Best Bass Guitars Under $500 - Finding a Midrange Masterpiece

Last Updated: May-07-2019 In our latest refresh of this sub-$500 bass chart, we made some changes to our selections to reflect recent changes in the market. We said goodbye to the cool Orange O Bass, as we wanted to make room for the gorgeous ESP LTD B-204SM and the solid Ibanez SR300E SR Standard.

Buying an instrument of any sort is always tough when it comes to setting a budget. You want to end up with the best you can… maybe squeeze a little more from what you can afford, so you can grab one with better pickups or a nicer paintjob. If you can push up from the entry-level range and into this $500 category, you’ll strike a lovely balance between price and performance. Here, you’ll find bass guitars with awesome designs, sounds and features, at a price that doesn’t make you sweat. In this article we have highlighted some of the best bass guitars you can find for under $500. These span a wide range of styles and brands, so there really is something for every bassist. Affordable price AND great quality? Sounds good to us so far – let’s check them out!

Top 7 Best Bass Guitars Under $500:

What to Expect from a Sub-$500 Bass?

Opening your wallet to the tune of $500 will understandably see you wanting a little more for your money. However, as you can find a good quality, playable bass for under $200, why make the jump into this category at all? Thankfully the basses in this price range do justify the extra money you spend. You will be presented with a wide range of more adventurous designs, whether you prefer vintage styles, classic models, or more in-your-face modern aesthetics. You will often find more exotics woods, like spalted maple, or more attractive finishes. But it’s more than simply aesthetics, as the pickups improve, controls offer more versatilely, and the hardware become more reliable. Sure, we are still quite a step away from the premium market, but there is more quality to be had with $500 in your pocket.

The Final Word

The models we have highlighted today are just a sample of what’s out there in the sub-$500 range. The beauty of this market is that it’s packed with quality models that have something to offer, whether you are beginner or an experienced bassist. We hope you have found this chart and short guide to be helpful in your search for an affordable mid-range bass – whether it’s your first or your fifth!