How much is a bass guitar? That’s a question that can be answered in a variety of ways.
One way to look at the cost of a bass guitar is by the type or brand of instrument you are interested in purchasing. For example, an Ibanez bass might run you around $200, while an acoustic Fender bass could set you back $500 or more. Of course, these are just general prices, and the actual cost of a bass guitar will vary depending on the model, brand, and where you can purchase it.
This article will attempt to give a more in-depth look at how much a bass guitar costs by discussing the different types of basses available and some of the factors that affect the price of these instruments.
Different Types of Basses
There are a few different types of basses that you might encounter while shopping for your new instrument. These include:
Acoustic Basses
These basses are typically larger than electric basses and are played unplugged, without the need for an amplifier. They are great for jazz and blues music and can often be found in orchestras as well. Acoustic bass can range from around $200 to $2000 or more.
Electric Basses
Electric basses are the most popular type of bass guitar and are used in various genres. They require an amplifier to be heard correctly, but this also gives them the ability to create a wide range of sounds. Electric basses typically cost between $100 and $1500, although some high-end instruments can cost much more.
Fretless Basses
Fretless basses are similar to electric basses but do not have frets on the fingerboard. This allows for a smoother, more “sliding” sound when playing certain styles of music. Fretless basses typically cost between $200 and $2000.
Left-handed basses
As you might expect, left-handed basses are simply bass guitars designed for left-handed players. These can be acoustic or electric bass and usually cost the same as their right-handed counterparts.
Factors That Affect the Cost of a Bass Guitar
Now that we’ve looked at the different types of basses available, let’s look at some of the factors that can affect the price of these instruments.
Brand
The brand of bass guitar you purchase will significantly impact the overall cost. For example, a Fender bass will be more expensive than an Ibanez bass. Similarly, an acoustic Martin bass will be more costly than an electric Squier bass.
Model
The specific model of the bass guitar can also significantly impact the price. For example, a Fender Precision Bass will cost more than a Fender Jazz Bass. Likewise, a Martin D-28 acoustic bass will be more expensive than a Martin D-16 acoustic bass.
Materials
The materials used to construct the bass guitar can also play a role in the price. For example, a bass made with all-solid wood construction will be more expensive than a bass made with laminate wood construction.
Finish
The finish on the bass guitar can also factor in the cost. For example, a bass with a sunburst finish will be more expensive than a bass with a natural finish.
Shipping and Handling
If you are purchasing your bass guitar online, the shipping and handling costs can add to the overall price of the instrument.
Specific Examples
1. Ibanez GSR200 Bass Guitar: This bass guitar has a street price of around $200. It is an electric bass with laminate wood construction and a natural finish. It also includes shipping and handling.
2. Fender Precision Bass: This bass guitar has a street price of around $700. It is an electric bass with all-solid wood construction and a sunburst finish. Shipping and handling are not included in this price.
3. Martin D-28 Acoustic Bass: This bass guitar has a street price of around $2000. It is an acoustic bass with all-solid wood construction and a natural finish. Shipping and handling are not included in this price.
4. Fender Jazz Bass: This bass guitar has a street price of around $600. It is an electric bass with all-solid wood construction and a sunburst finish. Shipping and handling are not included in this price.
5. Ibanez SR500E Bass Guitar: This bass guitar has a street price of around $900. It is an electric bass with all-solid wood construction and a natural finish. It also includes shipping and handling.
Where to Buy a Bass Guitar
There are many places to purchase these instruments, both in-person and online.
In-person
If you want to try out the bass before you buy it or prefer the personal touch, you may want to buy your bass guitar in person from a music store. This way, you can try out the instrument and get advice from a salesperson to help you find the right bass for your needs.
Online
If you know what you want and are looking for the best deal, you may want to buy your bass guitar online. Many online retailers sell these instruments, and you can often find good deals on shipping and handling when you purchase from them.
Summary
As you can see, the cost of a bass guitar can vary widely depending on the type of instrument, the materials used, the finish, and whether or not shipping and handling are included. When purchasing a bass guitar, be sure to consider all of these factors to get the best deal. Thank you for reading!
