Best Basses 2026

Top-rated basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Folk For Unplugged For Acoustic Sessions For Singer-Songwriter For Jazz For World Music

BRANDS: Höfner

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HY

by Steinberger Guitars

Acoustic Sessions Unplugged World Music

Key Feature:

• Rich, woody tone

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed for small venues
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for larger venues
• Requires good room acoustics

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HYElectric BassBuild: HeadlessBody: Basswood3-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 449987

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass BK

by Steinberger Guitars

Singer-Songwriter World Music Unplugged

Key Feature:

• Perfect for intimate performances

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed for small venues
• Rich, woody tone

✗ CONS

• Weather sensitive construction
• Limited volume output

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass BKElectric BassBuild: HeadlessBody: Basswood3-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 261849

$463

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass FB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass FB

by Steinberger Guitars

Singer-Songwriter Folk World Music

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate performances
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Limited volume output
• Less versatile than electric

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass FBElectric BassBuild: HeadlessBody: Basswood3-Piece neck-thru-body:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 449984

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner HCT-500/2-SB Club-Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner HCT-500/2-SB Club-Bass

by Höfner

Folk Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Sessions

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed for small venues
• Rich, woody tone

✗ CONS

• Weather sensitive construction
• Limited volume output

Höfner HCT-500/2-SB Club-BassElectric BassClub-Bass Contemporary SeriesDesign: semi-resonant body with sustain block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 207090

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Bass 4-String BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Bass 4-String BL

by Traveler Guitar

Folk Singer-Songwriter World Music

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged bass sound

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Authentic unplugged bass sound

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for larger venues
• Weather sensitive construction

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Bass 4-String BLAcoustic-Electric Traveler BassTotal length: 857 mmNeck: Eastern American...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 474831

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass SG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass SG

by Fender

Jazz World Music Folk

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich, woody tone
• Authentic unplugged bass sound

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• May need pickup for larger venues

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass SGElectric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: Mid '70s...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 571493

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro DB604 Black Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro DB604 Black Burst

by Danelectro

World Music Jazz Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich, woody tone

✓ PROS

• Rich, woody tone
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for larger venues
• Less versatile than electric

Danelectro DB604 Black BurstDoubleneck Electric Guitar/Electric Bass6-String guitar neck4-String bass neckBody: Frame...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 347044

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI LPB

by Fender

Acoustic Sessions World Music Unplugged

Key Feature:

• Rich, woody tone

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate performances
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for larger venues
• Limited volume output

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI LPB6-String Electric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboardd:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 571504

$1,403

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner H500/1-61-0 Beatles CavernBass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner H500/1-61-0 Beatles CavernBass

by Höfner

Singer-Songwriter Unplugged Folk

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged bass sound
• Perfect for intimate performances

✗ CONS

• Limited volume output
• May need pickup for larger venues

Höfner H500/1-61-0 Beatles CavernBassBeatles Cavern Bass"The original" Paul McCartney Cavern bassTop made of...

⭐ 4.6/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 262297

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI FR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI FR

by Fender

Acoustic Sessions World Music Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged bass sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate performances
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Weather sensitive construction
• Requires good room acoustics

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI FR6-String Electric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: Mid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 571502

$1,462

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass BK

by Steinberger Guitars

Unplugged Singer-Songwriter Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich, woody tone

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• No amplifier needed for small venues

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• May need pickup for larger venues

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass BKElectric BassDesign: HeadlessLime bodyContinuous 3-striped maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 261858

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Unplugged Folk

Key Feature:

• Rich, woody tone

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate performances
• Rich, woody tone

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• Weather sensitive construction

Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT*7-String Electric Bas*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 578443

$670

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Club Bass Vintage Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner Club Bass Vintage Relic

by Höfner

Folk World Music Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged bass sound

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged bass sound
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• May need pickup for larger venues

Höfner Club Bass Vintage RelicElectric BassTop: SpruceBody: flamed maple2 Piece maple neckFretboard: RosewoodScale:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 571314

$3,666

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner HCT-500/2-BK Club-Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner HCT-500/2-BK Club-Bass

by Höfner

Singer-Songwriter Unplugged World Music

Key Feature:

• Perfect for intimate performances

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed for small venues
• Perfect for intimate performances

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• Requires good room acoustics

Höfner HCT-500/2-BK Club-BassElectric BassStyle: semi-hollow body club bass with cutaway and sustain blockBody:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 207091

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass VWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass VWT

by Fender

Acoustic Sessions Jazz Folk

Key Feature:

• Perfect for intimate performances

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged bass sound
• No amplifier needed for small venues

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• Limited volume output

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass VWTElectric BassVintera II SeriesBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck profile: Mid '70s...

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 571500

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 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 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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TOP

Best Basses 2026

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HY

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass BK

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass FB

Höfner HCT-500/2-SB Club-Bass

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Bass 4-String BL

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass SG

Danelectro DB604 Black Burst

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI LPB

Höfner H500/1-61-0 Beatles CavernBass

Fender Vintera II 60s Bass VI FR

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass BK

Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag

Höfner Club Bass Vintage Relic

Höfner HCT-500/2-BK Club-Bass

Fender Vintera II 70s Tele Bass VWT

How to Choose the Best Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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