We aren’t afraid to say it: bassists are a big deal here at Sweetwater! Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie pondering a career in the low-end legion, this list has got you covered. We’ve gathered some of the best bass guitars from 2023 to inspire and invigorate you. There are time-tested and remixed models from classic brands — like bold innovations from Warwick and Ibanez, evergreen selections from Sire, Reverend, G&L, and much more! Regarding specifics, we dive into the core advantages that make each bass unique. If terms like “string-through” or “scale length” happen to throw you for a loop, then scroll down the page to where we’ve linked tons of our easy-to-read articles that define these terms.
How did we select the basses for this list? We used a combination of sales data, customer feedback, and the expert opinions of Sweetwater’s staff. We also picked bass guitars that cover a range of styles and sounds.
This list gives players options for incredible basses, no matter their budget. And, as always, if you find something on this list that has nearly everything you’re looking for but is missing a feature or two, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for a personalized recommendation. If it doesn’t exist, then we can make it happen. Want to learn how to buy the best bass guitar for you? Check out our Bass Guitar Buying Advice below!
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Ibanez Standard EHB1005F Fretless 5-string Bass Guitar
- Epiphone Newport Electric Bass Guitar
- Yamaha BB434 Bass Guitar
- Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH
- Spector Euro 4 LX Bass Guitar
- Schecter CV-5 Bass Guitar
- G&L Tribute L-2000 Bass Guitar
- Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HHPB Bass Guitar
- Fender Troy Sanders Precision Bass 4-string Bass Guitar
- Ibanez Bass Workshop SRC6MS 6-string Multi-scale Bass Guitar
- Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 4-string Bass
- Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones DJ-4 Bass Guitar
- Fender Made in Japan Limited International Color Jazz Bass
- Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MKII Bass
- Spector NS Dimension 5 Bass Guitar
- Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special Bass Guitar
- Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar
- Sire Marcus Miller P10dx 4-string Bass Guitar
Ibanez Standard EHB1005F Fretless 5-string Bass Guitar
No frets? Don’t fret!
The Ibanez Standard EHB1005F Fretless 5-string bass guitar brings prolific Ibanez Bass Workshop perks to the fretless realm. A perfectly balanced, slim-carved American basswood body delivers a solid 5-string rumble with a next-generation feel. A lightweight headless design is balanced perfectly for long gigs and studio play. Likewise, the neck boasts 5-piece construction made from walnut and roasted maple for lasting stability and perfect tone, even when traveling to gigs skipping from climate to climate. Speaking of tone, dual active, high-articulation Bartolini humbucker pickups provide massive tonal range with focused lows, rich highs, and exceptional clarity for melodies and fills — the world is your oyster! Moreover, the bass’s 3-band EQ features Ibanez’s powerful Vari-mid tool for shaping midrange terrain with scoops, bumps, and everything else. The sky might be the limit with the EHB1005F Fretless, but the price of this bass is certainly down to earth!
| Product | Ibanez Standard EHB1005F Fretless |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Body Shape / Material | Bass Workshop / American Basswood |
| Neck Shape / Material | EHB5 / 5-piece Roasted Maple and Walnut |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 19.685 Inches / Richlite |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Bartolini BH2 Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Unique and comfortable body shape • Killer tone from 2 Bartolini humbuckers • Fretless neck that allows you to play microtonal notes |
| Cons | Fretless basses aren’t for everyone and can be challenging for bassists who are starting out. For a bass for any skill level, check out this Spector NS Dimension 5 bass guitar. |
Epiphone Newport Electric Bass Guitar
The style, the tone — it’s all smokin’!
Do bassists deserve retro reboots? The Epiphone Newport electric bass guitar says “yes”! This revival of Epiphone’s lovely but fierce 1961 original boasts a top-notch short-scale laurel fingerboard and a sturdy mahogany body construction for a vintage-inspired tone with lasting sustain. The Newport’s 30-1/2-inch scale makes it a great crossover instrument for guitarists, bassists seeking ease, or even children, teens, and adults with smaller hands. The Newport’s dual cutaways keep those uppermost frets in easy reach, and you’ll absolutely want to explore that tasty short-scale upper register. Factor in the Bass Sidewinder neck pickup’s articulate tone and the TB PRO bridge humbucker’s warm dimensions, and this vintage specimen is ready for rock, reggae, pop, R&B, and more.
| Product | Epiphone Newport |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Newport/Mahogany |
| Neck Shape / Material | Medium C / Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 12 Inches / Indian Laurel |
| Scale Length | 30-1/2 Inches |
| Pickups | Bridge: TB PRO Humbucker / Neck: Bass Sidewinder Single-coil |
| Pros | • Iconic and vintage look • Sidewinder single-coil neck pickup that gives you classic warm tones • Comes in eye-popping colors |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Yamaha BB434 Bass Guitar
Versatile tone and gig-worthy build
That eagle eye for budget buys should find pure gold with the Yamaha BB434 bass guitar. This bass sets lofty budget-friendly standards with a spread of versatile P/J pickups and a thin, gig-worthy build. The BB434 takes cues from California classics — an alder body and rosewood fingerboard deliver a punchy sound and familiar fretwork. However, with offset optimization that’s easy to love, the body’s distinct cutaway features surpass the playability of countless California cousins. The same is true of the BB434’s VS-series single-coil pickups — a vintage-voiced P/J set powered by Alnico V magnets for tight tone. The finishing touch is the BB434’s multipiece mahogany and maple neck. This neck profile is even thinner than the BB-series standard neck carve for stellar speeds; however, its multipiece construction keeps your setup intact, even when traveling from gig to gig across challenging climates!
| Product | Yamaha BB434 |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Yamaha BB Doublecut / Alder |
| Neck Shape / Material | Thinner BB Neck Profile / 5-piece Maple and Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 10 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | Bridge: VSC5b Alnico V Single-coil / Neck: VSP5n Alnico V Split Single-coil |
| Pros | • Replication of a classic bass • Thinner neck for a modern feel • Looks wicked with offset double-cut body shape |
| Cons | You may not need another bass! |
Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH
The wormiest, squirmiest little green bass ever
A mash-up? A rehash? This unidentified low-frequency object is the Squier’s latest Paranormal must-have for thrill seekers and collectors! The Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH remixes aspects of beloved Fender basses; there’s a Mustang-inspired short-scale fingerboard, a poplar body with comfortable curves that nods to the Fender Bass VI, and there are also features beamed in from foreign realms, such as dual Wide Range humbucking pickups, which are an extreme rarity on bass guitars made by Squier. And although the Rascal lends itself to poetic description, it’s a fun bass to play. Short-scale features keep hands and shoulders comfortable during long sessions while energizing movement and speed. We also find Squier’s novel humbucker inclusions a natural fit for the sound of short-scale basses, especially in the neck position where wide, warm lows roll out with tremendous girth that only humbuckers can achieve.
| Product | Squier Paranormal Rascal Bass HH |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Rascal/Poplar |
| Neck Shape / Material | C/Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 9-1/2 Inches / Laurel |
| Scale Length | 30 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Fender Wide Range Bass Humbuckers |
| Pros | • An amalgamation of all our favorite Fender basses • Short scale that is comfortable for young bassists and anyone who doesn’t like the feel of basses that have normal scale lengths • 3-way switch for tonal versatility |
| Cons | Two humbuckers may not be the tone everyone is looking for. For more tonal options, check out the Yamaha BB434 bass guitar. |
Spector Euro 4 LX Bass Guitar
Euro-contoured for comfort and modern clarity
Luxurious looks, versatile tone shaping, and modern curves — the Spector Euro 4 LX bass guitar packs all that and more! An alder body delivers clarity and traditional tone with walnut veneer and a figured maple top that accents looks and tone. The Spector Euro 4 LX is a favorite for Motown and rock, but the fun hardly stops there. Active EMG P/J pickups and a TonePump preamp with 2-band EQ create a blank slate for expression and rugged versatility. The TonePump preamp is a real catch for bass enthusiasts! The TonePump replaces old-school op-amp circuitry with a JFET design that cuts unwanted noise while singing with tube-like saturation. What results is low-frequency harmonic depth without finicky clipping — an ideal fit for heavy music with crystal clear cleans. Lastly, the Spector Euro 4 LX supplies outstanding gig-ready comfort with a shapely body outfitted with a rosewood fingerboard and a perfectly balanced 3-piece maple neck.
| Product | Spector Euro 4 LX |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Euro4 LX / Alder with Walnut Veneer and Figured Maple Top |
| Neck Shape / Material | Standard D / 3-piece Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 16 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | Bridge: EMG J-style Single-coil / Neck: EMG P-style Split Single-coil |
| Pros | • Production version of the legendary Spector NS bass • Built-in preamp that delivers maximum clarity • Incredible warmth, dynamic attack, and low-end punch |
| Cons | This bass may be out of the budget for casual bassists. For a more affordable model, check out the Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones DJ-4 bass guitar. |
Schecter CV-5 Guitar
Road-ready and voiced for rock
The Schecter CV-5 bass guitar is a hard-rockin’, hot-rodded 5-string packed with road-ready touches at a great price. The bass captures familiar California design elements with its ash body but drops in two Diamond J-Bucker humbucking pickups that are great for heavy rock and chunky bass lines. But the CV-5 takes that a step further with a 3-way selector and a pair of series/split/parallel pickup toggles. All in all, there are more than 10 pickup options onboard, including single-coil style tones. The CV-5’s low B string makes it a good pick for funk and metal. At the same time, a bevy of high-performance hardware and Schecter’s thin C-shaped neck deliver smooth action with a premium string feel, whether you’re shaking the earth with an open low B or taking solos and pounding octaves above the 12th fret. Our favorite hardware touches include a premium Tusq XL nut for resonance and sustain, adjustable S-Tek bridge saddles for airtight intonation, and a 6-bolt neck joint for incredible stability — a must-have for touring musicians.
| Product | Schecter CV-5 |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Body Shape / Material | CV-5/Ash |
| Neck Shape / Material | Thin C / Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 10 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 35 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Schecter Diamond J-Bucker Humbuckers |
| Pros | • A rock-voiced alternative to the California classic • Brings the best of the mod shop to a timeless design • Lightweight ash body that hugs the player for maximum comfort |
| Cons | The low B string may be unnecessary for some players. Shop this Schecter CV-4 bass guitar for a 4-string option. |
G&L Tribute L-2000 Bass Guitar
Tribute knocked — G&L answered!
The G&L Tribute L-2000 bass guitar contains more onboard voices and tone options than any other bass on our list. A descendant of Leo Fender’s 1985 bass magnum opus, the Tribute L-2000’s poplar body is capped with swamp ash for roaring growl and marathon-like sustain. A maple neck and fingerboard with a generous 34-inch scale leave plenty of room to roam intricate highs and lows — and you’ll want to explore this range in full after getting acquainted with the onboard active pickups and Leo Fender’s unforgettable Tri-Tone preamp. Active MFD humbuckers fuel transparent sonics and are easily shapeable via individually adjustable pole pieces for each pickup. The Tri-Tone preamp, one of the most esteemed preamps ever, lets players explore series/parallel selection, a treble boost, 2-band active EQ, and passive/active switching for bypassing the active electronics. Simply put, the L-2000 Tribute offers dozens of pickup combinations and voicings. If you make the Tribute L-2000 your next bass, then you’ll be ready for the stage and for studio work, where perfect tones are only a toggle switch away.
| Product | G&L Tribute L-2000 |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Tribute L-2000 / Poplar with Swamp Ash Top |
| Neck Shape / Material | Medium C / Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 12 Inches / Hard Maple |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 G&L MFD Bass Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Unlimited tone-shaping options with the Tri-tone control system • Saddle-Lock bridge that improves resonance and sustain • Major bang for your buck! |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HHPB Bass Guitar
StingRay swagger with a riveting finish
The Sterling brand provides a collection of budget-friendly takes on Music Man classics. Chief among those classics is the renowned StingRay with its meaty modern tone and versatile active 3-band EQ. These days, active bass preamps are a well-known popular feature, but the original StingRay broke from tradition and led the charge onward to the precise and refined bass tones that countless die-hard players have trusted ever since. The Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HHPB bass guitar features dual humbucking pickups for impressive low-noise performance, a 5-way pickup selector, and a 3-band EQ for an incredible array of tones at players’ disposals. Often favored for hard rock, funk, and metal, the EQ also makes this StingRay an incredibly versatile instrument that’s easy to sculpt and shape. The resonant nyatoh body construction yields serious mass and sustain, while the roasted hard maple neck delivers ultra-stable performance with refined and unique looks.
| Product | Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HHPB |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | StingRay / Nyatoh with Poplar Burl Top (on Specific Models) |
| Neck Shape / Material | StingRay / Roasted Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 9-1/2 Inches / Roasted Maple |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Sterling by Music Man Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Modeled to match the renowned look and sound of the Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay • Classic bass 21 medium-sized frets and cutaway shape that provide a comfortable playing experience • Loaded with an active 3-band preamp and dual humbucker pickups for extremely responsive tone with little to no hum |
| Cons | The long scale may be too big for young players or those with small frames. A short-scale version is available with the Sterling by Music Man StringRay RAYSS4 short-scale bass guitar. |
Fender Troy Sanders Precision Bass 4-string Bass Guitar
A Mastodon of Fender tone
Meet the 4-string Fender Troy Sanders Precision Bass, the signature Fender bass of Mastodon bassist Troy Sanders. This mammoth, or Mastodon, of Fender bass tone packs a P/J punch with two Tim Shaw–designed pickups. The middle pickup features a split-coil P Bass single-coil, while the bridge features a J Bass single-coil. These pickups conjure up sounds that hit hard and heavy like a P Bass should. The neck profile sports the classic Fender “C” shape that feels incredibly comfortable in your fretting hand, whether you’re making fast runs or pumping out a serious groove. Lastly, it looks incredible. The gorgeous Silverburst finish, painted headstock, pearloid block inlays, and black and silver pickguard make this a ’70s-inspired workhorse of precise tone.
| Product | Fender Troy Sanders Precision Bass |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Precision/Alder |
| Neck Shape / Material | ’70s C / Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 9-1/2 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Custom Troy Sanders Noiseless Single-coils |
| Pros | • Split-coil pickups that give you a choice between classic and hot, aggressive tones reminiscent of Mastodon • Comes with P Bass and J Bass pickups for unlimited tone-shaping options • Looks gnarly and feels comfortable for any bassist |
| Cons | This is a great bass, but it might be expensive for those on a tight budget. Check out the G&L Tribute L-2000 bass guitar for a more affordable bass. |
Ibanez Bass Workshop SRC6MS 6-string Multi-scale Bass Guitar
Maximum multi-scale, Mono-Rail impact
If you’ve never played a multi-scale bass, then the Ibanez Bass Workshop SRC6MS 6-string multi-scale bass guitar will revolutionize your low-end life. This masterful multi-scale monster — with six strings for ultimate harmonic range — serves well for bassists who want to play fast and heavy. Its multi-scale fretboard makes simple-to-complex note reaches easier and more comfortable. Meanwhile, its pair of Bartolini humbuckers sets you up for tonal success, outputting warm, complex, low-end depth. Its Mono-Rail bridge system also aids in string isolation, ensuring each note you play rings out without interference from the other strings. Plus, it transfers vibrations to the body with maximum impact.
| Product | Ibanez Bass Workshop SRC6MS |
| Number of Strings | 6 |
| Body Shape / Material | Bass Workshop / Okoume |
| Neck Shape / Material | SRC6 / 5-piece Jatoba and Walnut |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 15.748 Inches / Rosewood |
| Pickups | 2 Bartolini BH2 Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Okoume body for delivering a light, bright tone with an articulate high end and a tight low end • Bartolini BH2 dual-coil pickups for delivering clear and open mids with deep and punchy lows • Mono-Rail bridge that ensures complete string isolation and maximum sustain per string |
| Cons | No cons to speak of. This is a great and affordable multi-scale bass guitar for any bassist! |
Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 4-string Bass
Stunning, moody, and bad to the bone
The Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 4-string bass is a modern bass masterpiece packed with nuanced harmonics, transparent warmth, and workhorse sustain that rings and rings. This bass prioritizes comfort with smooth contours. Hands and shoulders will relish the luxury, but the Thumb BO is no tonal couch potato. Since the Thumb’s initial 1985 debut, this bass has left many marks on diverse styles with memorable results. Part of Warwick’s appeal is its custom components designed in-house. The Pro Series Thumb BO features Warwick’s active MEC J-style pickups and a 2-band preamp, which you can bypass for passive operation and a simple tone control. Warwick also paid particular attention to the Pro Series Thumb BO’s playing surface. A wenge fingerboard offers 24 premium bell brass frets, a highly musical choice and one of Warwick’s defining signature features. Frets are treated to Warwick’s Invisible Fretwork Technology to eliminate fret sprout and deliver perfectly leveled frets matched within 0.01 millimeters across the board. Factor in an ovangkol neck with a modern C-shaped profile, and you have one of the best-playing bass guitars on Earth.
| Product | Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Thumb/Ovangkol |
| Neck Shape / Material | C/Ovangkol |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 20 Inches / Wenge |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 MEC Active J Stacked-coil Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Handcrafted and beautiful • Impeccable sound quality with its 2 active MEC J-style pickups • Amazing attention to detail and sound |
| Cons | This bass might be out of the budget for some bassists. For a more affordable model, check out the Spector Euro 4 LX bass guitar. |
Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones DJ-4 Bass Guitar
A 4-string Signature from multi-decade master Darryl Jones
The Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones DJ-4 bass guitar is the epitome of a workhorse bass! Its origins date back to 1985 when Darryl Jones was looking for a customized J-style bass that fit his diverse needs. The DJ-4 elevates usual bass aesthetics with fine touches, including block fingerboard inlays and a coordinated matching headstock. The body is swamp ash for a classic full-bodied tone with lots of articulate sonic punchiness, prized for both heavy styles and mellow music — which is nowhere more apparent than in Jones’s own playing! He has accompanied and collaborated with a diverse cast of major names, including Miles Davis, Sting, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones. But what makes the DJ-4 a “workhorse” bass? For one, its Dual-Design bridge allows both string-through and top-loading setups. Choose string-through for enhanced resonance and sustain, or go top-loading for a slightly softer string feel with a more present attack. For electronics, the DJ-4 boasts two well-respected Vintage Wound single-coil pickups that capture the essence of vintage J-style pickups. With plenty of low-end oomph, clarity, and bite, and the added benefit of enhanced treble clarity, this bass is an exceptional choice for any style heavy on upper-fret accents, such as pop, funk, and R&B.
| Product | Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones DJ-4 |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Skyline Darryl Jones / Swamp Ash |
| Neck Shape / Material | DJ/Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 10 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Lakland Vintage J Single-coils |
| Pros | • An all-around workhorse bass you can use for any playing technique or musical style • Specially contoured swamp ash body that provides a resonant, full-bodied tone • Rounded maple neck with rosewood fingerboard that feels fantastic and delivers excellent sustain and punch |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Fender Made in Japan Limited International Color Jazz Bass
Modern MIJ quality in stunning, rare blue
Vociferus value hunters have had a lasting soft spot for Japanese-made Fenders, but used prices aren’t what they used to be. Thankfully, Fender’s MIJ Traditional series is making a comeback with this Fender Made in Japan Limited International Color Jazz Bass packed with flawless MIJ craftsmanship, modern perks, and a rare Maui Blue finish (check out the entire Fender MIJ Traditional collection for colors inspired by unique locations abroad). Mix-cutting output with hearty, signature J Bass warmth and growl are guaranteed by the classic basswood body construction, one-piece maple neck and fingerboard, and vintage-voiced J Bass pickups. Vintage fanatics will also be pleased to hear that acclaimed ’70s-era J Basses inspired this tribute model’s looks; a vintage-style bridge and thumb rest, vintage-style tuners, and a headstock logo pull together for dignified retro cool without the wear, tear, or price tag of a vintage instrument!
| Product | Fender Made in Japan Limited International Color Jazz Bass |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Jazz/Basswood |
| Neck Shape / Material | U/Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 9-1/2 Inches / Maple |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Fender Vintage-style Single-coils |
| Pros | • Comes in 3 stunning colors • Classic Jazz Bass–style tones • Comfortable neck and superb playability |
| Cons | Fender offers more affordable Jazz Bass options; check out these other 4-string Fender Jazz Basses! |
Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MKII Bass
Unique pickups and flexible hardware with a featherlight feel
When Mike Watt of Minutemen wanted a signature bass, he turned to Reverend, the Ohio-based brand that churns out hot-rodded signature instruments with sensible personal touches. The Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MKII bass builds on the light and tight maneuverability of the original Wattplower with an expanded alternate pickup scheme. With its neck and body carved from Reverend’s stockpile of reliable korina wood, this is one of the lightest basses on our list. Tonally, korina sounds close to mahogany but tends to weigh less — this makes the Wattplower MKII great for both small players and those who like to be active onstage (a backflip off the bass amp, anyone?). Beyond feel, we love player-minded touches, like the fingerboard’s Luminlay side dots for precise fretting in dark environments. There’s also a Hipshot A Style bridge that adds clarity, attack, and sustain. The bridge can be used as a top-loading or string-through design — two options for the price of one! On the electronics side, the Wattplower MKII has an impressive but unique array of tones on tap. The P-style 2-way, 3-blade bridge pickup offers a large spread of attack-heavy bridge tones, while the neck humbucker is perfect for extra-hefty low-end thud.
| Product | Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MKII |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Mike Watt Wattplower MK II / Korina |
| Neck Shape / Material | Medium Oval / 3-piece Korina |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 12 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 30 Inches |
| Pickups | Neck: Rio Grande Pitbull Humbucker / Bridge: P-blade Split Single-coil |
| Pros | • Balanced, lightweight build: a solid korina body and a 3-piece korina neck • Outfitted with 3 Reverend pickups and a 3-way selector for incredible, hum-free, big bass tone • Neck-mounted Luminlay side dots for playing in dark environments |
| Cons | Some players may prefer the streamlined pickup configuration of the original Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower bass. |
Spector NS Dimension 5 Bass Guitar
Your 5-string slice of Spector innovation
Spector found its niche in the music biz back in the ’80s, starting with a white NS bass that Sting used during the Police’s Synchronicity Tour in 1983. Fast-forward four decades, and you have the Spector NS Dimension 5 bass guitar, an easy-playing 5-string with a multi-scale neck perfect for down tunings and players who demand precise intonation down to the last hertz. The NS Dimension 5 features a swamp ash body. Swamp ash is typically the lightest species of ash available, and the average NS Dimension 5 clocks in at just under 10 pounds — a rare find for a 5-string! Topping that off is a stunning poplar burl top with marbled wood grain that looks great on display and under stage lights. Dual Fishman Fluence humbuckers deliver a crystal clear, noise-free performance that exemplifies active bass pickups to a T. This bass’s control scheme looks simple. Still, under the hood, there are advanced tone-shaping tools, including 2-band EQ (with a push-pull pot for switching between frequency cut and frequency boost), three pickup voice options (active, active scooped, and passive), and blend controls for dialing in the perfect balance of each pickup.
| Product | Spector NS Dimension 5 |
| Number of Strings | 5 |
| Body Shape / Material | NS Dimension 5 / Swamp Ash with Poplar Burl Top |
| Neck Shape / Material | Modern D / 5-piece Maple and Wenge |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 16 Inches / Wenge |
| Scale Length | 34–37 Inches / Multi-scale |
| Pickups | 2 Fishman Fluence Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Multi-scale design ideal for low tunings with excellent clarity • Fishman Fluence active humbuckers that yield a wide range of tones • Durable and snappy 5-piece maple/wenge neck |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special Bass Guitar
Elegant looks and innovative electronics!
Ever since its ’70s debut, the StingRay has been something of a bassist’s bass — and we mean that as a compliment! It’s given us memorable bass lines from Red Hot Chili Peppers, AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine, and even Blink-182, to name a few. What makes the StingRay the choice of these big names? Namely, rock-solid performance paired with modern active tone-shaping tools. This Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special bass guitar model has all that, plus the benefit of weight-cutting innovations, like lightweight tuners, a roasted maple neck, and a revamped ash body that has hit the gym and shed a pound or two compared to its predecessors. More comfortable than ever, this StingRay Special delivers spine-shaking low end with a classic StingRay preamp system and a single massive humbucker made with neodymium magnets. Now updated to 18 volts, this preamp offers more headroom than its 9-volt predecessors, translating into unbeatable clarity, even at high volumes. With dedicated active EQ knobs for bass, treble, and mids, the StingRay Special can accomplish everything from expansive tubby lows for pop, reggae, and metal to punchy mix-cutting highs and mids that are perfect for funk, indie, and more.
| Product | Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | StingRay Special / Select Hardwood |
| Neck Shape / Material | StingRay / Select Roasted Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 11 Inches / Maple |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | Bridge: Music Man Neodymium Humbucker |
| Pros | • A performance-built bass any serious player can appreciate • 22 stainless steel frets that provide exceptionally long fret life and excellent tone • Redesigned humbuckers with 18V preamp and 3-band EQ that give you fat, punchy, and versatile tone |
| Cons | High-end features add up to a high-end price tag. Looking for a budget-friendly model? Check out this Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HHPB bass guitar. |
Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird Electric Bass Guitar
Your key to unlocking thunderous tone
Built for Rex Brown of Pantera fame, the Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird electric bass guitar is made of pure muscle, brawn, and Gibson magic. The Thunderbird’s shape pairs perfectly with your best power stance. A mahogany body and neck deliver a killer tone and sustain with a balanced feel. Unlike many bass guitars, there’s unfettered access to upper frets, especially those on the low E string. But the hardware and pickups are what set the Rex Brown apart. The headstock features a Drop D Xtender for instant access to drop tunings — no breaks required — with an additional Hipshot bridge and tuners for keeping intonation and string action on point. Two custom, hot, active Rexbucker pickups make a vulgar display of power with the ability to blend each to taste via independent volume controls. To top it off, the push-pull tone knob instantly switches the pickups from active to passive — perfect for channeling a more vintage bass tone or using it as a fallback plan should you be stranded onstage with a dead preamp battery and no backup.
| Product | Gibson Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Rex Brown Signature Thunderbird / Mahogany |
| Neck Shape / Material | Rounded/Mahogany |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 12 Inches / Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | 2 Rexbucker Thunderbird Humbuckers |
| Pros | • Rexbucker T-Bird active humbuckers that deliver colossal output with a serious low-end punch • Push-pull tone pot that toggles between active and passive operation • Drop D Xtender that enables easy, instantaneous drop tuning |
| Cons | Premium appointments come at a premium price. |
Sire Marcus Miller P10dx 4-string Bass Guitar
A 4-string machine for bass royalty
Sire’s latest stunner offers a boutique look and the invaluable tone-shaping tools that have put this brand on the map with beaucoup bassists. Super P/J electronics, an assortment of EQ tools, and a Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offer quick access to tones ranging from punchy finger funk and slap to thick rhythm fundamentals. When you need a bass that pivots on a dime, this is the one! For all its utility, the Sire Marcus Miller P10dx 4-string bass guitar never spoils elegant looks with cluttered controls. A linear 5-knob layout made for rapid tweaking graces the P10dx’s balanced swamp ash body. This body is topped with flamed maple for custom Sire looks and a snappy tone — perfect pairings for the speed, setup stability, and sound of a gorgeous roasted maple neck and fingerboard. When it’s time to face the music, the Sire Marcus Miller P10dx enhances players’ signature styles and can easily tackle covers. Sporting more than just your average active EQ, a Heritage-3 preamp offers powerful midrange adjustments and serious sound sculpting with just a single sweep of a knob. The preamp can even be bypassed for traditional passive pickup tones, thus proving there’s nothing this Sire masterpiece can’t achieve.
| Product | Sire Marcus Miller P10dx |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Body Shape / Material | Marcus Miller P10dx / Swamp Ash with Flame Maple Top |
| Neck Shape / Material | C / Roasted Flame Hard Maple |
| Fingerboard Radius / Material | 9-1/2 Inches / Roasted Flame Hard Maple |
| Scale Length | 34 Inches |
| Pickups | Bridge: Marcus Super J-style Revolution Single-coil / Neck: Marcus Super P-style Revolution Split Single-coil |
| Pros | • Unlimited tonal options • One-of-a-kind look and sound • Built to Marcus Miller’s specs |
| Cons | None to speak of at this price point! |
Bass Guitar Buying Advice
Part rhythm, part melody — there’s simply no denying the importance of the bass guitar in modern music. This Sweetwater buying guide covers critical information to help you choose the right bass guitar. There’s a lot to consider when purchasing a bass guitar, so please don’t hesitate to call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700 for personal assistance.
- The Anatomy of a Bass Guitar
- Tonewoods Compared
- 4, 5, or 6 Strings?
- Short-scale vs. Long-scale
- Fretted vs. Fretless
- Acoustic Bass Guitars
- Passive vs. Active Pickups
- Bolt-on vs. Neck-through
- Precision vs. Jazz Basses: Which Is Right for Me?
- What to Look for in a Bass Guitar
The Anatomy of a Bass Guitar
Tonewoods Compared
Several factors determine the tonal properties of wood. Most luthiers believe that the wood chosen for the top is the most critical factor in determining the quality of the tone of the instrument. It is also interesting to note that the wood takes on different characteristics depending on where it is on the bass guitar. But wood species can be responsible only for certain aspects of the tone of any guitar. Equally important are design, the skill of the maker, and the quality of the wood used. Tonewood selection can be a determining factor in creating a special bass guitar or a bass guitar designed for a specific purpose.
Ash & Alder
Since ash and alder are incredibly similar, both provide sustain and produce an evenly balanced tone that is resonant and rich in harmonic overtones. The most common reason guitar makers choose ash is because of its more attractive grain, which is apparent under a transparent or semi-transparent finish.
Agathis
Many wonderful entry-level basses are made from Agathis since it is relatively inexpensive. Tonally, it is a medium between ash/alder and mahogany, resonating with a rich tone that emphasizes the lower midrange over the upper.
Mahogany
Mahogany basses are best generalized as warm-sounding and full-bodied. The medium density and low resonance of mahogany give the lower register of the bass guitar a pronounced emphasis and roll off the snappier string attack that you get with an ash/alder body.
Basswood
Basswood is a favorite body wood for bassists who play a wide range of music. An interesting quality of basswood is its extreme softness, which readily absorbs vibrations. It has a shorter sustain, making it ideal for fast or more complex playing techniques.
Maple
Maple is a very dense wood, producing phenomenal sustain and a bright, crisp tone. Many bassists and recording engineers swear by maple because of the clarity and definition it gives bass guitars.
4, 5, or 6 Strings?
It’s tempting to say that if you need to ask, then you’re better off sticking to a traditional 4-string bass. Regular 4-string basses have, by design, narrower necks than 5- or 6-string basses and are tuned in standard E-A-D-G format; this makes them easier to learn to play on. However, there are some styles of music that favor 5-string basses. Modern worship music and country seem to have more songs that root in B; therefore, its B-E-A-D-G tuning is ideal. Regardless of style, 5- and even 6-string basses give bass players more room to expand creatively. A 6-string bass tuned B-E-A-D-G-C will let you pull off some fancier tricks, particularly if you perform a lot of bass solos.
Short-scale vs. Long-scale
Basses come in numerous scale lengths (the distance between the nut and the bridge). The most common scale length, long-scale, is 34 inches, as popularized by classic bass models like P and J Basses. Short-scale basses are basses with a scale length of fewer than 31 inches. Short-scale basses are ideal for young players, players with small hands, and guitarists who have picked up the bass as a second instrument. Scale length does influence the tone of an instrument. Long-scale basses are more versatile, with plenty of growl, punch, and bite, while short-scale basses are dark and rich in tone, with a pronounced low end.
Fretted vs. Fretless
There are two fretboard layouts to choose from when looking for a bass guitar: fretted and fretless. A fretted neck is the standard guitar neck, with steel frets dividing each half step of the chromatic scale. This makes finding the right notes much easier, especially if you are starting out on the instrument. A fretless bass, however, features a neck that does not have steel frets; it’s just smooth wood, similar to an upright bass or violin. While many bass players believe that fretless basses offer a smoother, warmer sound, the pitch of the note depends completely upon your finger position. Skilled players rely on muscle memory to position their fretting hand properly, but practice always makes perfect.
Acoustic Bass Guitars
If you’re looking for a bass guitar but don’t want to use an amp, then an acoustic bass guitar might be for you. Like an acoustic 6-string guitar, an acoustic bass produces sound through a resonant hollowbody. This allows you to play unplugged with a full-bodied, robust sound, which is sometimes more appropriate for acoustic music. However, many different models of acoustic-electric bass guitars exist, giving you the hollowbody sound of an acoustic bass with the ability to plug into an amp for additional volume.
Passive vs. Active Pickups
There are two kinds of bass guitar pickups to choose from. Passive pickups, which have been around since the beginning of the electric bass, provide you with a dynamic sound and a warm, full tone. The downside to passive pickups is that they give you less overall control over the tone of your instrument. That isn’t necessarily bad; if you like your bass sound fat and punchy, then passive pickups are for you.
Active pickups are a much newer development than passive pickups. Many modern bassists consider them the coolest thing since sliced bread, while others find them almost heretical. Active pickups produce a tone that is bright, percussive, and clear. Additionally, active pickups include a built-in battery-powered preamp, producing a much higher output than passive pickups. Just remember to change the battery periodically!
Bolt-on vs. Neck-through
Some controversy exists about which construction style is best for bass guitars. The bolt-on neck design is the more common and traditional construction method in which the neck is a separate piece of wood bolted onto the body. An essential advantage of this design is the ability to replace the neck if damaged.
In a neck-through design, the bass guitar’s neck wood spans the entire length of the instrument. Neck-through bodies tend to provide greater sustain and more direct energy transfer. These basses are made of several pieces of wood glued together. One upside of this design is that the wood is usually of exceptionally high quality, which increases the overall quality of the instrument.
Precision vs. Jazz Basses: Which Is Right for Me?
Fender’s Precision Basses and Jazz Basses dominate the world of bass guitars — and that’s no accident! Leo Fender and his small crew invented the first electric bass guitar more than 50 years ago. And though there have been many changes to both models over the past 50 years, the new P Bass or J Bass you buy today still carries on the tradition of the classic originals.
So, how do they differ? What makes a player choose one over the other? The primary differences can be summed up in three areas: the body, the neck, and the pickups.
Body Design
The Precision Bass was a radical design in 1951. Its deep double cutaways and forward-raked design were like nothing the guitar world had seen. In 1954, the Precision Bass, which had been a “slab” until then, adopted the contoured body of the new Stratocaster. These sculpted recessions at the bottom and top made it more comfortable to hold. The original Precision body was ash; now, you can choose from models with ash or alder bodies.
The Fender Jazz Bass, released in 1960, offered players an offset waist body influenced by the Jazzmaster guitar, which was introduced a couple of years earlier. This moved the body mass forward and out of the way of the player’s right arm. As with the P Bass, ash and alder body models of the J Bass are available.
C-shaped Neck
Most Precision and Jazz Bass production models have what Fender calls a “modern ‘C’ shape” neck. Each model’s neck is maple, with maple, rosewood, or pao ferro fingerboards available. Despite these similarities, the Precision neck maintains a fairly consistent thickness and slightly tapers as it approaches the nut. However, the Jazz starts with its strings in a noticeably narrower spacing at the nut, which gives it a distinct “tapered” feel for what some players feel is easier fingering.
Different Pickups
Upon its release, the Precision Bass had a single-coil pickup with a chrome-plated cover. Within a few years, Fender moved to a split-coil pickup that offered a more defined and solid bass sound. The Jazz Bass was released with dual 8-pole humbucking pickups, giving players a wider variety of tonal possibilities. The result? A bass that has a cleaner sound, with more tonal variation possible through the use of a knob that adjusts the balance between the two pickups.
What to Look for in a Bass Guitar
Body Style
Electric bass guitars are most commonly solidbody electrics. Although, a few semi-hollowbodies are available for a rounder and more acoustic sound.
Neck
Choosing the type of neck your bass should have depends on your hand size and feel preference. Necks come in several shapes: round, oval, flat back, “vee,” and asymmetrical (thinner on the bass or treble side).
Scale Length
Longer necks provide a more defined sound on the low strings, while a shorter scale is acceptable for 4-string basses and is suitable for smaller hands.
Tuning Machines
Enclosed machine heads resist rust and airborne corrosives and therefore don’t require as much maintenance or replacement as open tuning machines.
Intonation
Intonation determines whether the notes are in tune as you move up the neck. Suppose the distance between the frets (usually above the 12th fret) is not accurate. In that case, the bass will be incapable of playing in tune and therefore is useless as a recording or performance instrument.
Bolt-on vs. Neck-through
Neck-through basses are more robust, with better sustain and note resolution. Bolt-on necks have a punchier sound but are more likely to have dead spots.
Fingerboard
A coated fingerboard helps produce a whining, trebly “fretless sound” and longer sustain, which wears much longer with roundwound strings. Uncoated fingerboards have a warmer, more natural sound.
Number of Frets
Most basses have 21, 22, or 24 frets. Since most bass playing takes place in the lower positions, the number of frets is a matter of personal taste.
Pickups
Pickups have more effect on your bass’s final sound than the choice of wood. A pickup can give different results on different basses, and they are offered in passive and active varieties.
Wood
The critical question regarding the wood is whether you like the sound of the bass. Wood choice naturally affects the tone and weight of a guitar, so consider how you will use the bass (in other words, playing long gigs or sitting in a studio).
Get Started with a Bass Guitar from Sweetwater Today!
Whether you’re a beginner shopping for your first instrument or a seasoned player scoping out your next 4-string or extended-range electric bass, Sweetwater has the bass of your dreams! Shop our vast selection of basses from all the top brands, and if you’d like personalized shopping advice, then please reach out to one of our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700. They’re happy to assist in finding the right bass for you!
