The bass guitar is the cornerstone of any band, connecting the rhythm and harmony, and bridging the gap between drums and melody. However, before you start slapping those strings, it’s important to understand the significance of choosing the right bass guitar from one of the best bass guitar brands. And, if you are just starting out, it’s also important to consider options for the best beginner bass guitar. This is our list of tips and recommendations.
Choosing the Right Bass Guitar:
Selecting a bass guitar is a crucial decision that influences your playing experience and the quality of sound you produce. It’s important to consider:
- Playing Style: Different bass guitars are better suited for rock, funk, jazz, or metal, based on their tonal characteristics and construction.
- Type of Bass: Do you want Precision Bass (P-Bass) or Jazz Bass (J-Bass)? Each has its own unique sound.
- Number of Strings: Standard bass guitars have four strings, but you can also find five and six-string options. More strings offer extended range and versatility but might require adjustment to your playing technique.
- Construction and Materials: The wood used for the body and neck, as well as the hardware and electronics, influences the tone and playability.
- Brand Authority: It’s important to make a selection from a brand that has positive reviews and industry recognition. Research is very important to make sure you are selecting from the best bass guitar brands. If you are just starting out, it’s important to consider the best beginner bass guitar options too.
- Playability: The bass guitar should feel comfortable in your hands. Consider the fret size and weight of the instrument.
- Budget: Of course quality matters, but so does your budget! Especially if you are starting out and looking for the best beginner bass guitar.
What are the Best Bass Guitar Options?
We’ve searched high and low for the best bass guitar options from key brands like Fender, Music Man, Yahama, and more. So let’s get into it!
Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Jazz Bass
Frets: 21, narrow tall; Pickups: 2x ; Fender Designed Alnico single-coil pickups (bridge, middle); Controls: 2x volume, master tone; Hardware: 4-saddle Vintage-style with Threaded steel saddles; Left-handed: No; Finish: 3-Tone Sunburst, Daphne Blue, Black
Since it was first introduced as the “two-pickup Precision” in the 1960s, this instrument has inspired countless imitators. It is definitely one of the best bass guitar brands out there. Over the years, it’s been consistently tweaked and improved. The design still mimics the original models, giving it a cool and unique design.
As Fender’s entry-level brand, Squier is one of the best beginner bass guitars on the market. It will give you a supremely comfortable ride with some uncannily vintage tones. Not to mention, it’s an exceptional deal at just under $500! The tones are on-the-money as far as the Jazz Bass goes – thumping, in your face, but elastic and alive – and the controls offer a broad sweep of tones. Check it out here on Amazon!
Yamaha BB435 Bass Guitar
Body: Alde; Neck: 3-play Maple/mahogany/maple, bolt-on; Scale: 34”; Fingerboard: Rosewood or Maple; Frets: 21, medium; Pickups: 2x (YGD V5 in P/J configuration; Controls: 2x volume, master tone; Hardware: Vintage Plus Light steel-saddled bridge; Left-handed: No; Finish: Teal Blue, Black, Tobacco Brown Sunburst
The BB435 nails that vintage-modern vibe, and like all great instruments it has a timeless quality, capable of holding its own in any company. Now, Yamaha does a very neat line in pro basses – the BBP35 is an exceptional top-line version of the BB435 that we’d recommend in a heartbeat – but this is an exceptionally priced instrument.
The BB435 is an absolute hoot to play, lively, and dynamic, and it has a fuss-free control system where a master tone serves both pickups and you can adjust the balance via independent volume controls. There are certainly more detailed onboard EQ shaping options on a bass guitar, but few are as simple or elegant.
The BB435 would make a superlative choice for any player looking for their first five-string. The low B string is tight. The build is exceptional throughout – this is a bolt-on but the six-bolt miter neck joint is so strong you might swear it’s a string-through. This allied to the clever 45-degree string-through bridge helps set the BB435 apart. Check it out here on Amazon.
G&L Tribute L-2000 bass guitar
Body: Swamp ash: Neck: Maple, bolt-on: Scale: 34”; Fingerboard: Maple or rosewood; Frets: 21, medium jumbo; Pickups: 2x G&L MFD Humbuckers; Controls: 1 x master volume, 2-band EQ, series/parallel switch, 3-way toggle preamp mode, 3-way toggle pickup switch; Hardware: Leo Fender-Designed G&L Saddle-Lock bridge; Left-handed: Yes; Finish: Natural, 3-Tone Sunburst, Olympic White, Clear Orange, Redburst
the Tribute L-2000 is a replica of its Leo Fender-designed namesake that debuted in 1980. What blew minds then and still does is the switching system. There’s a trio of knobs, a trio of toggle switches, and a cornucopia of tone options to be had here – toggle between active and passive modes, between neck, middle, or both humbuckers and series/parallel modes. These jemmies open the sonic possibilities even before you get to the two-band EQ.
If the switching and EQ controls seem a little esoteric at first – and you’ll have a fun time finding the sweet spot – the performance of this modestly priced four-string puts it firmly in the workhorse category.
The hardware won’t let you down. The Saddle-Lock bridge is a Leo design, a neat, sturdy, and solid platform. The tuners are open-backed, old-school. But it’s the pickups and electronics that people will ask you about after the show. Those US-made G&L MFD humbuckers are overwound with a ceramic core and they’re powerful. And they’ve got individually adjustable pole pieces, just in case the switches and EQ didn’t present enough choice. Shop now on Amazon.
Fender Am Ultra Precision
Body: Alder (ash on Plasma Red Burst and Aged Natural models); Neck: Maple, bolt-on; Scale: 34”; Fingerboard: Rosewood; Frets: 21, medium jumbo; Pickups: Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass (bridge), Ultra Noiseless Vintage Precision Bass (middle); Controls: Master Volume, Pan Pot (Pickup Selector), Treble Boost/Cut, Midrange Boost/Cut, Bass Boost/Cut, Passive Tone, Active/Passive Mini Toggle; Hardware: 4-saddle HiMass bridge, Fender”F” Light-Weight Vintage-Paddle Keys with Tapered Shafts; Left-handed: No; Finish: Aged Natural, Mocha Burst, Arctic Pearl, Ultraburst
As one of the best bass guitar brands out, Fender has something really special with this product offering. It is unmistakably a P-Bass; the classic silhouette is present and correct. You’ve got a choice of an alder body or ash, retro pick-guards in three-ply mint green or 4-ply tortoiseshell.
But with a new Modern D neck profile, the 10-14” compound radius fingerboard, HiMass bridge, lightweight tuners, and a newly designed preamp, it’s an altogether more contemporary proposition.
The American Ultra body is also more heavily contoured across the back, with a newly sculpted heel allowing a free pass to the upper frets. The Ultra Noiseless pickups are an excellent pairing also, with the punchier Vintage Jazz single-coil in the bridge position offering a nice counterpoint to the rounded warmth of that middle position split-coil.
This baby does come with a heavy price tag; however with the smart finishes, player-friendly improvements to an all-time classic, and tones, it’s totally worth it. It can be viewed here on Amazon.
Schecter Stiletto Studio 6
The Stiletto Studio 6 challenges the notion that the six-string bass can feel a little intimidating. Sure, a nut width of 54mm might bring tears to an avowed four-stringer’s eyes, but the neck’s thin C profile is shallow enough to ease you in and help adjust to all that extra fretboard territory. The build quality is what we would expect from a South Korean Schecter.
What will you use it for? Well, the six-string format makes possible all kinds of progressive and outré jazz-funk styles, and the EMG 45Hz humbucker pairing and comprehensive 3-band EQ let you dial in pretty much whatever you want. Scoop the mids for some effervescent slap, or boost them, and the treble for some really up-front, bass-as-a-lead instrument tones. View it on Amazon here.
The Journey of Playing Bass:
Once you’ve chosen the right bass guitar, it’s time to hone your skills:
- Learn the Basics: Start with the fundamentals. Understand how to properly hold the bass, pluck the strings, and fret notes. Basic music theory knowledge is essential for creating strong basslines.
- Groove and Timing: Focus on rhythm and timing. A solid groove is the backbone of any great bassline. Practice playing along with metronomes or drum tracks to improve your timing.
- Study Legendary Bassists: Study the techniques of legendary bassists who have left their mark on the world of music. Listen to different genres to explore diverse playing styles.
- Technique Variety: Experiment with different techniques such as fingerstyle, slap and pop, and using a pick. Each technique adds a unique texture to your playing.
- Ear Training: Train your ear to recognize different tones, intervals, and scales. Ear training enhances your ability to improvise and play by ear.
- Jamming with Others: Playing with other musicians, especially drummers and guitarists, helps you understand your role in an ensemble. It teaches you how to lock in with the rhythm section.
- Practice Consistently: Like any skill, consistent practice is key. Dedicate time each day to practice scales, exercises, and songs.
Conclusion:
Choosing the right bass guitar is the foundation of your journey. So, whether looking for the best beginner bass guitar or you’re a seasoned pro, you need to do your research. Whether you’re thumping out funk or laying down a smooth jazz groove, remember that the bass guitar is not just an instrument—it’s your partner in crafting unforgettable musical experiences.
Looking for the best electric guitar options? Check out our list here.
