The best bass guitar can be a very exciting endeavor but if you are starting out, pumping in a large budget bass will cause a lot of uncertainty. If you think you will not get the best bass guitar under 200 budget then you are gravely mistaken as the market has never seen more impressive options.
I have many cult brands coming out with affordable smaller scale models with the same sound so that it accessible to all. In my best bass guitar under 200 chart below I have given the perfect balance between the affordability and the sound quality with the common thing being that they will never let you down.
All you need to look for are the pickup used, the volume and tonal controls, the tonewoods, construction, and sound worth it for your jamming studio, on the road practice or experimentation that fits your personal requirements easily. Rarely do people have an issue with the regular scale size; they can check out the small scale bass guitar.
Now coming to the common misconception, the bass guitar under 200 is definitely not only for beginners as you will see in my chart below.
If you are a seasoned player, you can easily get the best bass guitar models below as there is no real financial commitment needed, and you can try different tonewoods, different pickup systems, and also play styles until you find the right sound.
As long as you do not expect any advanced features, the bass guitar under 200 range can be a welcome break in terms of playability and electronics. So, you can go through my chart and find one that surprises you the most.
REVIEW OF BEST BASS GUITAR UNDER 200
1) DEAN E09M EDGE MAHOGANY - BEST NATURAL SOUND BASS GUITAR
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Dean is synonymous with being the master when it comes to best bass guitar under 200. This particular bass guitar has been tailor-made for the bassists of today, molding to their design choices and comfort needs.
With over 40 years in the business, they have made their mark in the industry has grasped the versatility needed, especially when you are on your musical journey no matter your learning level.
The E09M, with its Trudy basswood body contoured to fit perfectly, has a narrow maple neck that helps dexterity and transitions.
Perfect for beginners and professionals alike, you can pick this up if you have small hands and want something quick and comfortable. The classic Dean neck joint increases the ease of access to all the frets as you move upwards.
Other highlights include a dual-action truss rod, which is adjustable and volume and tonal controls. On the electronics front, it features a single soap bar pickup that has enough rumble, and the attractive satin finish is just a cherry on top.
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2) SQUIER BY FENDER BRONCO - BEST BASS GUITAR FOR PRACTICE
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The Squier Bronco is the best entry-level bass guitar under 200 you will ever pick up especially at this price point. Although it is perfect for beginners, if you are a seasoned player, this guitar with its simple playability will get you addicted almost immediately.
Built with a shorter scale and a compact body with a C neck, it is accessible to everyone including those with small hands. Add the fact that it has an extremely lightweight body and so you can carry it easily.
Speaking of the hardware, it has a single-coil pickup tailor-made for the bass sound and an Agathis body. The chrome bridge is perfect to stabilize and retain the tune along with the master tonal. And the volume controls are present to shape your tone further.
On the sound front, it is not only punchy, but the rich tone is versatile enough to blend in, irrespective of your playing style. Do not mistake it for just a beginner model. You can also check this guide to know more about bass guitars.
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3) IBANEZ - BEST BASS GUITAR UNDER 200 FOR CONCERTS
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There is an unwritten rule on the internet, if you need a bass guitar under 200, you always go for an Ibanez. And this best bass guitar under 200 has become almost synonymous to bass guitars.
The best bass guitar under 200 model I am talking about today is the GSRM20BWNF that is a shorter scale compact model with the same power and performance of that Ibanez is known for over the years.
The only difference is that this is the perfect beginner model and highly affordable for anyone just dipping their toe into the learning process.
Speaking of the hardware, it has an Agathis body, which is a very high-quality tonewood and has several finishes and color options. The neck has a standard Ibanez design with a soft rosewood fretboard pearl inlays.
The single-coil pickup system works well with both muddy and clear tones and gives the bass guitar sound more stability and level. The low tenacity helps with the lower tone vastly and overall help with the playability by the large proportion.
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4) YAMAHA - BEST RETRO BASS GUITAR
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TRBX is the foundation of what you expect a perfect bass guitar to be. When you think about pushing your boundaries with the next performance then use a bass effect pedal for a even better rig, you will never go wrong with a TRBX series guitar especially one that extremely affordable without compromising on the power or design.
If you want your instrument to transition from the studio to your room to the stage effortlessly then look no further as this model is the perfect fit for you.
Looking at the hardware, you get 15 color options and a quality glossy finish. This value for price piece comes with a sturdy mahogany body that delivers the warm mellow sound with a retro-style bridge that will remind you of the ’80s.
The headstock, the shape, and all other features ensure easy playability, and the topcoat ensures that it is sturdy enough for the road while retaining that Yamaha bass sound to elevate your music to another level. Really I recommend this best bass guitar under 200.
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5) CORDOBA - BEST ACOUSTIC BASS GUITAR
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When you look for a miniature bass guitar under 200, you expect a bit less especially, in terms of how they sound but this Cordoba shorter scale model has the same depth and robustness of that of its full-scale counterpart which is on itself an impressive feat.
With a scale of 22,'' it is built of solid mahogany all over which is why you will notice the distinct rounded warm tone and the richness that is hard to find.
On the hardware front, it has phosphor bronze strings with a nylon core that has the sweetness and comes with the well known Cordoba MB103 piezo pickup system.
This best bass guitar under 200 model will not only widen your horizons but you will not have to compromise on the sound when it offers good intonation and excellent projection especially on the low end. The lightweight body also makes it easier to travel with never give up when inspiration strikes you one the road.
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6) ARCHER SB10BK P-STYLE ELECTRIC BASS
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Are you environmentally conscious? Are you looking for sustainable options given for the current climate? This Archer model is as durable as you could get the best bass guitar under 200 and high sound quality. Need I say more?
Designed in the P style, which is one of the most popular bass styles in the world, even famous musicians rely on it to this day.
You get superior volume and tonal controls with a single-coil pickup that has enough growl that will allow flexible tonal shaping. On the hardware front, it is made of a sustainable Paulownia wood body, a sturdy maple neck, and a soft rosewood fretboard.
You get five color options, and chrome hardware is straightforward on the eye, especially with the dot inlays that give it a more professional vibe. Additionally, the tone precision tuners have excellent intonation, and the project sound well to maintain tune for longer.
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7) SAWTOOTH EP SERIES - BEST BEGINNER BASS GUITAR
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It is one of the best bass guitar under 200 that will make you do a double-take and straddles the line of comfort and quality. It comes with a lightweight basswood body with a maple neck and fretboard.
It has a full 34’’ scale with 20 frets and dot inlays. On the electronics front, it features a split ceramic pickup system with volume and tonal controls to shape your tone. It also features open-gear tuners that retain the tune for a long time and an adjustable bridge.
With sleek chrome hardware, they are a sight to look at, which ranges between a vintage design but built for the modern bassist. It is versatile enough for a beginner or a musician to play with ease.
That being said, this is the perfect addition to your collection if you are looking for a backup model for practice and have the much-needed growl.
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8) DONNER DPB-510S - BEST BUDGET BASS GUITAR
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This affordable and best bass guitar under 200, yes, you read that right? The package has everything you could need to start your guitar journey right from a full-sized electric bass guitar, to a shoulder strap, padded gig bag, cable, spare brass strings, and a pickguard.
The guitar on itself has a solid lightweight basswood body with chrome steel tuner keys that retain their tune for a long time due to their solidity, maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and p-bass pickups with dual volume controls.
Whether you are into blues or rock and roll or jazz, the bright highs complement the mellow lows beautifully, and you end up with a full-bodied tone perfect for guitarists of all skill sets. Although the warranty provided is of a year, most donner products are durable and are built to last throughout your guitar journey.
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CONCLUSION
Although my best bass guitar under 200 chart is just a fraction of what the market has to offer, the ones mentioned are some of the most popular and highly rated ones that will give you the full value for the time and energy you have spent buying it.
While I have no specific preference regarding the hardware, the only thing I have focused on is the performance, which is optimum and the top priority.
That being said, if you want an affordable classic model, then the bass guitar above fits the bill. Good luck with your musical journey.
Greetings, I am Scott Shetler, a Senior Instrument expert, and Guitarist. My hobby and passion are all about music, and I like to explore new gadgets and instruments available in the market. From my experience, I reviewed and showcase the best products on our site to ensure the worth of readers’ expectations and money.