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February 15, 2024
Beginner's Gear Guides: Bass
Ready to start playing electric bass? Start building your first rig here.
Picking out a bass setup can be a daunting experience for a first-time player. We've put together this guide to help you find everything you need, from entry-level basses and amps to must-have practice accessories.
Picking out a bass setup can be a daunting experience for a first-time player. We've put together this guide to help you find everything you need, from entry-level basses and amps to must-have practice accessories.
Electric Basses
To start building your bass setup, we've got a wide selection of affordable bass guitars that are great for beginning players. While guitarists often start learning on acoustic guitars, most bassists go with a comfortable electric bass as their first axe. Offering versatile tones and easy playability for newcomers, these beginner basses are an excellent value.
Epiphone EB-3 Electric Bass
$449.00
- 8 x$56.13
- No Credit Check6 x$74.83
- No Credit Check4 x$112.25
Spector Performer 4 Electric Bass
$399.99
- 8 x$50.00
- No Credit Check6 x$66.66
- No Credit Check4 x$100.00
Hofner Ignition Pro Edition Violin Bass Guitar
$449.99
- 8 x$56.25
- No Credit Check6 x$75.00
- No Credit Check4 x$112.50
Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 Electric Bass, 5-String
$399.99
- 8 x$50.00
- No Credit Check6 x$66.66
- No Credit Check4 x$100.00
Electric Bass Amplifiers
The next step in building your bass rig is to find the right amplifier to pair with your bass. Look for a combo amp that combines the amplifier itself with a speaker cabinet in one unit, and choose an amp with a built-in headphone jack for late-night practicing. These affordable bass amps pack plenty of punch for when you join your first band.
Ampeg RB-112 Rocket Bass Combo Amplifier (100 Watts, 1x12")
$429.99
- 8 x$53.75
- No Credit Check6 x$71.66
- No Credit Check4 x$107.50
Blackstar Unity 60 Bass Combo Amplifier (60 Watts, 1x10")
$349.99
- 8 x$43.75
- No Credit Check6 x$58.33
- No Credit Check4 x$87.50
Orange Crush Bass 50 Bass Combo Amplifier (50 Watts, 1x12")
$329.00
- 8 x$41.13
- No Credit Check6 x$54.83
- No Credit Check4 x$82.25
Vox VX50BA Bass Combo Amplifier with Nutube (50 Watts, 1x8")
$299.99
- 8 x$37.50
- No Credit Check6 x$50.00
- No Credit Check4 x$75.00
Peavey MAX 126 II Bass Combo Amplifier
$119.99
- No Credit Check6 x$20.00
- No Credit Check4 x$30.00
Boss Katana-110 Bass Combo Amplifier (1x10", 60 Watts)
$369.99
- 8 x$46.25
- No Credit Check6 x$61.66
- No Credit Check4 x$92.50
Fender Rumble 25 V3 Bass Combo Amplifier (25 Watts, 1x8")
$129.99
- No Credit Check6 x$21.66
- No Credit Check4 x$32.50
Boss Dual Cube Bass LX Bass Guitar Amplifier
$299.99
- 8 x$37.50
- No Credit Check6 x$50.00
- No Credit Check4 x$75.00
Cables, Tuners, and Picks: Must-Have Accessories
There are a few simple accessories that no budding bassist should be without. A reliable cable is essential to connect your bass to its amp. For new players, a simple tuner can save hours of agony while practicing. And while many bass traditionalists dismiss the use of picks, a pack of heavy-gauge picks can be extremely helpful for novice players.
Bass Strings, Gig Bags, and More Useful Tools
Round out your bass setup with other useful tools and gear. Every bassist breaks a string from time to time, so it's always a good idea to have some extra packs lying around. A basic gig bag and guitar stand are great ways to help keep your bass in pristine condition.
