Buyer's Guide
Cheap bass guitars are made for beginners who want to learn how to play an electric bass but don't want to spend too much money. They're generally less expensive than more professional models, but still offer good quality sound. Cheap basses tend to lack some of the features found on higher priced instruments, like fretboard markers and truss rods, but this doesn't mean that they aren't worth buying if you're just starting out. If you're looking for something to get you started, these are perfect!
Bass guitars aren't exactly inexpensive. And, you don't necessarily need to spend thousands of dollars to get a quality bass guitar.
In fact, there are tons of affordable bass guitars that sound great. Some of these instruments are made from wood, while others are constructed from plastic. Regardless of which type you prefer, you can find a bass guitar that fits your style and budget.
The best part is that most of these bass guitars are relatively easy to play. All you really need to do is learn how to hold the instrument properly. Then, you can start playing right away.
But, before you rush off to purchase a new bass guitar, take a look at this list of things to think about before buying a bass guitar.
Most bass guitars are designed to fit someone 5'6" tall. However, if you're shorter than that, you may have trouble finding a comfortable position to play the instrument. Also, if you're taller than 6', you may struggle to see over the top of the instrument.
Bass guitars usually have three pickup points. These pickups allow you to switch between electric, acoustic, and clean sounds. However, if you only use one pickup, you may miss out on certain tones.
Many bass guitars feature built-in tuners. However, if you plan to tune your instrument manually, you'll need to invest in a separate tuning device.
Wood and plastic are two common materials used to construct bass guitars. Each has its pros and cons. Wooden bass guitars tend to last longer than their plastic counterparts. On the other hand, plastic models are lighter and easier to transport.
While most bass guitars are black, you can find finishes ranging from white to red. White finish bass guitars are typically cheaper than their colored counterparts.
The neck angle refers to the angle formed by the neck and the fretboard. Generally speaking, the lower the angle, the higher the action. Higher action makes it harder to bend strings. Lower angles mean less pressure on the fingerboard.
If you want to play music, then you'll probably have a desire to learn how to play a musical instrument. This may include learning how to play the piano, violin, flute, drums, trumpet, saxophone, etc. One way to do so is by purchasing a used bass guitar. There are many reasons why you should purchase a used bass guitar instead of buying a new one. Let's take a closer look at them:
You'll save money. When you buy a used bass guitar, you won't pay nearly as much as if you were to buy a new one. You'll also save money because you won't have to invest any money in lessons. Instead, you'll simply use the money saved to fund other things such as food, rent, utilities, etc.
You'll receive better sound. A used bass guitar will generally produce a higher volume of sound compared to a new one. Because they've already had their strings tightened up, they'll usually produce a louder tone. They'll also tend to have less noise. Noise is something that plagues most people who try to play instruments. So, by purchasing a used bass guitar, you'll be able to enjoy playing music without having to deal with noisy neighbors.
You'll receive better sound quality. New bass guitars aren't built like old ones. They're typically constructed with plastic parts. These parts are prone to breaking down after repeated usage. Old bass guitars, however, are often constructed with wood. Wood tends to hold up better than plastic. Plus, wooden parts tend to resonate differently than plastic parts. This means that you'll hear different sounds depending on whether you're playing a new or used bass guitar.
Wood tends to hold up better than plastic parts. Plus, wooden parts tend to resonate differently than plastic parts.
Bass guitars are great instruments to play. They're fun, they sound amazing, and they can even bring a smile to someone who doesn't know how to play them.
Cheap basses. There are many reasons why you'd want to buy a cheap bass guitar. Maybe you've never played an instrument before and you want to start learning now. Perhaps you're trying to cut costs while still having access to quality music gear. Whatever your reason, there are plenty of affordable bass guitars out there. Just make sure you do your research first!
Quality materials. Cheap bass guitars often feature cheaper materials such as plastic instead of wood. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it's important to note that these plastics tend to wear down faster over time. This means that you'll have to replace your bass more frequently.
Poor build quality. Another downside to cheap bass guitars is their poor build quality. Many of these models lack stability and durability. The strings could break off easily, and the body could warp over time.
Limited features. Some cheap bass guitars only feature basic controls. Others may have fewer frets than higher-end models. Still others may have less sustain than pricier models. Make sure you check each model carefully before purchasing.
Value. As mentioned above, there are lots of inexpensive bass guitars out there. However, not all of them are worth spending your hard-earned cash on. Before you spend your money on a cheap bass guitar, make sure you compare prices on various models. You might be surprised at how little you actually pay for certain models.
If you are looking for a good quality bass guitar at a reasonable price, you might be surprised by what you can find. Bass guitars can vary greatly in terms of style and sound depending on how much you spend. Here are some of the cheapest bass guitars you can find.
These are inexpensive bass guitars that are built well enough to last a long time. Cheap Bass Guitars are also affordable enough to fit any budget. For example, the Fender Jazzmaster Bass Guitar is a great entry level instrument. It features a mahogany body and maple neck. It also includes a rosewood fretboard and chrome hardware.
These instruments are slightly better than those listed above. They feature alder bodies and necks. Alder is a soft wood that provides a nice tone. The necks are made from maple and ebony. Ebony is a harder wood that adds strength to the neck. The necks are topped off with rosewood fingerboards. The Epiphone Bullet Bass Guitar is a great example of a mid range instrument.
These are top of the line bass guitars. These are usually made from mahogany and offer a ton of detail. They include everything from carved tops to mother of pearl pick ups. The Gibson ES-335 Bass Guitar is a great example of a high end instrument.
FAQs
You can purchase a cheap bass guitar at your local music store or online retailer. Many musicians prefer buying their basses online because they don't have to pay sales tax when purchasing items shipped out of state.
Cheap bass guitars fall into two categories -- acoustic and electric. Acoustic bass guitars are cheaper than electric ones, but they're more expensive than entry level electric bass guitars.
Acoustic bass guitars use strings attached directly to the body of the instrument. Electric bass guitars use pickups to pick up vibrations created by plucking the string. Pickups allow players to play chords without having to fret individual notes.
Some of the most well known brands of cheap bass guitars include Fender, Gibson, Gretsch, Rickenbacker, and Warwick.
Good quality cheap bass guitars will last longer than lower quality models. They'll also sound better.
Look for a model that has a solid wood neck and bridge. A solid neck provides stability and helps keep the instrument steady during playing. Look for a pickup system that allows you to switch easily between single coil and humbucker configurations.
If you want to spend less money, consider purchasing a preowned instrument instead of new.
Owning a cheap bass guitar gives you access to a wide range of sounds. You can experiment with different styles and techniques without breaking the bank.
If you plan to perform live, you won't get much volume from a cheap bass guitar. Cheap bass guitars tend to produce a thin tone.
Consider how comfortable you'd feel playing a particular style of music. Do you enjoy performing in front of crowds? Would you rather practice alone or with friends? How important is being able to affordably play what you love?
Wipe off dirt and dust with a damp cloth. Use a soft brush to scrub away grime and residue left behind after cleaning.
Keep your instrument tuned regularly. Make sure all parts of the instrument are free of rust and corrosion. Keep it stored in a case or gig bag to protect against moisture.
Use a humidifier to keep the air around your instrument dry. Clean it regularly to reduce the risk of mold growth.
