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10 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2025 in the UK

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK - Acoustic Bass Guitar - Weathered Black

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,107
Scale Length
Body Type
Neck Profile
Scale Length
The longer scale length requires attention when selecting accessories like gig bags, but it suits players looking for that extended reach.
Body Type
Features a great body style and tactile neck that enhance the overall playing experience.
Neck Profile
Build quality is solid with a well-crafted fretboard that supports comfortable playability.
Pickups
The acoustic bass performs well when plugged into an amp, providing acceptable volume through its piezo-electric pickup.

The Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK is a solid choice for beginners looking for an acoustic bass guitar that’s easy to play and sounds good in styles like folk, blues, and country. It has a 4-string setup, which is standard for bass guitars and simpler for new players to manage. The scale length is 810 mm, which is shorter than many basses, making it more comfortable for smaller hands or those just starting out. Its grand concert body is smaller and lighter (just over 2 kg), so it won’t feel too bulky during practice or performance. The neck is designed to be tactile and responsive, helping beginners get used to finger placement and playing. It has a piezo pickup with an onboard preamp featuring a tuner and EQ controls, which means you can plug into an amp or recording device easily and adjust your sound without extra gear. The use of quality materials like maple and okoume wood supports good tone and durability.

The shorter scale length might slightly limit the deeper bass tones compared to full-scale basses, and having only one pickup type (piezo) means less tonal variety than some electric basses. Also, being an electro-acoustic instrument, it’s better suited for unplugged or lightly amplified settings rather than heavy stage use. This Ibanez bass offers a comfortable, well-made introduction to bass playing, ideal for beginners focused on acoustic or unplugged music styles.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,107
Scale Length
Body Type
Neck Profile
Scale Length
The longer scale length requires attention when selecting accessories like gig bags, but it suits players looking for that extended reach.
Body Type
Features a great body style and tactile neck that enhance the overall playing experience.
Neck Profile
Build quality is solid with a well-crafted fretboard that supports comfortable playability.
Pickups
The acoustic bass performs well when plugged into an amp, providing acceptable volume through its piezo-electric pickup.
#2

3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Pack Kit with 15W Amplifier, Bag, Cable, Strap, Stand and Spare Strings – Green

Rating
9.8
Weight
Weight
The neck is comfortable and the bass is lightweight, making it easy to handle.

The 3rd Avenue Full Size 4/4 Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Pack is a comprehensive package designed for newcomers eager to dive into the world of bass playing. This kit offers a full-size, 4-string bass guitar with a P-Style body, providing a comfortable playing experience with its C-shaped neck and maple fretboard. The single coil split pickup ensures a deep and punchy tone, which is great for learning and casual playing. At 4.55 kilograms, it's relatively lightweight, making it manageable for most beginners.

Included in this package is a 15W practice amplifier with a 2-band EQ and headphone input, perfect for silent practice sessions. The amp's durable design with corner protectors is a thoughtful touch, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of frequent use. Additionally, the kit comes with a carry bag, spare strings, a cable, a strap, and a stand, making it a complete starter bundle.

One appealing feature is the inclusion of 6 months of free online lessons from Gigajam Music School, providing structured guidance to beginners. The bass guitar's build incorporates high-grade materials like basswood and maple, offering durability and vibrant sound qualities. The green lacquered finish adds a touch of style, appealing to those who appreciate a visually striking instrument. Prospective buyers should note that the delivery is restricted to mainland UK, which could be a limitation for international customers. Despite being a beginner-focused product, the solid construction and well-rounded features make it a viable option for teens and adults alike, looking to learn bass guitar from scratch.

Rating
9.8
Weight
Weight
The neck is comfortable and the bass is lightweight, making it easy to handle.

Buying Guide for the Best Beginner Bass Guitars

Choosing a beginner bass guitar can be an exciting journey into the world of music. As a beginner, it's important to find an instrument that is comfortable to play, sounds good, and fits your personal style. When selecting a bass guitar, consider factors such as the size and weight of the instrument, the type of music you want to play, and the features that will help you learn and grow as a musician. Remember, the best bass guitar for you is one that feels right in your hands and inspires you to play.
Scale LengthScale length refers to the distance from the bridge to the nut of the bass guitar. It affects the tension of the strings and the overall feel of the instrument. Standard scale length for bass guitars is typically around 34 inches, which provides a balanced tension and is suitable for most players. Short scale basses, around 30 inches, are easier to play for beginners, especially those with smaller hands, as they require less finger stretch. Long scale basses, over 34 inches, offer a deeper tone but can be more challenging to play. Choose a scale length that feels comfortable and suits your physical build.
Number of StringsBass guitars typically come with four, five, or six strings. A four-string bass is the most common and is ideal for beginners as it covers the standard range of notes used in most music genres. Five-string basses add a lower B string, which is useful for playing heavier music styles like metal or jazz. Six-string basses add both a lower B and a higher C string, offering a wider range but can be more complex to play. Beginners are usually best served by starting with a four-string bass to focus on learning the basics before exploring additional strings.
Body TypeThe body type of a bass guitar affects its sound and playability. Solid body basses are the most common and versatile, suitable for a wide range of music styles. They are durable and less prone to feedback, making them ideal for beginners. Semi-hollow and hollow body basses offer a warmer, more resonant sound but can be more prone to feedback, especially at high volumes. These are often used in jazz or blues. As a beginner, a solid body bass is generally a good choice due to its versatility and ease of use.
Neck ProfileThe neck profile refers to the shape and thickness of the bass guitar's neck. It affects how comfortable the instrument is to play. Common neck profiles include C-shaped, which is rounded and comfortable for most players, and D-shaped, which is flatter and may be preferred by those with larger hands. Thinner necks are easier for beginners to navigate, especially if they have smaller hands. When choosing a neck profile, consider how the neck feels in your hand and whether it allows you to play comfortably for extended periods.
PickupsPickups are the components that capture the sound of the strings and send it to the amplifier. They play a crucial role in defining the tone of the bass guitar. There are two main types: single-coil and humbucker. Single-coil pickups offer a bright, clear sound and are often used in genres like funk and pop. Humbuckers provide a thicker, warmer tone and are popular in rock and metal. Some basses have a combination of both, offering more tonal versatility. As a beginner, consider what type of music you want to play and choose pickups that align with that style.
WeightThe weight of a bass guitar can significantly impact your playing experience, especially during long practice sessions or performances. Heavier basses can offer a more substantial tone but may be tiring to hold for extended periods. Lighter basses are easier to handle and more comfortable for beginners, particularly those who are younger or smaller in stature. When selecting a bass, try to find a balance between weight and comfort, ensuring that you can play without strain or fatigue.