Best 6-String Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 6-string basses under $800 - 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

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT

by Harley Benton

Professional Recording Advanced Techniques Solo Bass

Key Feature:

• Advanced tapping and chording techniques

✓ PROS

• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
• Solo bass performance capabilities

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
• Steep learning curve from 4-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT6-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: Mahogany / Ash / Mahogany / AshTop: AAA flamed...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 521726

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua

by Squier

Extended Range Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Guitar-like chord possibilities

✓ PROS

• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
• Solo bass performance capabilities

✗ CONS

• Steep learning curve from 4-string
• Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua6-String Electric BassLimited editionClassic Line SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 589757

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Maximum extended range with high C string

✗ CONS

• Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
• Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT*6-String Electric Bass*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 581011

$622

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV Bass VI MN BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Squier CV Bass VI MN BLK

by Squier

Solo Bass Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Solo bass performance capabilities

✓ PROS

• Guitar-like chord possibilities
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques

✗ CONS

• Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
• Complex string spacing considerations

Squier CV Bass VI MN BLK6-String Electric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 621710

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM

by Squier

Advanced Techniques Professional Recording Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Maximum extended range with high C string
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• Complex string spacing considerations
• Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM6-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid block...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615266

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR306EB-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SR306EB-WK

by Ibanez

Extended Range Progressive Rock Professional Recording

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 SR306EB-WK6-String Electric BassSoundgear SeriesBody: Nyatoh5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFretboard: JatobaFretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 384887

$513

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD B206 Natural Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP LTD B206 Natural Satin

by ESP

Extended Range Solo Bass Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Solo bass performance capabilities

✓ 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

ESP LTD B206 Natural Satin E-Bass6-String Electric BassBody: AshTop: Spalted maple6-Piece neck: Maple/JatobaNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 170171

$769

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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Best 6-String Basses Under $800 2025

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT

Squier LTD CV Bass VI Antigua

Harley Benton BZ-6000 II NT w/Bag

Squier CV Bass VI MN BLK

Squier CV Bass VI LRL BGM

Ibanez SR306EB-WK

ESP LTD B206 Natural Satin

How to Choose the Best 6-String Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 6-string basses?

How much should I spend on 6-string basses?

Are expensive 6-string basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 6-string basses?

Should I buy 6-string basses online or in-store?

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