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A $300 new-bass budget now reaches solid 4-string, short-scale and PJ options. These are individual current models rather than color variants; choose scale length and pickup layout before finish.
| # | Product | Price | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yamaha TRBX174 | $259.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 2 | Yamaha TRBX174EW | $299.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 3 | Ibanez GSR200 | $249.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 4 | Ibanez Talman Bass TMB100 | $248.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 5 | Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ | $245.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 6 | Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass | $255.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 7 | Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2 | $259.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 8 | Ibanez miKro GSRM20 | $219.99 | Amazon · eBay |
| 9 | Höfner Shorty Violin Bass | $215.00 | Amazon · eBay |
| 10 | Squier Sonic Precision Bass | $269.99 | Amazon · eBay |
The picks, in detail
Yamaha TRBX174
A long-scale PJ bass with a mahogany body and split-coil plus single-coil pickup layout.
- 34-inch scale
- Mahogany body
- P and J pickups
- Versatile pickup combination
- Current sale below budget
- No gig bag included
- Full scale can feel large for young players
Yamaha TRBX174EW
The exotic-wood-top TRBX174 version for buyers who want the same accessible platform with a different visual treatment.
- 4 strings
- TRBX body shape
- Exotic wood top
- At the budget ceiling
- Same familiar TRBX ergonomics
- Finish is the main distinction from TRBX174
- No case included
Ibanez GSR200
A compact-bodied long-scale Soundgear bass with active Phat II EQ and PJ pickups.
- 34-inch scale
- Dynamix P and J pickups
- Phat II active EQ
- Active low-end boost
- Compact body profile
- Requires a battery for active circuitry
- No bag included
Ibanez Talman Bass TMB100
A retro-shaped Talman with an active pickup layout for players who prefer its offset body.
- 4 strings
- Talman body
- Active electronics
- Distinctive offset style
- Under-budget current price
- One brand’s alternative to the GSR body
- No case included
Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ
A familiar Precision-style platform with both P and J pickups for broad beginner use.
- 4 strings
- PJ pickup set
- Affinity Series
- Classic P-style ergonomics
- Multiple current finish options
- No amp or bag included
- Full scale requires a reach test
Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
A Jazz-style alternative with two single-coil pickups and a slim-feeling profile.
- 4 strings
- Dual single-coil pickups
- Jazz Bass shape
- Classic Jazz pickup format
- Within budget
- Single coils can hum in some settings
- No included case
Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2
A modern-shaped 4-string for players wanting a different feel from traditional P and J silhouettes.
- 4 strings
- Spectra body
- JS Series
- Current price under $300
- Modern body styling
- Try the body balance in person
- No amp included
Ibanez miKro GSRM20
A 28.6-inch short-scale bass for smaller hands or players who prefer a compact instrument.
- 28.6-inch scale
- 4 strings
- miKro series
- Shorter reach
- Current price leaves room for setup or accessories
- Short scale has a different feel from standard basses
- Not ideal if a 34-inch scale is required
Höfner Shorty Violin Bass
An ultra-compact short-scale option for travel or very limited space.
- Short scale
- Violin-inspired body
- 4 strings
- Compact footprint
- Under $300
- Unusual size is not for every player
- Try before committing to the short scale
Squier Sonic Precision Bass
A low-cost Precision-style option with a traditional single-pickup approach.
- 4 strings
- Precision Bass style
- Sonic Series
- Simple control layout
- Current price under budget
- Less tonal variety than PJ options
- Limited-edition finishes can change
Buying tips
- Set aside part of the budget for a professional setup if the instrument arrives with high action.
- A short scale helps reach; it is not automatically easier in every other respect.
- Test the neck, balance and fret ends before the return window closes.
As an Amazon Associate and eBay Partner, toptenpick.com earns from qualifying purchases. Prices and availability are subject to change.