Best Bass Guitars Ranking for 2024

The bass guitar is a string-plucked instrument designed to be played in the bass range. Most musicians use their fingers to make sound, but few use a pick.

The progenitor of this musical instrument is the contrabass, but, in contrast to it, the bass guitar has a less massive body, as well as a scale. The design features imply the use of only 4 strings in the instrument under consideration, but sometimes there are modifications with a large number of them.

The first bass guitar was released in 1951 and quickly gained recognition and popularity. It was made at the expense of the famous American entrepreneur Leo Fender.

In this article, we will consider the basic tips and tricks for choosing a bass guitar, we will make a rating of high-quality and popular models for both novice bass players and professional musicians.

How to choose a bass guitar and what to look for in order not to make mistakes when choosing

It is usually difficult for beginners to decide which bass is better, since they have little idea of ​​what types and types of guitars there are. The main selection criteria for them is the popularity of the models among the "experienced", the manufacturer (brand), the material of manufacture.

All these parameters should not be taken into account by amateurs, since the first criterion can differ significantly for different musicians, since it depends on the person's personal preferences.

The manufacturing company also does not always guarantee the quality of the goods being sold, and the products of the best of them may be significantly inferior to the cheaper models of competitors.

It is also not always worth paying attention to the wood from which the guitar is made, since for amateurs the difference in sound may not be noticeable, the differences will become clear only with experience. Most often, maple, cedar, swamp ash, mahogany guitars are on sale.

When choosing a guitar, it is worth choosing models that you like in appearance. For the first bass guitar, it is recommended to choose the classic body shape. Balance is also important (the bar should not outweigh it, which can be an additional hindrance when playing while standing).

Tips for Choosing the Best Bass Guitar:

1. An instrument that is not plugged into a power supply should sound. In order to check the performance, you need to pull the string harder and wait until the sounds and vibrations die out. The longer the playing time, the better the guitar in front of you.
2. After you have assessed the sound of an unconnected guitar, you should connect it to an amplifier and assess the presence of extraneous noise and buzzing. Ideally, they should be absent, but in budget models, they are allowed to be small. When the volume level changes, the sound should change evenly, without sudden jumps.
3. Cost.Rarely, but there are times when cheap bass is not inferior in quality to branded and expensive ones. But, in most cases, how much a bass guitar costs directly depends on its final price. For beginners, experts advise focusing on the price segment in the region of 12,000 - 19,000 rubles.
4. Build quality. The product should have no backlash completely, all parts should be fitted to each other, all protrusions should be rounded and not cling to surrounding objects. The tuners and bridge should be made of high quality and durable materials. The neck should be firmly attached to the body so that vibration from the strings is transmitted to it. If it is loose, the bass may not hold up in tune.
5. The quality of painting is also an important parameter. The paint should not have bubbles, non-staining, drips, chips and other mechanical damage.
6. A self-respecting manufacturer delivers to the store only customized products, the work of which can be immediately appreciated.
7. According to buyers, when choosing a guitar, it is worth evaluating the distance between the strings and frets. It should not be too large, as this will create some inconvenience when playing the guitar.
8. When buying, be sure to check the sound of each string. The correct instrument must produce the required note on any of them.
9. Painted necks should be avoided on budget models. Unscrupulous manufacturers are trying in this way to hide the oblique direction of the wood fibers, which indicate that the product will not last long, since it can deform under the influence of low temperatures (when exposed to frost).
10. As mentioned earlier, it is difficult for beginners to decide on the material for making a guitar, since they are not always able to grasp the subtleties of the sound of products from different types of wood. We recommend choosing overlays with light wood tones (such as maple), which accentuate high notes, while dark ones - low ones.
11. For inexperienced bassists, it is recommended to select instruments with four strings, as most musical compositions do not require more of them. The fifth string is only suitable for some professional models, since in inexpensive bass guitars it does not give the desired sound, but only adds a certain amount to the cost of the product.
12. It is recommended to choose a standard scale, as well as a pickup scheme. After you get some experience with bass guitar, you will understand which circuit is right for you.
13. Active and passive electronics. The first option implies the presence of a built-in amplifier, which in most cases is powered by a battery. Experienced musicians do not recommend active electronic devices for beginners. This is due to the fact that at first there is no need for it, while it interferes with the feeling of pure sound.
14. After you have decided on a specific model, you need to try it on yourself, try to play a simple melody. Playing the guitar should be comfortable, nothing should disturb the musician.
15. According to customer reviews, budget-priced multi-string guitars with multi-band EQ are nothing more than a publicity stunt, and you should not buy such a product, as it will not meet your expectations. Be that as it may, a good quality guitar cannot be cheap.
16. In some cases, the best bet is to buy a used bass that is in good condition. When buying such a product, it should be more carefully checked for external and hidden defects. It is recommended that you bring an experienced musician with you to your meeting with the seller.
17. It is not recommended for beginners to buy fretless basses. In such products, the string is pressed directly against the pad. This technology produces a rattling sound similar to that of a double bass. Fretless bass demands from the musician perfect hearing and accurate playing, which can become a hindrance to mastering the instrument. Frets make it possible to play notes more accurately and correctly.After a beginner reaches a certain level of play, you can buy a fretless bass. Typically, these guitars are purchased as a second instrument.

Review of quality basses for 2024

Fender Squier SQ AFF J Bass V LRL BLK

 

This model is recognized as the benchmark and one of the most popular bass guitars. Possesses the best combination of price and quality. Available in four-string and five-string versions.

The original design (combination of black and white) and excellent sound have won popularity among many bassists. The alder body (some modifications are made of agathis) is combined with a maple neck, allowing you to extract the most complex melodies from the guitar. The overlay is made of Indian laurel. The finish is complemented by matte polyurethane inserts. The neck is attached to the body in a standard way with four bolts. All fittings are chrome-plated, the sills are made of synthetic bone. There is inlay with white dots.

The C-shaped profile of the neck allows it to fit ergonomically in the hands of a musician and does not cause discomfort during long playing. The whole structure is securely assembled, there are no backlashes. The product has 20 frets, which have good wear resistance.

The functionality and convenience of the bass are at a height, the electronics are reliable and do not raise questions even after prolonged use. The bridge is fixed. The electronics are passive. The instrument of the famous American delirium Fender is mostly manufactured at the manufacturing facilities in China.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Fender, USA
Colour	black White
Number of frets	20
Fret size	Medium Jumbo
Scale	34
Number of strings	5
Body material	alder
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup type	Single-Coil Jazz Bass
Pad radius	9,5 "
Regulators	Volume 1, Volume 2, Master Tone
Tuners	standard, open type
Strings	Fender® USA Bass 7250ML, NPS, (.045-.100)
Average price, rub.	33 000

• good value for money;
• ergonomic position in the hands;
• high-quality assembly and finishing materials;
• attractive appearance.

• not suitable for left-handers;
• the neck is bolted on;
• since this is a famous brand guitar, it exceeds the price of similar products from budget manufacturers.

Cort Action-Bass-V-Plus-BK

 

This model of Indonesian origin is popular with novice bass players due to the good filling combined with the budget price. It is possible to buy a bass guitar not only at musical points of sale, it is also possible to order it online in an online store, where, due to high demand, it is almost always available.

The body of the product is made of poplar, painted black. The maple neck, like the previous model, is bolted on. Its overlay is made of rosewood, inlaid with white dots. The wood is well dried, which lightens the overall weight of the product and makes it possible to play the guitar for a long time without fatigue. Such a device can be played not only by beginners, but also by girls who find it difficult to hold the weight of a large instrument. The shape of the case combines classic and modern style, the device fits comfortably in the user's hands.

The bass sound is balanced, thanks to the use of sensors in the bridge and neck. All fittings are chrome-plated, the electronics are active (there is a built-in two-band equalizer, as well as passive pickups). The bridge is fixed. The straps are made of synthetic bone, which prevents their rapid wear during operation. The sustain is weak due to the bolt-on neck. A built-in equalizer lets you adjust volume, tone, bass and treble. These features expand the tonal range and focus the low end.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Cort, Indonesia
Colour	the black
Number of frets	24
Bridge type	fixed
Scale	34
Number of strings	5
Body material	poplar
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup type	Powersound (PSEB1-5 / R and PSEB1-5 / F), passive
Pickup diagram	S-S
Regulators	Two-band equalizer, volume and tone controls
Tuning Mechanics	cast, bridge
Built-in tuner	is absent
Average price, rub.	14 800

• budget price;
• 5 strings;
• there is a built-in equalizer;
• attractive design;
• Standard J J pickups with balance control
• light weight.

• bolt-on neck;
• there is no way to play on the left hand.

Ashtone AB-11

This model is an inexpensive replica of the famous Fender P-Bass. The instrument has four strings. There are two color combinations to choose from: black and brown or white and orange. The neck is designed for 20 frets. There are two built-in pickups - single and split. The first sounds more natural, but quieter than the second.

The body of the product is made of rosewood, the neck is made of maple. Nylon strings included. The neck is bolted. This bass is a good option for the aspiring musician. Light weight and long neck make it easy to hold the bass in your hands. The product is covered with varnish on top. There is dot inlay. The soundboard is fragile, damaged by the slightest mechanical impact. All fittings are chrome plated.

An experienced musician, as a rule, has no difficulty in distinguishing this fake from the original. In addition to the price, the difference can be seen in the quality of materials, poor wood processing on the sills (over time, they rise a little, which badly affects the sound quality).

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Ashtone, China
Colour	black / brown, white / orange
Number of frets	20
Bridge type	fixed
Number of strings	4
Body material	rosewood
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup diagram	H-H
Regulators	Volume and tone controls
Pickup manufacturer	manufacturer
Built-in tuner	is absent
Average price, rub.	10 000

• profitable price;
• good value for money;
• suitable for beginners;
• available in different colors.

• nylon strings;
• bolt-on neck;
• not suitable for lefties.

Yamaha TRBX174

 

Musical instruments of this Japanese production are always famous for their excellent quality. The bass in question was no exception. Thanks to its budget price, the model allows the beginner to pick up a professional-grade tool.

The deck is made of alder. This material is balanced and dense with a clear low end. Maple fretboard with rosewood fingerboard. It is bolted to the body.

Two universal pickups of type P and J allow you to play the bass guitar in almost all musical genres - rock, blues, metal, etc. As in most similar devices, there are two volume controls and one tone.

The assembly of the device is made at a high level - all the protrusions are smoothed, the tuning pegs move smoothly and without jerks, the electronics work clearly and without interference. The guitar fits comfortably in the hands, access to all elements is not limited by anything. This instrument is versatile and is well suited for both novice bassists and professionals. It can be played in almost all genres, producing sounds of any key.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Yamaha, Japan (made in China or Indonesia)
Colour	red, blue metallic, black, brown
Number of frets	24
Neck width at fretboard, mm	40
Scale	34
Number of strings	4
Body material	alder
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup manufacturer	manufacturer
Cover radius, mm	254
Regulators	Volume 1, Volume 2, Tone Adjust
Pickup diagram	S S
Bridge type	fixed
Hardware color	chromium
Average price, rub.	19 000

• build quality and materials;
• wide range of colors;
• good sounding of both high and low tones;
• good value for money;
• attractive appearance.

• not suitable for left-handers;
• buyers may have problems with where to buy the original instrument, as stores often offer a fake.

Music man sterling

The famous American brand Music Man is well known among professional bassists. The Sterling modification is a slightly smaller version of the Stingray series with a thinner neck.

The body of the product is made of ash, which gives it not only the signature sound, but also light weight compared to guitars made from alder. According to bassists, this model has a long sustain and complex harmonics. A special alloy of tuners, an active preamp and a three-band equalizer make it possible to play any melodies. The tuning is stable, the middle notes are clear, the bass sounds inimitable.

Optionally, a piezo pickup, pickups of various circuits are installed on the bass. A wide range of colors makes it possible to choose a guitar that suits even the most fastidious musician. The neck is bolted to the body and the bridge is fixed.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Music Man, USA
Colour	black, stealth black, white, white pearl, sterling silver, sapphire black, blue pearl, candy red, translucent gold, tobacco burst, vintage sunburst, honey burst, black cherry burst, pacific blue burst, tangerine pearl, natural, sky blue
Number of frets	22
Neck width at fretboard, mm	38
Scale	34
Number of strings	4
Body material	ash
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup manufacturer	manufacturer
Cover radius, mm	279
Regulators	1 volume control, 3 tone controls
Pickup diagram	H-S (optional H-H)
Bridge type	fixed
Bridge name	Standard - Music Man® chrome plated, hardened steel bridge
Active electronics	there is
Hardware color	chromium
Average price, rub.	28 000

• high-quality sound;
• high-class assembly and components;
• installation of various pickup and piezo pickup circuits is possible;
• light weight.

• high price.

Peerless Smoked Bass Custom

This is a top class bass guitar. It is made of laminated maple and the neck is made of laminated wood. The central block is made of mahogany. The deck is edged with a three-color stripe (black, ivory, mother-of-pearl). The top case is covered with matt polish and varnish. The neck is glued to the body at the 15th fret. The fretboard is made of rosewood and also features a triple edging. The setting mechanism is gilded. The guitar comes with a leatherette case.

Since this is a professional grade guitar, it is most often purchased by experienced bassists. You can learn to play music on it, but because of its high price, it is irrational. The classical form and unusual design will attract attention in any musical group.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Peerless, South Korea
Colour	light black
Number of frets	20
Neck width at fretboard, mm	40
Scale	34
Number of strings	4
Body material	maple
Neck material	maple, mahogany
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Nut material	bone
Pickup type	Ceramic neck with 8 Side Winder magnets, bridge 4-string humbucker with Alnico magnets
Regulators	2 volumes, 1 tones
Pickup diagram	H-H
Bridge type	fixed
Bridge name	Roller Bridge
Active electronics	not
Built-in tuner	not
Hardware color	gold
Average price, rub.	108 000

• high-quality components;
• professional sound;
• high level of finishing;
• unusual edging.

• due to the high price, beginning musicians cannot afford such a purchase;
• not suitable for left-handers;
• rarely available in stores.

Fernandes Guitars RJB-380

This brand is not the most popular, but it is known among musicians as a manufacturer of quality instruments at a bargain price. The "chip" of the guitar is the pickups, which, unlike other basses, are rectangular, not round.It makes it possible to better clean and remove sound.

Despite the fact that the bass is made in China, its assembly is not satisfactory. The nut does not need to be adjusted, as does the anchor together with the bridge. The strings are not very high, there are no extraneous noises and bounces when playing. Bolt fastening. The body is made of alder, the neck is made of maple, the fingerboard is made of rosewood.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Fernandes, China
Colour	3 tone sunburst, candy apple red, snow white, vintage blue
Number of frets	20
Cover radius, mm	400
Scale	34
Number of strings	4
Body material	alder
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pickup manufacturer	manufacturer
Regulators	2 volumes, 1 tones
Pickup diagram	S-S
Bridge type	fixed
Active electronics	not
Built-in tuner	not
Hardware color	chromium
Average price, rub.	25 000

• good value for money;
• high quality pickups;
• attractive appearance.

• The bass guitar is not popular with musicians who have a preconceived notion about goods produced in the PRC, and therefore it is difficult to find it on the free market.

Epiphone Goth Thunderbird IV

The first modification of this model was made in 1963, and thanks to its unusual design and non-standard sound, it has become the hallmark of Epiphone. The model is a replica of the famous Gibson Thunderbird IV bass. The Goth modification is black and has a cross on the pickguard.

The body of the device is made of mahogany, the neck is maple, fastened with a bolt connection. In order to save money, the manufacturer abandoned its through fastening. This is the main difference between the replica and the original. As with most basses of this kind, the pickguard is made of rosewood. The bridge is fully adjustable. It also has some built-in branded humbuckers. Hardware in black continues the Gothic style that is the signature feature of the model.

Passive humbucker pickups with medium power. The tone block is passive, it consists of two volume controls for each pickup and the general tone. Best suited for areas such as hard rock and trash.

Specifications:

Index	Value
Manufacturer	Epiphone, USA
Colour	pitch black
Number of frets	22
Neck width at nut, mm	38
Scale	34
Number of strings	4
Body material	mahogany
Neck material	maple
Orientation	right-sided
Number of pickups	2
Pegs gear ratio	17:1
Regulators	2 volumes, 1 tones, 3 position sensor switch
Pickup diagram	H-H
Bridge type	fixed
Bridge name	3-point fully adjustable
Active electronics	not
Built-in tuner	not
Hardware color	the black
Average price, rub.	41 000

• custom design;
• high-quality sound;
• high level assembly and components.

• aggressive appearance is not liked by many classical music lovers;
• high price;
• not suitable for lefties.

Conclusion

Due to the wide variety of models and modifications, it is not easy for a beginner, but even for a professional, to make a choice which bass guitar is better to buy. The most convenient way is to come to a retail store, hold the tool in your hands and consult a seller.

However, we do not recommend relying only on the opinion of the seller, since he is a person interested in selling you a product at a higher price. If you are in a musical group, you can ask experienced bassists which brand is best to give preference to.

We advise you not to consider buying a Russian-made guitar, since they are inferior in quality to analogues, including Chinese ones, all other things being equal. For a beginner, inexpensive Korean or Chinese models are best suited. After you learn how to play budget bass, you can think about purchasing an expensive item.

It should be remembered that the convenience of placing the instrument in the hands is an important parameter that affects how much a musician can play on it without getting tired.

The most important thing is that the instrument should evoke positive emotions, not only by sound, but also by design, because for creative people the appearance of a bass guitar plays an important role, which is why professional musicians always have an instrument not only for music, but also for the soul.

We hope that our article will help you make the right choice and buy a guitar that will delight you for many years.