If you are standing in a music shop weighing up your first instrument, one of the most common questions is simple: are bass guitars cheaper than guitars? The short answer is sometimes, but not always. Price depends on the level of instrument, the brand, the hardware, and what else you need to start playing properly.
For most beginners, the real answer is that basses and guitars often sit closer in price than people expect. You can find affordable options in both categories, and you can also spend serious money in either one. What matters more is the type of player you are, the sound you want, and whether you are budgeting for just the instrument or the full setup.
Are bass guitars cheaper than guitars at entry level?
At the beginner end of the market, standard electric guitars usually have a slightly wider price spread. That is mostly because there are so many beginner guitar models and starter packs available. More competition and more entry-level choice can keep prices sharp.
Bass guitars are often a touch more expensive than the very cheapest electric guitars, but not by a dramatic margin. A starter bass still needs solid tuning stability, workable pickups and reliable hardware, and manufacturers cannot cut too many corners without making the instrument frustrating to play. In practice, that means the cheapest basses are often a little higher in price than the absolute bottom-end guitars.
That said, once you compare like for like – similar brand quality, similar body construction and similar hardware standard – the gap often narrows. A good beginner bass and a good beginner electric guitar are usually in the same general budget zone.
If you are looking at starter bundles, guitar packs tend to be more common. Bass packs exist too, but the range is often smaller. That can make guitars seem cheaper at first glance, even when the comparison is not perfectly even.
Why bass prices can be higher in some ranges
A bass guitar is not simply a bigger guitar with fewer strings. The scale length is longer, the neck is often larger, and the strings are heavier. The pickups, bridge and overall build need to support low-end performance without losing clarity.
Those factors can push manufacturing costs up. More wood, longer necks and heavier-duty hardware can all affect price. On some models, especially where better components are used, basses can edge above comparable guitars.
There is also a practical market factor. Guitars sell in larger numbers, especially to beginners. That broader demand can produce more low-cost options. Basses, while still popular, do not always get the same volume of ultra-budget models.
Where guitars can cost more instead
Once you move beyond the starter category, guitars can easily overtake basses in price. This is especially true with feature-heavy electric guitars. Tremolo systems, multiple pickups, switching options, figured tops and signature models can all push prices up quickly.
Acoustic guitars can also vary wildly in cost. A basic acoustic may be affordable, but solid timber models, cutaways, onboard electronics and premium finishes can lift the price well beyond what many players expect. If you compare a mid-range bass to a higher-spec acoustic or electric guitar, the guitar may be the more expensive buy.
So if the question is simply are bass guitars cheaper than guitars, the honest retail answer is no, not as a rule. Sometimes yes, often no, and very often they are close enough that other factors should decide the purchase.
The instrument price is only part of the cost
This is where many first-time buyers get caught out. The ticket price on the wall is not always the full cost of getting started.
With electric guitar, you will usually need an amp, a lead, picks, a strap and often a tuner. With bass, you will also need an amp, lead, strap and tuner, but bass amplification can cost more if you want a fuller, cleaner low-end sound. A tiny practice amp that works fine for electric guitar may sound thin or strained with a bass.
That means the full bass setup can sometimes end up costing more, even if the instrument itself is similar in price. Bass strings can also be dearer to replace than standard guitar strings, and there are fewer ultra-cheap options worth considering.
If you are buying for a student, it is worth thinking about the whole package rather than chasing the lowest instrument price. A slightly better starter setup is often easier to play, sounds better and gives the learner a better chance of sticking with it.
Bass vs guitar for beginners on a budget
For a beginner choosing between the two, budget should be practical rather than theoretical. Ask what you can afford across the full first six to twelve months. That includes the instrument, amplification if needed, accessories, possible lessons and basic maintenance.
A low-cost guitar can be a smart buy if it is comfortable, stays in tune and encourages regular practice. The same goes for bass. The cheapest option in the shop is not always the best value if poor setup or weak components make it harder to learn.
For many beginners, the better question is not which is cheaper, but which gives better value for the kind of music they want to play. If you are drawn to groove, rhythm section playing and locking in with drums, bass may be the right fit even if it costs a little more. If you want chord work, riffs, solos or acoustic singalongs, guitar may offer more obvious starting points.
Are bass guitars cheaper than guitars in the second-hand market?
Used gear can change the picture. In the second-hand market, prices depend heavily on brand reputation, condition, modifications and local demand. There are often more guitars available than basses, which means buyers may have more room to compare and find a bargain.
At the same time, fewer bass listings can work in two ways. Sometimes sellers price them competitively to move them on. Other times, good basses hold value well because solid used options are harder to find.
If you are buying second-hand, setup matters as much as price. A bargain instrument that needs fret work, electronics repairs or replacement hardware may not be a bargain for long. This is where advice from a proper music store can save money in the long run.
What affects the price most?
Brand matters, but it is not the only factor. Construction quality, pickup design, hardware reliability and consistency from one instrument to the next all play a part. A well-made beginner model from a dependable brand is usually a safer choice than a flashy no-name instrument with poor setup and weak components.
Materials affect price too. Entry-level instruments often use more economical timbers and simpler finishes. As you move up, you may see better fretwork, stronger electronics, improved tuners and pickups with more definition. For bass players, that extra clarity in the low end can be worth paying for.
Country of manufacture can also influence cost, though not always in the way people expect. Some affordable factory-made instruments now offer excellent value. The real test is how the instrument feels in the hands, how it sounds through a suitable amp, and whether it will support the player as they improve.
Choosing on value, not just price
If you are comparing bass and guitar, it helps to think in three layers: instrument cost, setup cost and long-term use. A bass that feels right and keeps a student engaged is better value than a cheaper guitar that gathers dust after a month. The reverse is also true.
Parents buying for young players should also consider physical comfort. Basses usually have a longer scale length and can feel larger. For some students that is no issue. For others, especially younger beginners, a smaller-bodied guitar may be easier to manage early on.
More experienced players often look at flexibility. Guitars can cover a wide range of solo and accompaniment roles. Basses are more specialised, but absolutely essential in band settings. If the player is likely to perform with others, bass can be a smart investment because good bassists are always valued.
At Bash’s Music, this is the sort of decision that usually benefits from seeing the instruments in person. Two models at similar prices can feel completely different once they are in your hands.
A sensible budget gets you much further than it used to, whether you are shopping for bass or guitar. The key is not chasing the absolute cheapest instrument, but finding the one that plays well, sounds right and makes you want to pick it up again tomorrow.