The bass guitar is a great instrument to play and master. It presents a different experience, feel and total style of play. It can be a focal sound on a band like a Marcus Miller, Victor Wooten, Jaco Pastorious, and Flea just to name a few. Or to provide support for other instruments and be the backbone of the sound by instilling memorable bassline in a song and for the band.
Versatility and playability of the bass guitar exemplify itself on the number of strings it can be played on, Yes in its string. In fact, it is the best characteristic of the bass guitar when compared to other instruments. You can play the bass in four, five and six strings like no other string instruments can. Even to the extent you take one string out, but still you can play the bass.
Finding a good bass guitar today to begin with doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to spend a lot of money. Most major brands that makes the instrument like Fender, Yamaha, and Ibanez etc. offers good quality bass guitars under the two hundred dollar up to the three hundred dollar range. These bass guitars has the type of quality and features just right for a beginner to get their groove on. As well for seasoned players with an appreciation regarding the instrument, which goes beyond by just looking at the price and specs of the bass.
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Dean Edge 09 Bass
- Double cutaway basswood body in natural, classic black or metallic red finish
- Bolt-on maple neck in satin finish
- 22 medium jumbo frets walnut fingerboard with dot inlays
- Set of sealed gear tuning machines in black
- Adjustable standard 4-saddle bridge
- Single soapbar humbucker pick-up on this bass is placed on the neck area controlled by a master volume and master tone
Smooth looking and very easy to use bass guitar with a relatively affordable price for a budding bassist to play with is the Dean E09 bass guitar. The body is contoured double cutaways for comfort made in basswood that comes in three variety of color finishes without a guard plate. The bolt-on neck is satin finish top of by a 22 medium jumbo frets walnut fingerboard with dot inlays.
Unlike the Metal Man which is also a entry level bass of Dean. The single soapbar humbucker pick-up on this bass is placed on the neck area not on the bridge part producing a totally different flavor on tones. Controls is straight forward consisting of a master volume and master tone. Hardware are adjustable standard 4-saddle bridge and sealed gear tuning machines in black.
Epiphone Toby Standard-IV Bass
- Body made of radiata pine in different color finishes
- Slim C-profile maple neck
- 24 frets rosewood fingerboard without inlay markers
- Set of premium 17:1 ratio die-cast tuners
- Bridge is flush-mount low-profile fully adjustable
- Classic Tobias-designed TB single-coil in the neck and at the bridge controlled by a master volume, pickup blend with center detent, bass cut and treble cut
Here is a bass guitar from Epiphone called the Toby that offers a great value for the money based on the sound it can deliver together with awesomely looking body to headstock design. The cutting edge body design is very unique from other basses for originality. It is made of radiata pine in different color finishes for players to choose and has a maple neck with 24 frets rosewood fingerboard without inlay markers.
The Toby Standard IV electronics features the classic Tobias-designed TB single-coil in the neck and at the bridge controlled by a master volume, pickup blend with center detent, bass cut and treble cut. Bridge is flush-mount low-profile fully adjustable and tuners are premium die-cast 17:1 ratio.
Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ Bass
- Contoured double cutaway body made in alder with a variety of solid polyurethane finishes
- Bolt-on maple neck with modern C-shape profile
- 20 frets medium jumbo rosewood or laurel fingerboard complete with inlay dots
- Standard Open-Gear Machine Heads in matching chrome finish
- Adjustable 4-Saddle Standard bridge
- Standard Split Single-Coil Precision Bass on the neck and Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass for the bridge controlled by separate volume knobs for each pick-ups and a master tone
This bass guitar model started it all for Fender then it was pass into the Squier brand to mimic a much affordable models. It is a well recommended bass guitar for beginners. The body and neck design is easy to play with. Followed by the iconic tones that in a certain extent somewhat close to an original Fender and a Mexican made instrument.
Squier Affinity series PJ Precision bass has an alder tonewood body in three different color finishes namely Olympic white, black and race red with a 3-ply black pickguard. The satin finish maple neck is bolt-on to the body and has a rosewood or laurel fingerboard with 20 medium jumbo size frets complete with inlay dot.
Producing the sound for this precision bass are split single-coil pick-ups for the neck and a standard j-bass pick-ups for the bridge, controlled by separate volume knobs for each pick-ups and a master tone. Holding the strings in place and keeping it in the right pitch are adjustable standard 4-saddle bridge and open gear tuning machines.
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
- Crafted in alder coated with a polyurethane finish in a variety of solid colors and sunburst finish
- Neck is slim C-profile constructed in maple
- 20 medium jumbo frets rosewood or laurel fingerboard with inlay dots as guide
- Open-Gear tuning machine heads in chrome finish
- Standard adjustable 4-saddle bridge
- 2 Standard Single-Coil Jazz Bass pick-ups placed on the neck and bridge controlled by separate volume knobs for each pick-ups and a master tone
Squier has come a long way since the acquisition of Fender in the 1960’s. In 1982, they launch their own series of guitars and basses carrying the name Squier by Fender. Popular bass models coming from the brand are the Squier Affinity Series, Classic Vibe, and Vintage Modified jazz bass.
The Squier Affinity J-bass has a slanting curvier looking body when compared to another known model of the brand, the Affinity PJ bass. It has an alder body in burst and a couple of solid finishes with a 3-ply scratch plate that players could choose from. Neck is bolt-on with a thin C-profile and has a 20 medium jumbo size fret rosewood or laurel fingerboard marked by inlay dots.
For pick-ups, the j-bass is equipped with a pair of standard j-bass single-coil pick-ups placed on the neck and bridge controlled by 2 volume knobs and a mater tone. Hardware are standard 4-saddle bridge and open gear tuning machines.
Squier Vintage Modified Special Jaguar SS Bass
- Agathis body in black, silver and candy apple red
- C-shape maple neck
- 20 frets medium jumbo rosewood fingerboard with dot inlays
- Set of open gear tuning machines
- Standard adjustable 4-saddle bridge
- Split single-coil neck pick-up and single-coil on the bridge controlled by 2 volume and a master tone
Another popular bass model from Fender that Squier also makes in a sensible price that anyone can afford is the Short Scale Squier Jaguar bass. The lines of the body of the Jaguar is similarly comfortable to a J-bass. With the exception of course on the cutaway design for having shorter horns. Primarily this characteristic gives the bass a different kind of appeal and unique original look.
This particular model of the jaguar is the SS or short scale version. The body design is a little smaller and the neck is shorter because the closer spacing of its 20 frets compared to the Vintage Modified Jaguar bass. It has an agathis body with a polyurethane finish in three colors protected by a 3-ply pickguard. Neck is maple with 20 medium jumbo size fret rosewood fingerboard bolt-on to the body using plate and screws.
Delivering the sound for this bass are split single-coil pick-ups for the neck, and standard single-coil on the bridge controlled by 2 volume and a master tone. Hardware are standard 4-saddle bridge and open gear tuning machines.
Yamaha TRBX174 Bass
- Made from mahogany with a gloss polyurathane finish
- Bolt-on satin finish neck is precision style crafted in solid maple
- 24 medium size frets rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay markers
- Covered tuners designed by Yamaha
- Standard chrome vintage-style adjustable 4-saddle bridge
- 2 ceramic pick-ups, split single-coil for the neck and jazz type single-coil on the bridge controlled by two volume knobs for each pick-ups and a master tone
A branch well-known for this multinational company is their instrument line. Consistently providing a wide array of great instrument products especially with their bass guitar models. Starting from the top of the line bass guitars up to their entry level basses that includes the TRBX174.
The ergonomic body design of the Yamaha TRBX174 is made from mahogany top of by a gloss polyurethane finish in solid colors and in sunburst finish without a pickguard. Bolt-on satin finished neck is precision style crafted using maple with 24 medium size fret rosewood fingerboard.
Giving the bass its range of tones are two ceramic pick-ups. Split single-coil for the neck and single-coil on the bridge with 2 volume controls and a master tone. Hardware are standard 4-saddle bridge and covered tuners.
Dean Metalman Series Classic Black Bass
- Made out of basswood coated in classic black finish without a scratch plate cover
- Comfortable C-profile neck made of maple
- 22 medium size frets placed on a rosewood or walnut fingerboard complete with white dot inlay markers
- Tuners are seal die-cast designed by Dean
- Adjustable standard 4-saddle bridge
- Single DMT Design Soapbar pick-up in the bridge controlled by a master volume and master tone cap with dome black knobs
- Choose from Z, V, and ML that are designed to look edgy and sound metal
The out of the traditional, but still classic body shapes to headstock design of these bass guitars. Followed by a straight black finish and the installation of a single humbuker pick-up placed at the bridge is without doubt a tell tell sign that these type of basses are best suited for metal.
The Dean Metalman is a collection of bass guitars named after their shapes the V, Z and ML. The body of these basses is made from basswood with a C-shape bolt-on maple neck that has 22 medium jumbo fret rosewood or walnut fingerboard marked by pearl dots.
It has a single warm fat sounding humbucker pick-up positioned at the bridge controlled by a master volume and master tone. Hardware are adjustable standard 4-saddle bridge and sealed tuners with a black die-cast finish.
Ibanez GSR200 Bass
- Body is contoured double cutaway made of nyatoh (other models poplar)
- Comfortable slim tapered neck made from maple
- 22 medium jumbo size frets jatoba fingerboard garnish with dot inlays as markers
- Chrome finish machineheads for tuning
- Chrome adjustable 4-saddle bridge
- Passive Dynamix split single-coil pick-ups for the neck and passive Dynamix eight pole single-coil pick-ups on the bridge controlled by a neck volume, bridge volume, master tone and Ibanez Phat II EQ bass boost cut knob for extra low-end power to the tones
The GSR200 is just one of the exciting entry level bass guitars you can find on Ibanez bass guitar line. It is good sounding, well built for its price and a comfortable bass to use for practice, as a studio bass and even to bring on-stage.
The bass body is contoured double cutaway made from nyatoh or poplar in a number of gloss color finishes to choose from without a protective shield. Neck is slim for fast playabilty made of maple overlaid by 22 medium jumbo size frets in jatoba fingerboard garnish with dot inlays.
Sound is delivered by passive Dynamix split single-coil pick-ups placed at the neck and passive Dynamix eight pole single-coil pick-ups on the bridge controlled by a neck volume, bridge volume, master tone and a Phat II EQ bass boost cut knob for extra low-end power. Hardware are adjustable 4-saddle bridge and chrome finish machine heads for tuning.
Ibanez Talman TMB100 Bass
- Comfortable shape body carve in poplar
- Neck is comfortable TMB4 precision style made of solid maple
- 20 medium size frets in jatoba fingerboard complimented by white dot inlays
- Open-Gear clover leaf machineheads
- Bridge is standard adjustable 4-saddle with 19mm string spacing in chrome finish
- Equipped with passive Dynamix split single-coil neck pick-up and passive eight pole Dynamix single-coil bridge pick-up controlled by two combination knobs
Next entry level bass guitar on our list coming again from Ibanez is the Talman TMB100. It is also a budget friendly priced bass instrument that exhibits a more vintage look and feel compared to the Ibanez GSR200. The Talman bass is a precision bass with a different comfortable body design and a slim neck profile for fast play much similar to a jaguar.
Ibanez Talman TMB100 body is carve in poplar with a belly cut and arm rest for an added comfort. Finish of the body comes in a variety for players to select with a 3-ply protected scratch plate. Neck is TMB4 precision style made of maple with 20 medium size frets in jatoba fingerboard complimented by white dot inlays.
The bass is equipped with passive Dynamix split single-coil neck pick-up and passive eight pole Dynamix single-coil bridge pick-up controlled by two combination knobs. First knob is balancer and volume, and second knob is for bass/treble cut. to choose between the neck and the bridge pick-ups or just in the middle to use both.
Fender Precision Bass
- Double cutaway alder body in different color finishes to choose from
- Can either be in 20 frets all maple neck and fingerboard or top of by a pau ferro fingerboard that has replaced the rosewood
- Standard open-gear tuning machines
- 4-saddle pure vintage 70s with single groove saddle bridge
- Alnico V split single-coil precision pick-up with a knurled flat top volume and tone knob
With its creators love for music, vision and passion on making great instruments, the first mass produce precision bass was born. The popularity and use throughout music of this bass is phenomenal. Covering all of music from pop, rock, country, jazz, blues and the list goes endless. I know it is not a two hundred dollar price bass, but if you have extra to spend or can wait until you save money, the P-bass is highly recommended.
This is a timeless bass guitar, maintaining its good tradition on how it is masterfully build which is shown now on new models of Precision bass and Jazz bass from Fender. The long history on quality, pro-bass sound and for the reason of simply having an instrument with a Fender logo on the headstock is a good investment.
What’s The Difference Between Precision Bass And Jazz Bass?
P-Bass uses a single split type single-coil pickups that is hum canceling which is great on producing cleaner and smoother bass tones. While the J-Bass has a pair of single-coil pickups that makes it sound edgy and livelier that needs a bit of control on tone and volume.
A bass guitar with a combination of those two pickups presents a different set of tone and playabilty. As well as for bass guitars with humbucker pickups. Despite their differences on pickups and controls. Overall, they all sound great giving each type of bass guitar a different vibe, playability and tone to it.
New Bass Guitar Vs. Second Hand Bass Guitar
Let me say first that there is nothing wrong on buying a second hand bass guitar. In fact you can get a “Premium” bass guitar for a much lesser cost depending on the seller of the bass guitar of course, what type of brand, bass guitar model and how you bargain for it.
The only difference from buying a new one from a second hand really is; that your getting a brand new bass and your the first owner. As long as the second hand bass guitar is in a good condition, the hardware, neck and body is maintained, it sounds how it supposed to be when played. Your perfectly alright!
What Bass Guitar Is Best Suited For A Beginner?
There is no wrong or right on buying a bass guitar when it comes to brand and type of pickups the bass guitar has. The best way to choose a bass guitar is just to follow what your heart tells you. If you find a bass that you like, go for it. What’s important here is you get what you really want on a bass guitar and don’t settle for anything less than you want.
If that is not enough for you to decide, you can always checkout guitar shops near your place and talk to staffs or the owner of the place to get more information about the bass guitars. You can also compare the specifications of each bass guitar, read comments, reviews, recommendation, bass guitar forums and even watch youtube videos of demos of the bass guitars that interest you.
In case your budget is not enough, it is best to wait and don’t be in a hurry to buy yet. Part of owning your first bass guitar is the experience and the feeling that you made the right choice. And that experience will carry thru the way you practice, progress and take care of your bass guitar.
Hope this helps on finding a bass guitar for you. If you find it interesting and informative please give it a share, we really appreciate it. Goodluck!
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