Best Basses Under $2,000 2026

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

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

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

by Journey Instruments

Acoustic Pop Indie Fingerpicking

Key Feature:

• Easy to handle and transport

✓ PROS

• Balanced tone across frequencies
• Clear note separation

✗ CONS

• May lack power for heavy strumming
• Not ideal for band situations

Journey Instruments OF660 BK MTravel Western GuitarStylized 00 body shape with cutawayPatenteddetachable neck system...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460892

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Eich Amplification BC112Pro Black Edition BC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Eich Amplification BC112Pro Black Edition BC

by Eich Amplification

Funk Pop Practice

Key Feature:

• Consistent, reliable performance

✓ PROS

• Consistent, reliable performance
• More affordable typically

✗ CONS

• Less dynamic response
• Limited natural overdrive

Eich Amplification BC112Pro Black Edition BCTransistor Bass Combo AmplifierBlack Edition: Limited series for the 35th...

⭐ 4.4/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 522115

$1,418

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head

by Victory Amplifiers

Blues Vintage Tones Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Authentic tube saturation
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• More expensive than solid-state

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. HeadTube Amp Head for Electric GuitarThe V30 MKII adds an additional...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 432349

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box

by Universal Audio

Studio Work Home Recording Apartment Playing

Key Feature:

• Perfect for home and studio use

✓ PROS

• Maintains tube amp character
• Allows tube amp overdrive at low volumes

✗ CONS

• Requires proper impedance matching
• Can alter tone characteristics

Universal Audio OX Amp Top BoxAnalogue LoadboxAnalogue reactive loadbox for guitar tube amplifiersFive tuned guitar amp...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 418430

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Blues Jazz Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Classic vintage tone

✓ PROS

• Professional sound quality
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• More expensive than solid-state

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 617032

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner ERA 2 Wood - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner ERA 2 Wood

by Hughes&Kettner

Busking Small Venues Coffee Shops

Key Feature:

• Built-in effects for acoustic enhancement

✓ PROS

• Built-in effects for acoustic enhancement
• Multiple input channels for guitar and mic

✗ CONS

• May lack heavy distortion capabilities
• Higher cost per watt compared to electric amps

Hughes&Kettner ERA 2 WoodAcoustic AmplifierAmplifier output: 400 WattsFor acoustic guitarclassical...

⭐ 4.7/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 431184

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Victory Amplifiers Duchess 212 Cabinet - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Victory Amplifiers Duchess 212 Cabinet

by Victory Amplifiers

Versatile Use Blues Medium Venues

Key Feature:

• Good balance of power and portability

✓ PROS

• Fuller sound than single speaker
• Professional tone quality

✗ CONS

• May be overkill for small venues
• Still quite heavy to transport

Victory Amplifiers Duchess 212 CabinetCabinet for Electric GuitarPerfect for American clean and slightly distorted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 587545

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Studio Recording Jazz Vintage Tones

Key Feature:

• Dynamic playing response

✓ PROS

• Natural compression and warmth
• Dynamic playing response

✗ CONS

• Needs separate speaker cabinet
• Requires tube maintenance

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 622111

$1,066

Buy at Thomann View Details

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle

by Hughes&Kettner

Studio Recording Professional Gigs Jazz

Key Feature:

• Authentic tube saturation

✓ PROS

• Dynamic playing response
• Authentic tube saturation

✗ CONS

• Heat generation during use
• Requires tube maintenance

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40...

⭐ 4.7/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 617147

$1,011

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar D-13E-01 Ziricote - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Martin Guitar D-13E-01 Ziricote

by Martin Guitar

Bluegrass Rock Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced across all frequencies

✓ PROS

• Powerful projection and volume
• Classic dreadnought tone

✗ CONS

• May lack upper-mid clarity
• Requires good playing technique

Martin Guitar D-13E-01 ZiricoteAcoustic Guitar with PickupStyle: Dreadnought - D-14 FretTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 556296

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.7TBOP-29 Baritone - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Solar Guitars A1.7TBOP-29 Baritone

by Solar Guitars

Metal Jazz Fusion Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Increased harmonic possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Modern metal sound

✗ CONS

• Learning curve for traditional players
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Solar Guitars A1.7TBOP-29 Baritone7-String Electric GuitarBody: AshSet-in neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyFluorescent...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 596969

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Journey Instruments OF660 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

by Journey Instruments

Classical Crossover Indie Folk

Key Feature:

• Balanced tone across frequencies

✓ PROS

• Clear note separation
• Comfortable smaller body size

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end presence
• Lower volume projection

Journey Instruments OF660 BKTravel Western GuitarStylized 00 body shape with cutawayPatenteddetachable neck system that...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460890

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN

by Solar Guitars

Djent Hard Rock Death Metal

Key Feature:

• Designed for high-gain amplifiers

✓ PROS

• Solid construction for heavy playing
• Extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Often heavier than standard guitars
• Complex electronics in some models

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFNElectric GuitarBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleSet neck: MahoganyFingerboard: EbonySolar logo...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620790

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Solar Guitars A1.7SVART+ - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Solar Guitars A1.7SVART+

by Solar Guitars

Extended Range Metal Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Increased harmonic possibilities
• Versatile for rhythm and lead

✗ CONS

• May need specialized amplification
• More complex chord fingerings

Solar Guitars A1.7SVART+7-String Electric GuitarWith Evertune Constant-Tension bridgea fully mechanical system that...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 582819

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 5st TBK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 5st TBK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Music Extended Range Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 5st TBK 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashFlamed maple topBolt-on neck: MapleNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 446252

$1,054

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 Under $2,000 2026

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

Eich Amplification BC112Pro Black Edition BC

Victory Amplifiers V30 The Jack MKII Lunchb. Head

Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

Hughes&Kettner ERA 2 Wood

Victory Amplifiers Duchess 212 Cabinet

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

Hughes&Kettner TubeMeister Deluxe 40UK Bundle

Martin Guitar D-13E-01 Ziricote

Solar Guitars A1.7TBOP-29 Baritone

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

Solar Guitars XF1.6FRFN

Solar Guitars A1.7SVART+

Marcus Miller M7 Swamp Ash 5st TBK 2nd Gen

How to Choose the Best Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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