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The Best Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric Basses

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Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Selecting the right acoustic or acoustic-electric bass is crucial for any musician seeking a natural, resonant tone. Whether you're a beginner looking for your first instrument or an experienced player exploring new sonic territories, the right bass will inspire your playing and enhance your sound. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations.

No. 1
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 String, Fretted Bass Guitar w/Padded Gig Bag...
  • ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS: Equipped with a 4-band EQ-7545R preamp to produce high-quality audio for hours of musical practice and play
  • 4-BAND PREAMP: Experiment and customize your sound with built-in volume control! A 4-band equalizer lets you adjust bass, middle, treble, and presence with ease
  • ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Crafted with an attractive sound hole inlay, chrome die-cast tuners, and a glossy finish for easy upkeep
  • CUTAWAY SHAPE: A classic design, the cutaway shape combines a rich, supple tone with easy access to the higher frets for a more diverse sound
  • PADDED CASE: A convenient carrying case comes with backpack straps, a durable padded material lining, three storage pockets, and a non-slip rubber pad for quick access to your instrument; BASS GUITAR DIMENSIONS: 15.5"(L) x 4.5"(W) x 43.7"(H)
No. 2
Washburn WA90CE Acoustic-Electric Guitar Kit Tobacco Burst
  • AN AMERICAN ORIGINAL 130 years of history is at the root of our foundation building high quality instruments. Many of the biggest names in music have played Washburn and some of the most significant trendsetting songs has been played on a Washburn
  • THE GO-TO COMPANION The Washburn WA90CE dreadnought acoustic-electric guitar is a go-to companion for the living room, the campfire or the stage, with a solid balance of stability, tone and aesthetics
  • BODY & FINISH The cutaway makes it easy to reach the uppermost frets. It has Okoume wood back and sides, and Transparent Black Burst color with gloss finish. The WA90CE is ideal for strumming, playing some blues or bluegrass flat picking
  • BARCUS BERRY ELECTRONICS The Barcus Berry LX4 preamp with built-in tuner means you’ll always be ready to plug in and in perfect tune. Bass, Middle, Treble, Presence, Volume, Tuner on/off controls makes this perfect to take anywhere and play anytime!
  • NECK & HARDWARE Additional features include chrome die-cast tuners, a walnut bridge and an ABS saddle and nut. Great guitar for adults
No. 3
Cordoba Mini II Acoustic Electric Bass MHE
  • The Mini II Bass is here to expand your horizons and your registers!
  • Features an extended 580mm (22 7/8”) scale length so it tunes perfectly to Standard E
  • Keep it acoustic and the Mini II Bass's deeper body depth will provide a well-rounded tone
  • Use its Cordoba MB103 pickup to plug it in and you'll be surprised by this portable bass's rich, robust tone
  • Built with all-mahogany woods, the Mini II Bass MHE's unique voice is mellow, soft and balanced
  • Natural wood has unique spirit and varies greatly in color richness and wood grain; Product shipped may appear lighter or darker in color than the product shown here.
No. 4
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 String, Fretted Bass Guitar w/Padded Gig Bag...
  • ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS: Equipped with a 4-band EQ-7545R preamp to produce high-quality audio for hours of musical practice and play
  • 4-BAND PREAMP: Experiment and customize your sound with built-in volume control! A 4-band equalizer lets you adjust bass, middle, treble, and presence with ease
  • ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Crafted with an attractive sound hole inlay, chrome die-cast tuners, and a glossy finish for easy upkeep
  • CUTAWAY SHAPE: A classic design, the cutaway shape combines a rich, supple tone with easy access to the higher frets for a more diverse sound
  • PADDED CASE: A convenient carrying case comes with backpack straps, a durable padded material lining, three storage pockets, and a non-slip rubber pad for quick access to your instrument; BASS GUITAR DIMENSIONS: 15.5"(L) x 4.5"(W) x 43.7"(H)
SaleNo. 5
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size 4 String, Fretted Bass Guitar w/Padded Gig Bag...
  • ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC BASS: Equipped with a 4-band EQ-7545R preamp to produce high-quality audio for hours of musical practice and play
  • 4-BAND PREAMP: Experiment and customize your sound with built-in volume control! A 4-band equalizer lets you adjust bass, middle, treble, and presence with ease
  • ATTRACTIVE DESIGN: Crafted with an attractive sound hole inlay, chrome die-cast tuners, and a glossy finish for easy upkeep
  • CUTAWAY SHAPE: A classic design, the cutaway shape combines a rich, supple tone with easy access to the higher frets for a more diverse sound
  • PADDED CASE: A convenient carrying case comes with backpack straps, a durable padded material lining, three storage pockets, and a non-slip rubber pad for quick access to your instrument; BASS GUITAR DIMENSIONS: 15.5"(L) x 4.5"(W) x 43.7"(H)
No. 6
Best Choice Products Beginner Acoustic Electric Guitar Starter Set w/ 41in, All Wood Cutaway Design, Gig Bag...
  • ALL-IN-ONE ACOUSTIC-ELECTRIC GUITAR KIT: No need to purchase any additional accessories, this all-inclusive set comes with an amplifier, gig bag, strap, pick set, and more
  • ULTIMATE BEGINNERS & INTERMEDIATE GUITAR: Experiment with the sound settings to better fit your genre and style; adjust the treble, bass, middle, tone, and volume from the guitar's body and amplifier
  • PLAY ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC: This classic guitar can be plugged into an amplifier for a customizable electric tone, or played without one for an acoustic sound. A headphone jack in the amplifier lets you practice privately without disturbing those around
  • FIT FOR ALL AGES: Playing guitar is easy for beginners and experienced players alike with 11 accessories including a pick-guard that keeps your guitar body scratch-free
  • EASY TO PLAY: This acoustic-electric is comfortable to hold, with a cutaway shape that allows you to more comfortably reach past the neck and hit higher notes on the fretboard; OVERALL DIMENSIONS: 41"(L) x 15.5"(W) x 4.5"(H)
SaleNo. 7
Donner Acoustic Electric Guitar Full Size Kit for Beginner Intermediate with Amplifier Capo Pick Tuner Strings...
  • 【Acoustic-Electric】: Built-in passive guitar pickup for amplified use, with volume control ranging from 0 to 100 and tone adjustment from ±10, allowing for various tonal preferences
  • 【Slim Body with Rich Sound】: Equipped with a spruce top and slim body design, it offers portability, elegance, and comfortable playability, delivering a richer, brighter sound with a balanced tone and a full mid-range
  • 【Full-Size Cutaway Design】: The 41-inch acoustic electric guitar with a cutaway body provides a full and vibrant tone, versatile for all styles of music
  • 【Easy Playability】: Classic all-wood cutaway gloss body with highly translucent paint and high-precision polishing process, showcases delicate wood grain for a comfortable feel and exquisite craftsmanship 【Note: Due to the high-precision polishing...
  • 【Beginner Complete Kit】: Includes an exclusive sound AMP, tuner, capo, strings, strap, picks, wrench and 10 feet 1/4(6.3 mm) guitar cable, eliminating the need for additional purchases for performance
No. 8
Fender CD-60SCE Dreadnought Cutaway Acoustic Electric Guitar, with 2-Year Warranty, Fishman Pickup and Preamp...
  • Single-cutaway dreadnought body style
  • Fishman Classic Design pickup/preamp
  • Solid spruce top with scalloped "X"-bracing
  • Mahogany back and sides
  • Easy-to-play neck with rolled fingerboard edges
  • Also available in left-handed, and as a 12-string
  • Hand orientation: Right
No. 10
Epiphone J-200 Studio EC Jumbo Acoustic Electric, Vintage Sunburst with Bag
  • Part of the all-new Epiphone Studio Acoustic Collection, these guitars have been completely reimagined to offer the most authentic acoustic guitars inspired by iconic Gibson designs
  • Features a layered maple body with four-ply binding on the top, single-ply binding on the back
  • The mahogany neck is joined to the body with a glued-in tapered dovetail neck-to-body joint and has a 1960s SlimTaper D profile
  • Equipped with Fishman electronics, including an S-Core under-saddle pickup and Fishman Presys II preamp with side-mounted volume, bass, treble, and phase controls
  • Includes a Standard Gig Bag

Last update on 2026-09-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric Basses

Key Factors to Consider When Buying an Acoustic Bass

When choosing between acoustic and acoustic-electric basses, several factors will influence your decision and the overall playing experience.
  • Body Size and Comfort: Acoustic basses come in various body sizes, from smaller parlor models to larger dreadnoughts. Larger bodies generally produce more volume and resonance, but can be less comfortable for smaller players or those accustomed to electric basses. Consider your physical build and playing style when evaluating body dimensions.
  • Tonewoods and Sound: The type of wood used for the body, top, and neck significantly impacts the bass's tone. Common choices like spruce tops offer bright, clear projection, while mahogany bodies provide warmth and sustain. Rosewood often adds complexity and richness. Explore different wood combinations to find a sound that complements your musical genre.
  • Electronics (for Acoustic-Electric Models): If you plan to amplify your bass, the built-in electronics are vital. Look for reputable pickup systems (piezo, magnetic, or blend) and preamps with onboard tuners and EQ controls. These features allow you to shape your amplified sound and easily tune up on stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between an acoustic bass and an acoustic-electric bass?
An acoustic bass is designed to produce sound purely through its resonant body. An acoustic-electric bass includes built-in electronics, such as a pickup and preamp, allowing it to be amplified through a sound system or amplifier.
Are acoustic basses loud enough for band practice?
Acoustic basses offer a natural, warm tone that can be heard in smaller ensembles or acoustic settings. For louder band practices, especially with electric guitars and drums, an acoustic-electric model amplified through a PA system or bass amplifier is generally recommended.
What tonewood is best for a warm sound?
Woods like mahogany or rosewood are often favored for their warm, rich tonal characteristics. A mahogany body paired with a spruce top can offer a balanced sound with good projection and a pleasing low-end response.
How important is the neck profile for an acoustic bass?
The neck profile significantly affects comfort and playability, especially for longer playing sessions. Slimmer 'C' or 'D' profiles are often preferred by players accustomed to electric basses, while thicker profiles can offer more stability and a fuller feel.