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Best Beginner Bass Guitars

A first bass doesn't need to be expensive, but it should be comfortable and stay in tune. That's what keeps a beginner practicing.

For most people the right first bass is a 4-string from an established brand, roughly $150–$450. Players with smaller hands, and younger players, are often happier on a short-scale bass (about 30" instead of the standard 34"), which has a shorter reach and lighter feel.

What to look for

Start with 4 strings. Nearly all lessons and songs are written for them; 5-strings can come later.
Try a short scale if the reach feels long. Squier Mustang and Bronco, Ibanez Mikro and Gretsch Junior Jet are popular short-scale picks.
Stick to known brands. Squier, Yamaha, Ibanez, Sterling, Epiphone and Schecter beginner models are consistently decent. Very cheap no-name starter kits can be hit or miss.
Leave room for an amp. A small practice amp or headphone amp is part of the starting budget.

For sale right now (143)

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Best Beginner Bass Guitars

What to look for

For sale right now (143)

Squier Bronco Bass

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Electric Bass Guitar

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass Guitar

MODDED Squier Paranormal Rascal HH Candy Apple Red short-scale bass

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass Guitar

Ibanez miKro Bass Guitar

Ibanez GSRM20 Mikro Bass Guitar

Mint Ibanez TMB30BK Talman Short-Scale Bass Black

Mint Squier - Sonic Bronco Bass Guitar w/ Laurel Fingerboard - Daphne Blue

Cort ACTIONBASSPLUSBK Action Bass Plus Bass Guitar Black

Cort ACTIONBASSPLUSTR Action Bass Plus Bass Guitar Trans Red

Cort Artisan Series C4 Deluxe 4-String Bass Candy Blue

Ibanez SR250 4-String Solid Body Right-Handed Active Electric Bass Blue/Black

Cort Artisan Series C4 Deluxe 4-String Bass Candy Red

Cort Artisan Series C4 Deluxe 4-String Bass Black

Sterling by Music Man RAY2 Intro Series StingRay Bass

Yamaha TRBX174 RM 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Red Metallic Bundle with Guitar Lab Accessory Kit | Musical Instruments and Pro Audio on Sale

Fender Squier Sonic Precision Bass Guitar, Laurel Fingerboard Black Bundle with Tuner, Strap, and Austin Bazaar Instructional DVD

Sterling by Music Man SB4 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

Squier 40th Anniversary Gold Edition Jazz Bass 2022 - Present - Ruby Red Metallic

epiphone thunderbird bass guitar

Fender Squier Mini 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Solid Body Right-Handed Black

Epiphone Newport Bass

Ibanez GSR200BWNF Electric Bass

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