8 Best Bass Guitars in Singapore | Best of Lifestyle 2023

Jazz, rock, country, R&B, or even classical music—bass guitars are known to provide unique support to a band and expand the possibilities of any musical genre that you can think of. Even so, bass guitars are not just confined within the supporting role. They can also own the spotlight as a powerful introduction to a song that sets the mood and induces the audience’s excitement for what’s to come, or a dramatic interlude to add an ‘oomph’ factor to a musical composition. That said, there is no way anyone can say that playing the bass guitar is boring. On the contrary, with combined skill and creativity, a bassist can create music that’s impossible to forget.

If you’re already a guitarist, learning the ropes with a bass guitar won’t be an unfamiliar territory anymore. Note though that if you want to be the next Paul McCartney, Rick Danko, Paul Jackson, and many other known bassists, developing the skills alone won’t cut it if you don’t practice with the right instrument. And so, with an extensive variety of bass guitars in the market, which then is the best bass guitar in Singapore? In our Best of Lifestyle series, we introduce the 8 Best Bass Guitars in Singapore, providing quality recommendations based on your lifestyle and budget needs.

This article was last updated on 6 January 2023.

1. Yamaha TRBX174

Best bass guitar for affordability

Yamaha needs no introduction. It’s a world-famous brand for guitars, pianos, and other musical instruments. And as you know by now, with the quality and credibility that comes with the name, a higher price tag is also inevitable. Therefore, the Yamaha TRBX174 is a wonderful surprise to those who are wishing for a world-class quality at a budget-friendlier range.

Great value

Equipped with exceptional features, the Yamaha TRBX174 will make musicians of all levels feel like they’ve been performing on stage for ages. There’s the four-control system that allows you to play around with master volume, balance, and equalizer to customise the instrument according to your desired tone, quality, and music vibe. Thanks to the oversized pole pieces and ceramic magnets, its pickup delivers an incredibly ear-catching, clearer, and more powerful tone. Because of its ability to create a wide range of bass tones, it’s very versatile, and can be used for exploring and playing various musical genres.

Perfect for soloing

Bass showdowns definitely put the modest instrument into an unexpected spotlight where the audience gets to witness never-before-seen possibilities of playing the bass guitar. If these showdowns are your thing, then you’ve found your perfect soloing buddy with the Yamaha TRBX174. Designed for such, it has been intentionally made with deep cutaway body for easily accessing higher registers. We also love that this comes in four stylish colours that are all eye-catching on stage.

Why buy this:

• A great Yamaha bass guitar at a budget-friendlier range
• Delivers a wide range of bass tones
• Produces clearer, more powerful tone
• Perfect for soloing
• Comes in four stylish colours

2. Ibanez TMB100M-MWF

Well-loved for its sleek design

Ibanez guitars are popular for their signature Talman series, and this bass model is just as handsomely crafted as the rest. But there’s definitely more to its sophisticated look than to simply impress a crowd. The uniquely sleek body shape serves a more functional purpose, and that is to allow the bassist to easily and comfortably navigate the fingerboard. Therefore, though this four-string bass is definitely performance-worthy for seasoned bassists, even beginner musicians won’t feel intimidated with its exceptional playability. Moreover, the price is just right if you look at affordability as a top factor to consider.

Versatile bass tones

Whether you’re an old soul who dwell on treasured vintage hits or a partygoing musician who’s always up-to-date with the latest pop charts, you’ll love Ibanez TMB100M-MWF as your bass guitar for all seasons. Offering a wide range of bass tones, you can be a versatile musician playing any song from any genre that your heart desires. Its PJ pickup configuration is where the credit belongs—the bass tones range from strong, edgy, and thumping to one that oozes with clarity.

Why buy this:

• Sleek, sophisticated design and exceptional playability
• Perfect for both beginners and experienced musicians
• Delivers versatile bass tones suitable for any music genre
• Relatively affordable than other outstanding choices around

3. Michael Kelly MKE5QAC

Favourite gig companion

It doesn’t matter whether you’re new to an amateur or professional band. One thing’s for sure: you need a go-to gig instrument. And if you’re the gang’s bassist, the Michael Kelly MKE5QAC will surely be your favourite to carry around wherever music takes you. In a live performance where you need to be constantly flexible and fast to implement last-minute changes and adjustments, this bass guitar model makes everything convenient with its easy to access onboard controls that make customisation a walk in the park. From adjusting and customising the treble and bass to switching from one pickup to the other, the player can quickly set the desired parameters right on the show without any hassle.

Ergonomic comfort

Live band performances can take an hour or so. If your instrument is not comfortable enough to play, performing before the crowd may feel more like a scourge than fun and carefree. And so, we’re glad that the Michael Kelly MKE5QAC’s body has been elevated with all the right curves in all the right places which have dramatically enhanced its playability. The unique design has also resulted into a stylish and edgy look which will make any bassist confident and extra motivated on stage!

Why buy this:

• Excellent tone quality
• Equipped with onboard controls that are easy to access and navigate
• Thoughtfully designed for gigs
• Comfortable to play for hours
• Stylish and edgy look

4. G&L Tribute L-2500

You might be taken aback by its price, but if you have the money and you’re taking the more serious route in your music journey, why not? A lot of professional musicians, composers, and songwriters consider the G&L Tribute L-2500 a long-term investment. Equipped with complex features that professional music experts deem necessary; this bass guitar provides endless possibilities in terms of tone customisation. Its sound quality is impressive—you get to experience a roaring thunder whether in your recording studio or in an open concert ground. Even so, it’s comfortable to hold and play, not to mention, visually striking!

Why buy this:

• Popular choice among professional musicians
• Limitless customisation
• Impressive sound quality
• Durable, comfortable to play, and visually striking

5. Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass Guitar

Many of us are well-acquainted with four-stringed bass guitars, but if you’re taking your skills to a whole new level and you wish to constantly challenge your creativity, then it’s time to explore five-stringed bass guitars too. Our pick? The Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass Guitar. Not just for jazz, it’s perfect for any other music genre as it delivers a wide variety of tones. Also, in terms of playability and size, it’s not intimidating at all. Many four-stringed bass guitars are even heavier. With its thin, lightweight body and slim C-shaped neck, this model is definitely player-friendly and super comfortable to carry around.

Why buy this:

• Great pick for five-stringed bass guitars
• Incredibly lightweight and slim
• Delivers a wide variety of tones
• Sophisticated look and feel

6. Squier Classic Vibe 50s Precision Bass Guitar

If you’re feeling a bit throwbackish, this head-turner beauty will instantly take you to a music time travel back in the ‘50s. While immediately admired for its sleek, old-school appeal, it’s worth succumbing to your whims to add this into your collection considering that it’s able to produce massive tone that can leave a lasting impression. Furthermore, from neck to body, this bass guitar is slim, lightweight, and comfortable to hold, which makes it super friendly even for beginners.

Why buy this:

• Delivers powerful, massive tone
• Great playability
• Sleek, old-school appeal

7. Yamaha BB435

Another great option among five-stringed bass guitars, the Yamaha BB435 produces lively, dynamic tone quality. It’s also equipped with a handy control system which allows you to easily adjust and customise the tone, volume, and balance. Delivers exceptional sound, watch out as this bass guitar shakes up your live performance. Aside from its ear-catching sound quality, it’s also visually stunning—thanks to its unique combination of vintage and modern appeal.

Why buy this:

• Five-string bass guitar that’s been labelled as unbeatable
• Delivers lively, dynamic tone and exceptional sound
• Visually stunning with its vintage-modern appeal

8. Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray Bass HH

Sure thing, the Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray will break the bank, but once you own one, you’ll never think of other bass guitars once and for all. In fact, price is the only downside as to why you’ll steer clear from this model. Everything else is what an aspiring pro would love to experience in a bass guitar, and this iconic bass has it all. From the stainless-steel frets to flawless pickups and electronics—all the thoughtful details would be worth the spend. It’s a versatile bass you can use for whatever music genre, plus customisation is limitless.

Why buy this:

• Iconic bass guitar model
• Thoughtful flawless details from stainless steel frets to wood choice to pickups and electronics
• Lightweight and highly playable
• Versatile and highly customisable

We hope that our guide on the 8 Best Bass Guitars in Singapore has helped you to buy the best bass guitar in Singapore for your amazing music sessions. Please share this with your family and friends if you have found it useful.