Choosing a gift for a musician at any time of year can feel like a total nightmare, and nobody wants to get it wrong, but there's extra pressure at the most festive time of year. Luckily for you, our team of low-end lovers has put together this guide to the very best Christmas gifts for bass players to help ease the stress. This guide is packed full of affordable bass guitars, must-have pedals, state-of-the-art amps, and truly useful accessories that will go down a storm.
The bass player doesn't get as much love as the vocalists, guitarists, and drummers of this world, yet they're a crucial component of a band setup. So, if you know a bassist who's underappreciated, then any of the gifts on this list are sure to bring a smile to their face this Christmas.
Retailers we trust
- US
- Guitar Center | Shop big-name brands
- Sweetwater | Huge collection of bass items
- Musician's Friend | From beginner to pro
- UK
- Thomann | Shop all bass items
- Gear4Music | Massive selection of bass gear
- Positive Grid | Smart amps and software
Under $25/£25
Price: $12.99/£12.49
Whilst a lot of bass guitarists use their fingers to pluck the strings, there are many instances where a pick is much better suited to the task. A pick offers a different tonality to the bass guitar and can open up different playing styles for the bass guitarist in your life. The Dunlop 513P140 Primetone is nice and firm, so it will cope with the thick gauge of a bass string. Even if your loved one already uses a pick they're easily lost, and us bass guitarists are always grateful for more accessories.
Price: $17/£18
It may look small and unassuming, but the Ernie Ball Fretwrap by Gruv Gear can make a huge difference to a bass guitar player's sound. Acting as a damper, it sits on the neck of the guitar and prevents any unwanted string noise. For bass players, this tool can really clean up those tapped sections, slap bass parts, or just make for a better sound during live shows or recordings.
Price: $19.99/£22
Bass guitarists have a bit of a reputation for never changing their strings, and whilst bass strings tend to last longer than their electric or acoustic brethren, there's definitely a benefit from slapping on a fresh set. Ernie Ball's Super Slinky Bass strings will make a perfect stocking filler this Christmas, giving the bassist in your life a fresh tone. We've picked out the most popular gauge for standard 4-string bass guitars here, but there are loads of different gauges to choose from, as well as options for 5 and 6-string bass guitars.
Under $50/£50
Price: $25/£40
In order to keep their bass guitar at its best, it's crucial they routinely clean and care for it. This involves polishing the body as well as cleaning and conditioning the fingerboard. It may not be the most glamorous job, but we all have to do it. The Dunlop 6500 System 65 Guitar Maintenance Kit includes everything they need to keep their bass gleaming, including No. 65 Polish and Cleaner, Bodygloss Cream of Carnauba, Ultraglide String Conditioner, Fingerboard Cleaner and Prep, Deep Conditioner Oil, and two 100% cotton cloths.
Price: $35/£44
If the bassist in your life lives and breathes the instrument, then Geddy Lee's Big Beautiful Book of Bass will go down a treat this Christmas. Packed full of incredible imagery and contributions from legendary bass players, it tells the story of his playing career with Rush, by way of all the bass guitars he played. With 400 pages, it's a celebration of all things bass guitar.
Price: $49.99/$39.99
Okay, so you may love your bass playing family member, but that doesn't mean you love hearing them hone their pop and slap technique with yet another rendition of Around The World for the 100th time this week. This handy little headphone amp will allow them to plug their favorite set of headphones directly into their bass for silent practice, and will also give them the opportunity to play along with a range of rhythms.
Under $100/£100
Price: $55/£45
This isn't the most exciting gift in the world, but it is one they will most definitely appreciate. A good quality guitar stand is a must-have item to allow them to display their awesome bass guitar without fear of it taking a tumble. The Hercules GS412B Plus guitar stand features an Auto Grip System, which locks your guitar in place, meaning it's extra secure while also being height-adjustable to ensure it fits the elongated neck of any bass guitar
Price: $99/£65
Taking your beloved bass out and about to gigs, rehearsals, or even a mate's house can be a little daunting - there is always a risk it takes a knock or fall. A high-quality gigbag can help keep their bass safe and put their mind at ease. With 20mm padding and gentle microfiber lining, this is the most comfortable place their bass guitar has ever been, and with multiple storage pockets, they have plenty of room to store all their essential accessories such as a guitar tuner, cables and music books.
Price: $99/£79
A good tuner pedal should be the first port of call for any bass player, whether they're a beginner or they've already been playing a few years. The Boss TU-3 is one of the most popular tuner pedals ever made, and you'll find it on many a pro bassists pedalboard thanks to its excellent accuracy and rugged build quality. If the bassist in your life doesn't have one of these, it will definitely be a welcome gift this Christmas. Your ears will thank you too, as you won't have to listen to another out of tune rendition of Seven Nation Army.
Under $200/£200
Price: $149/£169
The MXR M282 Dyna Comp Bass Compressor will allow you to give the gift of great tone in a compact package. It doesn't take up much pedalboard space, making it great for bassists who already have a lot of effects. There are plenty of options to tweak their tone too, so they'll get loads of use out of it well beyond Christmas day.
Price: $150/£139
One of the most flexible overdrive pedals you can buy for a bass guitar player, the Electro-Harmonix Deluxe Bass Big Muff will give them loads of options for distorted sounds. It's an incredible flexible pedal specifically designed for bass guitar, so has lots of handy features like a built-in noise gate, wet/dry blend control, and a low pass filter.
Price: $169.99/£180
When it comes to classic bass sounds, the iconic sound of an envelope filter has to be at the top of the list. Used by bass pioneers such as Bootsy Collins, Flea, and many more, this dynamic effect is sure to bring the funk. The MXR M82 is the perfect pedal for those wanting to dip their toes into the world of envelope filters. With a range of user-friendly controls, it is intuitive, well built and sounds fantastic.
$250+/£250+
The Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass is based on one of the most popular bass guitar designs ever made, so it's sure to be a hit this Christmas. Despite the relatively low cost of this bass, it hits the mark in terms of build quality, feeling solidly put together throughout.
It's got that signature warm and vibrant Jazz Bass tone too, thanks to the Fender-designed pickups. The neck features a slim 'C' profile, which is a nice middle ground that will suit the vast majority of bass players.
Read the full Squier Classic Vibe '60s Jazz Bass review
As bass guitar players, we are always seeking new sounds and tones - that's how we can justify having so many instruments - but what do you buy the bass devotee who has one of everything? An acoustic bass is a good place to start, and an affordable option is the Ibanez AEB5E.
This sleek and highly playable bass sounds incredible and will add something a little different to their collection. Acoustic basses offer a fresh sound on recordings and are great for accompaniment on open mic nights and acoustic sessions.
As has come to be expected from the Katana name, Boss has delivered a bass amplifier packed to the brim with features, including three different amp settings – Vintage, Flat and Modern – giving you tonal options from jazzy to metal at the flick of a switch. Drive and compression are always nice additions to a bass amp, but Boss has gone two steps further giving the user the ability to add another pair of effects of your choice from their superb library.
Buying advice
How to choose a gift for a bass player
You can trust Guitar World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
Looking for some tips on where to start and what to buy the bass player in your life? Follow my advice and you'll be sure to make their Christmas.
Just ask ‘em! It might sound a bit wild, but why not just ask your bassist friend straight up? Get them to spill the beans on their dream gear or a wishlist. This way, you’ll skip all the guessing and really nail it!
Discover how advanced they are: Are they fresh out of the box or a seasoned player with stories that could rock your socks off? If they're just starting, there are loads of fun gadgets and tools that can help them. But if they’re a gigging pro, their wishlist will look a bit different!
Do your homework: Trust me, it pays to do your research. Use our guides, forums, and even user reviews to steer your search. If your friend plays in a band, chat with their bandmates or teacher the next time you see them, they might have some insider info on what’s missing from their setup!
Set your budget: Classic advice for any shopping spree: set a sensible budget and stick to it! If you find something that’s out of your price range, don’t fret! Consider gift cards as a way to contribute towards their ultimate bass gear.
Hunt for deals: The holiday season is like a treasure hunt for bass gear discounts, especially around Black Friday and pre-Christmas sales. Keep your eyes peeled for awesome deals at your trusted retailers. If you're looking to make some significant savings, it could pay off to hold out for this year's Black Friday guitar deals.
Gifts to avoid – and what to buy instead
When it comes to gifting a bass guitarist, practicality often outweighs themed items like mugs, t-shirts, or decorative wall art. While these may seem fun or unique, musicians typically appreciate gifts that directly contribute to their practice, performance, and overall experience with their instrument.
These are the items that we could do without...
Novelty mug/socks/t-shirt: It's not that we don't appreciate it. We do appreciate the thought, but at some point, you just have too many items with bass guitars on them.
Non-branded strings: The big brands are big brands for a reason. Budget strings are prone to breaking and corroding, and they simply don't feel as nice to play.
Cheap gadgets: Amazon is littered with cheaply made electronic gadgets that claim to make you a better bass player, and to put it frankly, they just don't work. There is no shortcut to becoming a better musician; it takes practice and a lot of work. If a product claims to make you a better player in seconds, I would avoid it like the plague!
Instead, I would start with the following items. These items are often very affordable, but a whole lot more useful.
Branded strings: High-quality strings are essential for maintaining the tone and playability of a bass guitar. Players often have specific preferences for string gauge, material (such as nickel or stainless steel), and brand, so be sure to check before buying a set.
Picks: While bass players typically use their fingers to pluck strings, having a selection of picks is useful for those who occasionally want to explore different playing styles or techniques.
Cables: A reliable instrument cable is crucial for live performances and studio recordings. Durable, low-noise cables can prevent frustrating issues and ensure a clear signal.
Tuners: An electronic tuner is a necessity for any musician. Bassists rely on precise tuning for optimal performance, and having an accurate tuner at their disposal ensures they sound their best, whether at home or on stage.
Straps: A good-quality strap is crucial for comfort during long sessions of playing. With the weight of a bass guitar, a padded or ergonomically designed strap can prevent discomfort and fatigue. Choosing a functional strap over a themed one guarantees that it will have a lasting impact.
When considering a gift, especially something like strings, picks or straps, it’s always a good idea to ask the person about their preferences beforehand. While surprise gifts can be fun and exciting, there’s absolutely no shame in finding out what they truly want or need. This way, you can ensure your gift is not only a pleasant surprise but also something they’ll appreciate and use. After all, getting their input can make the gift even more meaningful!
What do I need to know about a bass guitar?
Fortunately, good quality instruments that don't break the bank are relatively easy to find these days. However, there are some very inexpensive bass guitars that feel more like toys than reliable musical instruments. Generally, it’s best to opt for well-known brands, such as Squier, Sterling by Music Man, Epiphone, and Ibanez. I personally recommend the Squier Jazz Bass model in this guide because it offers excellent value for money.
Ultimately, the choice of which bass to buy will depend on the recipient's musical tastes, personal style, and what they find comfortable. As always, it’s a good idea to ask the person you’re buying for for some guidance. For more information, check out our best beginner bass guitar guide, where we have a selection of affordable basses for all budgets and styles.
Why trust us?
☑️ A global audience of 3.8 million guitarists monthly
☑️ 1,200+ reviews on GuitarWorld.com
☑️ 30+ years of product testing at Guitar World
Guitar World boasts over 44 years of expertise and stands as the ultimate authority on all things related to guitars. The magazine and website feature expertly written gear round-ups and top-quality, authoritative reviews penned by a team of highly experienced industry professionals.
Guitar World's inaugural print issue hit the shelves in July 1980, and ever since, it has been captivating players and enthusiasts with engaging lessons, insightful interviews with the biggest guitar heroes, and priceless buying advice for newbie players.
Furthermore, GuitarWorld.com continues this legacy online and serves as the hub of the world's foremost authorities on guitar playing. The site not only hosts content from Guitar World but also showcases articles from respected publications such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar Techniques, and Bass Player. With a reach extending to 3.8 million players each month, GuitarWorld.com is a go-to destination for guitar fanatics globally.
Daryl is a Senior Deals Writer at Guitar World, where he creates and maintains our 200+ buyer's guides, finds the best deals on guitar products, and tests the latest gear. His reviews have been featured in prominent publications like Total Guitar, Guitarist, Future Music magazine, and MusicRadar.com.
During his career, he has been lucky enough to talk to many of his musical heroes, having interviewed Slash and members of Sum 41, Foo Fighters, The Offspring, Feeder, Thrice, and more. In a past life, he worked in music retail. For a little under a decade, he advised everyone from absolute beginners to seasoned pros on the right gear for their needs.
Daryl's world doesn't just revolve around guitars either; he also has a passion for live sound. Daryl is a fully qualified sound engineer who holds a first-class Bachelor's degree in Creative Sound Production from the University of Abertay and has plenty of experience working in various venues around Scotland.
Buyer's guides to help your research
Need more help with your research? Take a look through our buyer's guides covering everything from beginner basses to 5-string example, effects and amps. They've all been compiled by our team of bass playing experts.
- Start them off right with the best beginner bass guitars
- Our pick of the best 5-string bass guitars
- Enhance your sound with the best bass effects pedals
- Up your game with the best online guitar lessons
- Freshen up with the best bass strings
