10 Best Beginner Bass Guitars 2025 in the UK

The Ibanez GIO Series GSR200-BK is a 4-string electric bass guitar, perfect for beginners looking for a reliable and versatile instrument. One of its major strengths is the lightweight design, weighing only 4.08 kg, making it comfortable to hold and play for extended periods. The 34-inch scale length is standard, providing a familiar feel and ensuring a balanced tension for easy playability.

The body is made from poplar, offering a good mix of tone and affordability, while the neck is crafted from maple, known for its durability and fast playing feel. The slim neck profile is particularly beginner-friendly, facilitating smoother transitions between frets. Fitted with Ibanez's PHAT II EQ system, this guitar offers a bass boost feature, allowing players to enhance the low-end frequencies, which can be useful during performances and recordings.

The GSR200-BK comes with a J. Bridge pickup configuration, giving it a decent range of tones suitable for various music styles. However, the pickups might not offer as much depth and clarity as higher-end models, which could limit tonal exploration for more advanced players. The solid B10 bridge provides stable tuning and precise adjustments, essential for maintaining intonation. The chrome hardware adds a sleek finish, complementing the black body color. Despite its many strengths, some might find the inclusion of basswood and poplar in the construction to deliver a less resonant sound compared to more premium woods.

In conclusion, the Ibanez GSR200-BK is an excellent choice for beginners who want a quality instrument from a reputable brand without a hefty price tag. Its blend of features, playability, and price make it a practical entry-level bass guitar, with some limitations in tonal depth that might encourage future upgrades for enthusiasts.

The Ibanez GSRM20 GIO Series MiKro Short Scale Electric Bass Guitar in Walnut Flat Finish is an excellent option for beginners. One of its main strengths is the short scale length of 726 mm, making it easier for new players, especially those with smaller hands, to handle and play comfortably. The 3/4 size also contributes to its manageability.

This bass guitar has a lightweight body at just 3 kilograms, which helps reduce fatigue during long practice sessions or performances. The body is made of poplar, while the neck is constructed from maple, providing a good balance of durability and playability. The Dynamix J x P pickups offer versatile sound options, suitable for various music styles, which is beneficial for beginners exploring different genres.

The rosewood fretboard adds a nice touch to the feel and playability of the instrument. The guitar might not appeal to more advanced players looking for professional-level quality and features. Additionally, the poplar body, while lightweight, may not provide the same resonance and depth as other, more expensive wood types. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ibanez GSRM20 is a solid choice for beginners due to its ease of use, comfortable size, and good quality.

The Squier by Fender Electric Mini Precision Bass is a great choice for beginners, especially young players or those with smaller hands, thanks to its short-scale neck which makes playing easier and more comfortable. It has four strings, which is standard for beginner bass guitars, and a thin, lightweight body that helps reduce fatigue during practice. The body is made from poplar and maple, giving it a sturdy feel without being heavy—at just over 4.5 kg, it's light enough for extended playing sessions. Its split single-coil pickup delivers a classic, punchy bass tone that suits many music styles, helping new players develop a good ear for sound. The sealed die-cast tuning machines offer stable tuning, so you won't need to retune constantly. The Dakota Red finish and design reflect Fender's famous Precision Bass, adding a stylish look that can inspire beginners. The package even includes free virtual lessons, which is a helpful bonus for those just starting out.

Its shorter scale length means the string tension and feel are different from full-size basses, which might require some adjustment when transitioning to other instruments later. Also, the thin body and lightweight construction, while comfortable, may not provide the same resonance or sustain as heavier bass guitars. This model offers solid build quality, good sound, and practical features that support early learning, making it a solid option for anyone starting bass guitar, especially younger players or those looking for an easy-to-handle instrument.