Bass Guitars

Step into the realm of thunderous low-end, rock-solid reliability, and flawless playability with our curated collection of bass guitars. Built for professional session players, touring artists, and passionate beginners who demand the very best, these instruments represent the absolute pinnacle of modern and vintage-inspired design. From the warm, traditional punch of a classic 4 string bass guitars model to the active, extended-range versatility of an electric bass guitar 5 string, we offer an exceptional range. As a premier independent dealer for electric bass guitar models in the UK, MusicStreet is proud to offer these exceptional creations.

Because every bassist deserves a perfectly playing instrument, every single bass guitar we sell undergoes a rigorous, multi-point inspection and a professional workshop setup (worth £75) by our expert techs in our Huntingdon showroom before shipping, ensuring flawless playability straight out of the box.

✓ Hand-Selected Premium Stock ✓ Free UK Delivery over £99 ✓ Professional Setup Included

Why Buy Bass Guitars from MusicStreet?

The bass guitar is the heartbeat of any band, locking down the rhythm and driving the harmonic foundation. But a poorly set up bass with high action, uneven frets, or a twisted neck can ruin your playing experience. At MusicStreet, we eliminate the guesswork. We inspect, adjust, and play-test every single bass guitar to ensure it delivers maximum punch, perfect intonation, and effortless playability.

🔧 Free £75 Professional Setup

Every bass is individually set up in our in-house workshop. We adjust the action, saddle height, and neck relief to ensure effortless playability straight out of the box.

🛡️ 12-Month Warranty

We stand behind every instrument we sell. All of our bass guitars come with a full 12-month warranty, giving you complete peace of mind with your purchase.

🚚 Free UK Delivery & 14-Day Returns

Get free, fully insured UK shipping on all orders over £99. If the guitar isn't the perfect fit for your hands, return it to us within 14 days for a hassle-free refund or exchange.

Choosing Your Bass: 4-String, 5-String, and Scale Lengths

Finding the right bass guitar depends heavily on your musical style, physical comfort, and tonal requirements. Understanding the key differences in string counts and scale lengths will help you make the perfect choice:

Classic 4-String Bass Guitars

The industry standard. A 4-string bass is tuned E-A-D-G, offering a narrower neck that is highly comfortable for beginners and traditionalists alike. It excels in rock, pop, blues, funk, and jazz, providing all the low-end foundation most players will ever need.

Extended-Range 5-String Basses

For modern metal, gospel, R&B, and session work, a 5-string bass adds a low B string (tuned B-E-A-D-G). This gives you access to deep, sub-bass frequencies and allows you to play lower notes higher up the neck, reducing the need for horizontal hand movement.

Short-Scale vs. Long-Scale Basses

Standard long-scale basses feature a 34" scale length for tight, punchy string tension. However, short-scale basses (typically 30") offer a smaller fret spacing and lower string tension. This makes them incredibly comfortable for players with smaller hands, guitarists transitioning to bass, or anyone seeking a warm, round, vintage-inspired tone.

Bass Guitar Trade-In & Part-Exchange Program

Ready to upgrade your low-end rig? We make it incredibly easy to trade in your current gear. Through our straightforward guitar part-exchange program, you can bring your old bass, guitar, amplifier, or effects pedals into our showroom (or send us details online) and put its value directly toward any new or used bass in our store.

Visit Our Huntingdon Showroom to Try Our Basses

If you are searching for premium bass guitars near me in Cambridgeshire, visit our showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon. We feature a dedicated testing area where you can plug into high-quality bass amplifiers and compare different models side-by-side. Our friendly, knowledgeable team is always on hand to help you find your perfect tone.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bass Guitars

What is the difference between active and passive bass guitars? +

Passive basses use traditional electronics that require no battery, delivering a warm, dynamic, and organic tone favored in classic rock, blues, and vintage soul. Active basses feature an onboard preamp powered by a 9V battery, offering higher output, lower noise, and powerful EQ controls (bass, mid, treble boost/cut) for modern, punchy, and highly versatile tones.

Is a 5-string bass harder to play than a 4-string bass? +

A 5-string bass has a slightly wider neck and closer string spacing to accommodate the extra low B string. While it requires a small adjustment to your fretting hand and muting technique (to keep the unused strings quiet), many players find the transition straightforward and highly rewarding for the extra low-end range.

What is included in your £75 professional setup? +

Our expert in-house technicians perform a complete multi-point inspection. This includes adjusting the neck relief (truss rod), setting the optimal string action (height) at both the nut and bridge saddles, setting the intonation, cleaning and conditioning the fretboard, polishing the frets, checking all electronics/pots, and installing a fresh set of premium strings.

Can I trade in my old gear for a new bass? +

Absolutely. We offer a highly competitive part-exchange program. You can bring your gear directly to our Huntingdon showroom for an on-the-spot valuation, or contact us online with photos and details to receive a preliminary trade-in estimate.

The Ultimate Bass Guitar Buyer's Guide

What separates a professional-grade electric bass guitar from standard production models? Whether you are looking for your very first beginner electric bass or upgrading to a custom-built German masterpiece, understanding the core components of bass design is critical to finding your perfect voice.

4-String vs. 5-String Basses:
4-String Basses: The traditional standard. Featuring a narrower neck and wider string spacing, a 4 string bass guitars model is incredibly comfortable to play and delivers the classic, punchy midrange that has anchored rock, funk, and soul recordings for decades.
5-String Basses: For modern players who demand extended range. An electric bass guitar 5 string model adds a low-B string, providing deep, authoritative low-end thump perfect for modern rock, metal, gospel, and session work without needing to detune.
Scale Length (Long Scale vs. Short Scale):
Long Scale (34"): The industry standard, offering tight string tension, exceptional sustain, and a bright, articulate note definition.
Short Scale (30"): Featuring a shorter neck and closer fret spacing, short scale bass guitars are incredibly comfortable and fast to play, making them a favorite for players with smaller hands, guitarists transitioning to bass, and anyone seeking a warmer, rounder, and more vintage-inspired low-end thump.

Explore Our Premium Bass Brands

Fender & Squier (The Industry Standards)

The undisputed icons of bass history. From the punchy, mid-forward growl of the Precision Bass to the bright, articulate versatility of the Jazz Bass, Fender and Squier offer instruments that have defined the sound of modern music. Squier's Affinity and Classic Vibe series represent the ultimate good starter bass options, delivering authentic Fender tones and playability at a highly accessible price point.

Sandberg Guitars (German Custom Shop)

The absolute pinnacle of modern custom craftsmanship. Handcrafted in Braunschweig, Germany, Sandberg basses combine traditional luthiery with advanced precision engineering. Featuring their signature California series, custom-voiced active electronics, and stunning hand-applied aging treatments, Sandberg delivers unparalleled dynamic range and tour-ready reliability.

Yamaha & Ibanez (Modern Active Versatility)

For players seeking modern ergonomics and active tonal versatility. Yamaha's BB and TRBX series, along with Ibanez's SR and BTB lines, feature ultra-slim neck profiles, lightweight contoured bodies, and advanced active EQs, making them the ultimate studio and stage workhorses for modern rock, metal, and fusion styles.

4. The MusicStreet Difference: Workshop-Prepared Playability

At MusicStreet, we don't believe in "box shifting." Bass guitars are highly sensitive instruments with high string tension, and their playability is highly sensitive to setup.

Every single bass guitar that leaves our Huntingdon showroom undergoes a rigorous, multi-point inspection and a professional workshop setup (worth £75) by our expert guitar techs. We adjust the action, neck relief, nut slots, saddle height, and intonation to ensure your new instrument plays effortlessly and sounds spectacular straight out of the box.

No Drop-Shipping: Every guitar listed on our site is physically in stock at our Huntingdon store.
1-Year Warranty: We back every instrument we sell with a comprehensive 1-year warranty.
Free UK Shipping: Enjoy free, fully insured UK shipping on all orders over £99, with competitive rates worldwide.
Flexible Financing: Buy with confidence using Klarna or PayPal split payments.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best bass guitar for a beginner?

For most beginners, a high-quality passive 4-string bass (such as a Squier Classic Vibe Precision or Jazz Bass, or a Yamaha BB series) is highly recommended as a beginner electric bass. These instruments feature comfortable neck profiles, straightforward controls, and highly versatile tones that allow you to focus entirely on developing your technique.

What is the benefit of a short-scale bass guitar?

A short-scale bass (typically 30" scale length) features a shorter neck and closer fret spacing, making it incredibly comfortable and fast to play, especially for younger players, students, or guitarists transitioning to bass. Tonal character-wise, short-scale basses deliver a warmer, rounder, and more focused low-end thump with sweet, singing highs.

Does my bass guitar come set up?

Yes. Every bass guitar purchased from MusicStreet receives a professional, custom setup in our in-house workshop before dispatch. If you have specific preferences for string gauge or tuning, simply let us know when placing your order, and our techs will configure it to your exact specifications.

Can I try these basses in person?

Absolutely. We welcome you to visit our independent showroom at 10 Chequers Court, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. You can get hands-on with our collection, test them through premium amplifiers, and get honest, expert advice from our team of working musicians.