Cheap Bass Guitars

From LoveToKnow Guitar

Even when money is tight, keep the rhythm with these ideas for scoring cheap bass guitars. No matter what your skill level or whether you plan to play your bass in front of huge crowds or at the local bar, there is a bass guitar that will meet your needs and your budget.

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Good Deals Versus Good Quality

Whenever you invest in a musical instrument, you have to be cautious against shopping by price tag alone. "Most expensive" doesn’t always translate to "best", but sometimes you get what you pay for when you go too cheap. Buying a super cheap bass that sounds hollow or is too flimsy to last you for the long haul is a false economy. You’ll only end up being unhappy with your instrument and having to shell out for a new one far sooner than if you have spent a little more to begin with.

That does not mean, of course, that you cannot get cheap basses that hold up their end of the quality bargain as well. The trick is to strike the right balance between price and quality to get the most bang for your buck. Be wary of unknown brands, instruments that feel too light or buying from stores that don’t specialize in musical equipment.

Some other considerations you should keep in mind when buying a low cost bass guitar include:

How do you intend to play the instrument? If you are just starting to learn and only want a bass that can carry you through lessons for now, quality is not much of an issue. You can learn to play on the cheapest instrument out there. However, if you need a bass that you can play live, you need to make sure your instrument is performance quality.

What kind of bass do you want to play? Most starter basses are of the four string, fretted variety, but if you know your ultimate goal is to play six string or fretless, buy a cheap four string to learn on, and make your major investment that six string.

If you are buying a smaller sized bass for your children, go for the least expensive option since they’ll outgrow it soon enough.

Where to Buy Cheap Bass Guitars

Luckily for budget constrained bass guitar hunters, there are plenty of places to land a good deal on your instrument. Give the following options a try.

Buy Used

To get a high quality bass for a little bit of money, buying used is a great option. Start by checking the announcement boards in your local music store, the classified ads in your local paper and Craigslist to see what basses are on offer in your town. Buying locally is good because you get see the instrument and give it a few strums before you pay, so you know you’re getting good quality. If you can’t find a bass in your area, cast your net a bit wider and visit websites like eBay. Make sure you’re dealing with a reputable seller with a good return policy, and don’t forget to factor in the cost of shipping.

Discount Stores

Yes, it's a good idea be wary about purchasing from stores that don’t specialize in musical instruments, but you can make an exception for stores like Walmart and Target. These discount chains offer low prices on instruments respectable enough for any beginner.

Go Online

The Internet can be your best friend when it comes to shopping for cheap bass guitars. As with buying from eBay, you’ll want to make sure there is a good return policy in place before you buy, and shipping will add to the costs. However, the convenience and the savings make Internet shopping a winner. These websites are good places to begin:

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