When it comes to choosing the right bass guitar on a small budget (under 700 dollars), there are a lot of things to consider. Is there a difference between long and short scale bass guitars? Should you consider passive or active bass guitars? What about acoustic bass guitars? Fretted vs. fretless?
There’s so much to look for! I know! It took me 02 months to finally figure out which bass is best for my style. You can read more my guide > Best 5 string Bass under $500 | Latest Guide
Relax! We got you covered in this bass guitar guide. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of finding the best bass guitar for you.
So how does this guide work?
We’ll begin by looking at the top 05 best bass guitars under $700 budget to check which brands stand out. I’ve listed some pros and cons along with my verdict for each bass guitar under $700 so you can make an informed decision. Then we have a section where we will talk about common questions such as:
- What to look for in a Bass Guitar
- Tonewoods (wood varieties) compared
- Long scale vs short-scale bass guitars
- Passive vs active bass guitars
- 4 vs 5 vs 6 String Bass Guitars
- Acoustic Bass Guitars
- Precision vs. Jazz Basses
- Fretted vs. Fretless
- Squier vs Fender Bass Guitars: What’s the Difference?
I hope by the end of this information guide, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect bass guitar under 700 dollars. Note: some links on this page may contain affiliate links, which does help me run this website without any cost to you. 🙂
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5 Best Bass Guitars Under 700 Dollars
#1 Ibanez Soundgear SR500E
The Ibanez SR500E is a right-handed 4 string electric bass guitar that is suitable for all skill levels. It has a solid tone and focused mid-range, making it perfect for any type of music. Needless to say, this bass plays like a dream, but it weighs in at 13.5 lbs. The Accu-cast B500 bridge allows for variable string spacing, so you can customize the instrument to your playing style.
- Neck: SR4 5pc Jatoba / Walnut
- Number of Frets: 24
Best if you’re right-handed!
The Ibanez SR500EBM is a great choice for the right-handed bass player. It features a rosewood fretboard which provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid-range. The Accu-cast B500 bridge has adjustable saddles for variable string spacing.
So, what are the pros and cons of the Ibanez SR500E Electric Bass Guitar? Let’s start with the pros.
03 things I like
- The first thing I like is that it’s made of high-quality materials. The top is made of mahogany, and the back and sides are also made of mahogany. The fretboard is made of rosewood, which is very hard wood. The bridge is made of anodized aluminum. And the tuners are made of die-cast chrome.
- The second best thing is that it has a very nice finish. The finish is Brown Mahogany, and it looks really good. It’s also been varnished, so it’s protected from scratches and wear and tear.
- Finally, it has a great sound. It’s a 4-string bass, and it sounds really good. The low end is very powerful, and the highs are very clear. It’s a very well-balanced sound.
02 things I don’t like
Now let’s talk about the cons.
- Firstly, it’s a bit pricey. It’s not the most expensive bass guitar on the market, but it’s not the cheapest either.
- Secondly, it’s not very portable. It’s not a small bass guitar, so it might be a bit difficult to take with you on the go. Overall, though, the pros outweigh the cons.
Verdict
The Ibanez SR500EBM is a great electric bass guitar for those who are looking for an affordable quality instrument. It features a rosewood fretboard, Accu-cast B500 bridge, and 4 strings that make it perfect for the right-handed. This guitar also has a great tone and is perfect for those who are looking for a focused mid-range.
#2 Fender Player Jazz Electric Bass Guitar
You’ll love the Fender Player Jazz Electric Bass Guitar for its authentic Fender tone and styling. It has a modern ‘C’ shaped neck with a 9.5″ radius fingerboard, making it easy to play. Plus, the hardtail bridge system provides great sustain. The guitar pickup configuration is single coil, giving you that classic Fender sound.
- Guitar Bridge System: Hardtail Bridge
- Hand Orientation: Right-Handed
03 things I like
- You won’t find anything better than an authentic Fender tone and unique styling.
- If you’re looking for a guitar that looks and sounds like a classic Fender, this is it.
- It has a modern “C” shaped neck with a 9.5″ radius fingerboard, which makes it very comfortable to play.
02 things I don’t like
- The fact that it’s a little on the pricey side is probably the biggest drawback. This bass is not what you want if you’re trying to save money.
- If you’re hoping for a “beefier” tone, you might be disappointed by the guitar’s lack of pickups, as it has only one coil pickup.
Overall, the Fender Player Jazz Electric Bass Guitar under 700 is a great option for those looking for an authentic Fender sound and feel. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it is on the expensive side and only has a single coil pickup.
Verdict
The Fender Player Jazz Electric Bass Guitar is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a quality instrument that looks great and sounds even better. The only potential downside is the price tag, but for the features and tone you get, it is definitely worth the investment.
#3 Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar
Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar features both J Bass and P Bass pickups, giving you a huge range of tones to play with. The fast-action neck makes this bass fast and extremely playable, while the rosewood fretboard adds a touch of elegance. And with a sleek black finish, this bass will look great onstage or in the studio.
Overall, the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar is a great choice for bassists who are looking for a versatile and extremely playable instrument.
- Featuring both J Bass and P Bass pickups, this bass offers a huge range of tones.
- Unique bound-top, Strat output jack, and smoked chrome bridge and tuners provides a unique look.
Is Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Great?
So, what makes the Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar so great? Well, for starters, it features both J Bass and P Bass pickups, giving you a huge range of tones to work with.
Plus, the fast-action neck makes this bass extremely playable—you’ll be zipping up and down the fretboard in no time. And if you’re a lefty, no problem! This bass is available in both right- and left-handed configurations.
03 things I like
So, what are the pros and cons of this bass guitar? Let’s start with the pros.
- The Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar has a fast-action neck.
- There are two types of pickups installed: a J Bass pickup and a P Bass pickup.
- If you’re in the market for a flexible bass guitar, you’ll like the wide variety of sounds at your disposal.
The only thing I don’t like
- As far as I can see, there is no pickguard. This means that you’ll need to be careful not to scratch the finish when you’re playing.
Verdict
The Fender Aerodyne Jazz Electric Bass Guitar is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable, versatile bass guitar. With its fast-action neck and J Bass/P Bass pickup configuration, this guitar is perfect for any style of music.
#4 Yamaha TRBX605 5 String Bass
You’re going to love all the features of this Yamaha bass. First of all, it’s a 5-string, so you have a lot of range. And the maple body gives it a nice tone. But that’s not all. The active/passive circuit is great for fine-tuning your sound, and the 3D design is comfortable to play with. Plus, the matte finish looks amazing.
- TRBX600 combines advanced design, precision engineering and time-honored craftsmanship to create a bass that doesn’t compromise on comfort, tone, style or road-ready durability
- A Sculpted, alder/maple-laminated Body with a mass-optimized 3D design strikes the optimal balance between tone and comfort coupled with perfect weight distribution
02 things I like
The Yamaha TRBX605 5-String Flamed Maple Bass Guitar Review is a great choice for those looking for a durable and reliable bass guitar.
- The body is made of alder/maple-laminated and the top is finished in a Matte Amber, giving the guitar a unique and stylish look.
- The neck is comfortable and the action is low, making it easy to play. The sound is clear and punchy, with good sustain.
Things I don’t like
- The only downside is that it doesn’t have a built-in tuner, but other than that, it’s a great bass guitar for a price under 700 dollars.
Verdict
The Yamaha TRBX605 5-String Flamed Maple Bass Guitar is a great choice for any musician. It is made with high-quality materials and construction, and it has a great tone. The neck is comfortable to play with, and the action is low. This guitar is perfect for beginners and experienced players alike.
#5 Squier by Fender Bronco Bass
The Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar is a great instrument for beginner bass players, and it’s perfect for players who are looking for lightweight and comfortable bass that they can take with them on the go. The Bronco Bass is available in three different colors, and it features a single-coil Bronco Bass pickup and a short 30″ scale length.
- Slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile
- Single-coil Bronco Bass pickup
Affordable yet high quality bass
The Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar is a great choice for those who are looking for an affordable, yet high-quality bass guitar. This particular model comes in black with a maple fingerboard and features a slim and comfortable “C”-shaped neck profile. The single-coil Bronco Bass pickup gives the guitar a rich, full sound, and the short 30″ scale length makes it easy to play. The thin and lightweight body makes the guitar very comfortable to hold and play, and the satin finish neck provides a smooth feel.
05 things I like
Now that we know a little more about the Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar, let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons.
- The guitar has a slim and comfortable “C” shaped neck profile, which makes it easy to play.
- It has a single-coil Bronco Bass pickup, which gives it a great sound.
- The guitar has a short 30″ scale length, which makes it easy to transport.
- The body of the guitar is thin and lightweight, making it comfortable to play.
- The neck of the guitar has a satin finish, which makes it easy to slide up and down.
What I don’t like
- If you’re looking for durability, you might want to see other options because this bass is made out of Poplar (one of the more commonly used guitar woods), which doesn’t hold up as well as other options.
Verdict
So, what do you think of the Squier by Fender Bronco Bass Guitar? If you’re looking for an affordable and reliable bass guitar, it’s a great option. It’s perfect for beginners and more experienced players alike. It has a slim and comfortable neck, a great sound, and a finish that looks amazing.
How to Buy a Bass Guitars Under 700 Dollars?
What to look for in a Bass Guitar
When you’re looking for a bass guitar, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind.
Body style: First, you’ll want to think about the body style. There are four main types of bass guitars: the Precision Bass, the Jazz Bass, the fretless bass, and the short-scale bass.
Neck: Next, you’ll want to think about the neck. The neck is a long piece of wood that extends from the body of the guitar. The neck is where your fingers will go when you’re playing. There are two main types of necks: bolt-on and set-in.
Tuning Machines: Then, you’ll want to think about the tuning machines. The tuning machines are what hold the strings in place and allow you to tune your guitar. There are three main types of tuning machines: single coil, humbucking, and active.
Fingerboard: Finally, you’ll want to think about the fingerboard. The fingerboard is the piece of wood on the front of the guitar that your fingers rest on when you’re playing. There are two main types of fingerboards: rosewood and maple.
Tonewoods compared
There are a few different types of tonewood that are commonly used in the construction of bass guitars, and each one has its unique characteristics that can affect the tone of the instrument.
– Ash and Alder: These woods are both light in color and have a fairly even grain pattern. They’re also quite lightweight, which can make them a bit more comfortable to play for extended periods. Ash is generally considered to have a brighter sound, while alder has a bit more midrange punch.
– Agathis: This is a fairly heavy wood that has a dark, rich color. It’s often used in budget-friendly instruments because it’s less expensive than some of the other options. Agathis basses tend to have a warm, round sound with a good low-end response.
– Mahogany: This is a dark, dense wood that has a very pronounced grain pattern. It’s often used on higher-end instruments because it delivers a rich, full sound with plenty of low ends.
– Basswood: This is a light, soft wood that has a very even grain pattern. It’s often used in lower-priced instruments because it’s not as durable as some of the other options. Basswood basses tend to have a warm, rounded sound with a good low-end response.
– Maple: This is a hard, dense wood that has a very close grain pattern. It’s often used on high-end instruments because it delivers an exceptionally clear and articulate sound.
Long scale vs short-scale bass guitars
How do you know if a long-scale or short-scale bass guitar is right for you? It’s all about preference, but there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Read: 11 Best Short Scale Bass Guitars in 2023 (All-Budgets) | Buyer’s Guide
First, long-scale bass guitars have a longer necks, which can be helpful if you have large hands or long fingers. They also tend to have a richer, fuller sound because of the longer strings.
On the other hand, short-scale bass guitars are perfect for those who want a lighter instrument or have small hands. They’re also great for travel because they’re more compact. And some people prefer the sound of short-scale basses because it’s brighter and easier to achieve faster playing styles.
So, it’s really up to you! If you’re not sure, it might be helpful to try out both types of basses and see which one feels better and sounds better to you.
Passive vs active bass guitars
You might be wondering what the difference is between passive and active bass guitars. And that’s a great question! Here’s a quick rundown:
Passive bass guitars are the more traditional option, and they’re usually less expensive than active bass guitars. They’ve got fewer parts, which means there’s less that can go wrong.
The downside to passive bass guitars is that they can be a bit noisier, and they might not have as much power as active bass guitars. But if you’re just starting, a passive bass guitar is a great option.
Active bass guitars, on the other hand, have preamps and EQs built in, which gives you more control over your sound. They’re also less susceptible to interference from other instruments, which is great if you’re playing in a band.
The downside to active bass guitars is that they’re more expensive and they require batteries, which means you have to keep an eye on the charge. But if you’re serious about playing bass, an active guitar is the way to go.
4 vs 5 vs 6 String Bass Guitars: What’s the Difference?
This is a great question and one that a lot of beginners have. The short answer is that the number of strings on a bass guitar just refers to how many notes you can play. A 4-string bass guitar will have 4 strings, a 5-string bass guitar will have 5 strings, and a 6-string bass guitar will have 6 strings.
So what’s the difference? Well, a 4 string bass guitar is going to be the most common type that you see. It’s going to be less expensive than a 5 or 6-string bass guitar, and it’s also going to be easier to learn how to play. If you’re just starting, then a 4 string bass guitar is probably the best choice for you.
A 5-string bass guitar is going to give you more range than a 4-string bass guitar. The extra string is going to be a high C, which means you’ll be able to play higher notes. This can be helpful if you want to add some embellishments to your playing, or if you want to play along with a singer who has a higher range.
Finally, a 6-string bass guitar is going to give you even more range than a 5-string bass guitar. The extra string is going to be a low B, which means you’ll be able to play even lower notes. This can be helpful if you want to play in a lower register, or if you want to add some depth to your playing.
Acoustic Bass Guitars
There are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re considering an acoustic bass guitar. First off, they’re not going to be as loud as an electric bass guitar, so if you’re looking to play in a band, you might want to go with an electric one.
However, acoustic bass guitars are great for practicing at home or for playing around a campfire. They’re also a good choice if you’re looking for something more affordable than an electric bass guitar.
Something else to keep in mind is that acoustic bass guitars come in different sizes. There are full-size, 3/4-size, and 1/2-size options. The full-size is the standard size, but the 3/4- and 1/2-size options are good for kids or adults with smaller hands.
Precision vs. Jazz Basses
There are two main types of bass guitars: the Precision Bass and the Jazz Bass. As their names imply, Precision Basses are meant for playing genres like rock and metal, while Jazz Basses are meant for playing jazz.
So, which one should you buy?
Well, it depends on the type of music you want to play. If you’re into heavier genres like rock and metal, then a Precision Bass is probably a better choice for you. If you’re into jazz or other types of music that require more finesse, then a Jazz Bass might be a better choice.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule, so it’s not like you can’t play jazz on a Precision Bass or rock on a Jazz Bass. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what type of bass guitar is right for you.
Fretted vs. Fretless
You might be wondering what the difference is between a fretted and fretless bass guitar. Well, the main difference is that a fretted bass has metal frets that divide the fingerboard into semitone intervals, while a fretless bass doesn’t have any frets.
Some people prefer the fretted bass because it’s easier to learn and play. The frets act as a guide for your fingers, making it easier to place your fingers in the correct position. And because the intervals are smaller, it’s also easier to make fine adjustments to the pitch of your notes.
Fretless basses, on the other hand, offer a wider range of tones because you can slide your fingers up and down the neck to create slides and glissandos. This gives you more creative freedom, but it can also be more difficult to play in tune. Read more about Fretless in my article here.
Squier vs Fender Bass Guitars: What’s the Difference?
Now that you know what to look for in a bass guitar, you might be wondering what the difference is between Squier and Fender bass guitars.
Both brands are owned by Fender, so they’re both high-quality. However, some differences might make one brand a better choice for you than the other.
For example, Squier bass guitars are generally more affordable than Fender bass guitars. They’re also more versatile, so if you’re looking for a bass guitar that you can use for different genres of music, Squier is a good option.
Fender bass guitars, on the other hand, are known for their classic sound. If you’re looking for a bass guitar that has that classic rock ‘n’ roll sound, Fender is the way to go.
So, which brand is right for you? That depends on your budget and what kind of sound you’re going for.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know what to look for in a bass guitar, it’s time to start shopping around to find the best bass under 700 dollars. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start, but we hope this guide helps you understand the basics.
Take your time and compare different bass models. Read reviews and talk to other bass players to get their recommendations. And don’t forget to factor in your budget. Once you’ve found the perfect bass guitar, it’s time to get out there and start playing. Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!