Best Basses Under $2,000 2025

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

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

Journey Instruments OF660 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Journey Instruments OF660 BK

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
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc Frost - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc Frost

Alternative Styles Specialty Applications Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc FrostElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTD

Classical Crossover Singer-Songwriter Indie
Key Feature:
• Easy to handle and transport
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced tone across frequencies
  • • Easy to handle and transport
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end presence
  • • May lack power for heavy strumming

Journey Instruments Cedar Zircot Parlor Travel LTDTravel Acoustic Guitar with PickupLimited modelStyle:...

4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Journey Instruments OF660 BK M - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Journey Instruments OF660 BK M

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
Manuel Rodriguez Tesoro de Camerún CB-CE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Manuel Rodriguez Tesoro de Camerún CB-CE

Spanish Guitar Classical Flamenco
Key Feature:
• Rich, mellow tone character
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, mellow tone character
  • • Wide neck for fingerpicking
✗ CONS
  • • Not suitable for pick playing
  • • Wide neck challenging for small hands

Manuel Rodriguez Tesoro de Camerún CB-CEClassical Guitar with PickupPrivate stock - limited edition of 50 piecesWith...

4.5/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Eich Amplification 410L-4 Cabinet - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Eich Amplification 410L-4 Cabinet

Funk Stage Presence Versatile Bass Tones
Key Feature:
• Good stage volume and projection
✓ PROS
  • • Professional appearance
  • • Punchy, defined bass response
✗ CONS
  • • Expensive compared to smaller cabs
  • • Requires powerful amplifier head

Eich Amplification 410L-4 CabinetBass CabinetSpeakers: 4x 10" Eich TE10D (4 Ohm) ceramic speaker and 1x 1"...

4.6/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Eich Amplification T900 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Eich Amplification T900

Metal Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Usually more affordable
✓ PROS
  • • Instant-on convenience
  • • Lower maintenance costs
✗ CONS
  • • Needs separate speaker cabinet
  • • Limited natural overdrive

Eich Amplification T900Transistor Bass HeadActive 4-band EQ"Taste" controllerTuner outputMute...

5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Kramer Guitars 1983 Baretta Reissue Ebony - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Kramer Guitars 1983 Baretta Reissue Ebony

Funk Rock Indie
Key Feature:
• Classic single-coil brightness
✓ PROS
  • • Great for clean and overdriven tones
  • • Versatile 5-way pickup switching
✗ CONS
  • • String bending can cause tuning issues
  • • May be too bright for heavy metal

Kramer Guitars 1983 Baretta Reissue EbonyElectric GuitarBody: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box Head - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box Head

Classic Rock Blues Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Dynamic playing response
✓ PROS
  • • Professional sound quality
  • • Classic vintage tone
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than solid-state
  • • Heat generation during use

Victory Amplifiers Sheriff 25 Lunch Box HeadTube Amp Head for Electric Guitar2 Channels of classic British rock sound...

4.8/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado Green

Custom Features Unique Designs Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • No high C string for extended range

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado GreenElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted maplefingerboard:...

4.8/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Amalio Burguet 2M Spruce w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Amalio Burguet 2M Spruce w/Case

Classical Bossa Nova Fingerstyle
Key Feature:
• Perfect for formal study
✓ PROS
  • • Classical playing position comfort
  • • Perfect for formal study
✗ CONS
  • • Less projection in ensemble
  • • Limited volume compared to steel string

Amalio Burguet 2M Spruce w/CaseClassical GuitarMaster instrumentTop: SprucesolidBack and sides: Rosewoodsolid...

4.6/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS

Progressive Metal Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
  • • Extended low-end range
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing differences
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashTop: solid flamed mapleBolt-on neck: roasted mapleNeck...

4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Amalio Burguet 2F Spruce Flamenco - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Amalio Burguet 2F Spruce Flamenco

Spanish Classical Traditional Music Latin
Key Feature:
• Traditional cypress body resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, percussive flamenco tone
  • • Traditional cypress body resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Requires specific playing technique
  • • May buzz with heavy playing

Amalio Burguet 2F Spruce FlamencoFlamenco Classical GuitarWith nylon stringsTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Solid...

5.0/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Hughes&Kettner GrandMeister Deluxe 40 Bundle

Professional Gigs Blues Vintage Tones
Key Feature:
• Classic vintage tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic vintage tone
  • • Natural compression and warmth
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than solid-state
  • • Heat generation during use

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

4.7/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB Lime Burst Matte - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB Lime Burst Matte

Extended Range Metal Modern Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile for rhythm and lead
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Versatile for rhythm and lead
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized amplification
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Solar Guitars S1.7AHLB Lime Burst Matte7-String Electric GuitarBody: Mahogany (Meranti)Top: Burl Poplar...

4.9/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10

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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