Best Basses Under $800 2025
Affordable basses under $800 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Professional versatility
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Maple21 FretsNut...
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 WS
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 WSElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut width: 38...
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Chopper Blue
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Chopper BlueElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleScale:...
Journey Instruments OT990BL Travel T-Style Blue
- • Simple, reliable electronics
- • Bright, cutting single-coil tone
- • Less comfortable body edges
- • Single-coils prone to hum
Journey Instruments OT990BL Travel T-Style BlueTravel Electric GuitarLimited edition modelPatented detachable neck and...
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain Pink
- • Innovative and modern design
- • Unique visual appeal
- • May sacrifice traditional tone
- • Limited mainstream appeal
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Axis AX3 Stain PinkElectric GuitarBody: JabonTop: flamed maple veneerNeck: Bolt-on...
Manuel Rodriguez Ecologia Samba Plano Truss Rod
- • Traditional nylon string warmth
- • Perfect for formal study
- • Limited volume compared to steel string
- • Wide neck challenging for small hands
Manuel Rodriguez Ecologia Samba Plano Truss RodAcoustic Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4With cutaway and flat bodyBack and...
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne Blue
- • Excellent sustain and playability
- • Comfortable body contours
- • Requires quality amplifier
- • String bending can cause tuning issues
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Daphne BlueElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...
Sheeran by Lowden W02
- • Comfortable smaller body size
- • Balanced tone across frequencies
- • Limited low-end presence
- • Less bass response than dreadnought
Sheeran by Lowden W02Acoustic Guitar with PickupDeveloped in collaboration with Ed Sheeran and Lowden GuitarsBased on...
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic White
- • Comfortable body contours
- • Excellent sustain and playability
- • May be too bright for heavy metal
- • Single-coils can pick up interference
Sterling by Music Man CT30CHSS Olympic WhiteElectric GuitarBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
Electro Harmonix 2x12 Vertical Cabinet
- • Professional tone quality
- • Good balance of power and portability
- • Takes up significant floor space
- • May be overkill for small venues
Electro Harmonix 2x12 Vertical CabinetElectric Guitar Speaker CabinetPerfect for the MIG-50 and other...
Manuel Rodriguez Santos Pavo EX-SS-EA G
- • Wide neck for fingerpicking
- • Perfect for formal study
- • Less projection in ensemble
- • Wide neck challenging for small hands
Manuel Rodriguez Santos Pavo EX-SS-EA GClassical Guitar with PickupSize: 4/4Academy SeriesTop: soild spruceBack and...
Manuel Rodriguez Exotica Santos Real EX-SC S
- • Traditional nylon string warmth
- • Classical playing position comfort
- • Nylon strings require frequent tuning
- • Wide neck challenging for small hands
Manuel Rodriguez Exotica Santos Real EX-SC SClassical GuitarAcademy SeriesSize: 4/4Top: Solid CedarBack and sides:...
Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Natural EQ
- • Clear note separation
- • Great for fingerpicking
- • Limited low-end presence
- • Less bass response than dreadnought
Art & Lutherie Roadhouse Natural EQAcoustic guitar with pickupImport SeriesType: ParlorTop: Solid spruceBack and...
Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Dogear Set
- • Great note definition
- • Responsive to playing dynamics
- • Limited output compared to humbuckers
- • May need noise reduction
Seymour Duncan Antiquity P90 Dogear SetSet of Pickups for Electric GuitarAntiquity Model2 Single coilsDelivers the raw...
Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst
- • Authentic unplugged sound
- • No amplifier needed
- • Limited volume for large venues
- • May need pickup for recording
Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS BurstAcoustic Bass with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtBack and sides: solid sapeleTop: SpruceNeck:...
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