01
String count and spacing
Four strings keep the neck familiar; five and six strings extend range while changing width and right-hand spacing.
Shop Bass
Basses under $500
Shop basses under $500 with a clearer view of the features, tradeoffs, and price levels that matter. The important buying decisions come first, followed by a focused selection from our current bass inventory.
✦ Great value picks
String count and spacing: Four strings keep the neck familiar; five and six strings extend range while changing width and right-hand spacing.
Choosing basses under $500
Focus on the construction, specifications, and system requirements that have the greatest effect on this particular product.
02
Scale length
Long scale adds tension and definition, while short scale reduces reach and can produce a rounder fundamental.
03
Active or passive electronics
Active EQ shapes frequencies onboard; passive circuits offer a direct signal with simpler controls and no battery.
✦ Most popular
Scale length: Long scale adds tension and definition, while short scale reduces reach and can produce a rounder fundamental.
Narrow your choice
Explore basses under $500
Option 01
Beginner bass guitars
Compare features, value, and current options in this focused collection.
Shop collection →Option 02
Short-scale basses under $500
Compare features, value, and current options in this focused collection.
Shop collection →Option 03
Bass starter packs
Compare features, value, and current options in this focused collection.
Shop collection →✦ Premium picks
Leading brands for basses under $500
Compare established makers represented in this collection. Brand availability reflects the current catalog.
