The Ultimate List of Bass Guitars Under US $200 – 2024
Bass guitars are an essential part of every musician’s collection. They are also a big investment, especially if you want to get a high quality instrument. If you’re looking to buy a bass guitar under 200 dollars, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of basses that exist, their features and how to choose the best bass guitar for you.
Top 8 Bass Guitars Under $200 2021
The Ibanex TMB100 is a decent starter guitar that offers a lot of value for the price. If you are new to the world of guitars, then this is a great choice. You can find it on Amazon right now for around $150-$170 depending on where you live in the US or Canada. This makes it one of the best values available today.
If you’re looking for a bass guitar that’s affordable, has a solid tone, and is built to last, then the Squier by Fender Bronco bass guitar is a great choice. The Squier by Fender has been around for quite awhile now, and it’s still one of the most popular bass guitars out there. It’s also a great option if you want to get into playing bass guitar without spending too much money.
If you want to get into playing guitar, then this is the perfect instrument for you. The Dean Edge bass guitar is an electric bass guitar that comes with a singular single-coil pickup which are designed to produce rich tones. This model was made from maple wood and it features a rosewood fretboard along with gold hardware. In addition, there are three chrome-plated brass frets on top of each string. There is no doubt about it – if you’re looking for a great quality bass guitar under 200 dollars, then look no further than the Dean Edge.
This Rogue LX200B Series III electric bass guitar was made by hand using only top-quality materials. Its construction makes this instrument sturdy enough to withstand heavy playing sessions without any damage. If you are looking for a reliable electric bass guitar then this one might just fit your needs!
The JS2 is a great choice if you want to play jazz music. It is an ideal instrument for anyone who wants to learn how to play jazz music. This guitar will help you get started on your journey towards becoming a professional musician!
The Yamaha TRBX174 is an electric bass guitar that has been designed to give players the ability to play their favorite songs using only their hands. It comes equipped with a full set of features that allow you to easily play chords and notes while also being able to switch between different tunings.
If you’re looking for a good sounding bass guitar in this budget range then look no further than the Ibanez GRSM20 Electric Bass Guitar.With its solid build quality, excellent playability and powerful tonal characteristics, the GRSM 20 will give you years of enjoyment. This is one of the best value for money guitars out there – and we can ensure that you get a lot of bang for your buck here. If you can find cheaper models they will surely not have as many features on them like this one does.
A good bass guitar should have a solid build quality, but it also needs to be comfortable to play. This Luna TAT30 electric bass guitar checks both boxes. Its mahogany body construction gives this instrument a nice weight without being too heavy. You can easily move around while playing on stage or in your home studio. The mahogany wood tone produces warm tones that are perfect for blues rock music.
Follow Up
1. Ibanez TMB100 – The Versatile Choice
- Brand: : Ibanez
- Material: : Mahogany, Basswood, Maple, and Rosewood
- Weight: : 11 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : Simple and straightforward – you get the most out of what you pay for
The Ibanez TMB 100 is an entry level electric bass guitar that comes with a mahogany body and maple neck. It has a single cutaway design and features a rosewood fretboard. It also has a 24 inch scale length and a standard set of strings. In our opinion, the Ibanez TMB100 is definitely worth your time and effort. We think that anyone who is serious about learning how to play guitar will love this guitar because of its simplicity yet high-quality feel. It may not seem like much compared to other more expensive options, but we believe that any musician who buys this guitar will quickly realize why it was so cheap. On top of being affordable, the Ibanez TB100 also provides good bang for buck. Its solid tone woods make it easy to produce clear notes without having to use too much volume. Plus, it sounds really nice even though it only costs less than $200. So basically, if you are someone who likes to save money while still getting something that feels good in your hands, then you should give the Ibanez TB100 a shot.
- Great price point
- Great tone wood
- High quality feel
- May prove limiting after a while once skill scales up
- Tone wood may prove to be a bit basic sounding
- Scale length may not be for everyone
2. Squier Affinity Bronco Bass – The Beginner Choice
- Material: : Ash wood
- Brand: : Fender
- Weight: : 9 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : great aesthetic, luscious warm tone, amazing sound projection
The Squier by Fender Bronco Bass comes equipped with an EMG 85/85 humbucker pickup set up, which gives it a very warm sound. This means that when you turn on your amp, you’ll be able to hear all the details from your instrument. With the pickups being so loud, they don’t need any EQing. In fact, the only thing you should do is adjust the volume control. You shouldn’t have to mess with anything else because everything will come through just fine. The neck features a rosewood fretboard with 22 medium jumbo frets. There are Grover tuning machines located at the headstock, and the bridge saddle is adjustable, allowing you to change its height depending on what kind of music you like to play. This model doesn’t include a pickguard, but it does feature a hardshell case. And since it’s made of plastic, it won’t break easily. That said, it isn’t designed to withstand heavy abuse either, so keep that in mind before buying. Overall though, it’s a good-looking bass guitar that looks nice sitting next to other instruments on stage.
- Great price point
- Luscious warm and deep tones
- Well put together build
- Some may still prefer the mahogany sound and tone over this
- It may prove limiting once you get good at playing the bass
3. Dean Edge 09 – The Highly Playable Choice
- Brand: : Dean
- Material: : Basswood
- Weight: : 9 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : Maximum playability given the shape, set up, and build
The Dean Edge bass guitar has been around for quite a while now and has become a staple in the music world. It is known for its unique design and is also used by musicians such as John Mayer, Mark Knopfler and Paul McCartney. Its solid spruce top wood gives it great sustain and tone quality. If you like jazz or blues style music, then this is definitely one of the best guitars for beginners because of its versatility. The Dean Edge bass guitar’s mahogany body helps add to its overall sound quality. The sole pickup on the neck allows the bass to give off different sounds depending on what note you play. These include a single coil pickup and a humbucker. Both these pickups come pre-wired with volume controls and they are located under each saddle.
- The tonewood used on the body and top is astounding
- The construction is top notch
- The tone wood may not be fitting for others
- Some may want a bridge pickup too
4. Rogue LX200B Series III Bass – A Performative Choice
- Brand: : Rogue
- Material: : Rosewood, Maple, and Basswood
- Weight:: 10.25 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : Gorgeous cutaway below the neck to provide comfort and reach to higher frets
Rogue has been making electric bass guitars since the 1970’s. They have their own unique style and sound. The Rogue LX200B series III electric bass guitar is a solid body electric bass guitar that is designed to be played at loud volumes. It features a maple neck with rosewood fretboard and a 24 frets. The Rogue LX200B series III electric bass guitar comes with a 5-way pickup system and a chrome hardware finish. It also includes an adjustable bridge and a hardshell case. This model can play in standard tuning or drop D tuning, which gives it versatility for different styles of music.
- Astounding wiring system involved
- Great pickup inclusion and set up
- Wise inclusion of a cutaway
- The colors are too bright and may put off some people
- Some may opt for a simpler bass setup
5. Jackson Spectra Bass JS2 – The Aesthetic Choice
- Brand: : Jackson
- Material: : Mahogany
- Weight: : 11 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : Multiple pickup set up for full tonal exploration
The Jackson Spectra bass JS2 has been designed to give you the ultimate playing experience. The JS2 features a solid mahogany body and maple neck with a rosewood fingerboard. The Jackson Spectra JS2 also comes equipped with a set of Seymour Duncan JB-1 Jazz Bass pickups. With its unique design, this guitar is sure to turn heads wherever it goes! This great-looking instrument will surely be an asset for your next musical performance. It’s made by Japanese craftsmen who are experts at making quality guitars that last a lifetime. If you’re searching for a high-quality electric bass guitar for under 200 dollars, then look no further than the Jackson Spectra JS2. It is built for all styles, from rockabilly to jazz fusion. It’s got that classic look that will make it an instant favorite in your collection.
- Great build quality
- Great pickup inclusions
- Flexible circuitry installed
- Some players may not appreciate the tone it delivers
- Some people may want to opt for a simpler set up on a guitar
- Some players may opt for a more contemporary shape on a bass
6. Yamaha TRBX174 – The All-Around Choice
- Brand: : Yamaha
- Material: : Mahogany
- Weight: : 11 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : It gives quite an extended level of playability given its pickups and circuitry
The Yamaha TRBX174 has a solid mahogany body with a maple neck. It also has a rosewood fingerboard that offers excellent tone quality. The bridge is adjustable and has a floating saddle that makes it easier to play. The strings are nickel silver and have a nut width of 0.010 inches. With its compact design, the Yamaha TRBX 174 is ideal for playing at home or even on stage. It has a built-in pickup system that allows you to plug it into your amplifier and start playing immediately. The Yamaha TRBRX174 has a scale length of 25 inches. It weighs 6 pounds and measures 14.5 x 9.5 x 4 inches. It comes with a hardshell case that protects the instrument during transport.
- Great, approachable price point
- Never-go-wrong build quality
- Classic aesthetic
- May be too complex for some
- People may prefer a more approachable bass shape
- People may opt for a non-mahogany tone
7. Ibanez GSRM20 – The Choice for Small Hands
- Brand: : Ibanez
- Material: : Mahogany
- Weight: : 6.8 pounds
- Outstanding feature:: Packs quite a punch for the price point
Ibanez GRSM20 is a new bass guitar model that has been designed to meet the needs of musicians who want a high quality instrument at an affordable price. GSRM20 features a mahogany body and neck with maple fretboard. The body and neck are joined together using a bolt-on construction. The sound hole is covered with a rosewood panel. The bridge is made of chrome plated brass. The hardware is made of black nickel silver. This electric bass comes equipped with Fishman Aura electronics system that includes 3 band EQ, 2 channel compressor/limiter, tuner and reverb effects unit. This gives you plenty of options for your tone shaping. It also comes with hardshell case which protects it against any damage during transportation or storage.
- Relatively lightweight
- Great appointments – especially the pickup system
- Superb sound quality and build
- People may opt for a simpler set up and build
- The scale length and short neck may prove restrictive for some
- The tonewood may not be for everyone to enjoy
8. Luna Tattoo Short Scale Electric Bass – The Well-Designed Choice
- Brand: : Luna
- Material: : Mahogany
- Weight:: 4 pounds
- Outstanding feature: : Great aesthetics that only Luna provides
The Luna TAT30 electric guitar is an affordable alternative to other high-end guitars. It has a mahogany body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard. The Luna TAT30 is equipped with a Fishman electronics system that includes a built-in tuner, and volume control. You may not notice much difference between the Luna TAT30 tattoo mahogany electric bass guitar and more expensive models. But one thing that sets this model apart is its Fishman electronic tuning system. A lot of higher end guitars use active systems and these types of devices require batteries which make them cumbersome to carry around. In comparison, the Luna TAT30 uses passive pickups that work off magnetic fields. No external power source is required. This allows you to take advantage of these pickup designs anywhere. The mahogany neck provides excellent comfort when strumming chords. Since there’s no metal frets, you won’t experience any discomfort from sharp strings cutting into your fingers. The mahogany fingerboard feels smooth against your fingertips as well. Overall, the Luna TAT20T Tattoo Mahogany Bass Guitar has all the right elements needed to create an outstanding musical performance- the only downside is that the brand is still not that famous so it has yet to gain trust and an audience.
- Great finish and sound
- Amazing build and build quality
- Great aesthetic
- People may opt for more peculiar tonewoods
- People may opt for a more complex pickup system
- People may want a different finish/decal
Tips
There are several different types of bass guitars out there, each with its own set of features. The first thing you should consider is whether you’re interested in a solid body or hollow body bass guitar. Solid body basses are generally heavier and louder than hollow bodies. However, they are less portable and require a larger amplifier.
Hollow body basses are lighter and smaller than solid body models. They are also easier to transport and use smaller amplifiers.
Next, you should think about what style of music you play. Are you into jazz, rock, blues, metal, etc.? Each type of music has its own particular sound and style. Some bassists prefer playing funk and soul while others enjoy playing heavy rock. You may even be able to find a specific model designed specifically for your favorite genre.
If you like experimenting with new sounds, try finding a bass guitar with multiple pickups. This will allow you to switch between single coil and humbucker pickups depending on which tone you need at any given moment.
Lastly, make sure you know how to tune your bass correctly before buying it. It can take some time to learn but once you do, it will become second nature. Once you have mastered tuning, you can start thinking about other aspects such as fretboard design, neck construction, bridge saddles, strings, tuners, and more.
What To Expect From A Bass Guitar Under $200
The most important aspect of choosing a bass guitar isn’t necessarily the price tag; rather, it’s knowing exactly what kind of player you are. For example, if you plan on using your bass exclusively for practicing alone, then a cheaper model might work just fine. But if you intend to perform live, then you’ll probably want something better built.
In addition to these factors, here are some tips for selecting a suitable bass:
1) Choose a bass based on your budget. There are many great options available for players who spend around $100-$300. These include Fender Jazzmaster, Gibson Les Paul Standard, Ibanez RG500, Yamaha FG700SX, and Epiphone Thunderbird.
2) Consider the size of the room where you’ll store your bass. Smaller rooms won’t accommodate large bass instruments so look for one that fits well within those dimensions. Also keep in mind that the bigger the bass, the longer the setup process will likely be.
3) Look closely at the finish of the bass. Do not settle for anything cheap! Make sure all parts of the instrument are smooth and free from imperfections.
4) Check the frets carefully. Ideally, they shouldn’t show signs of wear or damage. Take care when moving them up and down because they could easily slip off during performance.
5) Ask yourself why you’d want a double-necked bass? Is it simply aesthetic or does it offer additional functionality? If aesthetics are your primary concern, then go ahead and get whatever looks good to you. Otherwise, read our guide to Double Neck Guitars to see if this would benefit you.
6) Think about the number of notes you’ll be hitting. Most beginner players choose an electric bass because it offers greater versatility. Electric basses typically come equipped with four strings. In contrast, acoustic basses usually only feature three strings, although some newer designs now provide two sets of five strings.
7) Finally, ask yourself if you really need a bass amp. Many beginners assume they must purchase their own amplification system, but this is rarely necessary. Instead, invest in quality headphones since you’ll be spending hours upon hours listening to your tunes.
Upon Closer Inspection
To make the visualization a bit clearer, we decided to call out each feature per bass guitar -so you can easily sort through makes and models that we have presented depending on the specific feature you want!
Right off the bat, it’s pretty clear that the tonewood is the key element in making or breaking ther bass’ sound. The most commonly used tonewood is Mahogany for most guitar-like instruments, and you can check it out on the Ibanez TMB100, Jackson Spectra Bass JS2, Yamaha TRBX174, Ibanez GSRM20, and the Luna Tattoo Short Scale Electric Bass. Some other bass guitars also make use of basswood (which can be seen on the Rogue LX200B and the Dean Edge 09) and ash wood (which can be seen on the Squier Affinity Bronco Bass). The most stark difference between the bass guitars’ tonewoods are from the tone, sound projection, and response – with mahogany offering a bright, punchy tone that manages to majestically bring out the low end by offering a bit of mid-range to the front.
Another thing to look for is the scale length, as players with small hands like bass guitars with shorter necks for comfort and ease of use. You can notice this on the Luna Tattoo Short Scale Electric Bass and the Ibanez GSRM20. Pickup options are also taken into consideration, with most bass guitars provide complex setup for wider tonal range, and this can be seen on the Rogue LX200B and the Jackson Spectra Bass JS2.
The body shape is almost always put in question, as a well-scooped lower cutaway offers greater access to higher frets. This can be seen specifically on the Rogue LX200B.
Lastly is the finish and decals, which only offer great aesthetics to the bass. This can easily be seen through the Luna Tattoo Short Scale Electric Bass’ tattoo decals all over its body.
Verdict
Let’s circle back and talk about our top 3 bass guitars under $200, the Ibanez TMB100, the Squier Affinity Bronco Bass, and the Dean Edge 09.
First off the list is the Ibanez TMB100, a great bass guitar for starters looking to learn. The price point is great, there’s nothing too intimidating about it, and it manages to get the job done in flying colors – three of the most important things one may want to look for when buying a guitar under $200.
Up next is the Squier Affinity Bronco Bass, which takes Fender’s affordable line (Squier) to be a strong and solid competitor with most affordable bases in the market. The Squier Affinity Bronco manages to perform astoundingly despite being affordable, not to mention the fact that it has a great number of appointments, it feels nice to play on, and the sound quality is just superb. How can you even go wrong with a Fender, right?
Lastly, we have the Dean Edge 09, one of the rarer entries. The Dean Edge 09 also offers simplistic designs, great tonewoods, and great build quality. While it may seem limiting to an extent, it’s the straightforwardness of the guitar itself that makes it a charming entry and addition to the list.
We do hope you get to have your fill on bass guitars under $200 with this quick bit and we wish you find yourself the electric bass guitar that you seek! Moreover, this list has only been but a guide so feel free to still follow your heart and go for that bass guitar that you feel like you’d have the most fun of making music with. At the end of the day, what really matters is that you have the time of your life with your instrument, making beautiful sounds that are sure to last a lifetime.