Electric and acoustic basses: 4-string, 5-string and beyondNew & Used

Bass guitars are the engine of the band: they glue drums, guitars, keys and vocals together, giving depth and groove to every song. Whether you play rock, funk, pop, jazz or metal, a good bass is as important as a good amp or guitar.

On Muviber you can find electric, acoustic and special basses (5-string, fretless, short-scale), both new and used, ready to join your setup. Start from the main bass guitar listings and then filter by price, brand, condition and location.

What a bass guitar is and why it matters so much

The bass guitar works in the low–mid frequency range and its main jobs are to:

• connect rhythm (drums) and harmony (guitars, keys);
• define the structure of the song with bass lines and repeating patterns;
• add punch and depth to the overall mix, live and in the studio.

Compared to regular guitars, basses have thicker strings, a longer scale and a fuller tone. It’s the perfect instrument if you like supporting the music from the inside rather than always being in the spotlight.

Main types of bass guitars

4-string electric bass

The most common format. It’s versatile, comfortable and perfect for:

• beginners;
• cover bands and all-round gigs;
• music schools and rehearsal rooms.

You can start browsing 4-string electric bass guitars and then refine your search by brand, price range and condition.

Acoustic / electro-acoustic bass

With a hollow body like an acoustic guitar and usually a built-in pickup, it’s ideal for:

• unplugged or semi-acoustic sets;
• singer-songwriter projects;
• anyone looking for a more “woody”, organic tone.

Have a look at the acoustic bass listings if you play a lot of intimate or low-volume gigs.

5- and 6-string basses

Extra strings (usually a low B) extend the range of the instrument. They are widely used in:

• modern styles (metal, djent, prog, gospel, R&B);
• situations where the bass has a more “lead” or melodic role.

If you need that extended range, explore the 5-string bass section and filter by configuration and scale length.

Fretless basses

No frets, a smooth fingerboard and a singing tone, perfect for:

• jazz, fusion, world music;
• players chasing a vocal, upright-like timbre.

Check out the fretless bass listings if you already have some experience and want a more expressive instrument.

Short-scale and compact basses

Short-scale basses have a reduced scale length:

• easier on smaller hands;
• softer string feel;
• often used in indie, lo-fi and alternative pop.

If you want something compact and fun to play, start from the short-scale bass offers.

How to choose the right bass guitar

1. Know your main context

Before falling in love with a finish or logo, think about where you’ll use the bass most:

• Rock/pop bands: a classic 4-string electric bass will get you through almost anything.
• Modern/metal styles: consider 5 strings, hotter pickups and active electronics.
• Acoustic/singer-songwriter: acoustic or warm-voiced electric basses work great.

If you’re starting out, browse the beginner bass guitars and look for something comfortable and easy to set up.

2. Comfort, scale and neck profile

A bass has to feel right in your hands:

• neck width and profile: some are slim and fast, others thicker and rounder;
• weight: heavy instruments can be tiring during long gigs;
• balance: avoid neck-heavy basses that dive towards the floor.

If you play mostly standing, always test the instrument with a strap.

3. Pickups and electronics

Most common combinations:

• Split-coil pickups (P-style): full, punchy, great for rock and pop.
• Single-coil pickups (J-style): clearer and more detailed, ideal for funk, fusion, dynamic playing.
• Passive electronics: traditional tone, simple controls.
• Active electronics: more headroom and onboard EQ for sculpting your sound.

If you need a modern, flexible instrument, check the electric bass guitars with active electronics and dual pickups.

4. New vs used bass guitars

The used market is perfect if you want quality without blowing your budget:

• with the same money as an entry-level new bass, you can often jump to a higher tier;
• many used instruments are already well broken in and set up.

On Muviber you can easily filter used bass guitars, check photos and descriptions, and chat directly with the seller.

Typical price ranges

(Values are indicative and may vary depending on brand, specs and condition.)

Entry level (up to ~€300–350)

Great for:

• complete beginners;
• practice or rehearsal-room instruments;
• music schools.

You’ll often find starter packs with bass + gig bag and sometimes a small combo amp.

Mid range (~€350–800)

Here you’ll see:

• better woods and hardware;
• more consistent quality control;
• gig-ready instruments for clubs and studio sessions.

Perfect if you already play regularly and want a serious upgrade.

Pro range (€800 and above)

This is the zone of:

• signature and boutique instruments;
• Japanese/US builds and premium hardware;
• basses designed for touring and studio professionals.

Ideal if you play often, record, or simply want your “forever” bass.

Practice tips and exercises for bass players

1. Groove practice with a metronome

• set your metronome around 60–70 BPM;
• pick a simple 4-note line (root + fifth, for example);
• focus on timing and consistency, not speed.

2. Clean scales and fingering

• choose a scale (major or minor);
• play it across the neck, slowly;
• aim for clean notes and tight coordination between both hands.

3. Ghost notes and dynamics

• alternate full notes and ghost notes to create groove;
• practice simple funk-style patterns;
• experiment with lighter and stronger attacks.

4. Playing along with backing tracks

• put on a backing track (rock, funk, pop);
• find the key and build simple bass lines;
• record yourself to understand where your timing and feel can improve.

How to navigate bass offers on Muviber

1. Start from the main search
   Head to Muviber and open the bass guitar search.

2. Use the filters

   • condition: new / used;
   • price range;
   • brand/model;
   • location (if you prefer local pickup).

3. Refine by type
   If you already know what you want:

   • beginner bass guitars if you’re just getting started;
   • 5-string basses for modern styles;
   • fretless basses if you’re after a more expressive tone.

4. Think about the rest of your rig
   At some point you’ll also need a dedicated amp: you can already explore bass amplifiers to plan your full setup and budget.

Frequently asked questions about bass guitars

What kind of bass is recommended for beginners?
A 4-string electric bass with a standard scale, simple electronics and a proper setup is ideal. Focus on comfort and tuning stability rather than fancy looks.

Should I get a 4-string or 5-string bass?
For most players, a 4-string is more than enough, especially at the beginning. A 5-string makes sense if you often need the low B (metal, gospel, modern R&B) or record a lot.

Is it better to buy a new or used bass guitar?
It depends on your budget and experience. New basses come with a warranty and no surprises; used basses let you step up in quality for the same money. On Muviber you can easily compare both.

Which accessories do I need right away with a bass?
At least a cable, strap, tuner, a gig bag and some kind of bass amp or headphone solution. Pedals and effects can come later as you shape your sound.