Best Entry-Level Bass Guitars

Shopping for your very first bass guitar can feel overwhelming when there’s so many great basses on offer. Whether you’re picking up the bass for the first time or helping a young beginner, let’s break down the best beginner and entry-level bass guitars to suit your needs, budget, and preferences.

Best beginner bass guitars

Best budget beginner bass: Squier Sonic Precision Bass MN

The Squier Sonic Precision Bass MN is a superb starting point if you’re looking for a dependable introduction to the bass guitar. The guitar perfectly captures the legendary Precision bass style and is built by Fender’s trusted budget brand, Squire. Thanks to its slim neck and lightweight body, it's ideal for new players who want something easy to handle without compromising their sound.

This model features a single split-coil pickup, giving you a punchy, classic tone suitable for rock, pop, and funk. The no-fuss control layout — just volume and tone — makes it a breeze to get started, while the maple neck adds a bit of snap and clarity to your sound. If you’re on a budget but still want something that looks and sounds great, the Sonic Precision Bass delivers solid performance at a beginner-friendly price.

Best overall beginner bass: Yamaha BB 234

The Yamaha BB 234 is one of the most versatile and well-built entry-level bass guitars on the market, and it’s perfect for players who want an instrument that will help them grow. It offers a solid balance between playability, tone, and durability.

This model features a split-coil and single-coil pickup, which gives you a range of tones from warm and round to bright and aggressive. The guitar’s body is slightly contoured for comfort, and the satin-finished neck feels smooth and fast, which is excellent for extended practice sessions. Whether you're playing at home, in lessons, or even at your first band rehearsal, the BB 234 is a dependable, great-sounding bass.

Yamaha BB 234 (front)

Yamaha BB 234 (back)

Best beginner kids bass: LA Short Scale Bass

The LA Short Scale Bass is a fantastic introduction to bass guitar for children. Its reduced scale length makes it easy for children to reach frets and play comfortably. The LA short-scale delivers a strong tone ideal for beginner playing, despite its compact size. It's also lightweight making it ideal for children who need a concise instrument. It’s a great starter kit for young musicians eager to explore the bass guitar when paired with a small practice amp.

LA Short Scale Bass (front)

LA Short Scale Bass (back)

Best beginner short-scale bass: Fender Player II Mustang Bass

Short-scale basses are growing in popularity in the rock community and the Fender Player II Mustang is a premium option for players who want a comfortable size without sacrificing sound quality. With a 30-inch scale length and a slightly slimmer body, it’s great for beginners of all ages, especially those who find full-size necks difficult to manage.

This Mustang model features a single split-coil pickup with a warm, vintage-inspired tone perfect for indie, pop, punk, and rock. The short scale also gives it a slightly looser string tension, making it easier on the fingers. It’s bass that looks professional, offers that alternative rock look and remains simple enough for any beginner to pick up and enjoy.

Fender Player II Mustang Bass (front)

Fender Player II Mustang Bass (back)

Best bass starter pack: Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass Pack

The Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass Pack is an unbeatable deal for beginners who need everything in one go. It includes a quality entry-level bass, a compact amplifier, a strap, a gig bag, cable, and even a tuner — everything you need to get playing straight out of the box.

The V40 bass is well-designed, with a comfortable neck and solid build that doesn’t feel cheap or flimsy. It typically features a P-style split-coil pickup for classic, punchy bass tones to suit various styles. The included amplifier is great for practice and delivers enough volume for bedroom jams or small rehearsal spaces. 

This pack is ideal for beginners who want a hassle-free introduction to bass playing without the need to shop around for separate gear. This pack is the way to go if you’re just starting and want everything sorted in one bundle.

Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass Pack

Vintage V40 Coaster Series Bass Pack (body)

Beginner bass FAQs

How much should I spend on an entry-level bass guitar?

Look to spend between £100 and £300 for a good-quality entry-level bass. For that price, you can find models with great tone, decent hardware, and reliable build quality — perfect for beginners learning the ropes without breaking the bank.

What are the best beginner bass brands?

Some of the best beginner bass brands include Yamaha, Squier, Ibanez, and Vintage. These brands are known for producing affordable instruments that are well-built, easy to play, and suitable for a variety of musical styles.

What amplifier should I get for a beginner bass?

Look for a small, practice-friendly amp with at least 10–20 watts. Brands like Fender, Blackstar, and Hartke offer affordable models that deliver great tone at low volume. Some even include built-in tuners or headphone outputs for quiet practice.

Learn more about bass guitar with Bryan

Choosing your first bass guitar is a big step — but you don’t have to go it alone. Bryan helps beginners build confidence, develop solid technique, and discover the bass gear that fits their goals and playing style. Get in touch to start your guitar journey.