18 Best Bass Guitars Under $1,000 of 2021

Whether you’ve got an insatiable dream to amass a 200-strong bass
collection like John Entwistle or you simply want to grab a second bass for the
road, the experts here at Sweetwater have assembled a list of some of the best
basses in our inventory to help you choose. And, as an added bonus, they’re all
under $1,000! But don’t be mistaken — these aren’t run-of-the-mill bargain
basses. Each one packs a sonic punch — from the 5-strings to the travel-size to
the tried-and-true P and J basses, Sweetwater is ready to match you with the
bass of your dreams.

Killer 4-strings

It’s no secret that the world of bass guitars proffers an endless sea of tonal qualities, given the diverse selection of body shapes, tonewoods, pickups, tone knobs, and more. And, in 2021, there’s no doubt that sea has widened, given the addition of more modern designs and improved delineations. But not to worry! This sea of insanely cool basses doesn’t have to overwhelm you when shopping for your next low-end sonic companion. So, to begin, if you’re a fan of the classic 4-string, then you’ll be amazed by the easy playability and phenomenal sonic qualities of these basses. From immaculate redesigned retro pickups to captivating, curvaceous body shapes, these basses provide incredible tone while looking the part, as well.

Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass Guitar – Black CherryLearn More

Ibanez TMB100 Bass Guitar – IvoryLearn More

G&L Tribute L-2000 Bass Guitar – Olympic WhiteLearn More

Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4Ibanez TMB100G&L Tribute L-2000

The Cornerstone of
Every Tone Arsenal

The offset body, the slender neck, the tone-knob trinity ­­­— there’s no doubt you’re acquainted with the Jazz Bass. A quintessential master tone machine, the J Bass has captivated audiences and musicians since Fender laid it on the scene in 1960. Whether you’ve had the chance to play one or not, 2021 is a great year to explore the J Bass market. Now more than ever, a bassist can choose J Basses ranging from classic designs to redefined contemporary setups. Over the years, the instrument has seen subtle tweaks and changes that make each model visually and tonally unique while all sharing that beloved workhorse personality. At Sweetwater, we have to admit there’s never been a better time to own a J Bass. From Fender’s retro designs inspired directly by the 1960s to more contemporary intonations, there’s no doubt Sweetwater carries the J Bass for you.

Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Jazz Bass – Daphne BlueLearn More

Squier Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HH – Satin Black – Sweetwater ExclusiveLearn More

Fender Player Jazz Bass – Buttercream with Maple FingerboardLearn More

Fender Aerodyne Jazz Bass – BlackLearn More

Squier
Classic Vibe ’60s Jazz BassSquier
Contemporary Active Jazz Bass V HHFender
Player Jazz BassFender
Aerodyne Jazz Bass

Precision
Intonation

Before the Jazz Bass came along, there was the Precision Bass. The first electric bass ever designed by Fender, the Precision sent shocks ’round the world with its power and punch. To this day, bassists continue to worship this tonal master that defined the 1950s and beyond. From the body to the pickups to the tonewoods, every P Bass exhibits the culminated history of arguably the most successful bass design ever on the market. There’s no question Fender got it perfect the first time because bassists still rave about the P Bass to this day. Not only that, but also companies have had almost seven decades to experiment with new pickups on the tried-and-true body shape. Pick up a P Bass with an added J Bass pickup for the best of both worlds.

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IV – Mystic BlueLearn More

Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ – Black with Indian Laurel FingerboardLearn More

Squier Classic Vibe ’50s Precision Bass – 2-Color SunburstLearn More

Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas Bass PJ IVSquier Affinity Precision Bass PJSquier Classic Vibe ’50s Precision Bass – 2-Color Sunburst

Killer 5- and
6-strings

What’s so great about 5- and 6-string basses? Frankly, tons! If you’ve been playing bass for years and have yet to pick up a 5- or 6-string, then our bass experts at Sweetwater can tell you they’re well worth it. With additional strings, your musical divinations will benefit from extended tonal range that can lengthen arpeggios and elongate scale ranges. Not to mention, playing those low-range chords becomes all the easier. Although the increased width of the neck and the weight of 5- and 6-string basses can make for an adjustment period, the payoff for learning their ins and outs will show in your increased finger dexterity and richer tonal variation.

Ibanez Standard SR305E Bass Guitar – Sky Veil MatteLearn More

Schecter J-5 Bass Guitar – Sea Foam GreenLearn More

Ibanez Standard SR606E Bass Guitar – Cosmic Blue Starburst FlatLearn More

Jackson Spectra JS3V Bass Guitar – Walnut StainLearn More

Ibanez
Standard SR305ESchecter
J-5Ibanez
Standard SR606EJackson
Spectra JS3V

The Right Bass for
the Road

Life on the road can get a bit chaotic. Touring gigs mean constant travel, packing, unpacking, and general upheaval. In these situations, when you want to practice, your best bet is a compact bass that’ll give you the bite of a full-scale bass without the size of one. Sweetwater’s got you covered with both electric and acoustic travel-size basses that prove good things really do come in small packages. But don’t let the size of these basses fool you; they’re serious tone machines appointed with expertly crafted pickups, punchy tonewoods, and eye-catching construction. We even included an acoustic choice! With a lighter weight and a shorter scale, not only do these basses facilitate smoother, quicker movement over the frets, but they also won’t weigh you down during long gigs if you decide to take them onstage.

Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II – Walnut StainLearn More

G&L Tribute Fallout Short Scale Bass Guitar – Olympic WhiteLearn More

Traveler Guitar TB-4P Bass Guitar – SunburstLearn More

Kala U-Bass Bamboo Acoustic-Electric Bass Ukulele – NaturalLearn More

Gretsch Junior Jet Bass IIG&L Tribute FalloutTraveler Guitar TB-4PKala U-Bass Bamboo

At Sweetwater, we absolutely could
not wait to share these basses with you when we first saw them. As musicians
ourselves, we at Sweetwater know it’s important to offer instruments that won’t
cost you an arm and a leg while providing excellent playability and sonic
qualities. With this list, you get just that no matter which bass tickles your
fancy. If you have any questions, then make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer
a call at (800) 222-4700. And, if you’ve fallen in love with one of
these basses (or perhaps all, we wouldn’t blame you), happy playing!
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