You decided you want to join a music band. You have been playing as a bass guitarist for under a year. You want to look the part but to get the best value for money is no easy task.
These are our 4 hand-picked best bass guitars under $300 you can buy right now. These are ranked in no particular order.
Is a full sized bass guitar a little big for you? Check out our reviews of the best bass guitars for small hands here!
What to consider when buying a bass guitar:
- The type of wood around the body and the neck of the guitar is an important factor when looking for your next buy. This will play a role in the total properties it offers.
- The number of strings is another feature to look out for. If you love rocking out and going to be performing a lot of solos, then choosing a 6-string guitar will be better. If you are a beginner, then consider a 4-string guitar as it is more comfortable and easy to manage.
Yamaha TRBX204
You can’t go wrong with a Yamaha guitar. They are long known for their amazing quality on all levels, whether you are a beginner or a known superstar.
It is comfortable to use when you first pick it up. There is impressive control over the balance and volume. The price hits the mark at $299.99.
Pros
- Yamaha has always lived up to its quality. Their cheaper ranges are still high quality.
- The quality of the die-cast tuners is amazing and easy to use. You can make any adjustments you need when you are playing your notes.
- The sound is easier to hear because of the maple neck.
- You can create unique tones and blend them into a perfect balance. The circuit has controls for master volume, balance, and a two-band equalizer.
Cons
- If you decide to use this guitar in passive mode, the pickup is so quiet.
- Sometimes, people found the frets to be difficult to use. I advise seeking a professional to adjust this function.
Ibanez GSR200
The perfect beginner guitar. It has a total of 4 strings making it easier for people still learning the ways of a guitarist. This is well priced at $249.99. It is made for the individual who is not quite sure if they want to carry on in the music industry.
There are no glaring faults whatsoever!
The size is larger than your average bass guitar. This can either be an advantage or a pain, depending on what height you are. The GSR200 offers the largest fretboard at a 12” radius, making it more difficult to reach around the neck.
That being said, the flatter neck makes it easier to use the strings, which usually proves difficult for beginners.
Pros
- It is less expensive than your usual bass guitar, making it a no-brainer for people on a tight budget.
- They made the body of mahogany, making it very durable and economical.
- The neck is made of maple, making it brighter and more sustainable.
Cons
- Has passive electronics. Many people prefer active electronics because the sound has better quality and range.
- Requires batteries to operate.
Yamaha TRBX174
Again, one of the more trusted brands in Yamaha. They always provide high quality for all their price ranges. This one in particular fits in the jazz bass set of guitars rather than your precision bass.
The high mass bridge help centers the gravity towards the neck, improving the sustain of the guitar. The tapered mahogany neck provides precise control.
A maple and alder body is paired with the lower resonance mahogany neck to balance the lows and the highs.
This is one of the few bass guitars which helps you operate the electronics in either a passive or active mode. Active electronics are superior for various reasons, but there are people that prefer the passive one. The humbucker pickups give the bass a rich and heavy tone.
The price? Insane. At only $229.99, this one takes the cake.
Pros
- Comes in 4 or 5 strings which are perfect for beginners.
- The neck is made of mahogany making it perfect when accentuating the lower registers.
- Includes humbucker pick-ups that cancel those electrical hums.
- Uses active and passive electronics.
- Has a high mass bridge for greater sustain and centering.
- The body is made of alder and maple making the sound very strong and clear.
Cons
- The neck is bolted which produces less sustain.
Ibanez Acoustic Bass Guitar
For over a century, Ibanez has been mass-producing quality products at a good price. This is the best hybrid bass guitar out there for the price. Most hybrid bass guitars are far less expensive than their electric counterparts.
The body is made of mahogany and rosewood. That means you still get that deep acoustic sound you always expect from this kind of wood. There is a touch of lightness with the maple neck.
This is one of the least expensive guitars with active pickup electronics that you can find on the market. One of the bigger problems is excess noise. This can be fixed with a humbucker pickup.
Pros
- A less expensive bass guitar.
- Is an acoustic guitar which is standard for all bass guitars.
- The body is made of mahogany making it durable.
- The neck is made of maple. Maple has sustainable and economical properties to it.
- Has an under-saddle pickup making it great for those who prefer the fingerstyle of playing.
- Chrome die-cast tuners
Cons
- Includes poor strings
- Not the most precise tuning.
Best Bass Guitars Under $300 – Final Thoughts
We hope this best bass guitars under $300 post was helpful! What you choose is down to where you at in your music career. It depends on your skill level, the type of sound you want to go with, or what your band needs at that specific moment.
The Yamaha TRBX series is recommended. They performed well in the majority of the tests. They come in 4 or 5 string variants. This is our must-pick in 2021.
