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What Are The Best Affordable Bass Guitars Under $500 in 2025

"Your Guide to Finding Quality Sound and Value: Top Affordable Bass Guitars Under $500 for Every Musician" In the world of music, a great bass guitar doesn’t have to break the bank. If you're on the hunt for affordable bass guitars under $500, you’re in the right place. This guide explores the best options that deliver impressive sound quality and durability without compromising your budget. When selecting your instrument, consider factors such as body type, pickup configuration, and playability to ensure it fits your style and needs. Brands like Squier, Ibanez, and Yamaha offer fantastic choices that are both beginner-friendly and versatile for seasoned players. Additionally, don't overlook the importance of trying out different models in-store or reading customer reviews online for insights into performance. With this knowledge in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to make a confident purchase that enhances your musical journey without overspending. Dive into our top picks and find the perfect bass guitar that resonates with your passion for music!

1

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSR200BK)

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSR200BK)
Buy Now $199.99

Why We Love It

Users rave about the Ibanez GSR200BK's excellent sound quality, especially praising its deep, resonant bass tones. The guitar's comfortable design is also a significant plus point - users find it easy to play for extended periods without experiencing fatigue. Its affordability makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those on a budget.

Pros

  • Great sound quality
  • Comfortable to play
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Requires frequent tuning
  • Not suitable for advanced musicians

A sleek black 4-string bass guitar with a right-handed design.

The Ibanez GSR200BK is a 4-string bass guitar that offers a rich and powerful sound. It's made with high-quality materials, including a mahogany body and a rosewood fretboard, providing both durability and a superb tonal quality. The guitar comes with a Phat II EQ, which enhances the low-end sounds, perfect for playing rock or metal music. The thin neck and lightweight body make it comfortable to play for extended periods.

2

Ibanez GSR200BWNF 4-String Bass Guitar

Ibanez GSR200BWNF 4-String Bass Guitar
Buy Now $249.99

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Ibanez GSR200BWNF for its great sound and easy playability. Many users have praised the lightweight design, making it comfortable for long jamming sessions. The variety of tones this guitar can produce is another feature that users love, making it suitable for different music genres.

Pros

  • Highly versatile
  • Smooth and fast neck
  • Affordable

Cons

  • Might need initial setup
  • Not suitable for high-end professional use

Walnut flat four-string bass guitar from Ibanez.

The Ibanez GSR200BWNF 4-String Bass Guitar is an entry-level instrument with a standout sound. The bass guitar comes with a mahogany body, rosewood fingerboard, and a maple neck for enhanced resonance and sustain. The B10 bridge allows for easy string adjustments while the Dynamix P & J pickups offer a wide variety of tones. This versatile instrument is comfortable to play and is suitable for beginners and experienced players alike.

3

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSRM20BWNF)

Buy Now $200.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Ibanez GSRM20BWNF for its compact size and versatility. Many users appreciate the PHAT II EQ, saying it adds a noticeable punch to their performance. The guitar's lightweight design is often mentioned as a plus, allowing musicians to play for extended periods without fatigue. The walnut flat finish is also commended for its aesthetics.

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight
  • PHAT II EQ for low-end boost
  • Stable tuning

Cons

  • May not be suitable for larger hands
  • Limited tonal range

Ibanez 4 STRING Bass Guitar with walnut flat finish.

The Ibanez GSRM20BWNF is a 4-string bass guitar designed with a walnut flat finish and a slim, compact body. It features a maple neck, a rosewood fretboard, and a PHAT II EQ for boosting the low-end. The standard Ibanez bridge enhances sustain and tuning stability. The guitar's dual-coil pickups deliver a rich and nuanced tone, making it suitable for various music styles.

4

Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black, 4-String (TRBX174 BL)

Buy Now $20.00

Why We Love It

Reviewers laud the excellent playability of this Yamaha model thanks to its solid mahogany body and maple neck. Its warm, rich tone and the versatility offered by its pickup configuration are also highly praised. Some users mention the stable tuning provided by the vintage-style bridge and appreciate the look and feel of the chrome hardware. Despite needing an initial setup, it's considered a great choice for beginners and intermediate players.

Pros

  • Excellent playability
  • Versatile sound range
  • Warm, rich tone

Cons

  • May require initial setup
  • Not ideal for advanced players

Black 4-string bass guitar with split coil and single coil pickup configuration.

The Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar offers excellent playability and a versatile sound range. It features a solid mahogany body, a maple neck, and a rosewood fingerboard, delivering a warm, rich tone. The bass guitar has a split-coil pickup at the neck and a single-coil pickup at the bridge, offering a wide range of tonal possibilities. It also has chrome hardware and a vintage-style bridge for stable tuning.

5

Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black, 4-String (TRBX174 BL)

Buy Now $20.00

Why We Love It

The Yamaha TRBX174 is praised by reviewers for its excellent tonal versatility and comfortable playability. Users frequently comment on the smooth, fast neck and the balanced, comfortable body. The combination of split-coil and single-coil pickups is appreciated for the wide range of tones it can produce. Additionally, the guitar's reliable performance and durability are often highlighted.

Pros

  • Versatile tonal possibilities
  • Comfortable body shape
  • Reliable performance

Cons

  • May require regular tuning
  • Finishing may wear over time

Yamaha 4 String Bass Guitar in black finish.

The Yamaha TRBX174 is a 4-string bass guitar that offers a balanced, ultra-comfortable body with a fast, smooth maple neck. The rosewood fingerboard and vintage-style bridge add to its aesthetic appeal. It's equipped with two pickups - a split-coil neck pickup and a single-coil bridge pickup, offering a wide variety of tonal possibilities. The TRBX174's precision engineering and construction ensure optimum performance and reliability.

6

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar in Vintage Sunburst

Buy Now $20.00

Why We Love It

Users love the iconic design of the Sterling StingRay, combined with modern features like the 3-way toggle switch and 2-band active preamp. It's hailed for its dynamic, punchy tone and versatility across genres. Despite some users noting that it may need a setup out of the box and that the finish may wear over time, its overall performance and value for money are highly praised.

Pros

  • Iconic design
  • Dynamic, punchy tone
  • Versatile with 3-way toggle switch

Cons

  • May need setup out of the box
  • Finish may wear over time

Vintage sunburst bass guitar with a 2-band active preamp.

The Sterling StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar is an iconic model with a modern twist. It features a basswood body with a vintage sunburst finish, a maple neck, and a fretboard with 21 frets. This bass guitar has a dynamic, punchy tone thanks to its ceramic pickup and 2-band active preamp. The 3-way toggle switch allows you to switch between different tones, providing versatility for various genres. The guitar also features an adjustable bridge for precise intonation and tuning stability.

7

Fender Mustang PJ Bass, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, Olympic White

Fender Mustang PJ Bass, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, Olympic White
Buy Now $14.34

Why We Love It

Users love the compact size and big sound of the Fender Mustang PJ Bass. The ability to switch between Precision and Jazz Bass pickups is a favorite feature among players, offering a wide range of tones. The compact size is appreciated by those who find larger basses uncomfortable to play, and the natural feel of the Pau Ferro fingerboard is also a hit among users.

Pros

  • Compact size
  • Big sound
  • Versatile tones

Cons

  • May require setup out of the box
  • Not ideal for those who prefer larger basses

An Olympic white bass with a compact design and versatile sound.

The Fender Mustang PJ Bass is a compact yet powerful instrument, ideal for players who prefer a smaller sized bass. Despite its size, it delivers a big sound, thanks to the combination of Precision and Jazz Bass pickups. The body is made from alder, delivering a balanced, resonant tone, and the neck is maple, providing a fast, smooth playing experience. The fingerboard is crafted from Pau Ferro, a material known for its warm tone and natural feel.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 7 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product 4-String Configuration Body Material Pickup Type Neck Material EQ Options Weight
1 Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSR200BK)
Yes Mahogany Dynamix P & J Maple Phat II EQ Lightweight
1 Ibanez GSR200BWNF 4-String Bass Guitar
Yes Mahogany Dynamix P & J Maple None Lightweight
2 Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar
Yes Basswood Single Humbuck Maple 3-Band EQ Moderate
3 Yamaha TRBX174EW Mango Wood 4-String Electric Bass Guitar
Yes Mango Wood Split-coil and Single-coil Maple None Moderate
4 Squier by Fender Affinity Series Precision Beginner Electric Bass
Yes Poplar Split Single-Coil Maple None Lightweight
5 Fender Mustang PJ Bass, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, Olympic White
Yes Alder Precision and Jazz Maple None Lightweight
5 Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V
No Poplar Dual Passive Humbucking Maple None Heavy
1

Ibanez 4 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (GSR200BK)

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany
Pickup Type
Dynamix P & J
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
Phat II EQ
Weight
Lightweight
1

Ibanez GSR200BWNF 4-String Bass Guitar

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany
Pickup Type
Dynamix P & J
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
None
Weight
Lightweight
2

Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Basswood
Pickup Type
Single Humbuck
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
3-Band EQ
Weight
Moderate
3

Yamaha TRBX174EW Mango Wood 4-String Electric Bass Guitar

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Mango Wood
Pickup Type
Split-coil and Single-coil
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
None
Weight
Moderate
4

Squier by Fender Affinity Series Precision Beginner Electric Bass

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Poplar
Pickup Type
Split Single-Coil
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
None
Weight
Lightweight
5

Fender Mustang PJ Bass, Pau Ferro Fingerboard, Olympic White

4-String Configuration
Yes
Body Material
Alder
Pickup Type
Precision and Jazz
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
None
Weight
Lightweight
5

Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS3V

4-String Configuration
No
Body Material
Poplar
Pickup Type
Dual Passive Humbucking
Neck Material
Maple
EQ Options
None
Weight
Heavy

Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Bass Guitars Under $500

What makes a affordable bass guitars under $500 the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your affordable bass guitars under $500 recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of affordable bass guitars under $500?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.