It can truly be a case of information overload when searching for the best left handed bass guitars for your specific situation. So how about we try and make your decision that little bit easier – sound good?
In this mammoth guide, we’ll dive into my current top 6 lefty bass models from ultra-affordable all-in-one packages, to some more premium options that intermediate and even professional bassists can consider.
I really didn’t want to overload you with options, so I have carefully curated this list to make sure that every instrument has its place depending on your budget and musical tastes. As a result, I am confident that there is a solid choice for all players.
Although this guide is mainly aimed at beginners and intermediate players, more advanced bassists will also find some higher-end instruments towards the end of the list.
Afterward, we will also lay out some important buying advice, and answer some crucial questions that beginner left handed bass players might have. Such as…
- Should you choose a 4 or 5-string bass?
- Short scale vs long scale pros and cons
- Active or passive electronics?
- Precision bass vs Jazz bass
- How much should you spend?
Shorter left handed people or those with smaller hands may also like to check out my guide to the best ¾ sized left handed guitars and basses.
What Is The Best Left Handed Bass Guitar?
In the remainder of this article, I have detailed my list of the 6 best left handed bass guitars for beginner to intermediate and professional players. I have carefully ordered the instruments from the cheapest to the most expensive so that you can quickly select some fantastic choices depending on your budget and/or musical tastes.
Disclosure: If you decide to purchase a guitar using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
In a rush? Why not use the links below to be taken directly to the bass reviews that you are interested in? Make sure to also stick around to the end of the guide where I will offer a ton of buying advice and answer some common beginner questions.
- Harley Benton Basses
- Ibanez GSR200BL
- Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
- Ibanez SR305EBL
- Fender Player Precision Bass
- Fender Player Jazz Bass
1. Harley Benton Basses
Best Cheap Left Handed Bass Guitar
Shopping Links
Shop 4-String Harley Benton Basses
Shop 5-String Harley Benton Basses
Players looking for the best cheap left handed bass guitars need look no further than the incredible range on offer from Harley Benton.
Harley Benton has always offered a huge variety of left handed basses and guitars, with instruments starting from under $100. These are ideal for new players looking to dip their toes into the world of bass without splashing a lot of cash.
The image above shows just a small sample of what is available from the budget brand. There’s too many to recommend just one model, so check out the links above to see the full selection. All of the various models are inspired by iconic bass designs, so there should be a choice for all tastes here!
More experienced players after a cheap left handed bass guitar to use as a backup instrument will also find the Harley Bentons to be an attractice choice. I recently picked up one of their Les Paul style models and was blown away at the quality offered for such little money.
As well as the more beginner-friendly 4-string options, the brand also offers plenty of left-handed 5-string basses for those looking for additional range.
Harley Benton basses are available individually if you would prefer to piece together your own kit. However, for those looking to get into the instrument as quickly as possible, Harley Benton also offers left handed bass starter package options. These are bundled with everything you need to get started, including an amp, tuner, gig bag, and more!
There’s plenty to like about these cheap left handed bass guitars, but are there any negatives? Honestly, the only downside is that snobby bassists might scoff at your affordable axe. However, at the end of the day, you’ve got to start somewhere!
What I Like/Dislike About Harley Benton Basses
Like:
- Buy individually, or as a complete starter package
- Good quality and features for a low price
- Designs based on iconic basses
- Lightweight construction
Dislike:
- Brand snobs may not approve.
All in all, I can recommend these Harley Benton basses as my top choices for the best cheap left handed bass options. As a beginner southpaw bassist, you will struggle to find anything comparable for similar money.
Check them out at the links below! As a new player, I would suggest opting for the model that you like the looks of the most. You most likely won’t be able to discern a massive difference between the different styles at this stage.
Shopping Links
Shop 4-String Harley Benton Basses
Shop 5-String Harley Benton Basses
2. Ibanez GSR200BL
Best Beginner Left Handed Bass Guitar
Shopping Links – Ibanez GSR200B
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
The trusty Ibanez GSR200BL was actually the first bass that I picked up probably 20 years ago. Although you guys are lucky because back then it was only available in a boring gloss black color, whereas now it comes in a gorgeous satin walnut finish.
It is an ideal choice for beginners thanks to its compact and lightweight nyatoh body and slim maple neck profile. Plus, the inclusion of both precision and jazz bass style pickups makes the GSR200BL a really versatile guitar, well suited to a wide variety of musical styles.
Of course, these features also make it a perfect bass for guitarists wanting to dip their toes into the world of bass. The guitar is solidly made, gives you plenty of punchy, fat tone, and is currently the most affordable left handed 4-string bass from a big name brand.
Other key features include a 22-fret jatoba fingerboard, an Ibanez B10 bridge for tons of juicy sustain, a master tone pot, plus separate volume knobs for each pickup. Ibanez has also included their Phat II EQ control which provides an active bass boost for additional low-end power.
It’s worth noting that a slide downside to having the Phat II active boost circuit is that it requires a 9V battery to operate. Without the battery (or if you let it go flat), the bass won’t make much sound at all. If you opt for this bass and notice that it sounds lifeless and muddy – check the battery before you send it back!
Here’s a quick video that will give some sound samples from the GSR200BL, plus a demonstration of the awesome Phat II EQ. Note that the left handed version is not available in this black finish.
There really aren’t many disadvantages to this bass considering its low price point. It would be nice if it came with a gig bag. That’s all I’ve got!
Key Features:
- Body: Nyatoh (Similar To Mahogany)
- Neck: Maple w/ 22 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
- Pickups: Ibanez Dynamix P & J Style
- Controls: 2 Volume, Master Tone, Active Bass Boost
- Gig Bag: No
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Ibanez GSR200BL
Like:
- Ibanez quality and features for a low price.
- Huge range of tones.
- Active bass boost for additional power.
- Lightweight and comfortable.
Dislike:
- No gig bag included.
- 9V battery required.
- The style may not be for everyone.
Overall, I would rate the trusty Ibanez GSR200BL as being one of the best beginner left handed bass guitars. They’re super versatile, look fantastic, are comfortable to hold, and you get a big brand name on your headstock for not a lot of money.
It is also a solid choice for an affordable recording bass for guitarists, or a backup instrument for more advanced bassists.
Shopping Links – Ibanez GSR200B
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
3. Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
Best Beginner Left Handed Jazz Bass
Shopping Links – Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
Here at LeftyFretz, I keep no secrets about my love for the Squier Classic Vibe series. For the money, this Fender-designed collection is tough to beat.
This range forms Squier’s flagship offering, and as such, these are instruments that can easily go toe to toe with some of their more expensive Fender cousins.
The Squier Classic Vibe 70s Left Handed Jazz Bass is modeled after a 1970s-era Fender Jazz Bass. It offers a comfortable offset body design and is an incredibly versatile instrument with a huge range of punchy tones available.
It features a lightweight poplar body and maple neck, and adds a 20 fret maple fingerboard to help brighten up the tone. The chunky block fretboard inlays mesh well with the gloss black body for an overall classy look.
The neck is a slim, beginner-friendly profile that tapers down to just 1.5 inches wide at the nut. It is ideal for unleashing fast and technical basslines and is also perfect for players with smaller hands.
The Classic Vibe features two Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups that serve up bags of the articulate and punchy tones that Jazz basses are famed for. Separate volume controls for each pickup let you precisely dial in a plethora of different sounds.
The main disadvantage to Jazz basses is that the single-coil pickups tend to exhibit a slight hum when played individually. However, this is just a standard trait of single-coil pickups and generally won’t be noticed when playing live in a band situation.
You can hear this bass in action in the video below. Note that the left handed model is not currently available in this sunburst finish.
What Is A Jazz Bass Good For?
Compared to the powerful grunt of a P bass, the Jazz bass offers more in the middle and treble frequencies. It is generally thought of as the more versatile model thanks to its dual single-coil pickups and separate volume controls.
It tends to be favored by fingerstyle or slap players, and is popular within genres such as jazz, funk, fusion, and prog metal. In saying that, the Jazz bass is known for its versatility and is widely used in virtually every genre of music.
Key Features:
- Body: Poplar
- Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Maple Fingerboard
- Pickups: 2 Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil Pickups
- Controls: 2 Volume Controls, Master Tone
- Gig Bag: No
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass
Like:
- Fender quality for a fraction of the price
- Incredibly versatile.
- Slim, fast neck.
- 2-year warranty included.
- Also a great option for intermediate players, or more advanced bassists looking for a solid backup instrument.
Dislike:
- No gig bag included.
- Only one color is available.
- Single-coil pickup hum.
An absolutely fantastic bass – I still actually use one as my main bass to this day! Brilliant for beginners, but also solid enough to be used by gigging musicians – what’s not to love?
Shopping Links – Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
4. Ibanez SR305EBL
5-String Left Handed Bass
Shopping Links – Ibanez SR305EBL
Buy From Thomann
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
The Ibanez SR305EBL is an excellent choice for bass players looking to expand their range with a 5-string instrument, particularly those who play heavier genres like metal.
The addition of a low B string gives bassists access to deeper, growling lows that are perfect for metal’s heavy riffs and aggressive soundscapes. The additional string not only adds more tonal options but also allows for more complex riffing and chordal playing.
This bass is equipped with Ibanez PowerSpan pickups, which provide a strong, punchy sound with clarity and articulation. They excel at cutting through dense guitar mixes, making sure your low end stays present, even in the most distorted metal mix.
Additionally, the 3-band EQ and Power Tap switch give you flexible control over your tone, allowing you to toggle between humbucking and single-coil modes. Perfect for dialing in that sharp, aggressive metal tone or a smoother, more rounded sound for other genres.
Another key advantage of the Ibanez SR305EBL is its lightweight body and slim neck profile, which make it comfortable to play during long performances or extended practice sessions.
Key Features:
- Body: Nyatoh
- Neck: 5-Piece Maple/Walnut w/ 20 Fret Jatoba Fingerboard
- Pickups: Ibanez PowerSpan Dual Coil
- Controls: Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/ 3-Way Power Tap Switch
- Gig Bag: No
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Basses
Like:
- Affordable 5-String From A Well-Respected Brand
- Lightweight Nyatoh Body
- Thin & Fast Ibanez SR5 Neck Profile
Dislike:
- No gig bag included
- No color choices
For metal bassists who need a bass capable of delivering low-end power and versatile tones, the Ibanez SR305EBL is an excellent choice.
Shopping Links – Ibanez SR305EBL
Buy From Thomann
Buy From Amazon
Buy From Sweetwater
5. Fender Player Basses
Most Popular Left Handed Bass Guitars
The Squier above is a superb bass, no doubt about it. But what if you really want that famous name on your headstock? Well, the good news is that Fender’s most affordable Player series offers up two excellent left handed bass guitars!
I say two, but with four different finishes available for each guitar there’s technically eight!
For the Fender Player basses, we have the choice between an excellent precision bass and a jazz bass. Those are the Fender Player Precision bass, and the Fender Player Jazz bass.
The Player Series is Fender’s most affordable line of instruments, produced in the brand’s Mexican factory to help keep costs down. These are professional-level basses that will last you for life – the value for money here is astonishing.
If a band is playing at your local bar it is more than likely that there will be one or more Player Series instruments on the stage. Such is their popularity that they have almost become synonymous with the gigging musician!
As a first bass, one of these two models would be exceptional, but more than likely these will be guitars that you will graduate onto later as your first serious bass. Let’s take a look at the two choices…
Fender Player Precision Bass
The thunderous Player left handed Fender Precision bass is available in four different finishes – 3-Color Sunburst, Polar White, Tidepool (Blue), and Black.
They all feature an alder body, a fast and comfortable modern-c maple neck with a 20-fret maple or pau Ferro fingerboard, a Fender split single-coil pickup, and a 4-saddle bridge for rock-solid tuning stability.
Check out the overview and demonstration video below to hear what the P bass is capable of. Note that the lefty model is not available in the buttercream finish shown.
The only real downside to this bass is that for this sort of money I really would have expected to see a gig bag bundled in. You’ll find a link to my accessories guide at the bottom of the page where you’ll discover some great gig bag and case choices.
Fender Player Jazz Bass
If the precision bass doesn’t quite tick all of your boxes, then perhaps the Player left handed Fender Jazz bass will! With bags of legendary jazz bass punch and growl on tap, this is truly an instrument upon which to get your groove on.
Like the P-bass, it is available in a selection of four juicy colors. These are Black, Polar White, 3-Color Sunburst, and Capri Orange. You will get a choice of maple or pau Ferro fingerboards depending on which finish you opt for.
Main features include a contoured offset alder body, a comfortable modern-c neck profile, two single-coil pickups with separate volume controls, a master tone pot, and an ultra-stable 4-saddle Fender bridge.
Check out Fender’s quick overview video below for an excellent demonstration of what the Jazz bass is capable of. Note that the lefty model is not currently available in the tidepool finish shown.
Again, the main downside with this bass is the lack of any bundled gig bag or case. You could also argue that the Squier Classic Vibes are damn near as good for half of the money – as long as you don’t mind losing the Fender logo on your headstock that is!
Key Features:
- Body: Alder
- Neck: Maple w/ 20 Fret Maple or Pau Ferro Fingerboard
- Pickups: Fender Designed Alnico Single-Coil Pickups
- Controls: 2 Volume Controls (Single on P-Bass), Master Tone
- Gig Bag: No
- Accessories: None
What I Like/Dislike About The Fender Player Basses
Like:
- Vintage vibe with a modern edge.
- The most affordable genuine Fenders available.
- Wide range of colors available.
- 2-year warranty included.
- A bass for life.
Dislike:
- No gig bag included.
These two instruments are undoubtedly the most popular left handed bass guitars available. They are the most affordable route to getting a genuine left handed Fender bass into your hands, and are loved by gigging musicians the world over.
So what do you say? Jazz bass or P Bass? In the links above you’ll find all of the different colors available for each model.
Bass Guitar Buying Advice
Should I Get a 4 or 5 String Bass?
5 (or 6, 7, and 8!) string basses have their place, but why pay more if you don’t need that extra range? For the majority of people, a 4 string left handed bass will be the perfect choice. It is the most common style and will handle the vast majority of musical genres.
In addition, new players may prefer to start out on a 4-string bass as the thinner neck will be easier to get to grips with. With fewer strings you will also have less to initially learn, it will be easier to keep strings from accidentally ringing out, plus the strings will be slightly wider apart, making it feel less cramped.
Players that might prefer a 5 string bass include those into heavier styles of music. The extra string will allow you to reach those lower notes without having to detune your 4 stringer and making the strings all floppy!
Look at what your favorite players use to get a good idea of which style is best for you. You can also check out my guide to the different types of bass guitar for more in-depth information!
Short Scale vs Long Scale Bass
All of the basses I have recommended above have a standard 34” scale length (also known as long scale). This is the most common bass scale length and is the best option for most.
A longer scale length bass will have improved string tension, plus a more defined and articulate sound.
Short-scale basses generally have a scale length of 31” or less. The main advantage of these instruments is their smaller physical size, plus a shorter distance between frets. This makes them ideal for smaller players or for those with smaller hands.
The downsides are that you’ll lose some of that crisp definition, and the strings will have a looser feel due to the lower tension.
Is Active Or Passive Bass Better?
In a nutshell, you can think of an active bass as being powered, and a passive bass as being…not..powered. An active bass system is generally run by a 9V battery.
But which to opt for? The best option will depend on your particular situation, so there isn’t a solid answer to this question!
The main advantage of an active bass is that they will generally offer more options for sculpting your tone. The disadvantage is that if you allow the battery to go flat, your tone will suffer.
As a beginner, I would personally stick with a passive bass (almost all of the suggestions above are passive), as it keeps things a little simpler for you. But since the only real difference is remembering to keep a charged battery, go for it if you think you will benefit!
How Much Should I Spend On A Bass?
I always suggest that new players should spend as much as they can comfortably afford. As they say, buy cheap, buy twice! Remember to factor in the cost of an amp and any other accessories you might need.
It would be incredible to grab a Fender Custom Shop bass as your first instrument, but that’s probably not the best idea for most! The majority of basses under $100 are essentially toys, so avoid those like the plague and instead stick with one of the options I’ve suggested above.
You won’t go wrong with any of the basses listed here!
Can I Use A Guitar Amp With A Bass?
If you are a guitarist looking to try out bass then you may be wondering if you can save a few bucks and just use your regular amp.
While the answer is that technically, yes, you can. However, you will probably want to pick up a bona fide bass amp. A guitar amp is not specifically designed to handle the lower frequencies produced by a bass, and you may end up actually damaging your speaker!
Check out the links at the bottom of this page to find my recommendations for quality bass amps.
Should I Get My Bass Setup?
It is generally a good idea to have a new instrument setup at your local guitar store. This process involves making a few key adjustments to make sure that your bass is in tip-top playing condition.
New players might make things unnecessarily hard on themselves by persevering with an instrument that is difficult to play. A mere 15 minutes in the hands of an experienced guitar tech could be all that’s needed to make that bass play buttery smooth!
Find out more in my complete guide to guitar setups.
Next Up – Amps!
So, now that you hopefully have selected your first bass you’ll probably want to check out part six below to pick out an amp to go with it.
Still have questions? Feel free to send me an email and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible! You’ll find a link to my contact form in the footer below.
Part One : Tips Before You Buy
Part Two : Beginner Electric Guitars
Part Three : Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Part Four : Beginner Bass Guitars
Part Five : Beginner Classical Guitars
Part Six : Amps
Part Seven : Effects
Part Eight : Accessories
Part Nine : Lessons
