Bass Guitars & Amplification Buying Guides

Every bass guitars & amplification guide below is rated by Vincent Vandegans and sourced from live eBay and Amazon listings, not sponsored placements. Each pick is cross-checked against real, currently available offers rather than manufacturer list prices, and rescored whenever we refresh the guide.

Scale length and string spacing affect playability more than most spec sheets suggest, a 5-string with narrow spacing can feel more awkward than a well-set-up 4-string. On secondhand vintage basses, neck relief and fret wear are the two things worth checking in person or asking for close-up photos of, since a bass with worn frets needs a costly refret. For rigs, a separate head and cabinet gives more flexibility for different venues than a fixed combo, at the cost of more to carry.