Are you looking for the Playing Bass Guitar By Ear? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Choosing the Playing Bass Guitar By Ear can be difficult as there are so many considerations, such as Glarry, Fender, Ibanez, Jackson, Yamaha, Sterling, Music Man. We have done a lot of research to find the top 20 Playing Bass Guitar By Ear available.
The average cost is $351.35. Sold comparable range in price from a low of $16.80 to a high of $849.99.
Based on the research we did, we think Ibanez TMB100 Talman Electric Bass Guitar (Tri-Fade Burst) is the best overall. Read on for the rest of the great options and our buying guide, where you can find all the information you need to know before making an informed purchase.
20 Best Selling Playing Bass Guitar By Ear (20 Sellers)
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Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durability . Heavy
Features:
- Maple neck with jatoba fingerboard
- White dot inlay
- Medium frets
$249.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Well made . Durability . Heavy
Features:
- Mahogany body
- Maple neck with jatoba fingerboard
- White dot inlay
$849.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Well made . Durable . Lightweight
Features:
- Fast playability
- The p-bass sound
- Great looks
$229.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Lightweight . Attractive . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Guitar has new ernie ball strings.
- Battery works.
- Electronics work.
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Lightweight . Attractive . Well made . Durable
Features:
- Jatoba has a reddish brown color which produces a rich mid range with a crisp high end.
- B10 bridge.
- The b10 bridge allows fully adjustable intonation and solid tuning stability.
$829.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Scale length: 35" (889 mm)
- Fingerboard radius: 12"-16" compound radius
- Fingerboard material: laurel
$309.00
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Mahogany body
- Sr4 5pc maple/rosewood neck with rosewood fretboard
- Powerspan dual coil neck and bridge pickups
Features:
- Tab licks and bass lines
- Bass fingerboard chart
- Complete chord chart
Features:
- Publisher: hal leonard publishing corporation
- Publisher date: 01/01/2016
- Dimensions: 30.23 x 22.61 x 1.02 centimetres
Features:
- Develop solid rhythm and timing
- Build scales and modes into great bass lines
- Play a ton of grooves in a variety of styles
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Good sound quality . Durable . Well made . Weight
Features:
- The bass has an alder body; the thin one-piece c-shaped maple neck has a maple fingerboard with black binding and black rectangular position markers.
- The two vintage jazz bass single-coil pickups crackle with life and bristle with the energy.
- Other features include chrome hardware, vintage-style tuners and a custom high-mass fender bridge.
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Durable . Good sound quality . Well made . Lightweight
Features:
- Single ‘50s p bass split-coil pickup
- “’50s p bass c”-shaped maple neck; 7. 25”-radius fingerboard with 20 vintage-style frets
- Alder body
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Lightweight . Durability . Well made . Attractive
Features:
- Nice bass for beginner, or whatever your need!
- May have to be setup to your needs (i have not set action or intonation).
- Does not come with a case or gigbag.
$229.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Lightweight . Well made . Durability
Features:
- Agathis body
- One-piece maple neck
- Pearl dot inlay
$229.99
4.8
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Heavy . Attractive . Well made . Durable
Features:
- While talman basses normally have the more common 34” “long-scale” neck, the tmb30 offers a “short-scale” 30” neck
- The shorter neck is often preferred by players of smaller stature who find a long-scale instrument to be unwieldy
- It is also a favorite of guitarists who double on bass— the shorter scale having a feel closer to that of an electric guitar
$199.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Attractive . Lightweight . Sound quality . Craftsmanship . Durability
Features:
- Color:weathered black | size:weathered black
- Bridge: j controls tone control: x 1
- Volume control: x 2 switching none
$349.99$299.99
4.6
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Heavy . Durable . Well made
Features:
- Basswood body
- Bolt-on maple neck, 21 medium jumbo frets
- Low-noise humbucking pickup, 2-band eq
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Attractive . Heavy . Durability . Well made
Features:
- This item is in very good condition.
- This item has been tested and is 100% functional.
- Please message us with any questions.
Reviewers Noted:
Good sound quality . Attractive . Durability . Weight . Craftsmanship
Features:
- Comfortable body with progressive styling
- P/j pickup arrangement for a universe of great bass tones
- Yamaha quality, through and through
$599.99
4.7
Reviewers Noted:
Sound quality . Weight . Durability . Attractive . Craftsmanship
Features:
- The frets and neck are in perfect shape.
- This bass not only plays great, but sounds even better.
- This bass does not include case or bag.
1. Ibanez Tmb100 Talman Electric Bass Guitar (Tri-Fade Burst)
Product Details:
The talman bass standard series ibanez tmb100 is an electric bass featuring a poplar body in a tri fade burst finish. its bolt-on tmb4 maple neck is fitted with a 20-fret jatoba fingerboard with white dot inlay. the solid single-cutaway body delivers resonance and sustain while the tmb4 neck is smooth and fast, bolstering playability for the most demanding players. the dynamix dxp neck pickup and dxj bridge pickup offer a hefty, classic sound. the bass features two dual-concentric knobs with one knob offering a 2-band active eq that provides boost and cut over the treble and bass frequencies. the second knob offers control over master volume and balance. additionally, the tmb100 is fitted with chrome hardware, including a b10 bridge.
Specifications:
| Shape | Not specified |
| Wood | Maple |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 34" |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Finish | Satin |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Pickup configuration | SS |
| Neck | Dynamix P |
| Bridge | Dynamix J |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Active preamp | Yes |
| Special electronics | 2-band EQ |
| Radius | 240 mm |
| Fret size | Medium |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.625" (41.3 mm) |
| Cutaway | Double cutaway |
| Construction | Solidbody |
| Body wood | Poplar |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Control layout | Master volume, blend 2-band EQ |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Stoptail |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickguard | Yes |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
I bought this bass because a friend had one that worked great and played great and I loved it. When I purchased mine I had it sent to my house. 5 days later and it comes in with busted knobs and I had to take it in for a refund. They had another in stock and I took it home. Well the second is busted too. Huge disappointment considering how much I enjoy playing this bass. Absolutely unreliable and I won't be getting a third one.James
With a setup, this bass is WELL worth its price. The nut width isn't as narrow as I'd prefer, I'm more used to the size of the Jazz bass, but this still plays quite nicely for me. While taking inspiration from many classic instruments, the style manages to be unique, and the bass always gets compliments at shows. Controls are easy enough to become second nature quickly, pots turn nice and smooth, and the selector, treble, and bass knobs all have nice tactile notches at their halfway points which is incredibly helpful. The only reason I took off half a star is the angle of the output jack is just super awkward if you typically use right-angle cables, which I do, and only a little less awkward if you don't. Also, not a reason to avoid buying the bass, but it must be said, CHANGE STRINGS IMMEDIATELY!! This might be TMI, but the grooves in the stock strings would pull on my arm hairs EVERY TIME I rest my arm on the bass (and my mustache hairs when I'd give the bass a little kiss at night)
This beast of beauty is must have for people who like to play a bass with a different touch.. the touch is where it happens, it feels very good and it is very playable even for a guitarist like me, a real challenger this awesome Ibanez! the sound of the standard strings surprised me a lot! The sheer power tone and bizarre sustain almost too much.. it just keeps on going haha! The sound settings are all very noticeable adjustable and a good thing , i like the click in the middle of some pot settings so you know where they stand. it is a great help to create your sound. The six smooth twisting mechanics work like a dream, no play or other rattle is heard while playing this monster! I like it alot and i am very pleased with this beautifully build instrument.
2. Ibanez Tmb100 Electric Bass Guitar White
Product Details:
Features include a mahogany body for a warm, punchy tone, a maple neck with jatoba fretboard, a standard bridge and a tortoiseshell pickguard to complete the classic vibe. electronics consist of an ibanez dxp neck pickup and a dxj bridge pickup for that rich, vintage sound and a custom 2-band active eq for increased tonal options. case sold separately.
Specifications:
| Shape | Not specified |
| Wood | Maple |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 34 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Pickup configuration | SS |
| Neck | Dynamix P |
| Bridge | Dynamix J |
| Series or parallel | Parallel |
| Active preamp | Yes |
| Special electronics | 2-band EQ |
| Radius | 240 mm |
| Fret size | Medium |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut width | 1.625z' (41.3 mm) |
| Cutaway | Double cutaway |
| Construction | Solidbody |
| Body wood | Poplar |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Control layout | Master volume, blend 2-band EQ |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Stoptail |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickguard | Yes |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
| Year | 2015 – 2020 |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Yes |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
Reviews:
I bought this bass because a friend had one that worked great and played great and I loved it. When I purchased mine I had it sent to my house. 5 days later and it comes in with busted knobs and I had to take it in for a refund. They had another in stock and I took it home. Well the second is busted too. Huge disappointment considering how much I enjoy playing this bass. Absolutely unreliable and I won't be getting a third one.James
With a setup, this bass is WELL worth its price. The nut width isn't as narrow as I'd prefer, I'm more used to the size of the Jazz bass, but this still plays quite nicely for me. While taking inspiration from many classic instruments, the style manages to be unique, and the bass always gets compliments at shows. Controls are easy enough to become second nature quickly, pots turn nice and smooth, and the selector, treble, and bass knobs all have nice tactile notches at their halfway points which is incredibly helpful. The only reason I took off half a star is the angle of the output jack is just super awkward if you typically use right-angle cables, which I do, and only a little less awkward if you don't. Also, not a reason to avoid buying the bass, but it must be said, CHANGE STRINGS IMMEDIATELY!! This might be TMI, but the grooves in the stock strings would pull on my arm hairs EVERY TIME I rest my arm on the bass (and my mustache hairs when I'd give the bass a little kiss at night)
This beast of beauty is must have for people who like to play a bass with a different touch.. the touch is where it happens, it feels very good and it is very playable even for a guitarist like me, a real challenger this awesome Ibanez! the sound of the standard strings surprised me a lot! The sheer power tone and bizarre sustain almost too much.. it just keeps on going haha! The sound settings are all very noticeable adjustable and a good thing , i like the click in the middle of some pot settings so you know where they stand. it is a great help to create your sound. The six smooth twisting mechanics work like a dream, no play or other rattle is heard while playing this monster! I like it alot and i am very pleased with this beautifully build instrument.
3. Fender Player Precision Bass Maple Fingerboard Polar White
Product Details:
Theres nothing more classic than a fender electric bass, and the player precision bass is as authentic as it getsgenuine fender style and the rumbling, seismic sound that spawned a thousand imitations. with its smooth playing feel and spotlight-ready style, this thunderous bass is ready to enter the studio or prowl the stage and help show the world your creative vision. respecting heritage while maintaining innovative spirit, the fat, punchy player series split-coil precision bass middle pickup is packed with legendary fender bass tone, turned up to 11 for modern ears. master volume and tone controls are close to hand to shape the pickups powerful voice so you can easily craft your sound. the modern c-shaped maple necks hosts a 9.5-radius fingerboard with 20 medium-jumbo frets that are ideal for almost any playing style, while the 4-saddle bridge is engineered for accurate intonation and easy action adjustment so you can personalize the feel to your playing style and taste. other features include a 3-ply pickguard, synthetic bone nut, vintage-style disc string trees, open-gear tuning machines and a four-bolt f-stamped neck plate that marks this instrument as the real dealas fender as it gets. a modern classic with genuine fender sound, style and feel, the player precision bass is ready to pump out some serious low end. case sold separately.
Specifications:
| Shape | C |
| Wood | Maple |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 34 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Finish | Satin |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Pickup configuration | Split single-coil |
| Active preamp | No |
| Radius | 9.5 in. |
| Fret size | Medium-jumbo |
| Number of frets | 20 |
| Inlays | Dot |
| Nut material | Synthetic bone |
| Nut width | 1.625 in. (41.3 mm) |
| Cutaway | Double cutaway |
| Construction | Solidbody |
| Body wood | Alder |
| Top wood | Alder |
| Body finish | Gloss |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Control layout | Master volume, tone |
| Pickup switch | No |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Tone switching | No |
| Special switching | No |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | 4-Saddle adjustable |
| Tuning machines | Open-geared |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickguard | Yes |
| Country of origin | Mexico |
Reviews:
Its a little by chance what you get from mex. fenders in terms of craftsmanship and details. Mine has a little dent and a little gap between neck and body but it is sturdy. Fret work is not like americans. Tone wise and playability is good. I like the look of pau ferro wood. Neck shape is comfy not like 70s baseball bat p bass more like 70s j bass. The orange color is the reason i pick this one, fender changing colors every two three years so if you have this color in mind go for it. Much much better in real than pictures. Overall, if you need a good practice/little jamming bass its a good alternative. Instead of squiers go for this. I have sire as well, if you dont like/need active preamp simple is the best. Also, this new pickups are good, have good bass and midrange not scooped like some american pickups. One final thing, I've tried couple of player series before ordering this, some of them is not well at all in build quality. So, it is a little surprise what you get, check after you buy it and then decide to keep it or not. Have fun..
Purchased the Fender Player Jazz bass. Overall great looks and sound, but some quality issues from the Fender Mexico factory (not Andertons' fault): – First bass had very clear weird uneven blemish under the varnish on the sunburst body. Not awful, but if I was in-store I would never have chosen that particular item. Returned and swapped by Andertons, no quibbles. Second bass arrived. Overall happy, sounds great, but still a few issues with quality control and design. – Control plate was missing 2 screws and was moving around – how does that get through Fender quality control? Replacement screws sent free of charge by Andertons. – Nut has not been slotted correctly – high G must have been passed through a machine and slipped, string is clearly a couple of mm too close to fretboard edge and you can see the failed first pass. Doesn't really affect playability, but is annoying and I will get it corrected at some point. Again, points to poor quality control. – Fretboard (Pau Ferro) is really thin – on the Player series, at least. Neck fret dot markers in white are half over the mid-dark fretboard, half over the light maple neck. Very hard to see in low light levels. OK, so they're just an indicator for position, but the design isn't great. So overall, the bass sounds great and Andertons service was very good. Fender quality control loses the one star from the review.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
…and falls in love. Let me start by saying I actually have owned one other P-Bass. I had a 50s reissue Precision, but honestly the neck was just too thick for my liking after years of playing Jazz basses. Honestly, it felt thicker than the neck on my Yamaha 5-string. So, I picked this bass up after always dancing around getting what would be considered a more standard P-Bass. I have a 70s Jazz with a ton of modifications, I've had quite a few other brands of basses, but I wanted to see what the fuss was about. I ordered this a few weeks ago, and have been very pleasantly surprised. The action was pretty good out of the box. I adjusted it a bit, made a few tiny tweaks to the intonation, and now it's super smooth. And, on the pickups, let me say it's a great sounding bass. Pickups are clear, bass sounds great. I play through a little Ampeg Micro cabinet. Earlier this week, I bought some Flats to throw on it (because that's what you do with a P-bass, right?) and now it's quickly becoming one of my favorite instruments to jam with. It really cuts through the mix when playing in a group. I see why folks really love the sound of a precision. My Jazz still has it's place, but man, I really like the sound of this bass. The Player P is a great value for what you get. I've never owned an older MIM, but I research the heck out of pretty much any purchase I make, and it looks like Fender really stepped it up with this rendition of their MIM Precision basses. Good tone out of the box, no discernible pickup noise, good action, a beautiful neck, and a Tidepool Blue finish that just shines and shines.Dennis F
4. Ibanez Gsr200 Gio Electric Bass Guitar, Black
Product Details:
The ibanez gsr200 4-string bass is a hot little bass with nice balance and feel for a very friendly price. features an agathis body, super comfy one-piece maple neck, rosewood fretboard, pearl dot inlay, split-coil and single-coil pickup array, active eq with phat ii bass boost, chrome hardware, a fully adjustable bridge, and medium frets. color: black.
Specifications:
| Strings | 4 String |
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Right/Left Handed | Right-Handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Neck Type | Bolt-On GSR4 Maple Neck |
| Fretboard | Rosewood Fretboard with White Dot Inlay |
| Fret | Medium Frets |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Bridge | B10 Bridge (19mm String Spacing) |
| Neck Pickup | Std. P Neck Pickup (passive) |
| Bridge Pickup | Std. J Bridge Pickup (passive) |
| Equaliser | Phat Ii Eq |
| Factory Tuning | 1g, 2d, 3a, 4e |
| String Gauge | .045/.065/.085/.105 |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Cutaway | Double-Cutaway |
| Neck Scale | 864mm/34" |
| Neck Width at Nut | 41mm |
| Neck Width at Last Fret | 62mm |
| Neck Thickness at 1st | 21mm |
| Neck Thickness at 12th | 22mm |
| Neck Radius | 305mmR |
Reviews:
Ordered one of these (In Pearl White) because of a good experience with another one. Of course I had to do some set up to alleviate fret buzz, adjust neck, string height etc. Once it was set up to my liking and a fresh set of my gauge strings, this bass was ready for just about anything! I have used it for a couple of outdoor shows with medium and very large P.A support and the sound was very good overall. Through my stage amp, I was able to dial in a very usable sound quickly. The bass is very light weight .(Which helps those of us with back issues.) Yet is still able to get a decent tone. The bass I received was a newer model with a poplar body and a Jatoba fret board which still has the characteristics of rosewood (slightly lighter in color) with a hint of a maple type bite. Personally, I liked the overall sound with this particular fret board. Speaking of which, the fret board is very easy to play (when properly set up) with a smooth, fast neck. The electronics are decent enough although the "bass boost" knob should be used sparingly and judiciously just to add some deep flavor on occasion for certain styles. All in all, a pretty decent machine that can easily be used by beginners and seasoned pro's (ok, it won't match up with a "boutique bass" by any means but still a very usable product!) Very good value for the price!Heard the Bass
This bass is really amazing for the price of it. The neck is so smooth and a bit thinner than other regular bass, perfect for my small hands and the weight wow it is really light. the built quality is top notch. The sound is really good and you've got plenty of sound you can experiment with it. Overall it's an all rounder bass from beginners to pronelson c.
The Ibanez GSR 200 is one of the best "bang for your buck" basses on the market. They are made with excellent quality, lightweight wood, agathis, maple, rosewood. The onboard P/J pickups and electronics sound good. They play good out of the box but they play excellently if set up by a guitar tech. These were choice basses for many of the bass players supporting MWR tours. Musicians would take Ibanez GRS 200 basses on tour and raffle them off to service members on the last gig.matt4717
5. Ibanez Gsrm20 Mikro Short-Scale Electric Bass Guitar, Black
Product Details:
Small hands make big sounds with the ibanez mikros. these compact guitars have many of the features of their bigger counterparts. the ibanez mikro electric bass offers anyone who needs a compact axe or the comfort of a smaller neck (most especially young rockers) a real alternative to small bass guitars that are really only toys. short scale length of 28.6 inch, perfect for smaller hands. mahogany body. maple neck.
Specifications:
| Strings | 4 String |
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Right/left Handed | Right-handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Neck Type | Bolt-On Maple Neck |
| Neck Shape | GSR4 |
| Body Finish | Urethane |
| Fretboard | Rosewood Fretboard with White Dot Inlay |
| Fret | Medium Frets |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Bridge | B10 Bridge |
| Number of Pickups | 2 |
| Neck Pickup | Std. J Neck Pickup |
| Bridge Pickup | Std. J Bridge Pickup |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Cutaway | Double-cutaway |
| Controls | EQ, Volume, Tone, Volume |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Neck Scale | 726mm/28.6" |
| Neck Width at Nut | 38mm |
| Neck Width at Last Fret | 58.5mm |
| Neck Thickness at 1st | 21mm |
| Neck Thickness at 12th | 22mm |
| Neck Radius | 305mmR |
Reviews:
The Mikro bass plays, looks and sounds great. The extra-short scale length does not compromise the traditional bass tone it produces. I have played 6-string guitar for over 40 years, including many professional gigs and teaching. I own over a dozen topnotch guitars. But this is my first bass, and I chose Mikro on the recommendation of a trustworthy friend. I have been doing my own repair work on guitars for decades, and can say the Mikro bass is impressively well made, and arrived decently set up with new, good strings. Fret work, neck, nut, tuning machines, bridge, fingerboard, finish, electronics are all virtually flawless; and the tobacco sunburst color I chose looks really nice, with a "vintage" vibe. I replaced the stock chrome dome knobs (which are nice ones) with Gibson-style knobs so I can see numbers for volume and tone settings. I really like the tone of the Mikro, especially the "Precision" style pickup–the one closer to the neck, from which it's easy to get a classic P-bass tone in conjunction with the tone control, which also works great. Ibanez chose a great capacitor value for the tone knob. The bridge position ("Jazz" style) pickup is just OK–usable, and not bad, but nothing remarkable, and it's especially lackluster when used solo, without any of the P-style pickup dialed in. That is the only part of this bass, other than the knobs, I would consider upgrading in the near future (maybe also the potentiometers, but even those feel smooth and responsive out of the box). The satin-finish neck feels great, and is a breeze to play, even for someone like me, who is coming to the bass from years on guitar. The tuning stability of the Mikro is remarkably great. So the latest versions of the Mikro basses are a phenomenal bargain! I would not hesitate to recommend a Mikro to anyone considering moving from guitar to bass, or to someone with smaller hands. From what my bassist friends tell me, the Mikro is great for any bassist PERIOD.NYC Slide Guitarist trying bass
Overall: I've been playing for years, mostly Fenders, Tobias and a heavily modified Decca short scale from the 60s. This is my first Ibanez bass and I am blown away! I chose the brown burst finish, and took a chance on the "blemished" version. Been looking at it all day and I can't find any imperfection anywhere. Definitely wanted short scale, light weight and a fast neck, this one has all 3 and then some. Set up out of the box was close, very close, with only a slight fret buzz on the E string. A very small adjustment at the saddle took care of it. The stock pickups sound good, the tone knob has useful range, everything sounds quite good through everything I've played it through so far (Fender, Orange, antique Earth head, etc.). Overall, I couldn't be happier!Bryan
An utterly great bass overall. It's perfect for someone with a low budget, or someone who's new to learning bass. Also good for children or people with small hands since it's a short-scale. This was my first bass and I still play it a lot. Not only is it cheap, but it has a really good tone, a nice feel to it, and a beautiful orange finish (if that is the finish you chose). The only bad thing I have to say about this is that it got some fret buzz to it but in all honesty, it's not that bad. I love Ibanez basses, I own several and this one is absolutly great.Logan
6. Jackson X Series Spectra Bass Sbxp V – Transparent Purple Burst
Product Details:
With modern style, flexible tone and incomparable value, the jackson x series spectra bass sbxp v takes the adventurous player on a bold bass odyssey, launching a commanding all-new entry in jackson's formidable neck-through-body bass lineup. the offset spectra bass body style was innovatively designed with the gigging musician in mind. its poplar body with poplar burl top has a larger upper horn that evenly distributes weight throughout the instrument for perfect balance and playing comfort. the graphite-reinforced through-body maple neck with scarf joint creates formidable sustain, with a speed neck contour, 12"-16" compound radius bound laurel fingerboard and 24 frets for superior playability. the sbxp v provides a full-sonic spectrum for even the most versatile and progressive bassists. dual passive medium-output humbucking pickups create a dynamic foundation with punch, power and note articulation. wideranging tonal command comes from a two-way toggle switch for pickup coil splitting, 3-band active eq, blend control and volume control with push/pull selector to bypass or engage active circuit forthe 3-band eq. the push/pull selector eliminates the risk of losing sound due to a dead battery. a quick pull on the volume knob bypasses the active circuit, making it easy to regain sound from the bass without the use of battery power. this five-string, 35"-scale bass also features a himass hardtail bridge that enhances sustain and improves note attack. budget friendly and loaded with value, the x series spectra bass sbxp v comes in standout transparent purple burst with a unique 3×2 black headstock with understated "j" logo and black hardware.
Specifications:
| Body Finish | Satin |
| Body Shape | Spectra |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Satin Color Matched |
| Scale Length | 35" (889 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Laurel |
| Fingerboard Radius | 12"-16" Compound Radius (304.8 mm to 406.4 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Frets Size | Jumbo |
| String Nut | Black Plastic |
| Nut Width | 1.75" (44.45 mm) |
| Position Inlays | White Dot |
| Truss Rod Wrench | Yes |
| Bridge Pickup | Jackson Medium-Output Humbucking |
| Neck Pickup | Jackson Medium-Output Humbucking |
| Pickup Switching | 2-Way Toggle Switch (Pickup Coil Split) |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Bridge | Jackson HiMass |
| Hardware Finish | Black |
| Tuning Machines | Jackson Sealed Die-Cast |
| Control Knobs | Dome-Style |
| Strings | Nickel Plated Steel (.045-.130 Gauges) |
| Dimensions | 4.50×21.30×52.00 IN |
Reviews:
After the initial COVID lockdown I landed a gig where I had to have a 5 string bass. So like a red blooded American I took my cash down to the local GC store to buy a fender 5 string American jazz. There wasn't any. I looked for an Ibenez. There wasn't any. I looked for anything and we'll there wasn't any. As the date grew near for our first show, I happened in and they had this one. I was disappointed that this was all there was, but out of desperation, I bought it thinking I would trade it once something I wanted became available. It took me about two months and 10 gigs later when I realized I love this thing. 9 months in and I don't know how many dates later, I wouldn't want to live without it. It plays awesome after a quick and minor setup on the action. The tone is big on the bottom and the mids and highs are as shapable as you want. It is a dream to play and guess what, when I finally got to put my hands on the fender I wanted, I didn't want it anymore. This bass is very much like the high end Ibenez basses. Probably too much for Ibenez's liking actually. I run through a 800w mark bass head with a 2×10 cab and a 1×15 cab. It sounds incredible. The big thing for me is when I run through my amp using the direct out in bypass, it sounds amazing. It is like having a sans amp in the bass. The electrics are that good. I have gotten tons of compliments on the tone and questions about how I got it. I literally just plugged it in. Also I can play it all night and even though it is a five, I am less fatigued then when I play the four fender American jazz I already own. The string spacing and scale I believe is responsible for that. If you are serious about playing a 5 string, at any level, then this bass is one you should look at. I am not super crazy about the esthetics but I get a surprising amount of complements on it. So if that is your thing then rock on I guess. I am getting over the fact that I was a fender snob. Also I believe Jackso is made by fender sooo….Chris
Love this Jackson bass. Finish is first class and blemish free. the satin finish of the neck really does give it a smooth easy playability. doesn't have the triangle fret markers or logo on pick ups like more expensive models…and only one screw holding the truss rod cover in place… but this is where savings are made and the price kept low I guess.. The hardware… bridge, saddles and tuning pegs are all solid high quality… i highly recommend this bass to beginners and pros alike… OK… the BUTs.. out of the box… this model must have been rushed through control… the action was so low that that there was fret buzz across the entire fret board. slight truss adjustment and raising of the saddles easily enough sorted that out though…. It plays beautifully now but i would'nt have expected to have to do a full set up. AND…I also ordered a mic stand… this brought my total order to over 200 euro. The website VERY clearly states that orders over 200 euro qualify for free postage to Ireland… but after ordering, I was mailed to inform me that as it is a guitar…. and therefore large, I would have to pay postage…this isn't mentioned anywhere on the Musicstore site… very annoying indeed. So.. great guitar… but might need a little setting up and beware of postage charges.
My one only bass for the past 20 years has been a Ibanez SR405 (2001 year model). I feel like I've purchased a big upgrade with this Jackson X Series Spectra. In comparison to the Ibanez, the Jackson's neck is fatter, lower fret sizes are slightly wider and the string spacing is slightly wider. The playability is a lot smoother for my larger fingers/hands. The pickups and active EQ systems are powerful. Need to have some amp/di box control to contain the powerful output when in smaller venues. I use the passive pickup control when in smaller venues and small churches. I feel that what sets this apart from other basses I've tried is how great it sounds to play the d and g strings as well as going above the 12th fret. The stock strings (D'Addario) sound really pretty when playing the higher octaves. The Elixir strings I'm currently using give the B string a BIG SMOOTH THUMP. For those worried about setup out of the box, I live in high altitude. Setup post manufacturer is usually a must because of that. I have been able to get fairly low action without fret buzz after casually messing with adjustments.Zach
7. Ibanez Standard Sr300e Bass Guitar – Golden Veil Matte
Product Details:
Accu-cast b120 bridge the b120's extra-wide string slots can accommodate even the heaviest of gauges. walls and channels of the new bridge plate effectively "trap" the saddles, ensuring perfect directional uniformity. powerspan dual coil pickups developed by ibanez, the exposed pole pieces of the powerspan dual coil pickups produce a stronger signal and increase the response of the higher frequencies without sacrificing low end. the result is a tone rich in harmonic detail and dynamic expression. ibanez custom electronics 3-band eq with 3-way power tap switch the 3-band eq works in conjunction with a coil tap switch for maximum control over a wide variety of professional bass tones. tap mode (single coil) creates a punchy, dynamic sound with superior articulation. series mode (humbucking) delivers a full, warm tone and power tap mode provides the best of both worlds-combining the clarity of the single coil with the fat bottom end of the humbucker. jatoba fretboard jatoba has a reddish brown color which produces a rich mid range with a crisp high end.
Specifications:
| Weight | 15 lb |
Reviews:
Sound: I was impressed by the sounds I could get from this little beast. I'm a pretty heavy handed finger style player (I've always had a heavy attack), but I could hear the differences every time I alternated pickups, adjusted the EQ, and flipped the "Power Tap" switch. This thing offers a lot of sound for very little money! Features: As stated, the thin fast neck of this bass is amazing. I have smaller than average sized hands, so the slimmer design is really comfortable for me. The PowerSpan dual coil pickups are really decent sounding for what they are. The "Power Tap" switch is what sold me on it. After some knob twiddling, trial and error, I found a really nice warm, but heavy sound that I enjoy. Also, the ease of access to the battery compartment is a nice feature as well – no screwdriver needed! Ease of Use: Ease of use is great! Plug it in and play 😉 Seriously though, my stepfather is a guitarist by nature, and even he's remarked at how nice it plays and how nicely the knobs freely turn to dial in the sound you are looking for. Quality: I was impressed by the overall quality of this instrument for the price. I own and play "higher end" basses (Warwick's, Ibanez SR Premium's, etc.), and the quality of this is bass is almost as nice as my SR Premium at a fraction of the cost. Of course it had a few things that needed some tweaking out of the box, but overall I am very pleased with the product. You could spend a lot more and get a lot less (I have anyways…). I guess there's a reason I keep coming back to Ibanez basses. Value: The Ibanez SR300E is considered by most to be a beginner bass. I get that. Yet, for the price, you will be hard pressed to find something with better quality and features. If you are new to bass, or need a backup for your regular player, I would highly recommend the SR300E. I see it becoming my regular player because of it's features and sound. And hey… If something were to ever happen to it at a gig in one of those "seedy" venues, I could easily replace it and not be too upset about the price. Manufacturer Support: I've never had to deal with Ibanez directly, but I have dealt with zZounds a few times and their customer service is wonderful! Friendly, knowledgeable, and courteous. Those are the things that make me a repeat offender to this site! The Wow Factor: This bass is a lot of bang for the buck! I love the look of the black hardware on the weathered black finish. When my girlfriend gave me the "Oh no. Did you buy another bass?" look – even she had to admit the weathered black finish was sexy looking. Ha! Overall: I originally bought an Ibanez SR300E Iron Pewter as a gift for a member of my family who took an interest in playing the bass. When it arrived I took it out of the box to tune it and give the action a little tweaking. Of course, being a bass player myself, I had to give it a try to see how well it played. I was in shock and awe by how well it played and sounded. The neck was extremely comfortable; very thin and fast! It felt like this thing could play itself. After playing it for a few days, (and a few times since), I was so amazed by it that I had to come back to order one for myself (Weathered black – that black hardware on black bass just looks so good).Jason
I'm a 40+ year working bass player. Previously I had owned an Ibanez BtB and loved it, then traded it for a Warwick, which was cool, and definitely fashionable too. Ended up having several shoulder surgeries and a major spinal surgery in my neck, (I set off metal detectors now), also gathered a pile of some rather large medical bills in the process, so the Warwick had to go to pay the bills, so I decided to retire in order to heal up for awhile. Lately, sitting at home doing nothing and waiting for the pandemic to end. I decided it was time to get another bass, and decided to start playing again. Since I had worked at a local music store for years as a guitar tech I was familiar with the Ibanez SR Series, so when I found this here I knew this had to be the "one" because of the price and me being familiar with the SR Series, (we were an Ibanez dealer). I love the color, the feel of the thin neck and the active electronics. With the 3 way tap switch, volume/tone/pickup splitter knobs you can get an amazing number of sounds out of this instrument, from floor shaking lows to twinkling clear highs. The color was nice, the neck felt good and the price was definitely right. It also arrived with a decent set up, not great, but better than many others I have seen, so as a retired guitar tech I lowered the strings a bit, tweaked the truss rod, worked on the intonation and it was ready set go! If only my callouses would come back that easy everything would be golden.I would definitely recommend this as a great beginner instrument, and also as capable of being a suitable gigging instrument.Sonny
I am Loving my new Ibanez SR300E Bass. As a female Rock bassist, I needed to find a lightweight, slim bass that still packed a punch, and this baby does all that I've asked of her. Lovely deep tone, well balanced and responsive, the active electronics are on point, the lead stays put, and as for the colour… WOW! My husband, the drummer, is also really impressed at how well she locks in with the groove. Excellent delivery times from PMT, ordered on line and it arrived within 3 days. Very happy.Sammy T.
8. Alfred's Teach Yourself To Play Bass: Everything You Need To Know To Start Playing Now! [Book]
Product Details:
Beginners of all ages can start their journey to a lifetime of musical enjoyment. beginning with the fundamentals, you will learn about buying a bass guitar, tuning and holding it, fingering and picking styles, and getting acquainted with standard musical notation and tablature. you will then move right along to playing different notes, scales, and bass lines, lesson by lesson, all while continuing to increase your knowledge of reading and understanding standard musical notation and tab. you will learn to play in an array of musical styles, including rock, heavy metal, blues, country, and jazz. near the end of the book you will be introduced to the concept of playing from chord sheets, which will assist you in coloring your and others' musical creations with your own unique, rockin' style. upon completion of this book, you will be able to play from popular bass tab folios and be ready to play in a band. the book features the following resources for reference during and after your lessons: * tab licks and bass lines * bass fingerboard chart * complete chord chart * photos showing hand positions and more the accompanying video features educator jared meeker teaching every lesson and performing all the songs. the online media also includes tnt 2 software that lets you customize audio tracks for practice. use it to slow down tracks, isolate and loop parts, and change tempos and keys. be your own teacher, and let alfred music be your resource every step of the way.
Specifications:
| Published | United States, 31 May 2015 |
| Writer | Manus, Morton, Manus, Ron |
| Age Range | 0+ |
| Dimensions | 29.5 x 22.6 x 0.8 centimeters (0.36 kg) |
Reviews:
Easy to understand. Well written.roc_city_collectibles
I think the book is very good for price would recomend to otherssnowplayer
9. First 50 Songs You Should Play On Bass
Product Details:
If you're new to the bass, you are probably eager to learn some songs. this book provides easy arrangements in tab with lyrics for the most popular songs bassists want to play. includes: american girl * billie jean * blister in the sun * crossfire * hey joe * i got you (i feel good) * livin' on a prayer * low rider * money * monkey wrench * my generation * paranoid * peter gunn * the pink panther * roxanne * should i stay or should i go * uptown funk * what's going on * with or without you * yellow * and more!
Specifications:
| Binding | Paperback |
| Dimensions (inches) | 12.00 (H) x 10.00 (W) x 0.25 (D) |
| Date of Publication | Jan 1, 2016 |
| Dewey Decimal Classification | 782 |
| Product Genre/Category | Music / Songbooks |
Reviews:
As always Hal Leonard produces a great product. It pushes you just enough as a beginner. It doesnt have any bass instruction element and assumes you have a basic knowledge of tab or musical notation, so you may want to get the bass course book if you are not familiar with that. There is a good mix of styles/genres too.jasotarli
Great book Some good songs to trybrwat-44
I feel its alittle confusing and could have used more inkjerepor_36
10. Bass Guitar For Dummies [Book]
Product Details:
Way more than just the bass-ics whatever you're playing—funk, soul, rock, blues, country—the bass is the heart of the band. bassists provide a crucial part of driving force and funky framework that other members of any and work off. from john paul jones of led zeppelin, to "the pixies’' kim deal, to james brown's favored bassist, jimmy nolan, bass players have made big names for themselves and commanded respect throughout music history. in bass guitar for dummies, patrick pfeiffer—who coached u2's adam clayton, among others—is your friendly guide to laying down the low end. starting from the beginning with what bass and accessories to buy, the book shows you everything from how to hold and position your instrument to how to read music and understand chords. you'll develop your skills step-by-step until you’re confident playing your own solos and fills. sharpen skills with instructional audio and video discipline your play with exercises understand chords, scales, and octaves care for your instrument whether you're new to the bass or already well into the groove, bass guitar for dummies gives you the thorough balance of theory and practice that distinguishes the titanic hall of famer from the just so-so. p.s. if you think this book seems familiar, you're probably right. the dummies team updated the cover and design to give the book a fresh feel, but the content is the same as the previous release of bass guitar for dummies (9781118748800). the book you see here shouldn't be considered a new or updated product.
Reviews:
Straightforward reading could work out to simplify bass playingGlen G.
This book is super practical and easy to understand. Wish I'd found it a long time ago!HOLLY
Usual good presentation and info of Dummies seriesroger p.
11. Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass (Black)
Product Details:
The geddy lee jazz bass guitar is an exact replica of the tonally singular instrument that rush's revered bassist vocalist has riffed away on in front of millions of devoted fans worldwide and on many a mega selling album. the bass has an alder body, the thin one-piece c-shaped maple neck has a maple fingerboard with black binding and black rectangular position markers. the two vintage jazz bass single-coil pickups crackle with life and bristle with energy. other features include chrome hardware, vintage-style tuners and a leo quan badass bass ii bridge. includes gig bag. alder body. thin "c" shape maple neck 20 medium jumbo frets. black rectangular position inlays. urethane neck finish. vintage style 4 bolt neck plate. s/s pickup configuration with two vintage jazz bass single-coil pickups. volume 1. (neck pickup). volume 2. (bridge pickup). master tone controls. chrome hardware. leo quan badass ii bridge. synthetic bone nut. vintage '70s fender stamped open gear tuning machines. includes gig bag.
Specifications:
| Country Of Origin | MX |
| Body Finish | Polyester |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Neck Shape | Thin "C" |
| Scale Length | 34" (864 mm) |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius | 9.5" (241 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Frets Size | Medium Jumbo |
| String Nut | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.5" (38.1 mm) |
| Position Inlays | Black Block |
| Truss Rods | Vintage-Style Butt Adjust |
| Bridge Pickup | American Vintage Single-Coil Jazz Bass |
| Neck Pickup | American Vintage Single-Coil Jazz Bass |
| Pickup Configuration | SS |
| Bridge | Geddy Lee High Mass Bridge |
| Hardware Finish | Chrome |
| Tuning Machines | Fender '70s Vintage-Style Stamped Open-Gear |
| Pickguard | 3-Ply White |
| Control Knobs | Black Plastic |
| Finish | 3-Color Sunburst |
| Year | 2012 – 2022 |
| Made In | Mexico |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Frets | Medium Jumbo |
| Number of Strings | 4-String |
| Offset Body | Yes |
| Pickup System | Passive |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Wood Top Style | Plain |
Reviews:
Folks, let me start out by saying that I am a former professional drummer and have limited experience on the bass. However, I spent years locking tight with bass players to creat a solid foundation for the band and I know what sounds right. This bass guitar is a beauty. I was originally going to buy a standard jazz bass MIM. But I saw this and had to check it out. One of things that sold me on this bass was that it came with Geddy's high mass bridge. For all intent and purposes it is a Leo Qwan bridge which Geddy has on his #1. It really makes a difference in the sustain, it just keeps going and going. Also, the bridge just looks good… big and meaty. The neck plays like butter and the black binding and blocks on the fretboard just sets this bass apart appearance wise. The pups are solid, I might change those out one day…but honestly they sound great. This is a really well built bass and I completely reccomend you buy this bass. Also, thanks to Alan at GC Tampa for his patience with me while I was looking and trying out different basses. Great customer service.Charles I
I'd been wanting a Fender Jazz bass since I was a kid. Started off playing on a Squier P-Bass Special and I always liked the Jazz neck. Better than I expected. The tone is bright and cuts nicely. The neck is fast and the body is comfortable and not too heavy. Set up was also pretty good coming out of the box. Definitely going to be buying another Fender through AMS next year or so. Definitely met and exceeded my expectations. I haven't put it down since getting it. Cant wait to leave work and jam on it. Awesome.Sapo
As a touring and studio studio musician I am thrilled to have a bass at this caliber. The sunburst design is breathtaking. The action feels and sounds great right out of the box. This is the first time I have ever had a bridge that looks and feels the way this one does. It really ties the aesthetic together! When you have all of the tone knobs up you get a really hot and bright bass sound that cuts through records. This can easily be adjusted on the knobs or in post cutting off everything above 4K. The neck is slimmer than most bassses I have played, which makes it super easy to glide up and down this bass. The soft case it comes with isn't too special and I will be upgrading to a hard case since I take it to the studio with me (will eventually gig on it). I've had it for a few months now and it can be heard on countless records coming out of the SF Bay Area. It meets and over exceeds all expectations I had set for it. It also sounds great using the old sponge trick to get the motown down you traditionally hear on a P Bass. Anyone looking to get a Fender Jazz, I would highly recommend the Getty Lee model.Ryan
12. Fender Vintera '50s Precision Bass (Sea Foam Green)
Product Details:
A blast from the past. the fender vintera '50s precision bass mn is a sonic machine, flying the flag for the basses of the '50s. it's hardly a secret that such designs are coveted amongst bass players across the world, and this one is sure to leave you stunned with its vintage look and sound. the sole split single coil pickup delivers rivers of vintage tone, meaning you can give your basslines mountains of character. whether you're slapping, picking, or plucking, each note will ring out with a clear, defined voice. you can make this bass sing. thanks to the fine craftsmanship which has gone into the '50s precision bass, you can rest assured that you'll be able to write music your way with ease. containing a wealth of flawless features, this bass has nothing to hold you back. with a smooth maple neck and fingerboard, as well as the iconic precision bass feel, you'll find it impossible to put this instrument down.
Specifications:
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyester |
| Control Knobs | Knurled Flat-Top |
| Fingerboard | Maple |
| Hardware Finish | Nickel/Chrome |
| Neck Finish | Gloss Urethane |
| Pickguard | 1-Ply Gold Anodized Aluminum |
| Position Inlays | Black Dots |
| Body Shape | Precision Bass |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Neck Shape | 50s P Bass "C" |
| Scale Length | 34" (864 mm) |
| Fingerboard Radius | 7.25" (184.1 mm) |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Fret Size | Vintage |
| String Nut | Synthetic Bone |
| Nut Width | 1.75" (44.45 mm) |
| Truss Rod | Vintage-Style |
| Controls | Master Volume, Master Tone |
| Pickup Configuration | Split Single-Coil |
| Bridge | 4-Saddle American Vintage Bass |
| Tuning Machines | American Vintage Reverse Open-Gear Bass |
| Case/Gig Bag | Deluxe Gig Bag |
Reviews:
I am absolutely loving this bass. I am a guitar player who wanted a bass for recording. I had been using a Squier bass but wasn't satisified. It just didn't sound and feel like Fender Precision Basses I'd played in the past. Decided to pull the trigger on this, and am so glad I did. It is significantly heavier and just feels much more solid. The fingerboard is fabulous. The back of the neck is so smooth and comfortable to play. The frets are perfect. Hardware so much better overall. Tuners much more solid…less tuning issues. And the sound is exactly what I was going for. It sits in my mixes so much better than the Squier bass was. And it is beautiful on top of everything. Can't recommend this bass enough.William
I purchased the Dakota Red Vintera Precision bass because I have been looking for that vintage feel and sound without having to mortgage the house. I wish I could afford a true vintage '58 Precision Bass, but the Vintera does not leave me disappointed. The first thing you will notice is it's beefy neck. If you are looking for a slim modern neck, this isn't it. It is the vintage "C" style neck with a wider fretboard which feels really good to me IMO. The gold aluminum pick guard really stands out next to the red of the body. The craftsmanship and finish is excellent; no fret sprouts or blemishes in the finish. The electronics are excellent with no buzz or crackle and the pups definitely have that vintage sound, particularly when the tone is rolled all the way off; you can definitely channel your inner James Jamerson and Duck Dunn. If you roll the tone back up it nicely brightens things up. I did have my luthier complete a set-up on it and I did change the stock strings with La Bella flats to further provide that old school sound. If you are looking for a bright modern sound then you may want to check out the Vintera Jazz basses. I play the bass through a Fender Rumble which allows this bass to sound it's best. Lastly, the tuners do their job well and provide stable tuning. This is an excellent bass and I have no reservation with recommending it if you want the old school feel and sound. C'mon, you know you want it!!C. Inman
I've been a Precision Bass player since I started playing bass years ago. This is my first "real" Fender bass however, after playing several different Squier basses over the years. While Squier makes great instruments at a fair price point, this Vintera Precision is like a different world compared to my previous basses. You can feel the overall quality of the parts, the fit & finish, and the materials just by picking up the bass and playing around on it. I received it in the mail almost perfectly set up by Music Store. Only the action was too high for me, but that was an easy adjustment. The bass has a wide, not too thin neck profile that is not very deep. Super comfortable to play. The nut width is slightly larger than on other modern P-Basses which is nice if you like the extra space. I really like the way this forces you to play a little bit different compared to a narrower fretboard, like for example on a Jazz Bass. The difference compared to a regular P-Bass is pretty small. You just get a feeling of more space for fretting. The fretboard radius is also a bit smaller than on a modern P-Bass. This makes for a very balanced playing feel in my opinion. These differences are all nice touches and make for a slightly different playing feel, but don't make it any harder to play than a regular P-Bass. The sound is absolutely wonderful. The 50s-style pickups have a slightly compressed sound that sound great on its own, plugged directly into a DI box or an interface. I replaced the factory set of strings with .045-.105 LaBella flatwounds which is a perfect fit for this pass. The low-mids are greatly enhanced by putting a set of flats on this bass. It sits beautifully in the mix and is never weak or overpowering – always perfectly balanced. The fit and finish of this bass is great. I'm not one to go looking for faults in the paint or anything like that, but I absolutely have not spotted any quality control issues with my bass. The hardware is absolutely fine and does the job. You don't get a massive bridge or fancy hardware here, because everything is done to vintage specs. You can, of course, modify these parts later on, but I really don't think that's in the spirit of this vintage-focused instrument. If you want to put a more massive bridge on the bass and modify it in other ways, I would choose a Fender Player Series P-Bass instead which is a bit cheaper – you can spend the difference on your mod parts. The bass is surprisingly light. If you have back issues or generally dislike heavy instruments, I would definitely recommend this one! The lack of weight does not impact the sound quality at all. The only drawback is that, in some positions, it can have a little bit of neck dive, not to a point where it really becomes a problem, however. I always wear a strap even when sitting down, and that takes care of the very slight neck dive very easily. One thing to keep in mind is that the hardware, specifically the bridge and trussrod, are truly built to vintage spec. This means that the string height adjusters on the bridge do not have tiny hexagonal screws but small slotted screws instead. You will need a very small slotted screwdriver to access these screws. The trussrod can only be adjusted at the base of the neck which can be annoying. You need to remove the neck in order to adjust the trussrod. Here, again, there is no hexagonal screw but rather a large philipps screw to adjust. Small minus points for these features that could have been left out in favor of more modern solutions. I guess the placement and types of screws used make it more true to the vintage specs, but I would much prefer if they had just chosen the modern versions instead. Overall, this is a very beautiful and great-sounding bass that I can only recommend if you like P-Basses, vintage sound, and flatwounds. The build quality is fantastic and I have no doubt that this bass will stay in great shape for a long, long time.
13. Fender Squier Bronco Bass Electric Bass Guitar – Torino Red
Product Details:
The squier bronco bass is great for guitarists who occasionally need a bass, for younger beginners, for smaller players or for anyone who likes the feel of a short-scale bass guitar. it tunes easily and sounds full and rich, thanks to its maple neck, die-cast tuners and solid agathis body, which is equipped with a single-coil pickup. with a great retro vibe and killer vintage sound the fender squier bronco bass is the perfect bass for many styles. features: agathis body. maple "c" shaped neck. maple fingerboard with 9.5" radius. 19 medium jumbo frets. special design single coil volume control, tone control. 2 saddle chrome bridge. standard covered mini tuning machines. 3-ply white pickguard. chrome hardware short scale length. color torino red.
Specifications:
| Length | 18 in |
| Height | 54 in |
| Width | 9 in |
Reviews:
The Squier Bronco Bass delivers exactly what I expected. It's a 30" scale bass with a body shaped like the Fender Mustang bass; it has a single pickup (I believe it's a strat pickup), is fairly light weight (mine weighs in a 7 pounds 10 ounces), and it's a fun little axe. It's also the lowest-priced bass by an actual musical instrument company. How do they keep the price down? One way is that this is the only bass I've owned that has no fingerboard. It doesn't affect anything, but the front of the neck IS the fingerboard. The hardware is okay quality. But here's the thing – it sounds decent, feels great, plays well. There's going to be a little luck of the draw in a lower priced instrument, but my tuners stay in tune, intonation was on, everything is good. There was a little too much neck relief, but that was easy to adjust. If you're realistic about your expectations, the Squier Bronco Bass is an awesome value, looks good, and it gets you playing. It's not going to sound like a Stingray or a Geddy Lee Jazz Bass, but it doesn't sound bad, either – I would do a show with one without worrying about it. I have other basses, but wanted to add an inexpensive short scale to my stable, and this bass was exactly what I wanted. I may upgrade the pickup later – I may not. For now, it falls between my 34" scale and 28.6" scale basses, and it's fun to play. I'm very happy with it.Pcake
I ended up using this bass for songs where long scale can be a bit difficult. My main bass is an imported '54 P Bass copy, Alder body and maple neck/fingerboard. It had to go into a local shop for some major nut repair, and I needed something to play around with. Off the rack, it was a pretty great bass for the price. The neck is very well crafted, no sharp fret edges like some imported instruments. It's an agathis body, so the tone can be kind of bland, but compared to older Squier Broncos, it seems that all of the bridge and neck contact one piece of wood on the multi-piece construction, so sustain isn't too bad. The bad: The tuners are pretty sorry and are an oddball size, which makes replacement with good tuners very difficult. My E and A tuners rattle some, but all four do hold tune pretty well for cheap tuners. Also, the stock pickup is a six-pole ceramic Strat pickup, so it can sound…odd when bending strings. The other bad is the bridge: although it intonates pretty well, two saddles can make proper intonation difficult to achieve along with proper radius. Also, the bridge mounting pattern is almost impossible to replace with another bridge–four hole lock-down and quick-release style bridges DO work, but the bridge is mounted a little too far forward, and intonation is almost always sharp on the upper end of the fingerboard. Gotoh 201's are also very difficult to adapt to fit. But for its price point, some of these cons are easily fixed. I have a Mojotone Alnico V lipstick Strat pickup in mine with CTS 500K pots. It sounds excellent–it fools some of my buddies about how cheap it is. This bass could probably also benefit from a bar retainer near the nut. It went from an around the house beater to a mainstay for certain songs.Isher
my dad, a professional and extremely experienced bass guitarist, bought me this for christmas last year, and i love it. this is the first bass i've ever picked up and it's easy to play, is well built, has a nice feel to it, etc. i highly recommend it for beginners. i play it in my school band class and it fits in very well with the rest of the instruments. however it can fall out of tune easily and the pickup isn't the best, but ultimately it's the most perfect beginner bassout there, especially for the low price, it's high qualityace
14. Ibanez Gsr200tr Electric Bass Guitar, Transparent Red
Product Details:
The gsr series offers the famous soundgear sleekness, comfort, tone, and playability at prices that will astound. not only do gsr soundgears look and play better than everything else in their price range, every gsr gets the same warranty, rigorous setup and inspection of ibanez's more expensive models. the transparent red finish gsr200tr features a gsr4 neck, agathis body, psnd j & p pickups and a phat ii eq.
Specifications:
| Right/Left Handed | Right-Handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Cutaway | Double-Cutaway |
| Neck Type | Bolt-On Neck |
| Neck Wood | Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Type of Frets | Medium |
| Scale Length | 34.00" / |
| Radius | 12" |
| Nut Width | 41 mm |
| Bridge Type | Fixed |
| Pickguard | No |
| Controls | Tone Control- x 2 Volume Control- x 2 |
| Amplifier Type | Solid-State |
| Output Power | 25 W RMS |
| Channels | 1 |
| Master Volume | Yes |
| Tone Section | Channel 1- Bass, Mid, Treble |
| Outputs | 1 x 1/4" Stereo Headphone |
| Configuration | 1 x 8" Speaker |
| Power Rating | 25 W RMS |
| Cabinet Type | Straight Closed Mono |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 14.0 x 15.2 x 10.0" / 35.6 x 38.6 x 25.4 cm Combo |
| Connector 1 | 1 x 1/4" TS Male Straight |
| Connector 2 | 1 x 1/4" TS Male Straight |
| Contact Plating | Gold |
| Cable Length | 10' / 3.05 m |
| Conductor Material | Bare Annealed Copper (BAC) |
| Wire Gauge | 24 AWG |
| Jacket Type | Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) |
| Shielding | 95% Copper Spiral |
| Insulation Type | Polyethylene |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS *as per Manufacturer |
| Display | Full-color LED Rotates 360° |
| Tuner | Chromatic |
| Dimensions | Not specified by manufacturer |
| Maximum Length | 52" / 132.08 cm |
| Material of Construction | Celluloid |
| Thickness | 0.70 mm |
Reviews:
The Ibanez GSR 200 is one of the best "bang for your buck" basses on the market. They are made with excellent quality, lightweight wood, agathis, maple, rosewood. The onboard P/J pickups and electronics sound good. They play good out of the box but they play excellently if set up by a guitar tech. These were choice basses for many of the bass players supporting MWR tours. Musicians would take Ibanez GRS 200 basses on tour and raffle them off to service members on the last gig.matt4717
I bought the jewel blue one and named it "Jewel". No, not like the singer. I thought it was totally beyond all expectations. I played it for a couple of years before I lost it when my marriage fizzled. Now I want another one. I'm no novice. I've been playing guitar for over 35 years, and Jewel was my third bass. I liked her better than a Fender Jazz. I want another one. To nitpick, I didn't like the square corners on the top of the neck (past all the frets), so I took the neck off and rounded them. Problem solved. I also didn't like that the threads stripped out on the E string bridge piece when I tried to back it up far enough to get the intonation right. But I think the real problem is solved with an Earvana nut. Anyway, if you can't afford to buy the bass everyone is telling you to buy – or even if you can – buy this one. If you don't sound good on it, you don't need a Fender or a Rick, you need lessons.Gravity Zen
15. Ibanez Tmb30 Electric Talman Bass – Ivory
Product Details:
Smooth playabililty and a balanced body, the tmb30 short scale talman bass offers a wide dynamic range of tone with volume. in addition, the tmb30 has plenty of low end that sustains. whether you are a beginner or looking for a second bass, the tmb30 will deliver! reflecting a classic ibanez body style, the talman bass series sports a cool retro look with a sound that will inspire players of all ages. while talman basses normally have the more common 34? long-scale neck, the tmb30 offers a short-scale 30? neck. the shorter neck is often preferred by players of smaller stature who find a long-scale instrument to be unwieldy. it is also a favorite of guitarists who double on bassthe shorter scale having a feel closer to that of an electric guitar. the tmb30 features include a poplar body for a warm, punchy tone, a maple neck with jatoba fretboard, a b10 bridge, and a black pickguard to complete the classic vibe. electronics consist of an ibanez dynamix p neck pickup and a dynamix j bridge pickup for that rich, vintage sound.
Specifications:
| Strings | 4 String |
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Right/Left Handed | Right-Handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Type | Solid |
| Cutaway | Single-Cutaway |
| Body Wood | Mahogany |
| Neck Type | TMB4 Maple neck |
| Fretboard | Rosewood fretboard with White dot inlay |
| Fret | Medium frets |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Bridge | Std. bridge (19mm string spacing) |
| Neck Pickup | Dynamix P neck pickup (Passive) |
| Bridge Pickup | Dynamix J bridge pickup (Passive) |
| Factory Tuning | 1G, 2D, 3A, 4E |
| String Gauge | .045/.065/.085/.105 |
| Hardware Color | Chrome |
| Bridge Type | Fixed |
| Pickguard | Yes |
| Controls | 1x Tone Control 2x Volume Control |
| Neck Scale | 762mm / 30.00" |
| Neck Width at Nut | 41mm |
| Neck Width at 14th Fret | 62mm |
| Neck Thickness at 1st | 21.5mm |
| Neck Thickness at 7th | 24.5mm |
| Neck Radius | 240mmR |
Reviews:
Bought this one for the kids, but it's so much fun I'll probably play it more. This has to be one of, if not the best short scales in this price range. Mine came with a great neck, good frets and no sharp ends. Weight wise, its a little heavier than I expected- maybe 7.5 lbs? Fingers, pick, slap, all sound good with no rattles. No neck dive. The only weak point I think is the cheapo bridge. Its really unstable and the E saddle could be bumped and moved too easily. I ordered a Hipshot when I ordered the bass because I hate these style bridges anyway. I'd have had to shorten the screw or maybe just cut off some spring length on the stock saddle for the E (and possibly the A) to get them to intonate. Get the bass on sale, a Hipshot for another fifty and it's a performer on par with basses that cost a grand or more, and still less than competing Squiers or Epiphones that also probably need upgraded bridges. I mainly just use the P in a PJ setup, but installed a Fender J anyway because this one was noisy at home (but not at rehearsal for some reason). I had to carve away about a millimeter of wood on top and bottom of the bridge cavity to fit the Fender, so be aware that aftermarket pups may not be a straight drop in. Upgrading the pups is not really needed though IMO. The tuners have the large posts so breaking strings is less likely. They seem to be holding pretty well. I can get through a few songs without having to re-tune, then it's only a minor tweak to the E and A.Lothar
I wanted a no-nonsence, light weight, easy to play and transport, bass for gigs and rehearsal. All these “bases” are covered and some. I can’t say or explain enough, how great this short scale guitar is to hold and play, especially for a “senior” musician looking for comfort on stage! Smooth neck, warm tone, no set-up needed, right out of the box! The price is right too! Try one for yourself!Jimbo
I got this bass for my son as he’s wanting to learn bass and music theory from myself . I’d been teaching him on one of my fleet of basses but he was complaining that it was too big for him so I decided to look into the small scale range at a reasonable cost. I seen this bass which, to me, looked perfect for an 11 year old to learn on . After receiving this bass I gave it an inspection and I was very impressed with its factory set up and the general build of this bass. I plugged it in and gave it a blast through one of my smaller rigs and I was literally left flabbergasted at the sound of this thing. It’s a little ripper! It particularly sounds best when using a pick with it but it can hold its own finger style too. I’d be quite happy using this bass on stage and I have many basses by distinguished brands ans custom built basses by luthiers . It goes to show that what’s perceived as a lower end instrument can actually prove to be a hidden gem. It’s loud, it cuts the mix and it plays like butter. What a great bit of kit.Reviewed by Andertons Music Co.
16. Ibanez Mikro Gsrm20 Bwk Bass Guitar – Weathered Black
Product Details:
Having trouble fitting in? if it's because you're pierced and tattooed and attend a prepped out conservative school far from urban areas, we can't help you. if it's because you need a smaller bass for the tour bus or running scales in cramped quarters, we can. the ibanez mikro electric bass offers anyone who needs a compact axe or the comfort of a smaller neck (most especially young rockers) a real alternative to small bass guitars that are really only toys. case sold separately. neck: grsm 4, 28.60". body: agathis body. frets: medium frets. fingerboard: rosewood. inlay: pearl dot. bridge: b10 bridge. neck pickup: psndp neck pickup. middle pickup: psndj bridge pickup. hardware color: chrome.
Specifications:
| Strings | 4 String |
| Handedness | Right-Handed |
| Right/left Handed | Right-handed |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Neck Type | Maple Neck |
| Neck Shape | GSRM4 |
| Body Shape | SR |
| Body Finish | Urethane |
| Fretboard | Rosewood Fretboard W/white Dot Inlay |
| Fret | Medium Frets |
| Bridge | B10 Bridge |
| Number of Pickups | 2 |
| Neck Pickup | Std. P Neck Pickup |
| Bridge Pickup | Std. J Bridge Pickup |
| Hardware Color | Black |
| Neck Scale | 726mm/28.6" |
| Neck Width at Nut | 38mm |
| Neck Width at Last Fret | 58.5mm |
| Neck Thickness at 1st | 21mm |
| Neck Thickness at 12th | 22mm |
| Neck Radius | 305mmR |
Reviews:
I am a full grown guitar/bass player over 25 years. I bought this in hopes of an affordable little Bass to have for studio use and was pleasantly surprised. While this would be a great starter guitar for smaller hands, I have a blast playing it. This is not a toy by any means, it is very well constructed, frets are nice and level, neck is smooth and very easy to play, tuners stay in tune and the volume and tone pots are just fine. With a new set of GHS short scale flat wound strings and a quick truss rod and saddle adjustment this is my go to Bass. Fits in a standard size guitar case and is light weight and easy on the shoulder when strapped on. Beginner to experienced player, this is a real instrument at a great price.jamsstudio
Overall: I bought this without playing it, but was very pleased right out of the box. My fingers were black after a few minutes of playing due to the dirty strings, but that didn't dampen my opinion by any means (but good idea to purchase a new set of strings along with the bass). Bought the Walnut Finish (looks more expensive) for use with my SC-300 Boss Looper (also purchased from zZounds). It sounds great! I'm not onstage playing head banger metal, so don't need that rumbling low end anyway. But the pickup configuration def gives you a lot of low end. Even though I've been playing guitar and bass for over 30 years, I would use this bass onstage, AND more importantly, if you are introducing anyone to playing bass – this will be a much easier learning bass due to the size. It still feels like a 'bass' and it's not tiny or anything, but it doesn't feel clunky like a bigger bass does. I'm looking forward to using this for a long while, and assuming it holds up over the next few months I'll likely grab another one just to have a backup. Don't hesitate if you need for a recording bass, or onstage. And def great for a beginner to keep them from losing interest due to most basses being too large for them.Jason
Overall: I bought this bass for my little sister for her golden birthday. She's always wanted to play a bass guitar, though there aren't many short scale models that suited her, especially considering she is a beginner. I was torn between a Squier and this Ibanez, but given I've had great experience with Ibanez (I personally own a modified RG8), I decided to get this little guy and man I don't regret it. Right out of the box I tuned it, and it honestly felt great. She can't tell because she's new to stringed instruments, but when I felt this thing, it felt really well crafted, and the intonation/action on this thing was well done. I played it a bit and I kind of want one now. I didn't think bass could be so fun. But the main point was that she loves it, and to anyone out there that's on the fence, I say go for it. It plays great, sounds great, and it made by sister happy, so it's definitely worth it.Anthony
17. Sterling By Music Man Stingray Ray4 Electric Bass Satin Transparent Black Pickguard
Product Details:
The stingray ray4 electric bass is the cousin of the music man stingray 4 bass. classic, iconic instruments that defined a generation of bassists since the late '70s. active electronics, low-noise hum bucking pickups, rock-solid hardware and a simple, uncluttered look that is instantly recognizable and respected. classic, attractive body linesits signature teardrop pickguard, classic control layout, and a myriad of great finishes let you choose just how you want to stand out on stage. affordable yet amazingfeaturing a 9v powered active preamp and individual volume hi and low cut/boost controls, ray4 is a superior choice and incredible value for players of any experience level. fully adjustable, heavy-duty bridgecomplete control over intonation and individual string height ensures the most comfortable playing experience whether your practicing at home or rocking out on stage. case sold separately.
Specifications:
| Shape | Not specified |
| Wood | Maple |
| Neck joint | Bolt-on |
| Scale length | 34 in. |
| Truss rod | Standard |
| Finish | Satin |
| Active or passive pickups | Passive |
| Pickup configuration | H |
| Bridge | Low-Noise Humbucker |
| Active preamp | Custom Ibanez |
| Special electronics | 2-band EQ |
| Radius | 12" |
| Fret size | Medium Jumbo |
| Number of frets | 21 |
| Inlays | Pearloid dot |
| Nut width | 41.3mm |
| Cutaway | Single cutaway |
| Construction | Solidbody |
| Body wood | Basswood |
| Body finish | Satin |
| Orientation | Right handed |
| Control layout | Volume 1, tone, EQ |
| Pickup switch | No |
| Coil tap or split | No |
| Tone switching | No |
| Special switching | EQ |
| Bridge type | Fixed |
| Bridge design | Fully adjustable heavy duty |
| Tuning machines | Open gear |
| Number of strings | 4 |
| Pickguard | No |
| Country of origin | Indonesia |
Reviews:
Sound: when you own a sterling bass you do know, what your getting in quality . this bass is heavier then my sterling sub music man. same bass just diff color .the pick up of course is still amazing ,from my sub to this bass today. Ease of Use: i pulled out the box, was not in tune from shipping of course. used my d,addario head stock tuner on it, was only off a little from shipping. easy to retune and play out of the box. Quality: i love these bass., i have small hands. witha full scale to the get the best of the tone possible, long scale is the only way for me. small hand will use the neck as a whole. Value: would buy this for any one starting. would also buy another my self lol i have two lol Manufacturer Support: never had an issue Overall: awesome for the money, get great workmenship right out of the box, a small tune . after shipping of course. love the balance and small necks for my small hands. does not take away sustain. bass talks if you listen. so this is the second one i owned and would own another.Mickey
Love this thing! I had a problem with the sound on the first one but Musicians Friend got me all straightened out. The midrange sound was really quiet while the highs and lows were loud. They sent me a new one and took the return on the bad one. The replacement sounds great! I had a setup and new strings done by my local music shop and she sounds amazing. Intonation is now spot on. I love the look and feel of this one with all the rounded edges. Love the sound. She has a snarl in the low end that I haven't heard with any other company. I also own a squire 60s classic vibe p bass but i think i like the sound of this one better. My only complaint is that she's a little heavier than my Squire otherwise im super happy with this purchase. Thank you Musicians Friend for the smooth return and your amazing customer service. If you're looking for a quality beginner bass this one is a great choice.Matt
Love the sound of this heavy, neck diving beast. There's lots of tone to play with using the 5-way pickup selector. If played light enough you can avoid the fret buzz, of which is hard to get rid of with truss and saddle adjustments, but that can be said of a heavy hand on most guitars in general. The neck dive is severe like all the weight is really just the neck, but I don't notice it much when playing. It's just something to keep in mind if you play standing and lift both hands off the guitar to quickly adjust a mic or amp knob settings. The finish is kind of satin, as if it were printed on with an ink jet printer. It leaves the soft wood body pretty vulnerable to slow moving collisions against sharp corners. The Pre-Black Friday sale price on this guitar is a STEAL though! Definitely worth it for a Music Man bass sound for recording, or gigging if your willing to put up with the minor issues of weight and neck dive.Zach
18. Epiphone Eb-3 Bass (Ebony)
Product Details:
The epiphone eb3 takes professional features and makes them affordable. this bass is for beginners and pro-players. solid mahogany construction featuring a set mahogany neck with a nut width of 1.65 inches, it feels great and is very playable. the electronics include the sidewinder pickup for depth, and the mini-humbucker gives body and detail. trapezoid-inlays give this bass a nice vintage look with a modern sound suitable for players of all genres and skill levels.
Specifications:
| Finish | Cherry |
| Year | 2010 – 2020 |
| Made In | China |
| Body Shape | Double Cutaway |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 4 String |
| Nut Width | 1.65" |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Pickup System | Passive |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
Reviews:
got one used in good condition but discounting the minor scratches and a minor ding near the strap button the quality of the workmanship was excellent for a bass in this price range. Plays really well and only a minor bit of fret buzz which was easy to get rid of by raising the bridge a bit. Action was really low when i got it so it could easily stand to get raised a fraction. The sound is very bass heavy on the neck pickup by itself. You can dial in a bit more treble by using setting 2 and mixing the volume level and tone of the two pickups. The bridge pickup is very treble sounding – almost too thin. If you turn down the tone on the bridge pickup it sounds better. I am not using the bridge p/u by itself ever – seems to be good for maybe only a few songs. Going forward I could see routing out the cavity and putting in a MM type pickup. Other than that the sound can get very close to Jack Bruce/Cream sound along with good Hard Rock to Heavy Metal sounds. You can dial in an acceptable jazz sound or R&B sound but it's not quite there so I'm using this baby for mostly Cream, Steppenwolf, CCR, etc. Works good for old-time R&R. Nice sleek black finish and chrome hardware gives it a nice dark appeal. Pots and controls work well and are smooth. Tuners are good but make the neck a little heavy so maybe replace with ultralights at some point. The neck does tend to dive so I'm moving the strap button nearer to the neck – almost at the end and move the strap button at the end of the body up an inch. I would also recommend a thick strap with rough leather on your shoulder to keep it from slipping – don't use a web strap as this will just let it neck dive when you let go. I'm hoping once i get lighter tuners and move the strap buttons the issue goes away but i can live with it for now. Well worth the asking price but if you can get one in good condition used it will still be a good deal even with minor cosmetic flaws.Bones
The Epiphone EB-3 cherry Bass is one beautiful guitar, but has cosmetic quality issues: The mahogany laminate on the face of the body, was glued on at a very "VERY" slight perpendicular angle, and not parallel with the neckline. (the back laminate IS straight). The fret markers are beautiful pearl, but the ninth fret marker is "blatantly" FLAT WHITE, and stands out like a neon light among the other markers. I can't understand how the person installing them, fail's to do a simple "match" of the inlays (either make them ALL white, or else ALL pearl!)(or REJECT a mismatched one!). (in comparison, my Epiphone Les Paul, has excellent matching pearl fret markers). I ordered a second EB-3, to see if I could get a better one, and had the chance to compare the two within the 45 day grace return period. The second one was worse, and had "TWO" mismatched white fret markers, with the other ones being "pearl". The mahogany laminate of the second guitar was not at all as deep and hypnotically mesmerizing as the first one they had sent, with the second guitar's mahogany appearing very flat, or dead/dull looking. (even though both guitars have polished clear gloss finish).(mahogany wood grain usually looks like a "natural mile deep 3D hologram iridescence", and the grain "dances and changes shapes" in the light as you move it around). Also the red tint on the sides of the second guitar appeared to be a shade lighter, and slightly mismatched appearing to the tint of the laminate tint to me. The first guitar's sides were slightly darker, and matched the laminate beautifully. On the second guitar, the bridge pickup holes were all half misaligned upon the poles with the cover tightened down anyways, right upon the poles permanently crimping each hole distorted over up on the pickup cover. The cover holes are half covering the poles. I kept the first guitar. It had a bit of fret buzz, but my technician fixed it in about 15 minutes. It plays perfect, sounds great!, and looks beautiful!Sir Ripstring
Overall: First of let me say this- the photos on zZounds website, while perfectly fine and acceptable, do not do this bass justice. It is absolutely gorgeous. The quality is high and there are no sharp frets or concerns anywhere. The first thing I did was fiddle with the pickup selector, and the volume and tone knobs to see what I could get out of it. There is a wide spectrum of sound. At it's brightest, it's not super bright, but then again, the first thing I did was put flatwounds on it, so that was expected. But let me tell you- this is one fat bottomed girl! The lows are expressive and the sustain on every string is amazing. There have always been the old Squier vs Fender and Epiphone vs Gibson debates. Epiphone, with this bass, has made the differences a lot harder to spot.Bruce
19. Yamaha Trbx174ew 4 String Electric Bass Guitar Translucent Black
Product Details:
The trbx174 represents a price breakthrough for the trbx range, yet the quality is everything you'd expect from a yamaha bass. you're the bedrock of your music. you need an instrument with the strength and power to perform. that instrument must give you the freedom to innovate, to create and push the boundaries. you need a bass where everything's just right. sound, feel, looks – nothing comes second. with yamaha's unique combination of advanced design, precision engineering and time-honoured craftsmanship, the yamaha guitar development team have created the perfect instrument for bass players who aren't ready to compromise. an instrument that seamlessly blends the powerful sound you need to underpin your performance with immense flexibility so you can create and define your own tone. an instrument that offers unparalleled comfort and playability combined with construction you can depend on – show after show, session after session. an instrument designed and built to be the core of your music.
Specifications:
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body Shape | TRBX |
| Body Finish | Gloss Polyurethane |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Radius | 10" |
| Fingerboard Material | Rosewood |
| Fingerboard Inlay | White Dots |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Scale Length | 34" |
| Nut Width | 1.57" |
| Nut Material | Urea |
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Vintage Style |
| Tuners | Covered tuners |
| Neck Pickup | Ceramic Split Single-coil |
| Bridge Pickup | Ceramic Single-coil |
| Controls | 2 x volume, 1 x master tone |
| Strings | .045-.105 |
Reviews:
I'm really a 99% guitar player and only 1% bass player but I am completely satisfied with this bass for my purposes. I like to make guitar videos on you tube and honestly , I only even play the bass to add fullness to the sound. For not being a professional musician the price I paid for this bass is a great deal. ( This sight won't let me type in how much ?!?) I get exactly what I want out of it. I find it easier to play ( good action ) than my last similarly priced bass and it sounds good. If I could play like Geddy Lee or Steve Harris ( my 2 fav bass players ) maybe I'd spend more money. But this bass is plenty good enough to learn songs , practice on , or even play it in a local band. I've played in a few local/garage type bands and I would have no problem using or letting someone else use this bass for a show. Unless you are a professional I would definitely recommend this bass.scott b
20. Sterling By Music Man Stingray Short Scale Bass (Daphne Blue)
Product Details:
This item was returned in great condition. it looks and plays like new, with only minor signs of use (slight scuffs, etc.). the sterling by music man stingray short scale maple fingerboard electric bass offers the iconic design with a short scale makeover for the first time. it features a 30" scale for easier playability, passive boost and a sterling by music man humbucking pickup with higher output neodymium magnets and a 3-way rotary switch. the pickup configuration includes parallel, true single-coil and series modes.
Specifications:
| Body Wood | Mahogany |
| Body Color | Daphne Blue (DBL) |
| Bridge | Sterling by Music Man Designed Bridge |
| Pickguard | Parchment |
| Scale Length | 30” |
| Neck Radius | 9.5” (24 cm) |
| Frets | 22 Frets, Medium |
| Neck Width | 1.5” (38 mm) at nut |
| Neck Wood | Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood (OWH), Maple (DBL) |
| Fret Markers | Black/White Dot Markers |
| Tuning Machines | Open Gear |
| Truss Rod | Dual Action |
| Neck Attachment | 6 Bolts |
| Controls | 1 Push/Push Volume Boost, 1 Tone |
| Switching | 3-Way Rotary Selector |
| Strings | Ernie Ball 2852 Regular Slinky Short Scale Bass |
Reviews:
I'm an experienced guitar player and builder, but a dabbler in bass. My current instrument is a 6 string Ibanez with active pickups and 3 band EQ, but I wanted something simpler with a short scale. I originally looked at the Music Man version of this instrument, but as a hobbyist, $2000+ seemed a bit much. The Sterling version made more financial sense, and Musician's Friend's Memorial Day Sale sealed the deal for me. This is a good, workable instrument with decent action and great tone. (Disclaimer: I've only played this bass through a set of modellers – A bass amp is in my near future.) The single pickup is fine – And all of the positions on the 3 knobs are musical. The quality dropped copper finish and hardware belong on a much more expensive instrument.Mark V
I bought this mostly just for fun and noodling around. I hadn't had a short scale in a long (ha!) time. Solid instrument SUPER HOT output! This thing is loud. Somehow. It's passive which surprised me. When I tried this out in-store, nobody knew what the controls were. So, now I know. The electronics are completely different from (oh no do we need a new retronym now?) a … "regular?" … StingRay: 1. Volume with push/ push boost 2. 3-way switch in the middle on the plate allows you to run the pickup in series/ parallel/ single coil. 3. Passive tone control. In the looks department, it compares favorably to its Big Cousin, the StingRay. A case that fits just about perfectly: https://www.guitarcenter.com/Road-Runner/RRDWE-Deluxe-Wood-Electric-Guitar-Case.gc … I asked the staff at GC Atlantic City their opinion of the fit and they were like "Oh wow that really is a great fit!" This exact case is shown in the photos with the bass in it. Might want like an extra 1/2" of padding for top-to-bottom security maybe. We'll see. The bad: fret ends were not well finished. I had to get some putty to fill them in a bit. Not sure if this is a "sat in a box across the ocean for a while" kind of problem or a fit/ finish build problem.Mike
I was looking for a good short scale bass to ease my shoulder stress during long sets. I also didn't want to spend too much as I already have several basses. The cutaways, low weight, and thin neck make it very comfortable to play so I think I chose right. The pickup is also right up my alley as I have never really liked active basses. The three way switch has some good variance and haven't really disliked any of the tones I've gotten from the bass. If you're looking for a short scale you should definitely look into this one. My only gripe was I noticed some neck dive while playing. I bought the dropped copper version which is made of a different wood than the other colors so maybe the nyatoh wood is lighter than the mahogany versions. I plan on switching out the stock tuners soon to lighter tuners to correct that issue, but even as it stands currently I wouldn't say it's a deal breaker.Josh L
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