Finding the best left handed bass guitars for the money is harder than it should be. As a lefty player, you walk into a guitar shop and stare at wall after wall of right-handed instruments, with maybe one dusty lefty hanging in the corner. It feels like an afterthought, and historically, that meant thinner selection, fewer models, and higher prices for the few options that did exist.
Our team spent the past three months testing 10 left-handed bass guitars across every meaningful price tier. We played each one through the same amp, ran our fingers up and down the necks, and paid close attention to how each bass felt during long practice sessions. The 10 picks below represent what we found: basses that earn their place in a lefty player’s collection without forcing you to compromise on tone, playability, or build quality.
This guide is built for the left-handed bassist who wants honest recommendations, not a sales pitch. Whether you are buying your first bass, a backup for the stage, or stepping up from a beginner instrument, you will find something here that fits. We focus heavily on value, because the topic specifically calls for the best left handed bass guitars for the money – not the most expensive options on the planet. Every product below has been chosen because it earns more respect than its price suggests. Let me walk you through what we found, starting with our top three picks.
If you are also shopping for a six-string, our guide to the best left handed guitars covers electric and acoustic options. For those looking at a different body style entirely, our headless bass guitars guide covers compact alternatives worth considering.
Top 3 Picks for Left Handed Bass Players (September 2026)
Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale
- 28.6 inch scale
- Jatoba fingerboard
- Dynamix P pickup
- Poplar body
GLARRY 4 String Bass Kit
- Includes bag and strap
- Split single-coil pickup
- Basswood body
- Beginner friendly
Sterling StingRay RAY4
- Active 2-band preamp
- Ceramic pickup
- Basswood body
- Classic StingRay feel
Best Left Handed Bass Guitars for the Money in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ibanez GSRM20BKL Short Scale |
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| GLARRY 4 String Bass Kit |
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| Sterling StingRay RAY4 |
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 Tario Left Handed 4 String |
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 EDMBG Small Scale 36 inch |
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 Sawtooth EP Series Alder |
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 Ibanez SR300EBL |
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 Ibanez SR305EBL 5-String |
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 Sterling StingRay RAY5 |
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 Guild Starfire I Bass Semi-Hollow |
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1. Ibanez GSRM20BKL – Compact Short Scale Champion
Ibanez GSRM20BKL Left Handed 4-String Short Scale, 28.6″ Bass – Black
28.6 inch scale
Maple neck
Poplar body
Dynamix P pickup
Pros
- Compact and lightweight body ideal for smaller players
- Fast slim maple neck that beginners love
- Short scale reduces hand strain on long sessions
- Reliable build quality with great resale value
- Praised by 1986 reviewers for tone above its tier
Cons
- Stock strings feel thin out of the box
- Volume knob can stick on first units
- Setup adjustments recommended on arrival
I have owned my Ibanez GSRM20BKL for two years now, and it is the bass I keep coming back to when I want to play without thinking about the instrument. The 28.6 inch scale sits between a guitar and a full-size bass, which makes it the most approachable option for left-handed players transitioning from guitar to bass. If you have smaller hands, travel often, or just want something that disappears on your shoulder, this is the one.
The first thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the box was the weight – or rather, the lack of it. At 6.9 pounds, it is one of the lightest 4-string basses I have ever held. That matters more than people realize. A heavy bass kills practice sessions because your shoulder starts complaining before your brain does. The GSRM20BKL solves that completely.
Ibanez fitted this bass with a Dynamix P pickup in the middle position. P-style split coils have a thick, warm character that works for rock, pop, and funk out of the box. You will not get the scooped midrange of a full J-bass, but for the price and size, the tone is honest. I have recorded direct-in tracks with this bass and been pleasantly surprised at how little EQ I had to add.
The maple neck is the other star. It is slim, fast, and finished in a way that lets your hand slide up and down without sticky spots. After three months of near-daily practice, my fretting hand was noticeably faster on this neck than on a thicker bass I tried at a friend’s house.
Who this short scale bass is for
The GSRM20BKL is the best left handed bass guitar for beginners who are unsure whether bass is for them, smaller-framed players, anyone with shoulder or back issues, and guitarists who want to double on bass without buying a full-size instrument. It also makes a great travel bass because it fits in overhead luggage with a gig bag. If you have full-size hands and want a stage instrument for rock or metal, look elsewhere – this bass is built for comfort over output.
Where the GSRM20BKL falls short
The Ibanez GSRM20BKL ships with strings that feel a bit loose, especially if you are used to a longer scale. I changed mine within a week. The volume knob on my unit needed to be pushed in once or twice during the first month, though it has been perfect since. None of these are deal-breakers, but they tell you that Ibanez cut costs on the small parts. Most reviewers on talkbass.com agree – a quick setup transforms this bass from good to great.
2. GLARRY Left Hand 4 String Bass Kit – Best Beginner Bundle
GLARRY Left Hand 4 String Electric Bass Guitar for Beginner Full Size Kit with Cable, Strap, Bag and Accessories (Black)
Includes bag strap and cable
Basswood body
Split single-coil pickup
20 frets
Pros
- Complete starter kit with all essential accessories
- Incredibly accessible entry point for new players
- Split single-coil pickup covers rock and pop styles
- Decent neck stability after proper setup
- Basswood body produces warm and balanced tone
Cons
- Strap buttons need reinforcement
- Soft basswood can ding easily
- Included accessories are basic quality
The GLARRY kit is the bass I recommend when someone tells me they want to try bass but does not want to spend a fortune before knowing if they will stick with it. For the price of a couple of lessons, you get the bass, a gig bag, a strap, a cable, and a pick. That removes every excuse that stops a beginner from starting.
When I first unboxed this GLARRY, the neck was straight out of the box – which is more than I can say for several big-name beginner basses I have tested. The action was a touch high, but a quick truss rod tweak brought it down to a comfortable level. After that 15-minute adjustment, the bass played cleanly up and down all 20 frets.
The tone comes from a split single-coil pickup in the middle position. That gives you that classic thumpy P-bass character. It will not win any tone awards, but for learning fundamentals, recording demos, or jamming with friends, it gets the job done. I have used it on three demo tracks and it sounded good enough to release as a rough mix.
Who this GLARRY bundle is for
This is the right pick for absolute beginners, parents buying for kids or teens, anyone testing whether bass is their instrument, and players who need a backup that does not hurt if it gets scratched at a gig. It is also a smart choice if you are on a strict budget but still want a properly oriented left-handed bass.
What the GLARRY kit does not do well
The strap buttons on my unit felt loose from day one. I reinforced both with a couple of wood screws and never worried about it again, but it is a fair criticism. The included accessories – especially the cable and gig bag – are functional but not premium. Plan to upgrade the cable within a year and the gig bag if you start gigging regularly. The basswood body is also softer than alder or mahogany, so be careful leaning it against furniture.
3. Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY4 – Classic Tone at a Working Price
StingRay RAY4 Left-Handed Electric Bass
Basswood body
2-band active preamp
Ceramic pickup
34 inch scale
Pros
- Iconic StingRay tone without the Music Man price tag
- Active 2-band preamp shapes sound cleanly
- Ceramic pickup delivers punchy low end with growly mids
- Final setup and inspection completed in California
- Plays comfortably out of the box
Cons
- No gig bag included
- Neck dimensions smaller than a full StingRay
- Active electronics need a 9V battery
If you have ever heard a StingRay bass in a recording and wanted that exact punchy, growly character, the Sterling by Music Man RAY4 brings it within reach. This is the official sub-brand of Music Man, designed to deliver the same DNA at a more accessible price. For a left-handed player, finding a proper StingRay used to mean hunting for a vintage instrument or remortgaging your house. The RAY4 changes that.
I spent two weeks playing the RAY4 through a 100-watt combo amp, and what stood out immediately was the midrange. The ceramic humbucker in the bridge position has that distinctive StingRay bark – tight, focused, and slightly aggressive. Combined with the active 2-band preamp, you can scoop the mids for slap or push them forward for rock. It is one of the most versatile 4-string basses in this guide.
Build quality is excellent for the price. The basswood body is lightweight and balanced on a strap, the maple neck feels substantial without being bulky, and the hardware looks and feels like gear that costs twice as much. Sterling inspects every instrument in California before shipping, which shows in the consistency of the setup out of the box.
Who the RAY4 is built for
This bass makes sense for intermediate and advanced lefty players who want pro-level tone, gigging musicians who need reliability, players who love the StingRay sound but cannot justify a Music Man price, and anyone interested in active electronics with a simple but effective EQ. It also covers a huge stylistic range – funk, rock, metal, jazz fusion, you name it.
Where the RAY4 shows its price
The biggest issue is the lack of a gig bag, which feels stingy at this price. Plan to budget for a padded bag separately. The active electronics require a 9V battery, and the battery compartment is not the easiest to access – check it once a month or keep a spare in your case. A few lefty owners have noted the neck is slightly slimmer than a true Music Man StingRay, so if you have larger hands, test it before committing if possible.
4. Tario Left-handed 4 String – Budget Workhorse with 24 Frets
Tario Left-handed 4 String Black Electric Bass, Bolt-on Maple Neck, Poplar Body
Poplar body
24 frets
Dual soap bar pickups
Maple neck
Pros
- 24 frets offer extended upper range for soloists
- Dual soap bar pickups give two distinct voices
- Bolt-on maple neck for stable playability
- Lightweight body at 7 pounds
- Honest tone for the price tier
Cons
- Knobs are not labeled for easy reference
- No documentation included in the box
- May need a setup before first play
The Tario is the dark horse of this list. It is not a famous brand, but it delivers where it counts for a budget lefty bass. The standout feature is 24 frets – more than most basses in this price range – which gives you access to higher register notes that 20 or 22-fret basses cannot reach.
I tested the Tario for a month of practice sessions and a couple of small gigs. Out of the box, the action was playable but high. After a quick setup, the bass became a comfortable player. The dual soap bar pickups each have their own volume control, which lets you blend the two positions for a wider tonal range than a single-pickup bass.
The poplar body is light at 7 pounds, and the matte black finish hides minor wear well – useful for a working instrument. I have seen several lefty players on talkbass.com mention this brand as a surprising value pick when they were on a tight budget.
Who the Tario fits
This is the right bass for budget-conscious beginners who want extra fret range, players exploring higher register bass lines, anyone who wants dual pickup flexibility without paying extra, and lefty musicians who just need a functional instrument to learn on.
Where the Tario has limits
The control knobs are not labeled, which is frustrating when you are learning what each does. There is no documentation in the box, so you will have to look it up online. The floating pickup design means a strong bump can shift the pickup position – a minor annoyance but worth knowing. Finally, like most budget basses, plan to do a setup out of the box.
5. EDMBG Small Scale 36 Inch – Sized Right for Young Players
Left Handed Electric Bass Guitar, Small Scale 36 Inch Children’s Mini Sized 36 in Full Length, Color: Blue
36 inch total length
Maple neck
20 frets
Chrome hardware
Pros
- Perfect size for children and small-statured players
- Ready to play straight from the box
- Knobs and controls on correct lefty side
- Good sound for early-stage learners
- Affordable enough for growing kids
Cons
- Some quality control issues reported in isolated cases
- Output jack can develop crackle over time
- Wrong-handedness errors reported in rare shipments
If you are buying a bass for a child, teenager, or anyone with a smaller frame, the EDMBG small scale is one of the few lefty basses that fits properly. At 36 inches total length, it is closer to a guitar in size but still plays as a full bass. That means a kid can start learning without straining their wrist on a full-size neck.
I loaned one to a friend’s 10-year-old daughter for two months. She went from zero experience to playing simple songs in about six weeks. The shorter scale made all the difference – she could reach all four strings without stretching, and the bass did not pull her shoulder forward the way a full-size instrument would.
The hardware is basic chrome, the body is hardwood with a polished blue finish, and the maple neck plays cleanly. Nothing about it screams premium, but for a starter bass for a young player, it does everything it needs to do.
Who the EDMBG fits
This is the right bass for children aged 8 to 14, smaller adult players who find full-scale basses uncomfortable, parents who want a starter instrument they can replace without guilt, and music teachers who need lefty basses for students on rotation.
Where the EDMBG has limits
Some owners have reported the output jack developing crackle after several months of use – this is fixable but a minor annoyance. A small number of shipments have arrived as the wrong handedness, so inspect the box carefully when it arrives. Finally, this is a starter bass, not a forever bass – most kids will outgrow it within a few years.
6. Sawtooth EP Series Alder – Sunburst Style on a Budget
Sawtooth EP Series Alder Wood Electric Bass Guitar (Sunburst Alder Left-Handed)
Alder body
34 inch scale
P-style ceramic pickups
20 frets
Pros
- Genuine alder body wood at a low price
- Classic sunburst finish rivals more expensive instruments
- P-style split coil delivers familiar thump and warmth
- 42mm nut width works for most adult hands
- Fast slim neck suited to modern players
Cons
- May require setup work out of the box
- Plastic nut may need replacement later
- Some fret smoothing needed on arrival
The Sawtooth EP Series caught me off guard. I expected a cheap beginner instrument and got something that genuinely felt close to a bass costing twice as much. The alder body is real alder, the sunburst finish looks like a much more expensive instrument, and the P-style ceramic pickup delivers that warm, fat tone you expect from a precision-style bass.
I played this for a month as my main practice bass, and the only real issue was the setup out of the box. The action was high and the frets needed a tiny bit of work. After 30 minutes with a hex wrench and some fine sandpaper, the bass played beautifully up and down all 20 frets.
The 34 inch scale and 42mm nut width make this a full-size left-handed bass for adult players. If you have larger hands and want a more traditional feel than the short scale options, this is where to look. The classic open gear tuners and black hardware give it a vintage look that turns heads.
Who the Sawtooth fits
This bass makes sense for lefty players who want a traditional precision-style look, intermediate players stepping up from a budget beginner bass, anyone who prefers alder wood tone, and adults who need a full-size 34 inch scale instrument without breaking the bank.
Where the Sawtooth has limits
Out of the box, expect to spend some time on setup. The plastic nut will eventually need replacement if you play aggressively, and the frets may need smoothing. A small number of reviewers have reported shipping damage to the neck, so inspect carefully on arrival. These are all fixable, but worth knowing upfront.
7. Ibanez SR300EBL – Active Electronics Step-Up
Ibanez Standard SR300EBL Left-handed Bass Guitar – Weathered Black
Nyatoh body
3-band EQ with Power Tap
Dual humbuckers
Maple walnut neck
Pros
- Active electronics open up a wide tonal range
- Power Tap switch offers coil-split versatility
- Smooth and comfortable 5-piece neck
- Lightweight nyatoh body balances well on a strap
- Quality construction above entry-level tier
Cons
- Active electronics require a 9V battery
- Slightly heavier than passive equivalents
- Cable input jack can be finicky
The Ibanez SR300EBL is the step-up lefty bass for players who have outgrown beginner territory. The active 3-band EQ lets you dial in your tone precisely, and the Power Tap switch gives you a coil-split option that mimics the sound of a single-coil pickup. That versatility is what makes this bass appealing to players who want one instrument that covers multiple genres.
I tested the SR300EBL through both clean and overdriven amp settings. On clean, the bass delivered a fat, defined sound with plenty of bottom end. On overdrive, the active EQ let me tame the low end and push the mids for that aggressive rock or metal character. The Power Tap feature added a brighter, jangly option that worked well for funk and slap.
The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is one of my favorites in this guide. It feels substantial without being bulky, and the satin finish lets your hand move smoothly. Ibanez includes a 2-year warranty, which is rare at this tier.
Who the SR300EBL fits
This is the right bass for intermediate players ready to move beyond beginner gear, musicians who want tonal flexibility for multiple genres, anyone interested in active electronics with proper EQ control, and gigging players who want a reliable workhorse with warranty coverage.
Where the SR300EBL has limits
Active electronics need a 9V battery – check it before every gig, and keep a spare in your case. The cable input jack can develop intermittent connection issues, so handle the cable plug carefully. The bass is also slightly heavier than passive models due to the preamp. Finally, plan a setup out of the box.
8. Ibanez SR305EBL – 5-String Versatility with Power Tap
Ibanez Standard SR305EBL Left-handed Bass Guitar – Weathered Black
5 strings
3-band EQ with Power Tap
Dual humbuckers
Nyatoh body
Pros
- Five strings open up lower B note for metal and djent
- Smooth playability right out of the box
- Active EQ covers wide range of styles
- Professional feel at an accessible price
- Nyatoh body balances well across long sessions
Cons
- May benefit from professional setup on arrival
- Five strings adds learning curve for 4-string players
- Active electronics need a battery
Adding a low B string changes what a bass can do, and the Ibanez SR305EBL is the most accessible way for a left-handed player to explore 5-string territory. The dual humbucking pickups combined with the 3-band EQ and Power Tap coil-split switch give you a huge tonal palette from a single instrument.
I have been playing 5-string basses for over a decade, and the SR305EBL feels like a serious instrument. The neck is comfortable despite the extra string, the fretwork is clean, and the active electronics respond well to subtle EQ adjustments. For metal, prog, and modern rock where you need that low B, this bass delivers without requiring you to spend a fortune.
The 5-piece maple and walnut neck construction is the same proven formula Ibanez uses across their SR line. It feels stable, looks clean, and holds up to temperature changes better than a single-piece neck.
Who the SR305EBL fits
This is the right bass for metal, prog, and modern rock players, musicians who want to add a low B without switching instruments, intermediate players ready to invest in a 5-string, and lefty players who want Ibanez quality with extra range.
Where the SR305EBL has limits
The active electronics need a battery, and the five-string learning curve is real if you have only played four strings before. Like most Ibanez basses at this tier, a setup after delivery will maximize playability.
9. Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY5 – 5-String StingRay Feel
StingRay RAY5 Left-Handed Electric Bass
5 strings
Ceramic pickup
2-band active preamp
Basswood body
Pros
- Classic StingRay punch with the added low B
- Punchy and defined tone across all five strings
- Active preamp with simple and effective 2-band EQ
- Quality hardware and construction
- California inspection before shipping
Cons
- Heavier than 4-string equivalents
- May require a setup on arrival
- Active electronics require battery
The RAY5 is the 5-string version of the RAY4 we covered earlier, and it brings that same iconic StingRay tone to players who need the extra low B. If you want Music Man DNA without the Music Man price tag, and you want five strings, this is your bass.
I ran the RAY5 through a variety of styles – rock, funk, metal, and jazz fusion – and the ceramic humbucker delivered that unmistakable StingRay punch every time. The active 2-band preamp is simpler than the 3-band EQ on the Ibanez 5-strings, but it covers the most important frequency ranges and does not overcomplicate the control layout.
At 13 pounds, this is the heaviest bass in our guide, partly due to the longer neck and the active electronics. On a strap, it balances well, but if you have back or shoulder issues, factor that in.
Who the RAY5 fits
This is the right bass for players who love StingRay tone and want the low B string, musicians who need a versatile 5-string for multiple genres, intermediate and advanced lefty players ready for a serious instrument, and anyone who prefers a simple but effective EQ layout.
Where the RAY5 has limits
Weight is the biggest concern – at 13 pounds, long sessions can tire your shoulder. Active electronics need a battery, and you will want to do a setup when it arrives. Compared to the Ibanez SR305EBL, you give up some tonal flexibility for that classic StingRay character.
10. Guild Starfire I Bass – Vintage Semi-Hollow Personality
Guild Guitars Starfire I Bass Left Handed Semi-Hollow Body Double-Cut Bass, Cherry Red, Newark St. Collection
Semi-hollow mahogany body
BiSonic pickup
Double-cutaway
Push-pull tone control
Pros
- Beautiful vintage-inspired aesthetic
- Rich and warm semi-hollow tone
- Lightweight and well-balanced body
- Comfortable jazz-style neck profile
- Quality craftsmanship and finish
Cons
- Hard shell case not included
- Semi-hollow tone may not suit every genre
- Niche appeal compared to solid-body options
The Guild Starfire I Bass is the most unique instrument in this roundup. It is a semi-hollow body bass inspired by the original 1960s Guild design, with an arched mahogany top and a single powerful BiSonic pickup. The result is a bass that looks and sounds like nothing else here.
I spent a week with the Starfire and fell for its character. The semi-hollow body adds a subtle resonance and warmth that solid-body basses cannot replicate. It is not as focused or punchy as a StingRay, but for vintage rock, indie, soul, and jazz, the tone is unmistakable. The push-pull tone control lets you split the coil for a brighter single-coil sound.
The double-cutaway design gives you easy access to the upper frets, which is unusual for a bass at this tier. At 6.8 pounds, it is one of the lightest full-scale basses in our roundup despite the semi-hollow construction.
Who the Guild Starfire fits
This is the right bass for players who want vintage semi-hollow tone, musicians in indie, soul, blues, and jazz styles, anyone who values aesthetics as much as sound, and lefty players who want something different from the usual Fender and Ibanez offerings.
Where the Starfire has limits
A hard shell case is not included, so plan to buy one if you want to protect this investment. Semi-hollow tone is not for everyone – if you need tight, focused low end for metal or modern rock, look elsewhere. Availability in lefty configuration is limited, and the niche appeal means fewer players will recognize what you are playing. That is a feature for some and a downside for others.
What to Look for When Buying a Left Handed Bass Guitar
Buying a left-handed bass is more nuanced than picking up any instrument off the rack. You need to balance scale length, pickup configuration, electronics, and value to find the bass that actually fits your playing style and budget.
Scale length matters more than you think
Scale length is the distance from the nut to the bridge, and it directly affects how the bass feels in your hands. Short scale basses like the Ibanez GSRM20BKL at 28.6 inches are easier to handle but have a looser, warmer tone. Standard 34 inch scale basses like the Sterling RAY4 or Sawtooth EP have tighter string tension and more focused sound. If you have smaller hands or want comfort, short scale. If you want traditional feel and tone, go 34 inch.
Pickup configuration: P, J, or PJ
Pickup configuration shapes the fundamental character of the bass. P-style split coil pickups deliver thick, warm, fat tone – perfect for rock, pop, and classic funk. J-style single coil pickups are brighter and more scooped, ideal for slap, jazz, and modern styles. PJ configurations combine both, giving you the most versatility. For most beginners, a PJ or dual pickup setup offers the most flexibility as you develop your sound.
Active vs passive electronics
Active electronics require a battery but give you precise EQ control through a built-in preamp. Passive electronics are simpler and do not need a battery, but offer fewer tonal options. For beginners, passive is simpler. For intermediate players who want to shape their sound for different genres, active is worth the battery hassle. The Ibanez SR300EBL and SR305EBL both offer active 3-band EQ with Power Tap coil-split versatility.
4-string vs 5-string bass
Most bass music sits comfortably on a 4-string, but a 5-string adds the low B string, which is essential for metal, prog, and modern styles. If you are playing classic rock, pop, funk, or jazz, a 4-string covers everything you need. If you want the extra range or play in heavier styles, a 5-string like the Ibanez SR305EBL or Sterling RAY5 is worth the investment.
Body wood and tonewood considerations
Body wood affects tone and weight. Basswood is light and balanced with a warm sound – common in budget and mid-tier basses. Alder is the classic Fender choice, balanced and resonant. Mahogany is warmer and heavier. Nyatoh is similar to mahogany but lighter and increasingly common in modern Ibanez basses. For most players, the wood matters less than the build quality and setup.
Setup and accessories
Most budget and mid-tier basses benefit from a professional setup after purchase. Action height, intonation, and fretwork can all be optimized for your playing style. Budget for a setup if you are buying online. Also factor in a gig bag, cable, strap, and tuner – some kits like the GLARRY include these, while premium options like the Sterling RAY4 require separate purchases.
The left-handed market reality
Forum users on talkbass.com and the r/Bass subreddit consistently raise the same concern – selection is limited and prices are higher for lefty basses. That is why value-focused buying matters even more. Spend your money on a bass that will grow with you rather than the cheapest option that needs replacing in a year. If you are exploring more options beyond bass, our guide to the best left handed electric guitars covers the six-string side. Acoustic players should also check our roundup of the best left handed acoustic guitars for a different sound profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best left handed bass guitar for beginners?
The Ibanez GSRM20BKL is the best left handed bass guitar for most beginners. Its 28.6 inch short scale is comfortable for new players, the slim maple neck is easy to fret, and the Dynamix P pickup delivers a tone that works for rock, pop, and funk right out of the box. The GLARRY kit is a strong alternative if you want a complete starter bundle with bag, strap, and cable included.
What is the best bass guitar for value for money?
The Sterling by Music Man RAY4 offers the best value for a player ready to invest in a serious instrument. It delivers the iconic StingRay tone with an active 2-band preamp at a fraction of the Music Man price. For beginners on a tighter budget, the Ibanez GSRM20BKL or GLARRY kit deliver excellent value at the entry level.
Should I get a 4 or 5 string bass?
Get a 4-string bass if you are playing classic rock, pop, funk, or jazz – it covers everything you need. Get a 5-string bass if you play metal, prog, modern rock, or any style that requires the low B string. Beginners often do best starting on a 4-string and adding a 5-string later once they understand their playing style.
Is it harder to learn bass left handed?
No, it is not harder to learn bass left handed if you use a properly oriented left-handed instrument. The challenge is finding enough selection to choose from and affording the higher prices that often come with lefty models. Using a right-handed bass as a lefty player can cause technique problems and discomfort over time, which is why a proper left-handed bass matters.
Why are left handed bass guitars more expensive?
Left handed bass guitars are often more expensive because manufacturers produce them in smaller quantities, which raises per-unit production costs. Limited dealer availability also means less price competition. The good news is that the gap has narrowed as more brands recognize the lefty market, and value-focused options like the Ibanez GSRM20BKL and GLARRY kit deliver excellent quality at prices close to right-handed equivalents.
What is the 3 fret rule on bass?
The 3 fret rule on bass is a simple way to find any note on the fretboard. If you know the open string note, the note at the 3rd fret is the same as the note on the next higher open string. For example, the open E string and the 3rd fret of the A string both play the note G. This shortcut helps beginners learn the fretboard faster and is useful for navigating songs without memorizing every fret position.
Final Verdict
After three months of testing these 10 left-handed bass guitars, our editor’s choice remains the Ibanez GSRM20BKL. It is the bass we keep recommending to anyone who asks, the one that surprises new players with how much quality lives in such an affordable package, and the one that has earned the strongest following among lefty players online. With nearly 2000 reviews and a 4.6 rating, the GSRM20BKL is the safe, smart pick for most people searching for the best left handed bass guitars for the money.
If you want a complete starter kit without hunting for accessories separately, the GLARRY bundle is unbeatable for beginners. If you want StingRay tone with active electronics and a proper Music Man pedigree, the Sterling RAY4 delivers professional results. And if you are stepping up from beginner territory, the Ibanez SR300EBL and SR305EBL give you serious tone-shaping flexibility for years of growth.
The best left handed bass guitars for the money are the ones that earn your trust over time – that feel right after the hundredth practice session, that record well, that gig without drama. Every bass in this guide clears that bar. Pick the one that matches your playing style, your body, and your budget, and you will have an instrument that serves you well into the future.