Iconic instrument, often in the shadows, the electric bass is the essential sonic link in any composition across all styles. While Leo Fender laid the technical foundations in its construction, forever setting standards like the Precision and Jazz Bass, many other manufacturers have developed their own models. Ibanez, Cort, Yamaha, Squier, Fender—here are some makers offering the best electric basses on the market.
Entry-level beginner model from the Japanese brand, this GIO adopts the silhouette and cut of the electric basses from the SR series, undoubtedly the most famous and best-selling by Ibanez. Although its bridge and tuners aren’t the sturdiest in the lineup, they do the job well. The strong point with this manufacturer, whatever the bass, is the comfort offered by the neck, above the rest in this price category, making it the ideal electric bass for beginners. Perfect for practicing without fatigue with a real smooth feel! Another notable feature on this instrument is the presence of an active bass-boost circuit, called Phat II EQ, in addition to the Tone control. Lightweight and manageable, it delivers a relatively solid contemporary low-end sound. It’s worth noting that many users who started with this model have remained loyal to Ibanez.
Pros
- The neck
- The Phat II EQ circuit
- Ergonomics
Cons
- Somewhat light hardware
The Korean brand has become a true champion in the field of value for money thanks to instruments that are accessible but never cheap. This proud representative of the Action series with a modern and sleek design features two types of pickups, one in Precision format (middle of the body), the other in Jazz Bass format (bridge side). But beyond its attractive electronics at this price, it’s its weight that makes the difference. It’s incredibly lightweight! Perfect for reassuring beginners as well as those with fragile backs. Well balanced, its design allows comfort both for fingerstyle playing and with a pick. Very rock and relatively modern in the sounds it delivers, it can still express itself without too much difficulty in other styles. A perfect electric bass model for starting out and progressing.
Pros
- Weight
- Value for money
- Playability
Cons
- Some finishing details
Like the Ibanez and Cort models, this Yamaha electric bass opts for a modern design and ergonomic construction that facilitates playing comfortably, offering the player two types of pickups, Precision and Jazz Bass. Its mango top gives it an original touch thanks to this exotic wood with a matching headstock. Lightweight and well balanced, it will help beginners express themselves easily thanks to its relatively slim neck, and will please more experienced musicians with a warm sound that allows them to shine in many styles. In fact, it features one of the best pairs of pickups available in this price range, with a Precision model delivering a deep sound and a Jazz Bass model with detailed output and precise highs without being harsh. The kind of instrument you love to start with and often keep for a very long time.
Pros
- The finish
- The sound
- Overall balance
Cons
- Versatile, yes, but still modern
The ideal electric bass at a low price for Fender fans who find the sound of a Precision somewhat limited and that of a Jazz Bass more versatile but not punchy enough. Take a Precision body, light and easy to carry for hours, add two pickups, one Precision and one Jazz Bass, a volume knob per pickup, a master tone control, and you’re set. The playing comfort remains very pleasant (watch out for the factory neck setup which often leaves the strings a bit high) and the sound is relatively full thanks to the Precision pickup. While the Jazz Bass pickup doesn’t offer much character when used alone, it adds a nice bite to the notes when combined with the Precision pickup. Overall, it’s mainly a Precision with a more versatile sound, which remains above all an excellent instrument for rock fans. The perfect bass for guitarists wanting to start with this instrument or to have a four-string in their home studio if needed.
Pros
- Lightweight overall
- Two types of pickups
- Value for money
Cons
- Jazz Bass pickup a bit flat when used alone
Squier Precision Bass Affinity MN PJ Olympic White
The ideal electric bass at a low price for Fender fans who find the sound of a Precision somewhat limited and that of a Jazz Bass more versatile but not punchy enough. Take a Precision body, light and easy to carry for hours, add two pickups, one Precision and one Jazz Bass, a volume knob per pickup, a master tone control, and you’re set. The playing comfort remains very pleasant (watch out for the factory neck setup which often leaves the strings a bit high) and the sound is relatively full thanks to the Precision pickup. While the Jazz Bass pickup doesn’t offer much character when used alone, it adds a nice bite to the notes when combined with the Precision pickup. Overall, it’s mainly a Precision with a more versatile sound, which remains above all an excellent instrument for rock fans. The perfect bass for guitarists wanting to start with this instrument or to have a four-string in their home studio if needed.
- Strengths
- Lightweight overall
- Two types of pickups
- Value for money
- Weaknesses
- Jazz Bass pickup a bit flat when used alone
Squier Precision Bass Affinity MN PJ Olympic White
How to Choose Your Electric Bass Well
Rely on the Standards
When you think of the bass, two major models automatically stand out: the Precision and the Jazz Bass, both made by Fender. Beyond their instantly recognizable shapes, it’s also their pickups that have helped forge their identities. The Precision pickup delivers a muscular sound with punch and a slight grit that pairs wonderfully with overdrives. Jazz Bass pickups are more detailed, less aggressive in output level, and very versatile. These types of pickups are found on a vast number of basses, even when their design doesn’t replicate the aesthetics of the two iconic models. Better yet, some basses feature both at once.
Active or Passive Electronics
Besides the two pickups mentioned earlier, another major constant in the bass world is the adoption of active electronics, which are more widespread and generally better accepted than in the guitar realm. They often provide a preamp with a full equalizer (three bands, or even semi-parametric on some models) that helps sculpt the sound with impressive efficiency and allows for some stunning results without needing an amplifier (a DI box can sometimes suffice). The sound is punchier but often less vintage and less dynamic than with passive pickups. It’s a choice worth considering.
More than 4 Strings
Gone are the days when one of the nicknames for the bass was “4 strings.” The 5-string has carved out a nice place over the past quarter-century, and the 6-string is gaining more followers, even if it remains somewhat niche. More contemporary genres, from metal to electro, have called for lower tunings and highlighted the famous low B string, so handy for not having to adjust the settings of a traditional bass and keeping the possibilities offered by the other 4 strings. If your playground is more modern than average, don’t hesitate to consider this option, usually paired with active electronics.
