The bass guitar is a stringed instrument which is quite analogous in appearance and creation to that of electric guitars. We are going to discuss about the best bass guitar reviews and brands in this article after a very brief introduction.
Contents
Top 10 Best Bass Guitars – All Categories
 | Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass |  (5 / 5) | Check Price |
 | ESP LTD Tommy Stinson Signature TS-4 |  (4.9 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Ibanez SRFF805 Multi Scaling | (5 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Yamaha BB Series Handcrafted | (5 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Schecter Stiletto Studio-6 | (5 / 5) | Check Price |
 | ESP LTD B Series B-205 | (4.9 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Schecter Omen Extreme-4 |  (4.8 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Godin A4 Ultra Fretless | (5 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Squier by Fender Jaguar Short Scale Beginner Bass Guitar Pack |  (4.7 / 5) | Check Price |
 | Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Jaguar Special | (4.7 / 5) | Check Price |
Brief History on Bass Guitars
In the 1930s, artist and creator Paul Tutmarc from Seattle, Washington, who was producing lap steel guitars, built up the main electric string bass in its present day frame, an instrument with a fret body intended to be played on a level plane
The four-string bass, the most well-known, is generally tuned the same as the twofold or double bass which relates to pitches one octave lower than the four lowest pitched strings of a guitar (E, A, D, and G). The bass guitar also known as low register guitar is a transposing instrument, as it is documented in bass clef an octave greater than it usually sounds, quite similar to that of the double bass, in order to maintain a strategic distance from over the top ledger lines. In case you’re in a dilemma as to how to make a single choice from an ocean of the best bass guitar brands, take a look at the best bass guitar reviews and brands.
It is now time to go into the crux of the featured attributes of the bass guitars and check the reviews so that you are confident with the choice you are going to make.
Bass Guitars For Beginners (View Full List)
Squier by Fender Jaguar Short Scale Beginner Bass Guitar Pack
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The small size of this bass guitar can appear excruciating at the beginning; however, it is especially ideal for beginners of any age. The 30 inches scale length is something that makes the fret board and the entire instrument so conveniently usable. The neck is a very significant part of a guitar and if you have that intact and in the right place, in the right order, half of your work is done. The small neck of this guitar facilitates convenient fret notes and comfortable plus smooth production of sounds. The narrow neck enhances the promptness of the instrument, which is also caused partially owing to the presence of the relatively shorted length of scale of the Jaguar bass.
Bass Guitars Under $1000 (View Full List)
Fender Steve Harris Precision Bass
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This bass guitar is enigmatic since it does everything a usual bass stringed guitar does, but with a unique twist. This model is Fender’s one of the topmost masterpieces. The body of this instrument is glossed with polyester and the neck is U shaped. The thick rear portion of the bass guitar initiates quickness and power in the production of diversified notes. Although the U shaped neck might look troublesome, it is quite helpful as the wood that it is made up of enables you in bringing the sound with minimal effort. The magnificence of the hardware is enhanced by the presence of the high mass bridge which manages the sustenance of the instrument. Also, the great vintage style elevates the good looks of the guitar.
ESP LTD Tommy Stinson Signature TS-4
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This guitar too has LTD tunes and open front and near active pickups which is because of the presence of stringed body and vintage tuners. It has a maple neck and fingerboard made of rosewood. It is indeed worth the bucks since it produces thunderous sound and looks equally good. The bone nut adds durability to the fret and the sturdy hardware has immense fit and finish. The neck is slightly U-shaped because of which you might have difficulty in adjusting or setting up the entire instrument, but once it is done, you will love the performance of the guitar. The EMG pups of the bass are highly adaptable and not a single customer has complained about it till date.
Bass Guitars Under $500 (View Full List)
ESP LTD B Series B-205
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The pickups are pretty passive in the ESP series bass guitars along with an extra U neck contour. The greatest advantage of this series pack is that you get an extra hard shell case model which is sold separately whenever you are in dire need of it. You must be aware of what LTD electronics are capable of doing. Well, ESP bass guitars are available with LTD tuners which help in the creation of stringed body bridges, thereby controlling the volume. The 24 jumbo frets that come in excess also do the major work in the production of distinguishable notes. If you are used to playing or listening to the tunes produced by LTD, you will be in all praise of this bass guitar.
Schecter Omen Extreme-4
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The typical diamond bass bridge and Schechter tuners enhance and facilitate the active pickups of the instrument. You do not get the chance to question the authenticity and longevity of the above instrument since it comes with a limited lifetime guarantee, yet with great service. If you are looking for modern music, this would definitely serve your purpose. It has a bolted neck which maximizes the grandeur; also the knobs are well fitted and not too heavy. Unlike other bass guitars, it does not have the tendency of drooping. Only issue you might face is the strings becoming flat on the fret board for awhile because of which the bass becomes unplayable.
Cheap Bass Guitars Under $200 (View Full List)
Squier by Fender Vintage Modified Jaguar Special
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This being one of the Fender’s greatest creations, is a single coiled jazz bridge which has active pickups and is also paired with a slightly split bass pickup along with single precisions coils. The circuit is available with two volumes which has high powered boost controls and can control the amount of amplification or loudness as well. There are 20 medium sized jumbo frets which do not require further adjustments. There are wrenches which reduce your work load as they are capable of adjusting bridge, saddle and the truss rods. There is involvement of minimal effort and action since the neck is straight and there are spot on intonations. The neck profile will give you the feeling of a jazz bass which is simply insane!
5 String Bass Guitars (View Full List)
Ibanez SRFF805 Multi Scaling
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This is the most distinctive and easily recognizable guitar under the category of Ibanez because of its hard-tail bridge and locking tremolo system which is the basic RG precision instrument. The frets which are subjected to multi-scaling produce alive and open tunes or notes. Customers worldwide have spoken highly of this extremely powerful machine which is reputed for its high performances and great speed and strength. It is particularly a G stringed bass guitar which is expandable about 35.5 in the initial low B. Needless to say, this multi-scaling instrument is pretty versatile and resourceful and the excellent strings can create marvelous isolations. Intonations and transferences with regard to vibrations are the reasons why this bass stands out amongst many.
Yamaha BB Series Handcrafted
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The diagonal body of this vintage bass guitar initiates front and near open face pickups. The neck is made of maple and NATO with a subtle nickel silver cut which clearly proves that it is a plain brilliant bass. You can raise the question of the absence of active electronic in this particular bass, but once you begin using it, you will enjoy the great quality, setup, finish and soothing neck of such a passive instrument. If you’re in quest of a versatile bass with least complications, don’t hesitate choosing this. This acoustic bass guitar produces sonorous sounds and the simplicity with which it controls and manages both classic and modern style music is worth praise.
6 String Bass Guitars (View Full List)
Schecter Stiletto Studio-6
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This mahogany carved instrument has EMG hertz pickups which are superb. It comes with a brilliant diamond customized bridge and the featured long scales plus very fast neck-through fret board are excellent. The hardware finish is sharp and chromatic; only issue that could arise is the instrument’s extensive weight. Regardless of the fact as to how less convenient it is to handle and play 6 stringed guitars, this specific bass guitar doesn’t follow the same ideology. It is quite handy and because of its enormous power, it produces brilliant notes and isolations. The sudden vibration transferences and amplified notes will never make you question the authenticity of this electrifying electric bass guitar.
Acoustic Bass Guitars (View Full List)
Godin A4 Ultra Fretless
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The customized RKM electronics facilitates the functioning of 13 pin synchronization which is an outstanding existing feature for an acoustic bass guitar. The tone knobs are mounted sideways by which you can adjust the volumes and the lace sensors detect them. This can make your task feasible and you can focus completely on playing. The fretboard is quite sturdy because of the ebony texture and it has a brilliant pickup corresponding to the magnetic sounding piezo. The fingerboard is excellent. Have you ever wondered how unique and convenient it would be to use a fretless instrument? Stop wondering because here is that instrument which will prove the power of words and actions to you.
Comparisons
So far we have gone through the best bass guitars reviews and brands to give you an idea about which one to select. If you are yet in a dilemma as to which bass guitar brand to choose, go through the bass guitar buying guide given below:
- Budget and Motive- Bass guitars differ broadly in quality and value, so before you begin shopping, decide the amount you need to spend. For novices uncertain of their ability or devotion to figure out how to play the bass, there are some great, moderate “starter” basses. These instruments are normally playable and will work well for a bassist through the early phases of learning and performing with the instrument. Be that as it may, more experienced or committed players might need to set their sights somewhat higher and put resources into a bass guitar with wealthier tone woods, better gadgets, and updated equipment. A higher-quality bass will sound better, can rest easy and serve a performer longer.
- Construction of bass- Do good research work before purchasing and try to get informative stuff such as the size or shape of the neck which is the most important part of a guitar, the headstock, the fret board, the bass scale lengths and the truss rod which will prevent the neck from bending or getting distorted.
- Numbers of strings- Chalk down the pros and cons of the number of strings prior to purchasing a bass guitar. While four strings are ideal for beginners and are perfect for all musical styles, five or six strings give the instrument a deeper range. However, four stringed guitars are more feasible to be played and managed.
- Tone Woods- The type of body plays an important factor if you’re looking for a specific sound from your instrument or expecting balanced notes and tunes from it.
Look below to know which best guitar brand suits your conditions.
Distinction between Schechter Omen Extreme Guitar and Ibanez Electric Bass Guitar
Schechter manufactures one of the best black electrical guitars whose grandeur is elevated owing to the six strings in black cherry hue which is further topped with a quilt. The bass guitar of Ibanez, on the other hand comes with four strings with an amazing dark black color. It is available with not more than 22 frets, the body of whose board is conventionally carved out of rosewood.
- The Ibanez guitar produces the best rock music ever; on the contrary, the Schechter electric guitar will offer distortions to music which are quite beneficial in certain genre like pop. The latter also has the potential of holding on to the tune for a really long time.
- The crank knob however produces a buzz sound in case of the Ibanez bass guitar and you need to constantly keep your fingers rigid on the frets in order to avoid the buzzing noise. The Schechter electric guitar has brilliant sounds with even better diversities. In case of distortions, you have the provision of pulling in or pushing the chords which will impart smoother and soothing sound.
- The marvelous cutout of the fret board in the electric guitar can produce not only metal or rock music, but also jazz and pop. This is one of the greatest features of an electric guitar which clearly, the bass guitar of Ibanez lacks.
- Both have the provisions of being fitted to an amplifier or a speaker, however, when it comes to the electric guitar, one requires tweaking up the amplifier slightly prior to plugging in the guitar.
What are the basic differences between electric guitars and bass guitars with regard to Yamaha and Fender Steve Harris?
Both the instruments of the aforementioned brands are extremely powerful, not difficult to be afforded and easily playable. Let us go through the basic distinguishable features between these two top quality bass guitars:
- Assembling the parts, setting up the guitar and its equipments of Yamaha is a pretty easy going and a trouble free task owing to the simple and convenient two-neck adjustments. On the other hand, Fender’s Signature electric bass has a U shaped maple which also comes in two pieces, but it is slightly complicated to set up and position the equipments of this instrument owing to its size and shape.
- The body finish is of gloss polyester and gloss urethane comprises the entire texture of the body in the Fender’s guitar; however, the Yamaha bass has a specially designed and planned X type braced texture which helps in elevating the resonance in the body along with the natural tone that is reverberating from the instrument.
- Adjustable mid range frequency changer and detailed chromatic tuner are two of the most well know aspects of the BB series handcrafted guitar from Yamaha whereas Fender electric bass is popular for its Fender massive mass, one ply chrome and the stamped opening gear which is designed in a unique vintage manner.
The reviews, the factors responsible for the choice of purchasing a bass guitar and the illustrative examples of the best bass guitar brands along with their distinctions should have changed your outlook. So, you must have made up your mind by now as to which best bass guitar you would love to house!