Best 6-String Basses Under $2,000 2025

Affordable 6-string basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Ibanez SR1426B-CGL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ibanez SR1426B-CGL

Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SR1426B-CGL6 String Electric BassSR SeriesBody: African mahagonyTop: flamed maple5-Piece bolt-on neck: Panga...

4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez BTB1836-NDL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ibanez BTB1836-NDL

Extended Range Advanced Techniques Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Ibanez BTB1836-NDL6-String Electric BassBody: AshTop and back: Bubinga7-Piece neck: Maple / Bubinga / Panga Panga with...

4.7/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez BTB806MS-TGF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez BTB806MS-TGF

Advanced Techniques Extended Range Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Solo bass performance capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez BTB806MS-TGF6-String Multiscale Electric BassBass Workshop SeriesBody: AshTop: Poplar5-Piece neck-thru-body:...

4.4/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez BTB866SC-WKL

Solo Bass Professional Recording Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez BTB866SC-WKLElectric Bass6-StringBody: Ash / OkoumeTop: Ash5-Piece neck-through-body: Maple/ WalnutFingerboard:...

4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Marcus Miller F10-6 NT

Progressive Rock Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Marcus Miller F10-6 NT6-String Electric BassNew high-end bass model from Sireusing only high-quality woods and parts...

5.0/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez BTB946-COL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez BTB946-COL

Progressive Rock Solo Bass Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Ibanez BTB946-COL6-String Electric BassBody: Okoume/ AshTop: Poplar burl5-Piece neck-thru-body with graphite...

4.7/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez SRMS806-DTW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez SRMS806-DTW

Progressive Rock Solo Bass Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SRMS806-DTW6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Burl poplar5-Piece bolt-on neck: Jatoba /...

4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP

Professional Recording Extended Range Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP6-String electric bassBody: alderBolt-on 5-piece neck: maple with ekanga veneer...

4.8/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM

Progressive Rock Professional Recording Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez BTB25TH6-SLM6-String Electric BassBTB seriesBody: Okoume5-Piece neck-thru-body: Maple / WalnutFingerboard:...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best 6-String Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 6-string basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more