Let’s cut straight to the chase—you want to buy a bass guitar, but the options out there are endless. Overwhelmed yet? Don’t worry, you’re not alone.
Picking your first bass can feel like staring at a menu with 100 dishes when all you want is a good burger.
Here’s the good news: I’ve done the homework for you. Here are six incredible beginner bass guitars that combine affordability, playability, and style. Ready? Let’s get into it.
Best First Bass Guitars – TL;DR
If you’re here for the short version, this is your cheat sheet:
- Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series – Cheap, cheerful, and packed with classic tones.
- Squier Sonic Precision California BL – Straightforward, reliable, and perfect for beginners.
- Ibanez TMB30-IV – Short scale, big sound; ideal for players with smaller hands.
- Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OW – A jack-of-all-trades with both P and J pickups.
- Höfner Ignition SE – Retro, classy, and undeniably cool.
- Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT – Vintage vibes, modern playability.
Now let’s break down what makes each of these basses shine.
1. Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series
Let’s start with the budget king. The Harley Benton JB-20 BM isn’t just affordable; it’s a steal. You might think, “How good can a cheap bass really be?” Pretty darn good, actually. This bass has a classic Jazz Bass design that’s perfect for anyone wanting to dive into a range of genres without breaking the bank.
Jazz Bass type doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s specifically for jazz – you can use it for lots of different genres 😉 But if you like that vibe (and you have a slightly bigger budget, this list of basses for jazz may be for you).
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar, lightweight but solid
- Neck: Maple with a comfy modern C profile (translation: it feels great in your hands)
- Pickups: Two JB-style single coils for those bright, punchy tones
- Scale Length: 864 mm (full size, standard for most basses)
- Color: High-gloss Blue Metallic (because why not stand out?)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- It’s ridiculously affordable. Seriously, you’ll spend more on pizza in a month than this bass costs.
- It’s lightweight. No shoulder aches after an hour of practice.
- Classic tone. This bass can handle funk, rock, jazz, or whatever’s on your playlist.
2. Squier Sonic Precision California BL
Sometimes simple is better, and that’s exactly what you get with the Squier Sonic Precision. This is the kind of bass that doesn’t need fancy extras to impress. It’s straightforward, reliable, and gets the job done every single time.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar, durable yet lightweight
- Pickups: Ceramic split coil for that iconic Precision Bass punch
- Frets: 20 narrow tall (easy to press, easy to bend)
- Scale Length: 864 mm (34″)
- Color: California Blue (a color that screams fun)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- Simplicity is key. One volume knob, one tone knob. That’s it. No fuss, just sound.
- Durable as heck. Drop it, bump it, practice endlessly—this bass can take it.
- Legendary tone. The split-coil pickup delivers a warm, punchy sound that’s been a staple in music for decades.
3. Ibanez TMB30-IV
Have small hands? Don’t want to wrestle with a massive neck? The Ibanez TMB30 is your savior. This short-scale bass is all about comfort without sacrificing tone. Don’t let its compact size fool you—it’s got a big, bold sound that will blow your mind.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar, solid but not heavy
- Neck: Maple with a Jatoba fretboard (smooth as butter)
- Pickups: Dynamix P/J configuration for endless tonal options
- Scale Length: 762 mm (30″)
- Color: Ivory (clean, classy, and timeless)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- Short scale = less finger stretching. Ideal for beginners still developing their finger dexterity.
- P/J pickups. Play around with tones until you find your signature sound.
- Looks great. Let’s face it—this bass is Instagram-ready.
4. Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OW
Versatility is the name of the game with the Squier Affinity P Bass. This bad boy has both P and J pickups, meaning you can experiment with a wider range of sounds. Whether you’re jamming to punk, funk, or metal, this bass has you covered.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar, with a classic aesthetic
- Pickups: Ceramic Jazz Bass single coil (bridge) and ceramic split coil (neck)
- Frets: 20 medium jumbo (comfortable and forgiving for beginners)
- Scale Length: 864 mm (34″)
- Color: Olympic White (simple yet sophisticated)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- P/J pickups = versatility. From deep, rich tones to sharp, punchy ones, you get it all.
- Durable build. Perfect for endless practice sessions (and maybe the occasional jam session).
- A go-to for many players. This bass feels professional but doesn’t overwhelm.
5. Höfner Ignition SE
Ready to channel your inner Paul McCartney? The Höfner Ignition SE is the ultimate throwback bass. With its violin-shaped body and warm, vintage tone, it’s perfect for players who love that retro aesthetic.
Key Features:
- Body: Spruce top with flamed maple back and sides (hello, elegance)
- Pickups: Two Höfner Ignition Staple humbuckers for warm, vintage tones
- Scale Length: 762 mm (30″)
- Extras: Certificate of authenticity and a „Bassman” sticker
- Color: Sunburst (classic Beatle vibes)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- Short scale. Comfortable for smaller hands or players who prefer less reach.
- Hollow body design. Makes the bass super lightweight.
- Vintage cool factor. You’ll look and sound like a legend.
Alternatively, you can also check out Harley Benton Beatbass – it’s way cheaper!
6. Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT
If you’ve got a little extra cash to spend and want something truly exceptional, the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is your ticket to vintage heaven. With stunning looks and top-notch performance, this bass feels like it belongs on a professional stage.
Key Features:
- Body: Maple, resonant and visually striking
- Pickups: Fender-designed Alnico single coils for clear, punchy tones
- Frets: 20 narrow tall (precise and easy to play)
- Scale Length: Full-size
- Color: Natural (the wood grain is gorgeous)
Why It’s Perfect for Beginners:
- Premium feel. It’s a bit more expensive, but you’re getting serious quality.
- Clear, crisp sound. The pickups are stellar for almost any genre.
- Vintage aesthetic. This bass looks like it belongs in a 1970s rock documentary.
My Thoughts On The BEST First Bass Guitar…
Let me be real for a second: the Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT is hands-down the best option here.
It has premium features, exceptional tone, and looks that’ll make you feel like a rock star. But here’s the kicker—it’s pricier than the rest. If your budget allows, go for it. It’s worth every penny.
Now, if I were working with a tighter budget, I’d pick the Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series. It’s absurdly affordable and still delivers solid performance, making it the perfect entry point into the bass world.
BTW, once you get your bass, have a look at these bassless tracks – I’m sure these will help with your practice 😉
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between a short scale and a full-scale bass?
Short-scale basses (like the Ibanez TMB30 and Höfner Ignition) have smaller necks, making them easier to play—especially for beginners or people with smaller hands. Full-scale basses offer more tonal depth and sustain but require a bit more finger stretching.
2. Do I need an amp for my bass?
Yes, unless you’re practicing “air bass.” A small, beginner-friendly amp like the Fender Rumble series will work perfectly and won’t annoy your neighbors too much.
3. What kind of strings should I use?
Stick with the factory strings at first. Once you’re comfortable, you can explore options like flatwounds for a smoother tone or roundwounds for a brighter sound.
4. How often should I tune my bass?
Every time you play. Trust me, your bandmates (and your audience) will thank you.
5. Is it better to learn with a pick or fingers?
Both! Fingers give you a warm, natural tone, while a pick offers sharp, punchy sounds. Experiment and see what works for your style.
6. Can I use a guitar amp for my bass?
Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Bass amps are designed to handle lower frequencies, so investing in one is worth it.
Summary
Choosing your first bass guitar doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
Whether you’re drawn to the affordability of the Harley Benton JB-20, the versatility of the Squier Affinity P Bass, or the premium vibe of the Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass, there’s something here for everyone. Just remember—the best bass is the one that gets you playing.
For more tips and gear reviews, check out my YouTube channels: Best Guitars Now (English) and Strefa Gitar (Polish). Let’s make some noise!
