Best Miscellaneous Basses Under $800 2026
Affordable miscellaneous basses under $800 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous basses in 2026 are Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag (top pick), Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton GuitarBass VS V. Series w/Bag for pros — selected from 14 options across 4 brands, priced $232–$652, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT w/Bag
Nut width
62 mm (2.44")
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
400 mm (15.75")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
7-string
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Specialty Uses
Experimental Music
Unique Applications
Key Feature:
This BZ-7000 II NT is a serious contender for players wanting a modern 7-string bass with a premium feel. The Tesla pickups give it a distinct, aggressive voice that cuts through a mix, and the neck-thru design provides excellent sustain. It’s perfect for metalheads, progressive players, and anyone wanting a versatile, high-performance instrument without the high-end price tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany/ash body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly punchy low-end.
- • Tesla pickups provide a tight, modern tone with good clarity and articulation.
- • Graphite nut minimizes tuning instability and enhances sustain.
- • The 400mm radius fingerboard offers comfortable playability for fast runs and complex techniques.
CONS
- • The 7-string scale can feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Mahogany body construction may result in a heavier instrument overall.
- • Active EQ demands a power supply, potentially limiting versatility without external power.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 578443
$652
Harley Benton BZ-7000 II NT
Nut width
62 mm (2.44")
Scale
889 mm (35")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
400 mm (15.75")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
7-string
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Specialty Uses
Key Feature:
This BZ-7000 II NT is a seriously impressive instrument for the money. The 7-string setup opens up a world of extended range possibilities, and the Tesla pickups offer a modern, punchy tone that cuts through the mix. It's perfect for progressive rock, metal, or anyone wanting a versatile and well-built 7-string bass without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany/ash body provides warmth and sustain.
- • Tesla pickups deliver a surprisingly tight and modern low-end.
- • Graphite nut enhances tuning stability and reduces friction.
- • 7-piece neck-thru design maximizes resonance and playability.
CONS
- • The extended scale length might be challenging for smaller hands.
- • Mahogany body can make it a bit heavier than some basses.
- • Active EQ requires a power source, potentially shortening battery life.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 521731
$641
Harley Benton GuitarBass VS V. Series w/Bag
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
762 mm (30")
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Strings
6-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Unique Applications
Custom Designs
Specialty Uses
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a seriously cool, baritone-voiced bass perfect for vintage tones and lower-register exploration. The single-coil pickups give it a unique character, and the build quality is surprisingly good for the price. It’s an ideal choice for players wanting a distinctive sound without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- • HBZ Custom Wound AlNiCo5 pickups deliver vintage-voiced clarity and growl.
- • Canadian maple neck with C-profile offers comfortable, familiar playing feel.
- • Graphite nut improves tuning stability and reduces friction at the nut.
CONS
- • Nyatoh, while resonant, can be a bit less stable than more premium hardwoods.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- • 3-ply tortoise pickguard feels a little budget-oriented aesthetically.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 542144
$267
Harley Benton GuitarBass VS Vintage Series
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
762 mm (30")
Frets
21 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Strings
6-string
Body
Nyatoh body
Creative Expression
Custom Designs
Specialty Uses
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton is a seriously interesting offering – a 6-string bass tuned an octave lower than a standard guitar. It's surprisingly well-built for the price, with a vintage vibe and a comfortable neck. Ideal for players wanting a unique baritone sound or exploring new musical territory on a budget-friendly instrument.
PROS
- • Nyatoh body provides a surprisingly resonant, warm tone.
- • Canadian maple neck offers stability and a comfortable, familiar C profile.
- • HBZ Custom pickups deliver vintage-voiced single-coil character and clarity.
- • Kluson-style machine heads provide smooth, reliable tuning stability.
CONS
- • Nyatoh can be a bit prone to finish checking with temperature changes.
- • 762mm scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to basses with more pickup options.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 402283
$256
Höfner Shorty Bass Turquoise Blue
by
Höfner
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
760 mm (29.92")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Creative Expression
Alternative Styles
Unique Applications
Key Feature:
This Höfner Shorty is a fantastic, affordable option for players seeking a vintage-inspired vibe and easy playability. The short scale makes it super comfortable, and that humbucker delivers a surprisingly powerful, punchy tone that's perfect for classic rock, blues, and Motown. It's a great starter bass or a fun, quirky addition to any collection.
PROS
- • Basswood body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- • Short scale offers exceptional playability, especially for smaller hands or beginners.
- • Humbucker pickup delivers a thick, punchy tone ideal for rock and Motown.
- • Rosewood fingerboard adds a touch of vintage feel and smooth playing experience.
CONS
- • Basswood, while resonant, lacks the sustain of more premium tonewoods.
- • Single humbucker limits tonal versatility compared to basses with multiple pickups.
- • Short scale may feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scale lengths.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 567784
$232
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Bass 4-String BL
Nut width
44 mm (1.73")
Scale
762 mm (30")
Strings
4-string
Weight
1.55 kg
Unique Applications
Specialty Uses
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
This Traveler Bass is a clever solution for gigging musicians needing portability without sacrificing too much playability. The short scale and comfortable lap rest make it ideal for travel or players who prefer a more compact instrument – it's a surprisingly versatile option for blues, folk, and even some lighter rock styles.
PROS
- • Maple body provides a surprisingly articulate and resonant acoustic tone.
- • Compact scale (762 mm) makes it exceptionally playable, especially for smaller players.
- • Shadow piezo pickups deliver a clean, usable amplified signal for diverse genres.
- • Removable lap rest enhances comfort for seated playing and travel.
CONS
- • Passive electronics limit tonal shaping and dynamic range compared to active systems.
- • Maple construction can sound a little bright; lacks warmth of mahogany or walnut.
- • While lightweight, the maple body feels less substantial than a traditional bass.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 474831
$466
Höfner Shorty Bass Cadillac Green
by
Höfner
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Specialty Uses
Creative Expression
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The Höfner Shorty in Cadillac Green is a seriously fun bass – a blast from the 80s that’s still relevant. It’s perfect for players wanting a compact, easy-to-play instrument with a vintage vibe, especially those digging classic rock or Motown grooves. This is a fantastic, budget-friendly option for beginners or those needing a travel bass.
PROS
- • Short scale offers excellent playability, especially for smaller hands or beginners.
- • Basswood body provides a lightweight feel and surprisingly resonant tone.
- • Jatoba fingerboard is durable and offers a smooth, snappy playing surface.
- • Humbucker pickup delivers a thick, punchy sound suitable for rock and Motown.
CONS
- • Basswood construction means it lacks the sustain of more premium tonewoods.
- • Single humbucker limits tonal versatility; more complex sounds are challenging.
- • Gig bag offers minimal protection; a hard case is strongly recommended.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 540390
$256
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HY
Scale
866 mm (34.09")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Custom Designs
Experimental Music
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
The Spirit XT-2 is a solid, playable bass offering a unique Steinberger experience at a reasonable price. The headless design is surprisingly comfortable once you get used to it, and the pickups provide a modern, punchy tone suitable for rock, pop, and even some funk. It's a great option for players wanting a distinctive look and feel without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Headless design offers exceptional ergonomics and string balance.
- • Basswood body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the tone.
- • Steinberger humbuckers deliver a powerful, defined low-end response.
- • Maple neck-thru construction enhances sustain and upper-midrange clarity.
CONS
- • Basswood can lack the complexity of more premium tonewoods.
- • Headless basses require a learning curve for tuning and intonation.
- • Satinwood fretboard might feel less 'finished' than gloss finishes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 449987
$571
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass FB
Scale
866 mm (34.09")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Specialty Uses
Unique Applications
Creative Expression
Key Feature:
The Spirit XT-2 Standard FB is a solid, affordable option for players wanting that distinctive Steinberger vibe. The headless design is surprisingly accessible, and the basswood/humbucker combo delivers a punchy, modern tone suitable for rock, pop, and funk. A great choice for gigging musicians or anyone looking for a unique and reliable bass without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Headless design enhances ergonomics and stage presence.
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, balanced, and punchy low-end.
- • Steinberger humbuckers provide a clear, defined tone with good output.
- • Maple neck-thru construction offers excellent sustain and comfortable playability.
CONS
- • Basswood can lack the upper-midrange complexity of more premium woods.
- • Headless basses require some initial adjustment for intonation and feel.
- • Frost Blue finish, while attractive, may not appeal to all players.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 449984
$524
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass HR
Scale
866 mm (34.09")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Unique Applications
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This headless bass feels great to hold and plays smooth thanks to the satinwood fretboard. The two humbuckers give it a thick sound that cuts well in a mix. It is a solid choice for players who want a compact, stable instrument without the extra knobs.
PROS
- • Solid maple neck-thru-body construction ensures stable tuning.
- • Satinwood fretboard offers a smooth feel for fingerstyle playing.
- • Dual humbuckers deliver thick, warm low-end output.
- • Compact headless design makes the instrument lightweight and portable.
CONS
- • No string gauge options listed for specific playing styles.
- • Single master tone control limits independent EQ adjustments.
- • Basswood body may resonate differently than traditional mahogany.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 449985
$501
Höfner Shorty Bass White
by
Höfner
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Alternative Styles
Unique Applications
Specialty Uses
Key Feature:
This short-scale bass is a solid, cheap choice for beginners who want that classic 80s look. The maple neck and rosewood fingerboard make it comfortable to hold and play. While the single humbucker gives a thick tone, the lack of a second pickup control limits your sound choices. It is a great starter instrument if you need something simple and stylish.
PROS
- • Classic 1980s design looks timeless and cool
- • Affordable price point for entry-level players
- • Solid basswood body feels sturdy in hand
- • Short scale length makes it easy to play
CONS
- • Only one pickup limits sound options
- • Missing bridge pickup control on controls
- • Weight and string gauge not listed in specs
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 388455
$232
Höfner Shorty Bass Signal White
by
Höfner
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Creative Expression
Specialty Uses
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This short scale bass is great for players who want easy finger movement and a classic look. The humbucker gives a thick sound that cuts through well. It is a solid, budget-friendly choice for beginners or those needing a quick, reliable instrument.
PROS
- • Classic 80s style design looks familiar instantly
- • Short scale length makes finger movement very easy
- • Humbucker pickup delivers thick and punchy sound
- • Lightweight basswood body feels comfortable to play
CONS
- • No strings or strings type listed in description
- • Single control setup limits tone shaping options
- • Missing specific weight measurement in data
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 540392
$232
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2DB Standard Bass BK
Scale
866 mm (34.09")
Frets
24 frets
Experimental Music
Specialty Uses
Unique Applications
Key Feature:
The Spirit XT-2DB is a solid choice for bassists wanting a unique, modern sound and a comfortable playing experience. The headless design really sets it apart, and the Steinberger pickups deliver a punchy, versatile tone. It's a great option for players seeking a distinctive instrument without a premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Headless design offers exceptional balance and ergonomic playing comfort.
- • Steinberger humbuckers deliver a punchy, modern tone with good clarity.
- • Continuous maple neck provides smooth playability and sustain.
- • DB Tuner simplifies drop tuning, ideal for alternative tunings.
CONS
- • Lime body, while distinctive, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • Satinwood fretboard can feel a bit slick for some players’ tastes.
- • Headless basses require a learning curve for tuning and string changes.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 261858
$571
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-2 Standard Bass BK
Frets
24 frets
Body
Basswood body
Specialty Uses
Creative Expression
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The Spirit XT-2 is a solid, affordable option for bassists wanting that signature Steinberger vibe. Its headless design is surprisingly practical, and the basswood/humbucker combo delivers a surprisingly versatile sound – it's great for rock, funk, and even some heavier styles. Ideal for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a unique look and feel without a premium price tag.
PROS
- • Headless design offers exceptional ergonomics and tuning stability.
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, balanced, and surprisingly resonant tone.
- • Steinberger humbuckers provide a thick, defined low-end and good clarity.
- • Maple neck-thru construction enhances sustain and provides comfortable access.
CONS
- • Basswood can sound a little 'flat' compared to mahogany or ash for some players.
- • The satinwood fretboard might feel too slippery for those preferring a lacquered feel.
- • Headless basses require a learning curve for some players accustomed to traditional designs.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 261849
$524
Miscellaneous Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 14 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $466
from $232 to $641
Nut width
median 42 mm (1.65")
from 42 mm (1.65") to 62 mm (2.44") · 9 models
Scale
median 866 mm (34.09")
from 760 mm (29.92") to 889 mm (35") · 10 models
Frets
median 24
from 21 to 24 · 13 models
Body
basswood, nyatoh
most common · 10 models
Strings
median 6-string
from 4-string to 7-string · 5 models
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 14 miscellaneous basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 14 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 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 miscellaneous 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.
