Best Bass Guitars in 2024: Comparisons, Reviews and FAQs

Georgia Whitney
  Mar 29, 2024 7:31 AM

If you are looking for some bass guitars, the best bass guitars will be a smart choice. These musical instruments are useful for creating better and smoother melodies. 

Squier by Fender Bronco Bass, Black with Maple Fingerboard

Overview

It's a great time to buy one of the best bass guitars since there are more high-quality options available than ever before for bass players. You'll have many options, whether you're looking for a booming five-string to bring the doom, a killer four-string to slap around, or an understated classic.

It is made slightly more difficult by the abundance of epic bass guitars, though. How, then do you pick the best one for you? Fortunately, we've already done the laborious job for you. We looked everywhere for the best bass guitars available; some will be more expensive than others, but we made care to include basses for all playing styles and pricing ranges. In addition, best guitars for beginnersbest acoustic guitars for beginnersbest electric guitars will provide you more options. 

In-depth Reviews

1. Squier by Fender Classic Vibe 60's Jazz Bass

Specifications: 

  • Brand: Fender

  • Size: Full

  • Color: 3-Color Sunburst

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 52 x 15.5 x 4 inches

  • Back Material: Type Poplar

It's likely that if you were instructed to fetch the first bass you discovered while blindfolded and tossed into the bass area of your local music store, you would bring back something influenced by the jazz bass.

The Jazz Bass has inspired countless imitators since it was initially released in 1960 under the misleading name "two-pickup Precision." Fender has continued to improve and modify the Jazz Bass throughout the years. There's a good reason for this; the design is stylish, and it works. Based on those original 1960s versions, the Classic Vibe Jazz Bass from Fender's entry-level brand Squier offers a comfortable ride, some uncannily vintage tones, and lots of extra change from $500.

Pros: 

  • It looks very cool

  • It sounds very cool

  • It is so much fun to play

  • Cheap

Cons: 

  • A couple of niggles with the finish

2. Fender JMJ Signature Series Road Worn

Specifications: 

  • Brand: Fender

  • Color: Daphne Blue

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 17 x 6 x 52 inches

  • String Material Type: Nickel

Although we never considered the Fender Mustang a do-it-all bass, it's telling that Justin Meldal-Johnsen considers his '67 Mustang his top bass. There isn't a Venn Diagram you can make with much overlap between Nine Inch Nails, Garbage, and Beck and Meldal-Johnsen, and Meldal-Johnsen is a well-known musician who has performed with them.

What, then, makes the Mustang so unique? The 30" short-scale bass, however, is a very incredibly accessible small bass. Some might think it's a bit brief, but if you just switched from playing guitar to bass, this will feel amazing.

Pros: 

  • Hell's bells! This is an excellent bass

  • It has one pickup but it's a doozy

  • Very playable and deceptively powerful

  • It's already relic'd, so no worries gigging this

Cons:

  • Short-scale isn't for everyone 

3. Fender Vintera '50s Precision Bass

Specifications: 

  • Brand: Fender

  • Size: Full

  • Color: Sea Foam Green

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 49.75 x 15 x 4.5 inches

  • Top Material Type: Maple, Alder

  • Back Material Type: Alder

The P-Bass was the first bass guitar to be a commercial success. Given their flexibility and outstanding sound, they are still in high demand today after making their debut in 1951. This Fender Vintera 50s Precision Bass strives to replicate the feel of the original with modern materials and build quality.

This P-Bass sounds just how you would expect it to. Deep, warm, and with a strong mid-range presence, it can beautifully cut through any mix. One volume and tone control make up the straightforward pickup configuration, but the tone knob has an unexpectedly broad range. 

Pros: 

  • Brilliant bass tones

  • Stunning good looks

Cons: 

  • No lefty option

  • Lots of great basses at this price

4. Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar

Specifications: 

  • Brand: Yamaha

  • Size: 4-String

  • Color: Translucent Black

  • Item Dimensions LxWxH: 47.83 x 17.91 x 3.74 inches

  • Back Material Type: Basswood

  • String Material Type: Alloy Steel

It may be played in passive or active mode. However it must be admitted that passive mode is a bit boring and quite quiet. The sound is driven by two M3 humbuckers, which provide strong tones. As a result, it performs best in active mode, where the humbuckers can provide the tones that we believe the instrument was designed to produce.

The curve on top of the pickups on this bass is an intriguing design feature since it enables a comfortable playing position by allowing the thumb to rest. Warm and comforting and an excellent substitute... Although it has a gentler side using the neck pickup that is warm and mellow and a good alternative, it is not all humbucking volume.

Pros: 

  • Nice playing action.

  • Cheap

  • Well constructed.

Cons: 

  • In passive mode, the pickups are a little less effective.

The Best Bass Guitars

TOP Choice
1
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Fender
TOP Choice
2
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Fender
TOP Choice
3
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Fender
4
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Fender
5
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Ibanez
6
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Donner
7
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Ibanez
8
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    9.2
  • Brand
    Ibanez
9
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    8.6
  • Brand
    Best Choice Products
10
  • AffCMS Score is a ranking system developed by AffiliateCMS.com. AffCMS score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.6
  • Brand
    Davison Guitars

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

What Purpose Do You Have For The Best Bass Guitar?

Is learning this wonderful instrument for someone else or yourself? If so, there are several choices on the list we've examined, all of which offer several advantages and are all excellent values. 

Even a bass guitar the size of a Strat can produce excellent tones, making it a superb first bass for a beginner. You can read more best guitar amps under 500best ukuleles under 300 for more choices. 

Perhaps you want a second bass guitar that has an entirely different sound from the one you now own. If your current bass is passive, there are several options for bass guitars with passive/active or just active electronics. 

Regardless of your needs, a choice on that list will provide you with the most excellent bass guitar at a fair price.

Conclusion

Whether it's your first bass guitar purchase or your 100th, there are many alternatives for you to consider when purchasing a new bass guitar!

There are many bass guitars available on the market, so make sure you take your time and test each one you're thinking about buying! Good luck as you look for the best bass guitar.