I've been playing bass guitar for almost four decades. Here are some of my favorite bass guitar model lines, from budget/entry level all the way up to wallet-busting works of art.
Sections
3
Budget
Mid-Range
Premium
Budget
These are great brands to consider if you're just starting out on the bass.
My fave budget guitar brand also makes some excellent entry-level basses, with features like active pickups normally not found in the budget price range.
IYV
Ibanez brings their decades of experience to bear on this great budget entry.
Ibanez GSR
The originator of the electric bass, Fender, has a great addition in the budget category with their Debut series.
Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass
GLARRY's entry level bass is a great platform for those looking for an inexpensive option to modify.
GLARRY GIB Series
Sire's Marcus Miller line of basses are affordable and immensely popular due to their excellent value for money.
Marcus Miller
Mid-Range
These brands offer an excellent combination of features, tones, and value.
Ibanez's foray into the extended, multi-scale bass market has been a home run so far.
Ibanez EHB
Lakland's Skyline series of basses are absolute tone monsters!
Lakland Skyline
The player line offers all of the things that make the Jazz style bass great in a reasonably affordable package.
Player Jazz Bass by Fender
They don't come much more fun (in looks or tone) than the Bongo!
Bongo Collection by Ernie Ball Music Man
Ibanez's BTB line are heavy, but offer amazing sustain.
Ibanez BTB
Premium
The best of the best when it comes to bass!
Michael Tobias is one of the world's best luthiers, and his custom basses are works of art.
Michael Tobias Design
The original premium multi-scale, fan-fret bass makes is still the best.
Dingwall
Fodera makes stunning, statement-making basses that are exceptionally smooth to play.
Fodera Guitars
Regularly selling for $10K+ on the *used* market, WAL basses are rare and among the best in the world.
Wal Basses
For decades, Alembic has pioneered the convergence of art and craftsmanship when it comes to electric basses.
