Are you dreaming of thumping basslines and groovy rhythms but not sure where to start? Picking the right bass guitar as a beginner can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available. Fear not! We’ve carefully curated a list of the top 5 starter bass guitars that promise quality, affordability, and comfort for those just starting their musical journey.
Whether you’re into funk, rock, jazz, or just exploring your musical tastes, these bass guitars are designed to ease your learning curve and keep you inspired. So, strap in and let’s dive into the world of bass guitars, where we help you find the perfect companion for your musical voyage!
The Top 5 Best Starter Bass Guitars
This entry-level Squier Affinity model features a standard P-style, split-coil neck pickup. But for extra tonal versatility, Fender used a J-style single coil bridge pickup. Each one of the two ceramic pickups has its own volume knob. Next to them, you have a third master tone control.
What makes the bass particularly player-friendly is the c-shaped neck and lightweight body. Aside from the bass itself, the pack includes straps, a gig bag, an amp, and a cable. With an 8” speaker and three-band EQ, the Fender Rumble 15-watt amp does well for home jamming sessions.
Pros
- Glossy finishes with a sleek black pickguard
- Fender Play subscription included (3-months only)
- Workmanship and material defects warranty (2 years)
Cons
- The gig bag could use some extra padding
- Doesn’t come with a clip-on tuner or a bass pick
- Should strap can be a little uncomfortable for tall bassists
At the heart of the Jumpstart kit is the GSR190 bass, which is part of the GIO series. The GSR190 is a PJ bass with a split coil for fat tones and a single-coil bridge pickup. Slightly further away from the spotlight is the 10-watt IBZ2B amp.
This solid-state amp (with 6.5” Power Jam speakers) is ideal for low-level practice sessions at home but not so much for live gigs. Ibanez ships this bass-and-amp combo with basic accessories, like straps and a bag. But the company also added a tuner and a hex wrench into the mix.
Pros
- Thin neck design is comfortable for beginners or people with smaller hands
- Eye-catching metallic colors with durable, glossy finishes
- Comes with an electronic tuner
Cons
- Straps could slide off (a strap lock system should fix this issue)
- Might need an amp and cable upgrade
- You might struggle to find tutorial videos for this exact model
Despite the simple no-pickguard design, this full-size electric bass guitar from Davison can be a reliable pick for beginners. It features a dual P-style pickup, and you’ll control the output with one tone knob and one volume knob. This stripped-down design could be handy if you don’t want to bother with more settings than necessary.
Pros
- Comes with three 0.71 mm picks (assorted colors)
- Nice weight distribution and balance for easier handling
- Simple design and control options
Cons
- Slightly large frets with sharp edges that could nick your hand
- Accessories feel a bit flimsy (gig bag, straps, and cable)
- DA15 amp performance is a little disappointing and might buzz
Donner offers its beginner bass guitar kit in three variations based on the pickup configuration. The simplest of them all is the PB (DPB-510D) one, with class split single-coil pickups and two-knob controls next to the output jack. The PJ (DPJ-100) model, on the other hand, comes with an active EQ preamp circuit and has four controls: volume, blend, bass, and treble.
For this guide’s purposes, we reviewed the passive PB model. Overall, the neck design (c-shaped) and smooth finish make the bass beginner-friendly. But you’ll have to buy some accessories separately because Donner only includes a strap, a bag, a cable, and an Allen wrench in the pack.
Pros
- Good for creating growly tones with huge bottom ends
- Cable is surprisingly high-quality
- Front 6.35mm jack placement can reduce fuss for beginners
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an amp, tuner, or picks
- Frets need to be filled down
- Finger action could feel slightly high
Glarry’s starter bass features a split single-coil pickup that’s well-suited for warm styles. While there’s nothing fancy about the design, Glarry tried to cater to different tastes by offering the bass in a range of colors, from burly wood to sunset. Aside from the basic accessories, the package includes a 20-watt amp ( around 6.6 lb), a spanner tool, and just one pick.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Comes with a 20-watt amp (rather than the usual 10 or 15 watts)
- Easy-to-access front jack
Cons
- The strap could be too small for adults
- The cable feels a little cheap
- Some people report rattle/vibrations on the frets