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Bass Guitar Purchase Guide

Buyer's Guide - Beginners

Bass Guitar

Purchase Guide

Choosing the Right First Bass for Rhythm, Groove, and Band Playing

Bass guitar is a great instrument for students who enjoy rhythm, groove, and playing with bands. The bass provides the foundation of the music, connecting rhythm and harmony.

Most important factors

Level 1 - Beginner Bass Guitar

Recommended Starting Point · Complete Bundle

Closeup photo of bass guitar player hands

For most beginners, the easiest way to start is with a complete starter bundle that includes everything needed to begin playing immediately. This bundle is produced by Fender — one of the most respected instrument manufacturers in the world.

Our Top recommendation

best bundle

Squier Affinity Precision Bass Pack →

3-Color Sunburst, Laurel Fingerboard — includes gig bag and Fender Rumble 15 Amplifier.

why this bass is great for beginners

Comfortable Neck and Body

The Affinity series has a slim neck and lightweight body, making it easier for beginners to hold and play.

Versatile Sound

The Precision/Jazz pickup configuration allows players to explore a wide range of tones suitable for many styles of music.

Quality Practice Amplifier

The included Fender Rumble 15 delivers 15 watts through an 8-inch speaker with EQ controls, a headphone output, and an aux input for practicing with music.

Level 2 - Intermediate Bass Guitar

Long-Term Players · Higher Budget
Close-up, black and white photo of a person’s hand playing an electric bass guitar, fingers plucking the strings, with the instrument’s body and neck in focus.

Students who continue playing bass long-term may eventually upgrade to a higher-end instrument with improved electronics and tone. However, for the first several years of learning, a beginner bass like the Squier Affinity pack is more than sufficient.

Popular Brandswhat you get at this level
FenderHigher-quality pickups
YamahaImproved tone and sustain
IbanezStronger hardware
Better tuning stability

our top pick

Our Honest Recommendation

editor’s choice – beginners

Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass Pack

For beginner students, we strongly recommend starting with this complete bundle. It provides everything needed to begin learning bass in one simple package.

For beginner students, the Squier Affinity Precision Bass Pack provides a reliable bass, a quality amplifier, and all the essential accessories — everything needed to begin learning in one simple package.

–  OUR HONEST RECOMMENDATION

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