Learn actually how much should you spend on a bass guitar in your particular situation with this in-depth guide so that you can make an informed decision.
What’s that sound that gets you dancing? What’s that sound that gets you grooving? It is no other than one of the most underrated and unheralded parts of the ensemble – the bass.
The bass guitar is a standard and perhaps one of the essential components of a full band setup. Think of it as the instrument together with the percussions that lay down the foundation of the music you’re listening to.
Related Complete Buying Guides:
- Best Bass Guitars Under 200
- Best Bass Guitars Under 500
- Best Bass Guitars Under 1000
- Best Acoustic Guitars Under 100
- Best Acoustic Guitars Under 200
- Best Acoustic Guitars Under 300
- Best High-End Acoustic Guitars
- Best Electric Guitars Under 200
- Best Electric Guitars Under 300
- Best Electric Guitars Under 500
Some of the greatest musicians are bass players; to be one, you’d have to have a deeper understanding of the craft. So, thinking about being a bass player? Perhaps a question that crosses your mind often is how much should I spend on a bass guitar, right?
How Much Should I Spend On A Bass Guitar: The Proposition
We’ve subdivided this topic into three major parts, or should we say level. The entry, intermediate, and premium bass levels. The entry being purely for beginners, intermediate for those who are most likely taking it a bit seriously and part of a band or ensemble, and premium for professional-level bass players.
What to Expect From a Budget (Entry Level) Bass Guitar?
Well, what would you expect from non-premium merchandise in general? For a beginner bass guitar, the tone or sound of it won’t be as richer or polished. Expect that the fretboard won’t be as smooth to play, and the action might need to be adjusted based on your preference.
When we say action, we’re talking about the distance between your fret and your strings which would generally affect the intonation and playability of your guitar.
Expect that it would probably have cheap parts and is not as durable nor good looking as upper-level bass guitars. But despite all of these aspects, entry-level bass guitars or guitars, in general, are best for practicing, learning the ropes of the craft, and most of all, won’t hurt your budget that much.
How Much Does a Budget (Entry Level) Bass Guitar Cost?
Entry-level bass guitars would cost you around $100 to $120 for the cheapest ones, but anything under $200 can be considered an entry-level bass guitar price point.
Musician’s TIP
Go for secondhand bass guitars from near stores, a friend, or someone you know; you’d never know what you’ll find. This can be a good choice for your first bass guitar.
Should I Go For A Budget (Entry Level) Bass Guitar?
Go for a budget starter bass guitar if:
- You’re just starting out, and this will be your first bass guitar
- Still exploring the possibility of playing the instrument
- Still don’t know the level of commitment you’ll have for the craft
- It’s for your kid(s), and you want them to discover music, or you might think they have the potential for bass playing
- Looking to buy a cheaper set (Bass guitar, amplifier, and accessories)
Expert’s Advice
Choose a four-string, short-scale one if your hands are small. The short-scale bass will fit perfectly if you are young and have small hands.
What to Expect From an Intermediate Level Bass Guitar?
Intermediate level bass guitars are those that are probably most widely used by musicians worldwide. They are great for practicing, whether on your own or with your band, and it’s got the tone and feels that’s closer to pro-level bass guitars than what you might expect.
They are way more enrich by features and materials than the entry-level ones and don’t cost as much.
How Much Does An Intermediate Level Bass Guitar Cost?
You can probably score a good intermediate level bass guitar around the $250 to $450 price point. Anything under $500 would be a great choice.
Should I Go For An Intermediate Level Bass Guitar?
Go for an intermediate level electric bass guitar if:
- You’re getting serious about playing the instrument
- You know your style of music
- You have a band and are looking to record some tunes or have regular gigs
- Want to explore more in terms of tone and playability and want to try out a few models before getting a more expensive bass guitar in the future
- You want a good backup bass guitar
Expert’s Advice
A 5 String electric bass guitar can be a better choice in this price range.
What to Expect From a Premium Bass Guitar?
Well, premium bass guitars are what professionals use, and they have all the premium features. These are the signature guitars with premium woods (typically rosewood), tuning pegs, and volume knobs. These will probably have customized body designs to fit any playing preference.
Electronic wise, some features with industry’s top single-coil pickups, split-coil neck pickup while others are Humbuckers. Volume controls feel just right.
Expect these bass guitars to be pricey, but they are head turners in terms of aesthetics and all other aspects you might expect. They are durable, easier to play, and most of all, super great sounding bass guitars.
How Much Does A Premium Bass Guitar Cost?
These guitars, as expected, aren’t cheap. Anything over $500 can be considered a premium quality bass guitar, and they can go from $1000 easy to $2000 or $3000. The most expensive bass guitar ever made was said to be priced at $250000.
Should I Go For A Premium Bass Guitar?
Go for the premium one if:
- You’re a serious musician
- You are a professional musician who constantly goes on tour or gigs
- You need the best quality sound or tone for your upcoming records
- You’re a super fan of a certain brand or have the money to spend on that signature electric bass guitar
Entry-Level Vs. Intermediate Level Vs. Premium Bass Guitar: Your Mindset
It’s simple, really. When you’re starting out and still unsure about the craft or instrument in general, try an entry-level bass guitar. If you’re passionate enough about it early on and want a bass guitar for the long run, go get an intermediate level bass guitar.
But if you’re already in the business and have the cash for it, then why not go for premium level bass guitar as they are the most cost-effective of all the categories. That means, if you’re serious about playing bass, then a premium bass guitar will be a solid investment.
Entry-Level Vs. Intermediate Level Vs. Premium Bass Guitar: The Final Decision
Starting out and not sure of the commitment? Entry-level. Pretty passionate? Intermediate level. Are you a pro? Go get a premium one. There’s no best bass guitar overall; it depends on you and your skill level as well as your commitment level.
How Much Should I Spend On a Bass Guitar (For the Entry Level)
How much should I spend on a bass guitar? For entry-level ones, invest $100 to $200.
Entry Level Bass Guitars to Consider
Here’s our hand-picked budget bass guitars to consider for the entry-level:
Our Top 3 Picks For Under 200 (At A Glance)
- Slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil Bronco Bass pickup
- Short 30“ scale length
- Thin and lightweight body
- Satin neck finish
- Neck: GSRM 4 neck 28.6" neck
- Neck Type: GSRM4 28.6"
- Body: Mahogany body
- Frets: Medium frets
- Fingerboard: Rosewood
- Donner's classic bass pickup
- AAA Perilla fingerboard, AAA Canadian maple neck
- “Modern C”-shaped profile
- Through-body fixed "4-SADDLE BRIDGE"
- Open-Gear Tuning Machines
- Gig bag, guitar strap, and cable as gifts
Bonus Tip: Checklist for an Entry-Level Bass Guitar
- Neck and Body
o Beware of premature deterioration of entry-level bass guitars. Be sure to learn how to take care of it.
- Fretboard and Finger Bridge
o They should be playable enough but might not be as smooth as more expensive ones.
- Electronics and Pickups
o Won’t have the best sounding electronics, but it definitely will get you going on the right track.
- Hardware and Setup
o Like its neck and body, learn how to take good care of it and let a pro set it up at least twice a year for better intonation and action.
How Much Should I Spend On a Bass Guitar (For the Intermediate Level)
Go for the ones that are within the $250 to $500 price point without a practice amp.
Intermediate Level Bass Guitars to Consider
Here’s our top-picked bass guitars to consider for the intermediate level:
Our Top 3 Picks For Under 500 (At A Glance)
- Mahogany Body/Quilted Maple Top
- Diamond Active pickups
- Diamond Bass Bridge
- Schecter Tuners
- Limited Lifetime Guarantee
- Graph Tech Tusq nut
- 100% designed by Fender
- Inspired by original Bass VI models
- Fender-Designed alnico pickups
- Vintage-tinted gloss neck finish
- Nickel-plated hardware
- Hand orientation: Right
- Perfectly balanced, ultra-comfortable solid mahogany body provides the optimum tonal foundation
- Solid Mahogany Body
- Five-Piece Maple/Mahogany Neck
- Active Electronics
- Performance EQ Switch for Slap, Pick, Flat, Finger, or Solo play
Bonus Tip: Checklist for an Intermediate-Level Bass Guitar
- Neck and Body
o Great quality neck and body; these guitars feel just right.
- Fretboard and Finger Bridge
o Accurate frets and won’t need any maintenance anytime soon.
- Electronics and Pickups
o Great sounding, very few issues with the wirings.
- Hardware and Setup
o Still needs regular setup, but the hardware should not deteriorate anytime soon.
How Much Should I Spend On a Bass Guitar (For the Premium One)
If you have the money to invest, premium bass guitars around the $500 to $1000 or even $2000 price point will be worth it.
Premium Bass Guitars to Consider
Here’s our premium picks to consider:
Our Top 3 Picks For Under 1000 (At A Glance)
- Solid-body bass, AeroSilk piezo system for realistic acoustic tones
- Throughout the years, Ibanez made fretless versions of this classic for a limited number of esteemed Ibanez artists
- Now, the Ibanez Bass Workshop makes this much sought after option available to SR players everywhere with the introduction of the SR Portamento
- The SR Portamento offers a rosewood fingerboard that extends the length of the standard SR neck to a hefty 30-fret length
- Includes deluxe gig bag
- Two Vintage Noiseless Jazz Bass pickups (middle and bridge)
- Three-band EQ with treble, mid and bass boost/cut; active/passive switch
- 5-saddle HiMass bridge for increased attack and sustain
- 4-bolt asymmetrical neck plate
- Mahogany w/ Bubinga Center
- EMG HZ Pickups
- Diamond Custom Bridge
- Offset Dots Inlay
- Limited Lifetime Guarantee
Bonus Tip: Checklist for a Premium Bass Guitar
- Neck and Body
o Signature design for the neck and body and very durable.
- Fretboard and Finger Bridge
o Great feel and most playable bass guitars.
- Electronics and Pickups
o Superb tone and the electronics won’t give you any problems.
- Hardware and Setup
o Long-lasting hardware but still would need a setup to maintain tone and action.
FAQ
Why Shouldn’t I Buy Bass Guitars That Are Too Cheap?
Bass guitars that are too cheap aren’t worth it, and neither a quality instrument. Beware of cheap parts that won’t last long, and so you’ll end up spending on another one anyway. Also, these cheap bass guitars are just not playable enough for you to appreciate it. Also, watch out for hidden defects like in the electronics, yikes!
Can A Used Bass Guitar Be An Option To Consider?
Most definitely. Smart musicians would tell you that if you’re unsure whether it’s the instrument for you just yet, then go find a secondhand bass guitar instead. Sometimes, you’ll pick up really good ones at a great price.
How Much Are Bass Guitar Lessons?
Knowing how much a bass lesson costs from the very beginning can be handy to be fully prepared. That’s why we have added this section so that you can make an informed decision. Professionals usually charge $40 to $60 for a one-hour private lesson. You can also manage lessons at a low price from online music academies, which will vary on a course basis.
What Is The Cheapest Bass?
The Ibanez TMB100 is the cheapest amongst the good ones.
Final Words
How much should I spend on a bass guitar? We had fun answering that question for sure. Here’s to hoping that you’ll find a great ax – soon. Music is for everyone, and music without bass is just well – blah. So grab one and get the groove on!