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10 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2025 in the UK

Ibanez GIO Series GSR205-BK - 5 String - Electric Bass Guitar with Bass Boost - Black

Scale Length: 34.0
Number of Strings: 5
Body Type: Poplar
Neck Profile: Slim
Pickups: Neck and Bridge pickups, volume, tone
Weight: 6.8 Pounds
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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Squier by Fender Debut Collection Precision Bass Guitar, Laurel Fingerboard, White Pickguard, Dakota Red

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,460
Pickups
Pickups
Neck and bridge quality are commendable, though some components like tuners and pickups could benefit from upgrades.

The Squier by Fender Debut Collection Precision Bass Guitar is designed as an ideal starter instrument for beginners of all ages. It features a split-coil pickup offering punchy P-Bass tones, which is great for those looking to dive into rock & roll. The guitar's 4-string configuration and full-size build make it standard for learning and playing bass lines. Weighing 4.5 kg, it is relatively easy to manage for most users, though it might be somewhat heavy for very young players or those looking for a lighter instrument.

The laurel fingerboard and slim 'C' shaped neck profile ensure a comfortable and smooth playing experience, which is crucial for beginners who need ease of handling and playability. The vintage-style open-gear tuning machines add a touch of classic Fender look while providing accurate tuning which is essential for maintaining sound quality during practice or performance. The Dakota Red finish with a white pickguard offers a stylish and iconic appearance that many will find appealing.

However, the instrument's size and weight could be a drawback for very young players or those needing a more compact option. Additionally, while the split-coil pickups are versatile, advanced players might seek more specialized pickup configurations. The 2-year limited warranty by Fender adds value, ensuring the instrument is free from defects and giving peace of mind to new players. This bass guitar is well-suited for beginners who appreciate classic rock tones and stylish design, though it may not be ideal for very young children or highly experienced players seeking more advanced features.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,460
Pickups
Pickups
Neck and bridge quality are commendable, though some components like tuners and pickups could benefit from upgrades.
#2

Ibanez GIO Series GSR200-BK - Electric Bass Guitar with Bass Boost - Black

Rating
9.6
Neck Profile
Neck Profile
The slim, smooth neck is a favorite for easy playability.

The Ibanez GIO Series GSR200-BK is a 4-string electric bass guitar, perfect for beginners looking for a reliable and versatile instrument. One of its major strengths is the lightweight design, weighing only 4.08 kg, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods. The 34-inch scale length is standard, providing a familiar feel and ensuring a balanced tension for easy playability.

The body is made from poplar, offering a good mix of tone and affordability, while the neck is crafted from maple, known for its durability and fast playing feel. The slim neck profile is particularly beginner-friendly, facilitating smoother transitions between frets. Fitted with Ibanez's PHAT II EQ system, this guitar offers a bass boost feature, allowing players to enhance the low-end frequencies, which can be useful during performances and recordings.

The GSR200-BK comes with a J. Bridge pickup configuration, giving it a decent range of tones suitable for various music styles. However, the pickups might not offer as much depth and clarity as higher-end models, which could limit tonal exploration for more advanced players. The solid B10 bridge provides stable tuning and precise adjustments, essential for maintaining intonation. The chrome hardware adds a sleek finish, complementing the black body color. Despite its many strengths, some might find the inclusion of basswood and poplar in the construction to deliver a less resonant sound compared to more premium woods.

In conclusion, the Ibanez GSR200-BK is an excellent choice for beginners who want a quality instrument from a reputable brand without a hefty price tag. Its blend of features, playability, and price make it a practical entry-level bass guitar, with some limitations in tonal depth that might encourage future upgrades for enthusiasts.

Rating
9.6
Neck Profile
Neck Profile
The slim, smooth neck is a favorite for easy playability.
#3

3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Pack Kit with 15W Amplifier, Bag, Cable, Strap, Stand and Spare Strings – Green

Rating
9.4
Weight
Weight
The neck is comfortable and the bass is lightweight, making it easy to handle.

The 3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Pack is a comprehensive package designed for newcomers eager to dive into the world of bass playing. This kit offers a full-size, 4-string bass guitar with a P-Style body, providing a comfortable playing experience with its C-shaped neck and maple fretboard. The single coil split pickup ensures a deep and punchy tone, which is great for learning and casual playing. At 4.55 kilograms, it's relatively lightweight, making it manageable for most beginners.

Included in this package is a 15W practice amplifier with a 2-band EQ and headphone input, perfect for silent practice sessions. The amp's durable design with corner protectors is a thoughtful touch, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use. Additionally, the kit comes with a carry bag, spare strings, a cable, a strap, and a stand, making it a complete starter bundle.

One appealing feature is the inclusion of 6 months of free online lessons from Gigajam Music School, providing structured guidance to beginners. The bass guitar's build incorporates high-grade materials like basswood and maple, offering durability and vibrant sound qualities. The green lacquered finish adds a touch of style, appealing to those who appreciate a visually striking instrument. Prospective buyers should note that the delivery is restricted to mainland UK, which could be a limitation for international customers. Despite being a beginner-focused product, the solid construction and well-rounded features make it a viable option for teens and adults alike, looking to learn bass guitar from scratch.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Weight
The neck is comfortable and the bass is lightweight, making it easy to handle.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Bass Guitars

Choosing a beginner bass guitar can be an exciting journey into the world of music. As a beginner, it's important to find an instrument that is comfortable to play, sounds good, and fits your personal style. When selecting a bass guitar, consider factors such as the size and weight of the instrument, the type of music you want to play, and the features that will help you learn and grow as a musician. Remember, the best bass guitar for you is one that feels right in your hands and inspires you to play.
Scale LengthScale length refers to the distance from the bridge to the nut of the bass guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. Standard scale length for bass guitars is typically around 34 inches, which provides a balanced tension and is suitable for most players. Short scale basses, around 30 inches, are easier to play for beginners, especially those with smaller hands, as they require less finger stretch. Long scale basses, over 34 inches, offer a deeper tone but can be more challenging to play. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your physical build.
Number of StringsBass guitars typically come with four, five, or six strings. A four-string bass is the most common and is ideal for beginners as it covers the standard range of notes used in most music genres. Five-string basses add a lower B string, which is useful for playing heavier music styles like metal or jazz. Six-string basses add both a lower B and a higher C string, offering a wider range but can be more complex to play. Beginners are usually best served by starting with a four-string bass to focus on learning the basics before exploring additional strings.
Body TypeThe body type of a bass guitar affects its sound and playability. Solid body basses are the most common and versatile, suitable for a wide range of music styles. They are durable and less prone to feedback, making them ideal for beginners. Semi-hollow and hollow body basses offer a warmer, more resonant sound but can be more prone to feedback, especially at high volumes. These are often used in jazz or blues. As a beginner, a solid body bass is generally a good choice due to its versatility and ease of use.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the bass guitar's neck. It affects how comfortable the instrument is to play. Common neck profiles include C-shaped, which is rounded and comfortable for most players, and D-shaped, which is flatter and may be preferred by those with larger hands. Thinner necks are easier for beginners to navigate, especially if they have smaller hands. When choosing a neck profile, consider how the neck feels in your hand and whether it allows you to play comfortably for extended periods.
PickupsPickups are the components that capture the sound of the strings and send it to the amplifier. They play a crucial role in defining the tone of the bass guitar. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear sound and are often used in genres like funk and pop. Humbuckers provide a thicker, warmer tone and are popular in rock and metal. Some basses have a combination of both, offering more tonal versatility. As a beginner, consider what type of music you want to play and choose pickups that align with that style.
WeightThe weight of a bass guitar can significantly impact your playing experience, especially during long practice sessions or performances. Heavier basses can offer a more substantial tone but may be tiring to hold for extended periods. Lighter basses are easier to handle and more comfortable for beginners, particularly those who are younger or smaller in stature. When selecting a bass, try to find a balance between weight and comfort, ensuring that you can play without strain or fatigue.