Top Cheap ELECTRIC BASSES Quality Price Ratio. The Best Buying GUIDE (Prices, Brands and Models): Ibanez, Yamaha, ESP LTD, Steinberger, and Warwick.
In this article we will look at other brands of electric basses with the best quality-price ratio, which have not appeared on the page of The Most ICONIC Electric Bass Guitars in History. In any case, I recommend that you check out the article on legendary basses, so that you can learn about the characteristics of the basses that have marked the development of the instrument, and the most influential brands in history.
Best Cheap Electric Basses
Ibanez Electric Basses
One of these manufacturers that we should take into account when looking for a good electric bass cheap for our arsenal is the Ibanez brand. Since its models have been used by many great bassists such as Sharlee D’Angelo, Gerald Veasley, Mike D’Antonio, or Adam Nitti. The brand has several signature models from different bassists, including all those mentioned above.
Ibanez offers a number of cheap electric basses, such as the Ibanez GSRM20B ($230) with a short 28.6-inch scale, perfect for young players or bassists with small hands, or simply for those who don’t need a bass that’s too bulky. It also has a versatile hybrid pickup configuration between a Precision and a Jazz Bass.
With the same pickup configuration, but with a long scale, we have the Ibanez GSR200 for approximately $280. And with a Jazz Bass style pickup configuration we have the Ibanez GSR180 for around $200.
With dual coil pickups and active electronics we have the Ibanez SR300E. A great bass at a very affordable price for its features and performance ($380). When we talk about electronics or active circuit, we mean that it has active equalization controls for greater control and precision in adjusting the tone of the instrument. But this does not mean that its pickups are active, as in this particular case.
Also with 5-string models like the Ibanez GSR205 for a modest $330. This bass may look like it has active pickups, but they are not. So be careful with this, and check the specifications of the pickups carefully, as aesthetically they can lead to confusion.
And 6-string models like the Ibanez GSR206B ($400) maintaining very competitive prices.
Yamaha Electric Basses
Another Japanese manufacturer with a great reputation for creating quality musical instruments, but also developing affordable models with a good quality-price ratio, is the Yamaha brand.
There are also many bassists who opt for this manufacturer, such as Miki Santamaria, James LoMenzo, or Abraham Laboriel.
In the Yamaha brand we have cheap electric basses with a classic pickup configuration, similar to the Ibanez model shown above, such as the Yamaha TRBX 174 ($260).
And with dual-coil pickups and active electronics we have the Yamaha TRBX 304. An incredible bass at a very reasonable price of around $450, and also in a 5-string version (Yamaha TRBX 305 – $500).
Cheap Electric Basses ESP LTD
We continue with the Japanese brands that have managed to make a name for themselves in the history of music, such as the ESP brand. Another manufacturer that has managed to gain great prestige by developing high-quality electric guitars and basses for decades.
Professional bassists who have used the brand’s products include Nibbs Carter, Mike Leon, Lalo Carrillo, and Gabe Crisp.
In the subsidiary brand ESP LTD we can find models that can satisfy the most demanding professional or amateur, and they maintain prices that are not too exorbitant. Or we can even find fairly affordable electric basses like the ESP LTD B-10KIT ($300), with active electronics.
Although at first glance it may appear to be fitted with active pickups, as in the case mentioned above, these are passive pickups.
We can also have the 5-string version (ESP LTD B-15KIT) at an affordable price of approximately $320.
Headless Steinberger Bass
One of the factors in the development of the electric bass was its much smaller size compared to the double bass. Although in reality the electric bass is a somewhat cumbersome instrument to transport.
To improve this factor, the North American company Steinberger developed the first Headless electric bass with a body reduced to a minimum. Used by many bassists such as Chris Walker, Victor Wooten, or Paolo Baldini.
The Steinberger Spirit XT-2 Standard features a 3-piece maple neck thru, dual-coil pickups, and a flip-up plate for improved playability while sitting, for a very reasonable price of around $420.
Warwick Electric Basses
The German brand Warwick is another leading manufacturer of electric basses, which have been used by top professionals such as Jack Bruce, Robert Trujillo, or Adam Clayton.
The Rock Bass series is its most affordable range, although it would be difficult to find a model under $700 (Warwick RockBass Streamer 4 – $650).
This would not be the case for other prominent brands such as Jackson, Cort or Squier.
Cheap Electric Basses: Jackson, Cort, y Squier
Jackson JS2
In the Jackson brand we have the JS2 model at a very competitive price below $300.
Squier Electric Basses
Squier has classic Fender models like the Jazz and Precision Bass, at more affordable prices. For example, the Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass is one of its most outstanding models, priced at around $400.
Or the Squier Classic Vibe 60s P-Bass for a similar price, Fender Precision Bass style.
Cort B4 Element
And from the Cort brand we have the B4 Element model with a higher price of around $525, but it is an excellent bass. A model assembled with a mahogany body with an ash top, and it can be used both in passive and active mode.
