Bassists aren’t hard to shop for, especially if you shop here at Sweetwater. But if you’re not a bass player, then it might not be immediately apparent what makes an excellent gift for the bass player in your life. That’s why we’ve put together this list — of everything from stocking stuffers to full-scale instruments — that’s sure to please the low-end enthusiasts you know.
- Best Gifts Under $500 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $300 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $200 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $100 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $50 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $25 for Bass Players
- Best Gifts Under $10 for Bass Players
- Bass Guitar Frequently Asked Questions
Best Gifts Under $500 for Bass Players
Darkglass Luminal Booster Ultra Bass Preamp Pedal
The Darkglass Luminal Booster Ultra combines high-precision dynamics control and broad-gauge tone shaping with a studio-quality compressor offering numerous options for imaginative processing, and a bass-tailored graphic EQ that puts six bands of premium sonic sculpting at your fingertips. The Luminal Booster Ultra features an XLR DI output and a 7-slot IR loader, granting you access to a formidable cache of award-winning cabinet simulations. Bassists in need of an all-in-one pedalboard-based preamp with ample tone tweaking will get all that — and more — from the Darkglass Luminal Booster Ultra.
BOSS Waza-Air Bass Guitar Wireless Headphone Amp
The wireless BOSS Waza-Air bass guitar headphone amp is the perfect gift for bassists who live in apartments, enjoy practicing at night, or simply crave the taste of a BOSS amplifier! This headphone amp has a transmitter that connects to the bass guitar and wirelessly transmits sound straight to the headphones — no amp required. Plus, it packs five amp types and over 30 customizable effects, allowing bassists to experiment with new tones. Even built-in drum grooves and a metronome allow them to practice effectively and hone their skills.
Best Gifts Under $300 for Bass Players
Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synth Pedal
The Electro-Harmonix Bass Micro Synthesizer creates tones ranging from vintage sounds of the early Moog synthesizer to wild custom creations, and everything in between. Ten slider controls lets you dial in an array of analog synth sounds. Its four voices — Guitar, Octave, Sub-Octave, and Square Wave — are completely independent and fully mixable. If you want to take your bass sound further than you’ve ever taken it before, the Bass Micro Synthesizer will get you there!
Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 Pedal
The Tech 21 SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 pedal is based on the original SansAmp bass pedal — the same one at the heart of countless pro-level bassists’ rigs. The SansAmp Bass Driver DI V2 features a massive range of tonal control that’s guaranteed to take any bass rig from drab to fab. This pedal is tailor-made for not only 4-string but also 5- and 6-string basses, thanks to its expanded low-end control. Its adjustable midrange accommodates a wide range of pickups.
Gator Icon Series Bass Gig Bag
Gator Icon Series gig bags are travel-friendly soft cases that check every box. Designed with multi-layered semi-rigid construction, the exterior is weather resistant, thanks to its 1000D nylon fabric and included rain cover. The micro-velvet-lined interior will keep your axe scratch-free during travel, aided by the removable neck support block, a hook-and-loop wrap, and interior body blocks. There’s a large exterior pocket that’s perfect for storing your cables, strings, and extra accessories, and a smaller hidden pocket on the back allows you to quickly access to your personal items. This Icon Series Gig Bag is the perfect travel companion for your bass.
Aguilar Tone Hammer Preamp V2 Pedal
Aguilar’s Tone Hammer Preamp V2 builds upon the uncompromising studio-grade sound and versatile tone-shaping power of its predecessor, packing the punch of a Tone Hammer amplifier into stompbox form. It features a 3-band EQ with enhanced Mid Frequency and Mid Level knobs, a Drive circuit for tube-style saturation, and practical options for stage like an XLR output, Pre/Post switch, and ground-lift. This updated version adds a headphone output and headphone mix control, making it ideal for live performance, recording, and practice.
Best Gifts Under $200 for Bass Players
Peterson StroboStomp Mini Pedal Tuner
The Peterson StroboStomp Mini pedal tuner will help bassists stay in tune whether they’re in practice or at a gig. The StroboStomp provides precise tuning that’ll serve a bassist well during gigs and especially during recording. It also offers 80 Sweetened Tunings to suit any bass or nail almost any tuning — plus, it has three bypass modes. This pedal’s form factor stays miniscule, freeing up real estate on pedalboards by offering side-mounted controls and top-mounted jacks. Lastly, a high-definition LCD strobe display with adjustable LED backlights can easily be read on dark stages.
Line 6 POD Express Bass
Want to take your entire bass rig with you wherever you go? With the Line 6 POD Express Bass, you can do just that — in fact, it’s the company’s most portable Bass POD yet. The POD Express boasts seven amp models, seven cab simulations, and 17 effects based on cutting-edge HX-derived technology, along with a tuner, a noise gate, and even a looper. This unit’s simple control set and powerful POD Express Edit app make dialing in bass guitar tones a straightforward affair; plus it can be powered by either batteries or an optional power supply, you can take it virtually anywhere.
Best Gifts Under $100 for Bass Players
Levy’s MSS2 4.5-inch Garment Leather with Heavy Padding Bass Strap
Basses get heavy after a long gig or rehearsal session, but Levy’s MSS2 bass strap will have any bassist feeling like they could play for hours more. This strap is made from Italian garment leather and is not only comfortable but also built to last. This Levy’s strap works by evenly distributing the weight of the bass across the shoulder. Plus, it easily adjusts to fit any player.
Pedaltrain Nano 14-inch x 5.5-inch Pedalboard with Soft Case
The Pedaltrain Nano pedalboard is the perfect gift for bassists wanting to build their own pedalboards. This is also a great organizational tool for those who enjoy using effects pedals but have nowhere to put them. This compact pedalboard will suit bassists who have a pared-down, dedicated effects section or bassists branching out into the world of pedals. With an included soft case, this pedalboard is also easy to transport from home to gig to practice session and beyond!
Audio-Technica ATH-M20x Closed-back Monitoring Headphones
With studio recording or even headphone amp action on a bassist’s mind, the Audio-Technica ATH-M20x headphones will serve them well in any musical or auditory situation. The Audio-Technica ATH-M20xs are widely regarded as exceptional headphones at this price point. Packed with classic Audio-Technica sound quality and a pair of 40mm neodymium magnet drivers, these headphones dole out crystal clear sound through comfortable earpads. Plus, they’re a joy for casual listening, too. But be careful — you may want to keep this pick for yourself!
Best Gifts Under $50 for Bass Players
Dunlop NC65 Maintenance Station Neck Cradle
The Dunlop NC65 Maintenance Station Neck Cradle has saved the lives of countless basses. Like an ER room of the musical variety, this Maintenance Station provides bassists a raised and protected area to easily work on their bass, whether that work takes place at the headstock, neck, or body of the instrument. This can also double for work with electric guitars, acoustic basses, or acoustic guitars. If you know a bassist who does their own maintenance work, then they’ll love the gift of a Dunlop NC65; it creates a lifesaving bass station almost anywhere!
Etymotic Research ER-20XS High-fidelity Earplugs
Rehearsals and gigs can be tough on the ears, but it doesn’t have to be that way with the Etymotic Research ER-20XS earplugs. With a design that sits snuggly in the outer ear and features sonic isolation of 20dB, the Etymotic Research ER-20XS earplugs attenuate loud sound levels without compromising the integrity of the sound quality. This way, bassists can hear themselves and the band clearly and safely during a gig. Plus, these buds are removed via a flexible pull tab.
Best Gifts Under $25 for Bass Players
Ernie Ball Pegwinder Select Bass Guitar String Winder
Changing strings can be a hassle, especially when it’s crunch time before a gig. Ernie Ball recognized this issue and solved it with its Ernie Ball Pegwinder Select bass guitar string winder. Featuring a smooth-turning crank and an extra-large socket designed specifically for the oversize tuning pegs on a bass guitar, this compact tool fits easily into a gig bag and helps bassists significantly reduce restringing time. In addition to working well on both electric and acoustic basses, it also offers a bridge pin puller that acoustic bass players will find very handy.
Best Gifts Under $10 for Bass Players
MusicNomad String Fuel String Cleaner and Lubricant with Applicator
Help a bassist get the most out of their strings with the MusicNomad String Fuel string cleaner and lubricant. String Fuel uses a special blend of naturally occurring oils and premium-quality mineral oils, bringing life back to used strings and strengthening strings for future use. This package comes with everything a bassist needs: an applicator, the String Fuel itself, and a microfiber cleaning cloth. Plus, it can serve to condition unfinished fingerboard wood for silky-smooth action.
GHS Fast Fret String and Neck Lubricant
Built-up dirt and grime can cause bass strings to sound dull and lifeless. GHS Fast Fret string and neck lubricant brings them back to life, delivering many more hours of great tone and addictive grooves. Easy to apply with the built-in applicator and included cloth, Fast Fret also cleans and conditions the fretboard. Once applied, Fast Fret lets fingers slide freely, creating a fast and smooth feel that the bassist on your gift list is certain to love.
MusicNomad All Purpose Flannel Polishing Cloth
Nothing looks more awesome than a perfectly polished bass guitar gleaming under the stage lights. The MusicNomad All Purpose Flannel Polishing Cloth features a super-soft, unhemmed, 100% flannel fabric to safely remove dirt, dust, and fingerprints without scratching delicate finishes. Perfect for electric and acoustic bass as well as guitars, pianos, and drums, it’s an essential for virtually any musician on your gift list.
Can’t Decide? Give a Sweetwater Gift Card!
If you can’t make up your mind, then we have the perfect gift solution: a Sweetwater Gift Card! These can be purchased as either a digital card or as a physical card that you can use as a stocking stuffer.
For a digital card, simply click on the “Send as an e-Gift” button below, fill out your information, and choose the amount you want to place on the card. You can then email the gift card to your lucky giftee that day or choose a later date — you have up to a year to send it! Send a personal message with your gift card to make it even more special. Your giftee can pick from any of our 63,000 products, and they don’t have to spend it all on one purchase.
For a physical gift card, choose the “Send a Gift Card” option, choose the amount and the message, and we’ll handle the rest by mailing the card to either you or your recipient.
Whichever you choose, we are confident that the convenience will make this holiday season less stressful all around! These are the easiest way to make the season a little brighter.
You Can’t Go Wrong with the Gift of Music
These are just a handful of gift ideas for bass players. Of course, there are many more options for bass players of all types. Just remember that you don’t have to be a music expert to find an excellent gift for a bass player — simply showing that you care about their passion for music is heartwarming. If you’re still unsure what to get the bass player in your life, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700, and they’ll be happy to help you find the right gift for any budget.
