AudioFu

Best 6-String Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 6-string basses under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Extended Range For Solo Bass For Jazz Fusion For Progressive Rock For Advanced Techniques For Professional Recording
BRANDS: Ibanez Squier
Ibanez GSR206B-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Ibanez GSR206B-WNF

by Ibanez
Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Ibanez GSR206B-WNF6-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite dot fretboard inlays22 Medium...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 356134
$395
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez GSR186-PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ibanez GSR186-PW

by Ibanez
Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Ibanez GSR186-PW6-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeNeck: MapleFingerboard: PurpleheartNeck profile: GSR6Fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 620890
$329
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS

by Squier
Jazz Fusion Progressive Rock Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Squier CV Bass VI LRL 3TS6-String Electric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 457332
$472
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BK

by Squier
Advanced Techniques Solo Bass Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BKElectric Bass 6-String ModelClassic Vibe SeriesPoplar bodyMaple neckBolt-on neck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 457333
$464
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM

by Squier
Advanced Techniques Solo Bass Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Squier Affinity Jazz Bass VI BKM6-String Electric bassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 594258
$328
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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