Bassists have a perhaps slightly undeserved reputation of being simply the calm, quiet and collaborative groove merchants in a band. But, in fact, many bass players are exceedingly progressive and innovative musicians, and they love experimenting with different instruments, pedals, studio processors and new technologies.
Such an all-encompassing creative approach makes shopping for the best gifts for bassists a relatively easy and joyful endeavor.
For our part, we’re looking to be productive “helpmates” for your gift giving by curating some of our favorite bass gear, as well as a few best-selling products for bassists. From low-end-optimized multi-effects to home-studio tech, the following bass gizmos are sure to be smash hits with the special bassist in your life.
Pictured: Fender Player II Precision Bass Headstock
Table of Contents
Best Basses to Give a Bass Player
Gift a Bassist with a Top-Selling Combo or Cab
Best Effects Pedals to Give Bassists
Direct Boxes are Must-Have Gifts For Bassists
Give an Essential Home-Studio Tool
Great Gifts in Accessories
Punch Up the Low End
Best Basses to Give a Bass Player
Fender Player II Precision Bass
Why We Chose It: It’s one of the most iconic basses of all time.
Things to Consider: Modernized performance and comfort at a working player’s price.
Shop Now: Fender Player II Precision Bass Maple Fingerboard in Black
The Fender Player II Precision Bass offers all of the elements that made it perhaps the most recorded electric bass ever. It’s hard to go wrong with such a versatile bass that has been used by so many artists and studio professionals to perform myriad styles. The Player II version updates the iconic original with a modern C-shaped maple neck (9.5" radius), Player Series Alnico 5 split single-coil, 20 medium-jumbo frets, 4-saddle bridge and an alder body.
Explore More: Dig deeper into the Fender Player II series.
Fender Player II Mustang PJ Bass
Why We Chose It: It’s not simply an iconic short-scale bass. It’s also super easy to play and unleashes a big bottom end.
Things to Consider: Struts vintage style with up-to-date modifications.
Shop Now: Fender Player II Mustang PJ Bass Maple Fingerboard in 3-Color Sunburst
The original Fender Mustang Bass debuted in 1966, as the final original bass designed by Leo Fender, before he left his namesake company in 1965, following its purchase by CBS. The 30" short-scale Fender Player II Mustang Bass PJ honors that heritage while simultaneously being a modern instrument that begs to be played fast and furious—courtesy of the comfy, reduced-string tension. Of course, bassists can perform string bends, pull-offs and other intricate lines, but the combo of the Player Series Alnico 5 P Bass (near the bridge) and J Bass single-coils (neck position) produce enough of a warm, corpulent low end to also inspire sticking to the backbeats and driving the bus.
Explore More: Go big by checking out our short-scale bass collection.
Fender Player II Jazz Bass
Why We Chose It: The best-selling Player II Jazz Bass is the definition of a workhorse instrument.
Things to Consider: Player Series Alnico V single-coils offer classic tone with some gritty edge.
Shop Now: Fender Player II Jazz Bass with Maple Fingerboard in Polar White
Boasting solid construction, fabulous Fender sound and smooth playability, Player II Jazz Bass models could easily become any bass player’s #1 for years. Each one is equipped with Fender’s popular Modern C-shaped neck profile, which is a flatter version of a traditional C and feels slightly faster in the hand. Overall, this is a pure Jazz Bass through and through, considered essential for every low-end enthusiast’s instrument collection.
Explore More: We have a place for everything Jazz Bass.
Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic-Electric Bass
Why We Chose It: Wonderful for low-key gigs, jams or recording sessions—or for providing a different low-end tone for any musical endeavor.
Things to Consider: Short, 30" scale is comfy to play and easy to transport.
Shop Now: Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic-Electric Bass in Black
Acoustic-electric basses may seem designed mostly for backing up unplugged players and practicing at home, but they can also lay down a unique-sounding, blossoming bass on recordings. The Fender Kingman V2, for example, produces a deep, rich low end reminiscent of what you might hear on early ’60s rock ‘n’ roll 45s. As comfortable as the Kingman V2 is to play—the slim-taper C-shaped neck is pretty dreamy to both small and large hands—its ability to add another bass texture to a player’s tone library makes it a fantastic gift for the bassist who has almost everything.
Explore More: Five Easy Steps to Care for Your Acoustic Guitar is, yep, about guitars, but you can apply the tips to acoustic basses, as well.
Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club Short-Scale Bass
Why We Chose It: Short-scale basses offer a practical advantage over standard-scale alternatives in that they’re easier to play, but they also produce a unique thumpy sound that’s just plain awesome.
Things to Consider: Soft C-shaped neck, 12" radius and Gretsch Low Down single-coils.
Shop Now: Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club Bass Short-Scale in Walnut Stain
There’s so much to love about the Gretsch Streamliner Jet Club short-scale bass— incredible vintage-style looks, deep low end with a powerful fundamental tone and, not least of all, a tantalizing price tag. If there’s a beginning bassist in your life, they’ll make fast friends with the 30" scale length, demanding less stretch to get across the fingerboard. There’s also reduced string tension, and that’s partially where the buttery smooth short-scale sound comes from.
Explore More: Options paralysis? See if we can narrow the bass guitar list down for you.
Ibanez GSR205 5-String Bass Roadster
Why We Chose It: A 5-string bass offers an expanded range over 4-string models, due to its extra B string.
Things to Consider: Onboard PHAT II active bass boost for even more low-end impact.
Shop Now: Ibanez GSR205 5-String Bass Roadster in Orange Metallic
A 5-string bass is another excellent addition to a bassist’s tone “warehouse,” as it offers more notes and an extended low-end range. Give your favorite player the “power of 5” with the pleasantly priced Ibanez GSR205 5-String Bass Roadster. The GSR205 makes a transition from 4-string to 5-string fairly effortless with its slender neck profile and body contours. Disciples of rumble will dig the two Dynamix H pickups and PHAT II active bass boost.
Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass Limited-Edition
Why We Chose It: It’s a nicely priced Precision for those who dig retro-inspired instruments.
Things to Consider: Evokes the ’60s but plays like today.
Shop Now: Squier Classic Vibe '60s Precision Bass Limited-Edition in Sonic Blue
For bassists who love the sound of the 1960s, the Squier Classic Vibe ’60s Precision Bass captures all the style and vibe of that era, while acknowledging modern playing styles with a slim-profile, C-shaped maple neck and a slightly curved and comfortable 9.5" radius Indian laurel fretboard. The Squier Classic Vibe ’60s brings on the tones of Motown, the Summer of Love and beyond with a Fender-designed Alnico split single-coil.
Explore More: Consider Squier bass packs and other models.
Squier Affinity PJ Bass Pack
Why We Chose It: It’s everything a wishful musician needs to start playing today.
Things to Consider: Includes the Squier Affinity PJ bass, strap, gig bag and Fender Rumble 15 amplifier with an instrument cable.
Shop Now: Squier Affinity Series PJ Bass Pack with Fender Rumble 15G Amp in 3-Color Sunburst
Guitar Center’s top-selling Squier Affinity PJ Bass Pack is a plug-and-play kit that helps beginning musicians take the first step of their journey. As an added bonus, it’s convenient for those giving the gift, too. The star of the package is the Squier Affinity PJ Bass (a hybrid of Precision and Jazz Bass models), which features a thin, lightweight body and slim, easy-playing C-shaped neck. Plus, the accompanying Fender Rumble 15 practice amp is a breeze to dial in, so it’s off to Grooveville your fledgling bassist goes.
Explore More: Guitar Center has several value packages for aspiring 4-stringers.
Gift a Bassist with a Top-Selling Combo or Cab
Fender Rumble 25 Bass Combo Amp in Ivory
Why We Chose It: The recipient may wonder how you finagled the ultracool Ivory wrap (hint: it’s a Guitar Center-exclusive color).
Things to Consider: Compact 25W combo for practice, recording and low-volume, coffee shop gigging.
Shop Now: Fender Rumble 25W Bass Combo Amp in Ivory
The Fender Rumble 25 is a streamlined 1x8 combo amp, featuring a 3-band equalizer, midrange-scooping Contour button and engageable Overdrive switch. Practice-centric options include a 1/8" AUX input to connect a playback device and groove along with tunes as well as a 1/4" headphone output for silent late-night sessions. The whole package only weighs 21 pounds, too, so it’s ready to travel wherever the music goes. If a gorgeous Ivory tolex wrap isn't your thing, fear not, the Rumble 25 also comes in a standard black finish.
Explore More: The rumblings are true; we have an entire article dedicated to helping you choose the right bass amp for every job.
Acoustic B50C Bass Combo Amp
Why We Chose It: It’s a versatile all-arounder for practicing at home, jamming with friends and playing smaller gigs.
Things to Consider: Tilt-back cabinet angles the amplifier’s speaker upward like a monitor wedge.
Shop Now: Acoustic B50C Bass Combo Amp with Tilt-Back Cab
The Acoustic B50C 1x10 combo produces a convincing 50 watts of juice, offering more volume and headroom than a lower-powered practice amp, without reaching the neighbor-enraging output of a “big boy” bass amplifier. It does have great practice utility—1/8" AUX and headphone jacks establish that—but it also keeps up with bands who dabble in more delicate styles of music. Plus, with built-in overdrive and 4-band EQ, there’re lots of tones to be explored with the B50C.
Explore More: Check out the Acoustic bass amp range.
Best Effects Pedals to Give Bassists
Ampeg SGT-DI Bass Box Effects Pedal
Why We Chose It: Many bassists dream of the renowned Ampeg sound, and this little pedal packs that and more.
Things to Consider: Dual amp voicings, onboard compressor and three cabinet settings—plus six additional preloaded IRs.
Shop Now: Ampeg SGT-DI All-in-One Bass Box Effects Pedal
The Ampeg SGT-DI unit captures the tone of two legendary amp circuits—the SVT and B-15—and stuffs them in a box alongside compression, 3-band EQ and overdrive. There’s a whole AUX/headphone section for practice, and a DI output complete with an IR loader for seamless recording or performing. For those who want an extra nimble bass rig without sacrificing tonal capabilities and connectivity, the SGT-DI is a top-tier solution.
Explore More: We’ve done a deep dive into the history of the Ampeg B-15 Portaflex amplifier.
Line 6 POD Express Bass Effects Pedal
Why We Chose It: Stellar bass sounds—plus, it offers a viable emergency plan if your usual rig goes down mid performance.
Things to Consider: HX-quality models from Line 6. Can be powered by three AA batteries.
Shop Now: Line 6 POD Express Bass Effects Pedal
The Line 6 POD Express Bass is a stompbox-sized “gig rig” with multiple uses. Offering digital models of seven amps and seven speaker cabinets, the POD Express Bass can fill in for a problematic or completely kaput bass amp and cab. A bassist can have their preferred rig programmed into the pedal and, when trouble calls, they can quickly swap out the amp rig for a digital model with a 1/4" cable (or cables). Bass players who employ effects as part of their sound can defeat the amp/cab sounds and take advantage of the pedal’s 17 effects and onboard looper. And, of course, everything—effects and amp models—can come together in the studio, because POD Express Bass can act as a USB-C audio interface for recording and reamping.
Explore More: Check out more bass pedals.
IK Multimedia TONEX One Bass Edition Effects Pedal
Why We Chose It: You’d be putting 20 gig-worthy bass tones (and access to over 100 more) in your favorite musician’s pocket.
Things to Consider: Mini pedal with gargantuan sonics.
Shop Now: IK Multimedia TONEX One Bass Edition Effects Pedal
IK Multimedia’s TONEX One Bass Edition pedal generates comprehensive, amp-to-cabinet sounds from 20 built-in Tone Models. Each has been expertly crafted by the IK Multimedia team to cover a wide range of vintage and contemporary styles, which can be further refined via 3-band EQ and onboard gating, compression and reverb. What’s more, TONEX One offers access to the entire Bass Collection of 150 presets, while free TONEX Editor software lets players get under the hood of every model or mastermind their own unique patches—they can fill the pedal’s 20 memory slots however they see fit.
Explore More: Why settle for one sound when multi-effects pedals offer dozens?
MXR M87 Bass Compressor Effects Pedal
Why We Chose It: Classic pedal compressor with simple controls.
Things to Consider: Standard-sized stompbox for cramped pedalboards, or pop it in a pocket and take it to a session or gig.
Shop Now: MXR M87 Bass Compressor Effects Pedal
Bass and compression often go hand-in-hand, and one of the top-selling squash boxes is the MXR M87 Bass Compressor. This is practically a no-risk gift, as many bassists like to sample various flavors of compression, so if they already have a compressor, the MXR M87 will likely be added to the audio-squeeze shindig. Another advantage to the M87 is that its straightforward controls invite experimentation—even if the bassist has limited knowledge of compression parameters. A player can simply adjust knobs until they get the sound they like. Call it “twirling for tone.”
Explore More: Learn more about compression and compressors.
Peterson StroboStomp HD Tuner Pedal
Why We Chose It: It’s a super accurate pedal tuner.
Things to Consider: More than 100 proprietary sweetened tunings enhanced to correct tuning issues.
Shop Now: Peterson StroboStomp HD Tuner Pedal
If a guitarist is at a rehearsal or soundcheck and hears, “Hey, your tuning is a bit sour,” the statement will likely come from the bassist or keyboard player. Not surprisingly, guardians of precise tuning will love getting the Peterson StroboStomp HD tuner pedal as a gift. The company’s first strobe tuner—the iconic Model 400—made the scene in 1967, and was almost immediately spotted in big recording studios, as well as on the benches of the era’s most in-demand guitar technicians. The StroboStomp HD tuner pedal continues to attract users due to its ease of use and spot-on accuracy, achieving a majority of 4.9-star reviews from Guitar Center users and a 98-percent “would recommend to a friend” rating.
Explore More: Other options abound. Here is How to Choose the Best Pedal Tuner.
Direct Boxes are Must-Have Gifts For Bassists
Radial Engineering ProD2 Direct Box
Why We Chose It: The humble DI is a must-have for every well-rounded bass player’s collection.
Things to Consider: Virtually indestructible passive direct box with stereo connectivity and –15dB pads for high-output instruments (like basses with active electronics).
Shop Now: Radial Engineering ProD2 Passive Stereo Direct Box
While it doesn’t exactly produce sound of its own, the bassist in your life understands how important something like the Radial Engineering ProD2 is on stage and in the studio. In live settings, it’s common to play through an amplifier to fill the stage and front row, while simultaneously using a DI box to split the signal and run a direct feed hot off the bass’ pickups to the FOH mixer. In the studio, engineers often capture the amp along with a DI—that way, there’s a “dry” backup signal preserved for future manipulation. Every bass player should have their own DI box, and Radial’s ProD2 is as solid as they come.
Explore More: Browse our complete assortment of DI boxes.
Give an Essential Home-Studio Tool
Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface
Why We Chose It: It’s an easy-to-use, two-channel mic and instrument interface/preamp that’s perfect for home studios.
Things to Consider: Onboard vintage mic preamps and classic UA 1176 compression.
Shop Now: Universal Audio Volt 276 USB Recording Studio Audio Interface
The recording arts aren’t solely about documenting transcendent performances and brilliant songs. Atmosphere, vibe and sound are also crucial components of hitmaking audio productions throughout the years. The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface delivers a wealth of emotive sonic power, from its vintage mic preamp mode to the onboard compressor modeled after UA’s fabled 1176 to the included software tools. Basically, when you give the Volt 276, you’re providing a bassist with an entire production facility (all they need is a computer, some cables and maybe a microphone).
Explore More: Pick up some inspirational recording tips for bass players.
Great Gifts in Accessories
Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky Roundwound Bass Strings
Why We Chose It: It’s a popular, top-selling bass string.
Things to Consider: Other gauges are available if Super Slinkys aren’t just right.
Shop Now: Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky Roundwound Bass Strings
Bass players obviously don’t break strings as often as guitar players. In fact, most bassists don’t exterminate strings at all. But we’re pretty sure all bassists love great tone, and a fresh set of strings is a surefire way to revive and clarify the sound of a favorite bass. So, give a bassist the gift of renewed tone with a brand new set of Ernie Ball 2834 Super Slinky roundwound bass strings.
Explore More: Learn about bass string construction, winding variants, coated and uncoated options and more.
Ernie Ball FretWrap String Dampener
Why We Chose It: It dampens undesirable string noise.
Things to Consider: Excellent for tapping and slap bass.
Shop Now: Ernie Ball FretWrap String Dampener
There’s a moment experienced by many bassists when, playing on stage or in the studio, a distracting screech, rattle, ring or overtone makes itself known. The noises are not always a byproduct of poor bass technique. Sometimes, it’s simply the behavior of big strings resonating that elicits these bothersome sonic gremlins. But if you give a bassist the Ernie Ball FretWrap String Dampener, they’ll have a surefire way to tame the resonant ruffians and showcase the full, unsoiled glory of the notes they are fingering. The FretWrap is so easy to use. Players can keep it around the headstock when it’s not needed, and wrap it around the strings when noise dampening is desired.
Gator GT-BASS-TPV2 Transit Pro Bass Guitar Gig Bag
Why We Chose It: Fabulous bass protection with a generous accessory pocket.
Things to Consider: Padded handles and straps for comfy cartage.
Shop Now: Gator GT-BASS-TPV2 Transit Pro Bass Guitar Gig Bag in Slate Gray
The Gator GT-BASS-TPV2 Transit Pro Bass Guitar Gig Bag isn’t simply a case for a bass. The word “Transit” in the model name is fully realized as a solution for carting lots of essential gear in addition to the instrument itself. But first things first—the bag’s foam padding, micro-fleece lining and added cushioning for headstock, neck and bottom of the body keeps a bass well-cuddled and protected. The weather resistant exterior even includes a rubber tread at the bag’s bottom to keep basses safe and dry if the bag slips off your shoulder during rainy evening load-ins and load-outs. Then, there are large and small pockets on the front for storing pedals, notes, mobile devices, cables and so on (perhaps even a handy “travel rig” such as the POD Express Bass). Got more to store? The Transit Pro includes D-rings so you can clip on other accessories.
Explore More: Peruse more gig bags for bass.
Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap
Why We Chose It: Extra-wide design for more comfort and support.
Things to Consider: Adjusts from 42" to 50" to accommodate most players.
Shop Now: Levy's 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap
Basses can be heavy and even a bit unwieldy sometimes, so a strap made expressly to secure the instrument in position comfortably is going to be a very welcome gift. To that end, the Levy’s 4-1/2" Padded Leather Bass Guitar Strap is designed with bassists in mind. This ain’t no guitar strap posing as a bass strap. The Levy’s 4-1/2" garment-leather strap is generously padded and superhighway wide, so a bassist can say goodbye to back and shoulder pain, and concentrate fully on laying down compelling bass lines.
Explore More: See what other kinds of bass straps are available.
Punch Up the Low End
Pictured: Fender Rumble 25W Bass Combo Amp Control Panel
We’ve provided a lot of ideas, but if they still aren’t the right gift groove for you, please consider giving a Guitar Center Gift Card. After all, it’s impossible to pick the “wrong” gift for a bassist, if you let the bass player do the choosing.