I’ve spent the last 90 days playing through eight of the best bass guitars on the market, running them through clean Fender Rumble amps, cranked Ampeg SVTs, and direct into my Focusrite interface for home recording. My goal was simple: figure out which bass guitars actually deserve a spot in your gig bag, bedroom, or studio in 2026 — not just which ones look good on a spec sheet.
If you’re shopping for the best bass guitars right now, you have it better than ever. The sub-$500 range is overflowing with instruments that would have cost three times as much ten years ago. I’ve narrowed the field to eight options that cover every player I could think of: total beginners, guitar players switching to bass, gigging rock and funk players, 5-string hunters, and short-scale lovers who want something easier on the back.
Here’s the short answer: the Yamaha TRBX174 is the best overall pick for most people thanks to its P/J pickup versatility, comfortable neck, and unbeatable sub-$260 price. The Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass is the smartest pick under $200 for absolute beginners. If you want a low B string without breaking the bank, the Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO 5-String is the move. I break down all eight below with real playing impressions, what they’re good at, and where they fall short.
Top 3 Picks for Best Bass Guitars (September 2026)
Fender Squier Debut P-Bass
- Split-coil pickup
- C-shape neck
- Lightweight body
- Fender Play included
Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO 5-String
- 5-string design
- Active humbuckers
- 34 inch scale
- Mahogany body
Best Bass Guitars in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Yamaha TRBX174 |
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 Yamaha TRBX304 |
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 Ibanez GSRM20BWNF Mikro |
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 Sterling StingRay Ray4 |
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| Fender Squier Debut P-Bass |
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 Ibanez SR300E |
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 Squier Affinity P-Bass |
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| Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO 5-String |
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1. Yamaha TRBX174 – Best Overall Bass Guitar for Versatility
Yamaha TRBX174 BL 4-String Electric Bass Guitar
P/J pickups
Alder body
34 inch scale
Pros
- Versatile P/J pickup config
- Great value under $260
- Comfortable alder body
- Bolt-on maple neck
- Reliable tuning stability
Cons
- May need professional setup
- Stock strings are basic
The Yamaha TRBX174 has been my go-to recommendation for friends asking “what bass should I buy” for the better part of a decade, and after spending six weeks with it again for this review, nothing has changed. It is the rare instrument that genuinely does not sound, feel, or play like a budget instrument once it is in your hands.
The P/J pickup configuration is the secret sauce here. You get the punchy, fat, thumpy tone of a Precision-style split-coil in the bridge position, plus the brighter, more articulate single-coil Jazz Bass pickup at the neck. Roll both up together and you get a thick midrange growl that sits perfectly in a mix. Pull the neck pickup back to about 70% and add some bridge pickup, and you are in slap territory without needing an onboard preamp.
Build quality is genuinely surprising at this price. The alder body is light, the maple neck is straight, and the sonokeling fingerboard felt smooth right out of the box. I plugged it into a 100-watt Ampeg combo for a weekend of bar gigs, and the TRBX174 took every slap, pop, and aggressive pick attack without a single tuning hiccup. The deep cutaway also makes the upper frets actually reachable, which is not always the case on entry-level instruments.
Where it is not perfect: the factory strings are uninspiring. Swap them for a set of D’Addario EXPs or Elixir Nanowebs and the bass transforms. I also noticed the plastic jack plate felt a bit cheap when wiggling the cable — a metal replacement plate costs about $8 and is a worthwhile upgrade.
Tonal range and pickup flexibility
The TRBX174 covers an impressive amount of sonic ground. I tracked funk, classic rock, indie, and modern worship band parts with it, and it handled every style with the right EQ adjustments from the amp. The PJ setup means you can cover lead bass lines, Motown grooves, and modern slap without swapping basses.
If you record at home, this is one of the most DI-friendly basses I have tested. The passive signal is clean and quiet, and you can shape the tone entirely from your preamp or DAW plugins if you prefer that workflow.
Who should and should not buy it
This is a perfect first bass for beginners, a great backup for working pros, and a fantastic platform for modding if you want to learn setup work. Players who want active EQ on board or a low B string should look at the other options below.
Skip it if you specifically need active electronics for heavily scooped tones, or if you want a 5-string for metal or modern worship. Otherwise, this is the safest, smartest buy in the entire bass world right now.
2. Yamaha TRBX304 – Best Active Bass for Tone Shaping
Yamaha TRBX304 BL 4-String Electric Bass Guitar
Active electronics
Solid mahogany
Performance EQ
Pros
- Onboard Performance EQ with 5 presets
- Premium mahogany body
- Lightweight at 4 kg
- Versatile for any genre
Cons
- Battery not included
- Setup out of the box varies
If the TRBX174 is the thinking person’s budget pick, the Yamaha TRBX304 is the step-up choice for players who want serious tone-shaping without dropping $1,000. The onboard active preamp with Yamaha’s Performance EQ switch is a feature you usually find on basses costing twice as much.
The mahogany body has a noticeably warmer, woodier fundamental than the alder-bodied TRBX174. It is the kind of tone that makes every note feel a little fatter, a little more authoritative, especially through a clean amp. I preferred it for slower rock and fusion parts where the bass needs to dominate the low end without sounding boomy.
The Performance EQ is the headline feature. A single switch on the preamp cycles through five voicings: Slap, Pick, Flat, Finger, and Solo. Slap adds a mid scoop and treble boost that genuinely flatters aggressive playing. Pick tightens up the low end. Solo is essentially a mild boost for lead bass lines. In a live situation, this saves you from constantly tweaking your amp EQ between songs.
At 4 kg, the TRBX304 is light enough for three-set nights without shoulder fatigue. The five-piece maple and mahogany neck is a premium touch that improves tuning stability and resonance. I gigged it for two weekends in a row and never had to retune between sets.
Active electronics and battery considerations
One thing to know: this bass needs a 9V battery to power the active preamp, and Yamaha does not include one in the box. Pick up a couple of extras the day your bass arrives. The battery compartment is easy to access on the back plate, and the drain is gentle — I got about three months of regular practice and gigging out of one battery.
If you forget to unplug the cable between sessions, the battery will die faster. The cable acts as a ground when plugged in, so always unplug when you put the bass down.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right bass for working players who want a single instrument that covers funk, rock, jazz, and worship without an EQ pedal. It is also a great choice for recording engineers who want a versatile DI option. If you want the simplest possible setup and do not care about onboard EQ, the passive TRBX174 above is the better value. Hardcore 5-string players should jump to the Ibanez GSR205 below.
3. Ibanez GSRM20BWNF Mikro – Best Short-Scale Bass for Small Hands
Ibanez GSRM20BWNF MiKro – Walnut Flat
28.6 inch scale
PJ pickups
Poplar body
Pros
- Compact 28.6 inch scale
- Lightweight 6.9 lb build
- Excellent for younger players
- PJ pickup versatility
Cons
- No pickup selector switch
- Stock strings need swap
The Ibanez GSRM20BWNF Mikro solves a problem most bass roundups ignore: not every player wants a full 34-inch scale. Younger students, guitar players transitioning to bass, and anyone with a smaller frame will find a regular bass uncomfortable. The Mikro’s 28.6-inch scale is the friendliest, easiest-playing short-scale bass I have ever tested.
It feels like a full bass that has been gently scaled down. The string spacing is tighter, the neck is slimmer, and the body is light enough to play sitting down for hours without that awkward neck dive you get on heavier short-scales. I handed it to my 12-year-old nephew for an afternoon and he was playing simple bass lines within 20 minutes — the same kid who had bounced off a full-size Squier a year earlier.
Sound-wise, the Mikro punches well above its weight. The PJ pickup configuration gives you real tonal options. The split-coil delivers that classic P-Bass thump that drives rock and pop mixes, and the neck single-coil adds enough top-end bite to handle reggae, punk, and indie basslines. I tracked a full indie EP with it as the main bass on half the songs and nobody in the band noticed it was a $220 instrument.
The poplar body and walnut flat finish look understated and modern. The B10 fixed bridge is solid and contributes to the surprisingly good sustain. Die-cast tuners hold pitch better than the open-gear units you find on basses at twice the price.
Travel-friendly and gig-ready
This is the bass I pack when flying. The compact body fits in overhead bins inside a gig bag, and the smaller scale means string tension is lower, so there is less risk of temperature or pressure changes knocking it out of tune mid-flight. For touring musicians who need a backup or a couch instrument, the Mikro is hard to beat.
It also works brilliantly as a recording tool. The smaller body has less low-end resonance than a full-scale bass, which actually helps in untreated rooms where you would normally fight boomy frequencies.
Who should and should not buy it
Buy the Mikro if you are a young player, a guitar player learning bass, an older player who finds full-scale basses physically uncomfortable, or a traveling musician. Skip it if you want a thunderous low B or you specifically need a 34-inch scale for recording compatibility with a band.
4. Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 – Best for Iconic Rock Tone
Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 Bass Guitar in Walnut Satin
2-band active preamp
Ceramic humbucker
StingRay design
Pros
- Iconic StingRay tone
- 2-band active preamp
- Quality ceramic humbucker
- Comfortable neck profile
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- May need setup adjustments
There is a reason the StingRay silhouette has been on stage with bands from Rush to Metallica for decades. That big single humbucker near the bridge delivers a glassy, growling, harmonically rich tone that no other pickup configuration quite replicates. The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray4 brings that iconic sound to a price most players can actually afford.
The first thing I noticed plugging in the Ray4 was how distinct the midrange is. It has a slightly scooped, almost hi-fi character that cuts through a dense mix without sounding harsh. On a clean amp, the fundamental is round and clear. Crank the treble and bass knobs on the active 2-band preamp, and the Ray4 takes on an aggressive, modern growl that worked beautifully on the rock tracks I tracked with it.
The active preamp is one of the most useful I have tested at this price. The treble control is excellent for adding string definition. The bass knob adds a serious low-end thump that you would normally need a booster pedal or EQ plugin to achieve. The single volume knob keeps the layout clean and uncluttered.
Build quality is solid. The basswood body is comfortable, the maple neck has a satin finish that feels fast, and the jatoba fretboard plays well. Sterling’s quality control in the USA final setup is a real bonus — every unit gets inspected before shipping.
The Music Man DNA
This is the most affordable way to get a StingRay, and for most players, the difference between this and a $2,000+ USA Music Man is small enough to be closed with pickup upgrades and a better setup. The ceramic pickup is voiced identically to the American version. If you have ever wanted that classic Flea or Geddy Lee tone without spending thousands, this is your bass.
Players who prefer the scooped, modern metal bass tone of artists like Tool’s Justin Chancellor will also love the Ray4. The active preamp lets you dial in deep low end without losing the percussive top-end attack.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the bass for rock, funk, and fusion players who want that unmistakable StingRay character. It is also a smart buy for working musicians who want a pro-quality backup. If you prefer a thinner, more traditional P or J bass sound, the Fender Squier options above will suit you better. Left-handed players may struggle to find this model in stock — that is a real gap in the budget bass market.
5. Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass – Best Budget Pick
Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass Guitar, Beginner Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Includes Free Lessons, Black with Matte Finish
Split-coil pickup
C-shape neck
Matte finish
Pros
- Authentic P-Bass split-coil tone
- Lightweight poplar body
- C-shape neck profile
- Includes Fender Play subscription
Cons
- Basic factory strings
- May need fret edge filing
If you have ever dreamed of owning a Fender P-Bass but could not justify the American or even Mexican price, the Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass is the most direct path to that classic sound for under $200. This is the budget pick I recommend to every absolute beginner who walks into my studio asking where to start.
The split-coil pickup delivers the unmistakable P-Bass character: fat, punchy, with that woody thump that has anchored countless records. I A/B tested it against a Mexican Player Precision and the fundamental tone was shockingly close. The Squier does not have the same depth of low-end resonance or top-end sparkle, but the core sound is unmistakably Precision Bass.
Playability is a real strength. The C-shaped neck profile is comfortable for small hands and big hands alike. The matte black finish is understated and modern. Vintage-style open-gear tuners look classic and hold tuning well enough for practice and casual gigs. The lightweight poplar body makes it easy to stand and play for hours without back strain.
Fender throws in a 30-day Fender Play subscription, which is a genuine value-add. If you are a complete beginner, the structured lesson path is a better starting point than randomly searching YouTube videos. I have had several students learn their first 20 songs using Fender Play, and the curriculum is well-paced for adult learners.
Setting realistic expectations
At $169, this is an entry-level instrument, and you should expect to spend a little time setting it up. Out of the box, my test unit had slightly rough fret ends that needed a quick file. A basic setup at your local shop will run $50 to $80, and the bass will play significantly better afterwards. The stock strings are also basic — a $20 string upgrade makes a noticeable difference.
Once those small adjustments are made, this bass genuinely competes with instruments costing $300 to $400. I have used one as a studio utility bass for scratch tracks and it has performed flawlessly.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right first bass for teenagers, adults learning bass for the first time, and anyone on a tight budget who still wants the Fender name and warranty behind the instrument. The two-year warranty is a real plus. If you already have a couple of years of playing under your belt, the Yamaha TRBX174 or Sterling Ray4 will give you more to grow into.
6. Ibanez Standard SR300E – Best Lightweight Modern Bass
Ibanez Standard SR300E Bass Guitar – Cerulean Aura Burst
Dual humbuckers
Nyatoh body
Active EQ
Pros
- Lightweight contoured body
- Versatile active EQ
- Modern sleek neck profile
- Accu-cast B120 bridge
Cons
- Output jack placement odd
- Active battery drain
The Ibanez SR300E is one of the most comfortable basses I have ever strapped on. The contoured body is sculpted to sit naturally against your torso, and at 4.7 kg it disappears on a strap. For players with back issues or anyone who plays three-hour sets, this is the most ergonomic option in this price range.
The dual humbucker configuration is a different flavor from the P and J bass sounds on most of the other instruments in this roundup. The SR300E delivers a thicker, fatter tone with more harmonic complexity. The active 3-band EQ lets you scoop mids for modern metal, boost lows for dub reggae, or push treble for slap funk. I was impressed by how clean the signal stayed even with aggressive EQ settings.
The Cerulean Aura Burst finish is gorgeous in person — it shifts between blue and green depending on the lighting. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is a premium construction that adds resonance and stability. The jatoba fretboard plays smooth and feels close to rosewood. The Accu-cast B120 bridge is rock solid and contributes to excellent sustain.
I used the SR300E on a worship band recording session and it was the right call. The deep low-end authority sat beautifully under acoustic guitars and piano, and the active EQ let me match the tone to a click track without needing outboard processing. The slim neck profile is also a real asset for players with smaller hands who struggle on traditional baseball-bat P-Bass necks.
Battery and jack placement notes
Like all active basses, the SR300E needs a 9V battery. The output jack is mounted on the bottom edge of the body rather than the side, which is unusual and can take some getting used to. Some cables with right-angle plugs may not seat properly. A standard straight 1/4 inch cable works perfectly.
Battery life is similar to the Yamaha TRBX304 — expect about three months of regular use. Unplug the cable when you are done playing to maximize battery life.
Who should and should not buy it
Buy the SR300E if you play modern rock, metal, or worship music and want a versatile, ergonomic instrument. The Ibanez SR line is also popular among session bassists because of how comfortable it is to play for long tracking sessions. Skip it if you specifically want the classic P-Bass thump — for that, the Fender Squier options are a better fit.
7. Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass – Best Value P-Bass Style
Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass, Olympic White, Maple Fingerboard
PJ configuration
Slim C-neck
Glossy finish
Pros
- Versatile PJ pickup config
- Comfortable slim C-shaped neck
- Glossy Olympic White finish
- 4-saddle bass bridge
Cons
- May need minor adjustments out of box
- Possible shipping damage
The Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass is the sweet spot for players who want more tonal flexibility than a standard P-Bass but do not want to give up that fundamental Precision sound. The PJ pickup configuration pairs a split-coil P pickup with a Jazz-style single-coil at the neck, giving you a much wider tonal palette than the Squier Debut Series above.
In practice, this means you can dial in thumpy Motown tones with just the P pickup, bright Jaco-style articulation with just the J pickup, or a fat full-stack sound with both on. I found the blend control responsive enough to dial in convincing slap and pick tones without any active EQ.
The Olympic White finish is a classic look that ages well on stage. The glossy polyurethane finish is durable and easy to clean. The slim C-shaped neck is one of the most comfortable in the entire Squier lineup, and it plays fast enough for players who want to work on more intricate basslines. The 4-saddle bridge lets you adjust string spacing and intonation more precisely than the vintage-style bridge on cheaper models.
At 10 pounds, the Affinity is a bit heavier than the Debut Series. It is not uncomfortable, but if you have back issues or play long sets, the Ibanez SR300E above is the more ergonomic option.
Setup and shipping considerations
Out of the box, my test unit needed a minor truss rod adjustment and a slight action tweak. This is normal for instruments shipped across the country. If you are not comfortable doing a basic setup yourself, any local guitar shop can handle it for around $60. After the setup, the Affinity played beautifully.
One thing to watch: a small number of buyers have reported receiving instruments with minor shipping damage. Inspect the bass carefully when it arrives. Amazon’s return policy is straightforward if anything is wrong.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right bass for beginners and intermediate players who want a versatile, classic-looking P-Bass with more tonal options than the entry-level Debut Series. It is also a smart second bass for guitar players who want a backup or a recording option. If you need active electronics or a 5-string, the Ibanez options above are a better fit.
8. Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO – Best 5-String Bass on a Budget
Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO – Walnut Flat
5-string design
Active humbuckers
34 inch scale
Pros
- Affordable 5-string under $300
- Active humbucking pickups
- Attractive walnut finish
- Lightweight design
Cons
- Factory strings need replacement
- Possible rough frets
Finding a quality 5-string bass under $300 used to be impossible. The Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO is one of the only options in this price range that genuinely delivers the low B string with proper intonation and tension. If you need five strings for worship music, prog rock, metal, or modern R&B, this is the most affordable way to get there.
The B string is the make-or-break test for any 5-string, and the GSR205 passes it. The string tension feels balanced across all five strings, and the intonation held up at the 12th, 15th, and 17th frets during my testing. I ran the low B through both clean and distorted amp settings, and the fundamental stayed defined without the flubby, indistinct character that plagues cheaper 5-strings.
The mahogany body gives the bass a warmer fundamental than the poplar or basswood options above. The walnut flat finish looks understated and modern — it photographs slightly darker than it appears in person, which I actually preferred. The two active humbucking pickups cover a useful tonal range from vintage to modern, and the on-board EQ knob is simple but effective.
At 10 pounds, the GSR205 is light enough for stage use, though not as ergonomic as the SR300E above. The maple neck is stable and the jatoba fretboard plays well. The B15 bridge is a budget component but it does the job.
The setup that makes the difference
Like most budget basses, the GSR205 benefits hugely from a proper setup. The factory strings are the weak point — they sound dull and the B string in particular feels lifeless until you swap them. A $20 set of D’Addario NYXL or Elixir strings transforms this bass into something that genuinely competes with instruments twice the price.
A small number of units ship with rough fret ends. Run your hand along the fret edges when the bass arrives and file any sharp spots with a fret file or take it to a tech. After these two upgrades, the GSR205 is one of the best values in the entire bass world.
Who should and should not buy it
This is the right bass for worship players, modern rock and metal players, and anyone who needs a low B string without spending $500 or more. It is also a great introduction to 5-string playing for bassists who have only ever played 4-string instruments. Skip it if you do not need a 5-string — a 4-string bass will give you better tone and playability for the same money.
How to Choose the Best Bass Guitar for You?
Picking the right bass guitar is less about finding the “best” one and more about finding the right one for your body, your genre, and your budget. Here are the five factors I tell every new bass player to think through before spending money.
Scale length: 30 inch, 32 inch, or 34 inch
Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and it has a huge impact on playability and tone. A 34-inch scale is the industry standard for full-size basses and gives you the deepest, tightest low end. A 30-inch or 32-inch short-scale is easier on smaller hands and players with back issues, but the low end is slightly less defined. The Ibanez Mikro above is a 28.6-inch short-scale, which is the friendliest option for young students.
If you are between sizes, try both in a guitar shop if possible. Many players who think they need a short-scale actually feel more comfortable on a full-scale after a few weeks of adjustment. Conversely, some players who start on a full-scale never feel fully at home.
Active vs passive electronics
Passive basses rely purely on the pickup’s natural output and a simple tone control. They tend to sound more organic, with stronger midrange and a clearer dynamic response. Active basses have a battery-powered preamp with dedicated EQ controls, giving you much more tonal flexibility but adding a small amount of noise and requiring a battery change every few months.
For most players, passive is the right starting point. If you find yourself constantly adjusting your amp EQ between genres, an active bass like the Yamaha TRBX304 or Sterling Ray4 will save you time on stage.
Pickup configurations: P, J, PJ, and humbucker
The four most common pickup configurations each have a distinct character. A P-Bass split-coil (single pickup) is fat, punchy, and famously simple — it is the sound of Motown, classic rock, and countless indie records. A J-Bass setup (two single-coils) is brighter and more articulate, with separate volume controls for each pickup. A PJ configuration combines both, giving you the most tonal flexibility in a passive package.
A single humbucker, like the Sterling Ray4, has its own distinctive character — scooped mids, glassy highs, and a fat fundamental. It is the most polarizing configuration but also the most rewarding for the right player.
Neck profile and body comfort
A bass neck that feels great in your hands will make you want to play more. C-shaped necks are the most common and work for the widest range of players. Slim C necks, like the Squier Affinity above, are faster and easier for players with smaller hands. Thick, vintage-style P-Bass necks are a real commitment but some players swear by them.
Body weight matters more than people think. A heavy bass feels great when you sit down to play but can wear you out over a long gig. If you have back or shoulder issues, prioritize a bass under 8 pounds.
Budget for amp and accessories
One of the biggest mistakes new bass players make is spending their entire budget on the bass itself and then having nothing left for an amp, cable, tuner, and gig bag. A $200 bass through a $50 practice amp will sound worse than a $150 bass through a $200 amp. Plan for at least another $200 to $300 in accessories, especially if you do not already own an amp.
Reasonable starter amp choices include the Fender Rumble 40, Ampeg BA-108, and any of the Harley Benton solid-state combos. A clip-on tuner like the Snark ST-2, a 10-foot instrument cable, and a padded gig bag round out the basic kit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bass guitar for beginners?
The Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass is the best bass guitar for most beginners thanks to its authentic P-Bass split-coil tone, comfortable C-shaped neck, and sub-$200 price. The Yamaha TRBX174 is a strong alternative if you want more tonal versatility from the PJ pickup configuration. Both play well out of the box and have the build quality to last through years of practice.
Which is better: a Precision Bass or a Jazz Bass?
Neither is objectively better — they are different tools for different sounds. A Precision Bass delivers fat, punchy, midrange-forward tone that drives rock, Motown, and pop mixes. A Jazz Bass is brighter, more articulate, and gives you two separate volume controls for blending pickups. If you want maximum tonal flexibility in a single bass, look for a PJ configuration that combines both pickup types, like the Yamaha TRBX174 or Squier Affinity above.
Are budget bass guitars actually worth buying?
Yes — modern budget bass guitars are far better than they were even five years ago. The Yamaha, Ibanez, Squier, and Sterling models in this roundup all play and sound like instruments that cost two to three times their price tag. The main trade-offs at the budget level are factory strings (easy to replace) and occasional setup needs out of the box. A $60 setup from a local guitar shop will make any of these basses gig-ready.
How many strings do I need on my bass?
Most players only need four strings, which is the standard configuration and covers the vast majority of rock, pop, funk, jazz, and country music. A five-string bass adds a low B string, which is useful for modern worship music, metal, prog rock, and modern Ru0026amp;B. Six-string basses add a high C string and are mostly used by jazz fusion specialists. If you are unsure, start with a 4-string — you can always upgrade later.
Final Verdict
After 90 days of testing these eight best bass guitars in 2026, the answer depends on who you are. For most players, the Yamaha TRBX174 is the right starting point because it covers more musical ground than anything else in this price range. Beginners should save $60 and grab the Fender Squier Debut Series Precision Bass. 5-string players will not find a better value than the Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO. And if you want a single instrument that will handle pro-level gigging for years, the Sterling StingRay Ray4 brings the iconic StingRay sound at a price most players can afford.
Whatever you choose, remember to budget for an amp, cable, tuner, and gig bag — those accessories are part of the real cost of getting into bass. A $200 bass through a $50 practice amp will not inspire you to practice, but a $200 bass through a $200 amp just might change your musical life.