $220-250 for a bass that will both hold its value better and make learning a better experience. Who wants to spend $150 for an instrument that will be quickly outgrown, and then which hangs around like an albatross because it can’t be sold?

    Reply
  5. Personally I can’t get behind many of these recommendations either due to quality vs. price or just personal lack of experience with the particular manufacturer/model. These are are all models you would typically find in a big box store which has some pros & cons. My recommendation would always be to go to RondoMusic.com and get an SX.

    Reply
  6. I agree with many of the comments. A new beginner bass is not the best way to go.

    I’d recommend finding someone who is already a player and have them help you find a solid used bass. You can pick up a Fender (P or J) bass (MIM mind you) for ~$200. Get it set-up and you have something you can play for a long time and even upgrade the pickups, etc down the road. I’m still playing a MIM Fender Jazz Bass I bought a few years ago on gigs – I did put in new pickups, but it’s solid.

    Or you can save some $s by finding a teacher first. They all have students that have abandoned playing and you could even pick up a used beginner model for next to nothing.

    Reply
  7. I would have to agree with several of the posters that buying something above “entry level” is a good idea. I try to find out how much my students can spend, then accompany them to the music store to make sure what they buy doesn’t have any problems. I always recommend buying more instrument than the level of ability since the resale value is better (not going to be able to resell a bottom of the barrel instrument) and the better quality instrument improves the learning experience of the student, not to mention better sound.

    Reply
  8. Many people have said it, I will say it again. Most of these beginner basses here I would never recommend anyone to purchase. The Dean, the Yamaha and the LTD are the possible exceptions. I recently got to participate in a Yamaha survey and was able to play all the Yamaha instruments and the cheaper models actually player and sounded very good.

    Every starter Squier bass I have ever had anything to do with were impossible to get to play well even after massive set up times, and I have never heard one of these lesser priced Ibanez basses that sounded good.

    I know it is hard to drop a lot of money on a guitar without knowing if you want to stick with it, but spending a little more money and going for a mid-market instrument is a better choice. One, it is easier to play in general, it sounds better, stays in tune better, and will be more stable in the long run. Generally speaking, they will hold their value longer as well, so even if Junior doesn’t stick with it, you will tend to get a bigger percentage of your money back,

    Few serious players will consider a $199 guitar, but there are players who might give you $500 for your $550 guitar.

    Reply
    • My first and only bass is a 4 string schecter. A brilliant instrument with 2 band active eq. Can play any style with it. I’ve had it for 4 years and have never found a reason to get rid of it. I think it’s more expensive than the basses mentioned here… But I feel you can hold. On to it as your prime instrument for longer.

      Reply
  9. The list of replies are growing, so are the different brands and models. In my opinion it’s almost impossible to say what’s the best beginner bass.
    Greetz from Holland
    Oh by the way, My first bass was a Chord CCB90 🙂

    Reply
  10. I think a Mexican Fender would be a good choice for a starter.I’ve never owned one ,but every one I’ve ever played or heard is pretty good.Forget those $200 basses.Cheap wood,cheap electronics.Most of them would discourage people after awhile.True they cost a little more,but if you don’t stick with it you can still get some of your money back..

    Reply
  11. Hi Guys, a pleasant good morning. I have not so much a comment but a question, as I seek your advice and opinion. I am very much interested in learning to play bass and as a beginner bass I’m considering buying a Epiphone Thunderbird Pro-IV (Vintage). What are your thoughts on this instrument.

    Reply

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