Bass guitars

Bass guitars: how to choose and buy well, new and used

Updated 20 October 2026

Four strings or five, long scale or short

The most common bass guitar has four strings. A five-string adds a low B string and is needed for metal, funk, jazz and modern pop. For beginners four strings are simpler, while five give more options but the neck is wider.

Scale length is the length of the string between the nut and the bridge. The standard 34 inches (long) gives a clear sound and a tight tone. A short scale of 30–32 inches is more comfortable for teenagers, small hands and long rehearsals, so it is often taken as a first bass.

Pickups and electronics

Pickup configurations are Precision (P), Jazz (J), the combination PJ, and humbuckers. P gives a full, tight tone, J a brighter and more open one, and PJ is versatile. Active electronics with a built-in preamp (which needs a 9 V battery) let you boost and cut lows and highs on the guitar itself, while passive is simpler and does not depend on power.

Brands and series

Fender Precision and Jazz Bass have become the standard, and many factories make copies and variations of them. So two basses that look the same can differ in body wood, neck and pickups. Ask what the body and neck are made of, and compare the full specification, not the name. For a beginner, a good budget series is often better than an expensive instrument in poor condition.

What to put in your request

• Model, for example Fender Jazz Bass, or a brand;
• Number of strings;
• Condition — new, or used in good condition;
• Pickups — P, J, PJ, passive or active;
• Scale length;
• Player's level;
• What is included — case, strap, cable;
• Budget and city for delivery.

Example: “Looking for a 4-string bass guitar with PJ pickups, for a beginner, preferably a Fender Jazz Bass or similar. Used in good condition with a case. Johannesburg, courier delivery, budget up to R 5,900.”

What to check in a used bass

The neck: is it straight, are there cracks near the nut and the truss-rod nut, does the neck move. The frets: wear and buzzing. The electronics: do the pots and the jack crackle. Ask which strings are fitted, because on a bass they cost more than on a guitar, so budget for replacing a set. Also check for rust on the hardware and swollen wood, which are common after damp seasons.

How BlaBlaPrice helps

Create a request on the home page, and music shops and private owners will send offers with photos, price and terms. They see where they stand among others and often improve the price. Your phone is hidden, and it is free for the buyer. Details are on How it works.

A bass will not play without an amplifier, so look at combo amplifiers. For comparison also see electric guitars.