9 Best Acoustic Basses 2025 in the United States

The Yamaha 6 String Beginner Scale Classical Guitar, model C40II, is designed for right-handed players and offers a full-size body with a spruce top and meranti back and sides. The spruce top provides a bright and clear sound, which is ideal for beginners to develop their playing skills. The meranti back and sides give it a sturdy build, although they might not offer the same tonal quality as higher-end woods like mahogany.

The rosewood fingerboard and bridge add to its playability and durability, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. The guitar features a glossy finish, giving it an attractive appearance. With a scale length of 25.0 inches, it is suitable for players with average hand sizes, promoting ease of learning and practice. However, it uses plastic strings, which may not provide the same rich tone as traditional nylon strings and might need regular replacement for sustained playability.

Although it is a classical guitar rather than an acoustic bass, it serves as a solid option for beginners looking to start their musical journey. It lacks built-in electronics, meaning it cannot be amplified without external equipment, which could be a limitation for those looking to perform in larger venues. The lightweight design at 3.3 pounds makes it easy to handle and carry around. While this guitar might not be the best fit for those specifically seeking an acoustic bass, it stands out as a well-rounded beginner classical guitar with a strong reputation in its category.

The Ibanez Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar in Dark Violin Sunburst is a well-rounded option for those looking for a versatile and stylish instrument. It features a mahogany neck, back, and sides, with a spruce top, providing a warm and resonant sound. The rosewood fretboard and bridge add to its durability and playability.

This bass includes a Fishman Sonicore pickup and SST preamp, which ensures high-quality sound amplification and onboard tuning, making it convenient for live performances and practice sessions. The die-cast chrome tuners are reliable and help maintain tuning stability. The coated bronze strings contribute to a bright tone and longer string life.

With a 32-inch short scale length, this bass is comfortable to play, especially for those with smaller hands or those preferring a more compact instrument. It’s worth noting that the body shape and size might feel bulky for some users, and the 9.2-pound weight could be a bit heavy for prolonged playing sessions. Additionally, while the electronics are solid, some may find the onboard tuner less accurate than standalone tuning devices.

The Fender CB-60SCE Acoustic Bass is a versatile instrument suitable for both beginners and experienced players. Its solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides offer a rich and warm sound, typical of high-quality acoustic guitars. The slim-taper neck profile is designed for easy playability, making it comfortable for long sessions.

With a scale length that accommodates a variety of playing styles, it provides a good balance between string tension and playability. The Fishman electronics system stands out, allowing for flexible sound adjustments when amplified, making it a great choice for live performances or recording sessions. However, it is a bit heavier at 10 pounds, which might be cumbersome for some users during extended play.

The natural finish gives it a classic look, although it might not appeal to those seeking more modern design elements. The use of phosphor bronze strings adds to the bright and resonant tone, but these may need frequent replacement depending on your playing style. The Fender CB-60SCE strikes a balance between quality construction and ease of use, making it a solid choice for anyone looking to invest in an acoustic bass.