If you’re a beginner looking to start playing the bass guitar, choosing the right instrument can be a daunting task.
With so many options available, it’s challenging to know where to start. In this article, we’ll take a look at the 6 best beginner bass guitars to help you make an informed decision.
- Fender Squire classic 70s Jazz Bass – Maple
- Ibanez 5 string – Black
- Yamaha 4 String Bass
- Ibanez TMB – Mint Green
- Rockjam Full Size Bass Guitar with Amp, Tuner, Stand, Travel Bag, Accessories
- Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 – Walnut Satin
The 6 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2024
Contents
1. Fender Squire 70s Jazz Bass – Maple
The Fender Squire Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass pays homage to the iconic J Bass of the 1970s.
This bass guitar masterfully blends the luxurious playability that made the Jazz Bass renowned with the rich tone of its dual Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups.
Constructed with a lightweight Poplar body, it produces a resonant sound, while its bolt-on Maple neck, adorned with a black-bordered Maple fingerboard and chic block inlays, adds to its vintage charm.
The slim “C”-shaped neck profile, paired with a 9.5”-radius fingerboard and narrow-tall frets, ensures a smooth playing experience for various hand sizes and styles.
Aesthetically, the bass showcases a 3-color Sunburst finish, 1970s-inspired headstock markings, and nickel-plated hardware, exuding a classic and timeless appearance.
The vintage-style bridge with slotted barrel saddles and open vintage-style tuners not only accentuates its retro look but also guarantees stable string performance and precise tuning.
Offering a harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and modern functionality, the Fender Squire Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass stands out as an excellent choice for both novices and seasoned bassists.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Fender Squire |
| Model | Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass |
| Body Material | Lightweight Poplar |
| Neck Material | Maple (Bolt-on) |
| Neck Profile | Slim “C” shape |
| Fingerboard | Maple with black block inlays |
| Frets | Narrow-tall |
| Pickups | Dual Fender-Designed alnico single-coil |
| Bridge | Vintage-style with slotted barrel saddles |
| Tuners | Open vintage-style |
| Finish | 3-Colour Sunburst |
| Hardware | Nickel-plated |
2. Ibanez 5 String – Black
The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Short-Scale Bass is a compact and lightweight instrument, specifically designed for beginners, younger players, or those with smaller hands.
Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t compromise on delivering a powerful low-end punch. This bass also features a 28.6-inch scale and has a lightweight and compact body, making it easy to transport.
The GSRM20 Mikro has a single dynamic J-style pickup, which provides a warm and punchy sound that is well-suited to a wide range of musical styles.
Constructed with a jatoba fingerboard adorned with white dot inlays, this bass looks fabulous and also ensures a comfortable playing experience.
The Dynamix P & J style pickups provide a warm and punchy sound, suitable for various musical genres. The B10 bridge ensures adjustable intonation and tuning stability, while the medium frets further enhance its playability.
Aesthetically, the bass is available in various finishes, including the Walnut Flat, which offers a sleek and modern look.
The Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass offers an affordable yet quality option for those seeking a smaller bass guitar without sacrificing sound quality.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Ibanez |
| Model | GSRM20 Mikro |
| Scale Length | 28.6-inch |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Jatoba with white dot inlays |
| Frets | Medium |
| Pickups | Dynamix P & J style |
| Bridge | B10 |
| Hardware | Chrome |
| Finish Options | Various (including Walnut Flat) |
3. Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar
Design and Build
The Yamaha TRBX304 BL is a 4-string bass guitar that showcases Yamaha’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
With its sleek black finish and ergonomic design, this bass not only looks stunning but also offers a comfortable playing experience. The body is sculpted to perfection, ensuring that players can access the higher frets with ease.
The mahogany body combined with the 5-piece maple/mahogany neck provides a solid foundation for the instrument, ensuring durability and resonance.
Performance and Features
When it comes to performance, the TRBX304 BL does not disappoint. It is equipped with Yamaha’s proprietary Performance EQ active circuit, allowing players to tailor their sound to their liking.
With five preset EQ curves, musicians can effortlessly switch between different tones, making it versatile for various genres. The dual-coil pickups provide a clear and punchy sound, capturing the essence of each note played.
Additionally, the bass offers a smooth and fast action, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players.
Overall
In conclusion, the Yamaha TRBX304 BL is a testament to Yamaha’s dedication to producing top-notch musical instruments. It combines aesthetics, functionality, and performance, making it a worthy addition to any musician’s collection.
Whether you’re just starting your musical journey or looking for an upgrade, this bass guitar promises to deliver exceptional sound quality and playability.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Yamaha |
| Model | TRBX304 BL |
| Body Material | Solid Mahogany |
| Top Material | Maple Wood, Mahogany Wood |
| Neck Material | Five-Piece Maple/Mahogany Neck |
| Pickups | 1 Split-coil Pickup, 1 Single-coil Pickup (P/J configuration) |
| Finish | Various |
| String Material | Alloy Steel |
| Bridge System | Individual Adjustable Bridge System |
| Hardware | Active Electronics |
4. Ibanez TMB 4-String Bass – Mint Green
Overview
The Ibanez TMB100, part of the Talman Bass series, is a testament to Ibanez’s commitment to quality and innovation.
Introduced in 2015, this bass guitar has undergone several refinements, including a shift from a mahogany to a poplar body in 2018, ensuring a resonant and rich sound.
Design
The double-cutaway design is not just aesthetically pleasing but also functional, allowing for easier access to the higher frets. The TMB100’s maple neck, combined with a 20-fret jatoba fingerboard, ensures smooth playability and comfortable grip.
This bass is equipped with Ibanez’s Dynamix passive pickups, which, when paired with the active 2-band EQ, can create a versatile range of tones, from warm and mellow to punchy and aggressive.
The B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing ensures stable tuning and enhances the overall sustain of the instrument[.
Aesthetically, the TMB100 is available in various finishes, including a striking mint green, which not only adds to its visual appeal but also reflects its vibrant sound.
The chrome hardware and standard die-cast tuners further enhance its vintage look while ensuring tuning stability.
Overall
The Ibanez TMB100 offers incredible value for its cost, making it a preferred choice for both beginners and seasoned players.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Poplar Wood |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Fretboard Material | Jatoba |
| Pickups | Dynamix PJ pickups |
| Electronics | Ibanez Custom Electronics 2-band EQ |
| Bridge | B10 bridge with 19mm string spacing |
| Tuners | Standard die-cast |
5. RockJam Bass Super kit – with Amp, Tuner, Stand, Travel Bag
Overview
If you want a run-of-the-mill beginner bass guitar that comes with an attractive bundle of useful accessories, including a small amp, tuner, stand, and bag, then this RockJam Bass Super Kit is for you.
Design
The bass is a beautifully crafted four-string precision full-size bass guitar with an ash wood body, maple fingerboard, and maple neck. It has a classic sunburst look, that is sure to please beginner bass players and look stylish for first performances.
The Amp has a 20-watt amplifier with headphone output and a guitar connector cable, which is perfect for home practice with your first bass guitar.
The included guitar bag and strap are also useful and save you two more purchases, and equally useful is the digital clip-on guitar tuner with an LCD screen, instrument stand, spare strings, and 2 picks.
6. Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 – Walnut Satin
The Ray4 is fitted with a Sterling-designed Humbucker and a powerful and upgraded 2-band active preamp system.
The StingRay can create any sound from intense slaps to quarter-note thumps and walking bass lines. This is an excellent beginner bass guitar that provides a range of sounds and features.
The StingRay bass features a solid hardwood body, a comfortable neck profile, and a 9V active preamp. The Ray4 has a humbucking pickup that provides a bright and punchy sound, making it well-suited to a wide range of musical genres.
This bass guitar is another affordable option that provides excellent quality and value for money.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 |
| Available Colors | Black, Mint Green, Fiesta Red, Vintage Cream, Vintage Sunburst, Trans Blue Satin, Walnut Satin, Ruby Red Burst Satin |
| Fingerboard Options | Rosewood, Maple |
| Electronics | Active electronics with low-noise humbucking pickups |
| Design | A simple, recognizable design resembling the Music Man StingRay 4 bass |
Conclusion
Choosing the right bass guitar is important for any bassist, and Amazon offers a wide range of high-quality options to choose from.
The above options provide a range of features, sounds, and price points, making it easier to find the right instrument for your needs.
Whether you’re looking for a classic sound or a versatile instrument, there’s a bass guitar on this list that can help you get started on your musical journey.
