The Best-Selling Bass Guitars of the Last 25 Years

The evolution of bass guitars over the past two decades has seen iconic models rise to define their era. From Fender's timeless Jazz and Precision Basses to the cutting-edge designs of Ibanez’s SR Series, each year has delivered a standout favorite. This list chronicles the best-selling bass guitars from 2000 to 2024, spotlighting their prices now, taking a look at their standout features, drawbacks, and why they captured the spotlight.

2000: Fender Precision Bass (Made in Mexico)

Price: $350 - $450 (used)
What's Great: Classic Fender tone with a solid, reliable build. Affordable for those seeking a Precision Bass sound without breaking the bank.
What's Bad: Not as premium as the American-made models, and the neck can feel a bit bulkier for some players.
Noteworthy: Offers a timeless, punchy tone, making it a go-to for players across genres, particularly rock and punk.

2001: Fender Deluxe Active Jazz Bass

Price: $700 - $900 (used)
What's Great: Active electronics provide a wide tonal range with punchy lows and crisp highs. Versatile and modern.
What's Bad: The active system requires a 9V battery, which can be a hassle to replace.
Noteworthy: Combines the classic Jazz Bass feel with modern features, making it appealing to both traditional and contemporary players.

2002: Fender Deluxe Zone Bass

Price: $500 - $650 (used)
What's Great: High-output humbucker pickups and active electronics give it a thick, powerful sound. Great value for the price.
What's Bad: Limited appeal due to its unusual styling compared to traditional Fender basses.
Noteworthy: A unique offering in the Fender lineup, appealing to players seeking something different.

2003: Fender American Standard Precision Bass

Price: $1,000 - $1,200 (used)
What's Great: Classic Fender tone, sturdy construction, and great playability. Known for its punchy and clear sound.
What's Bad: Some players may find the neck a bit chunky. Higher price point compared to other models in its class.
Noteworthy: A staple in the world of bass guitars, the Precision continues to be a preferred choice for professionals and amateurs alike.

2004: Fender American Deluxe Jazz Bass

Price: $1,200 - $1,500 (used)
What's Great: Features noiseless pickups for a cleaner sound, modern neck profile, and a sleek finish. Excellent for live performance.
What's Bad: The price might be a bit steep for players looking for something more affordable.
Noteworthy: One of the first models to introduce Fender’s Noiseless pickups, a major step forward in reducing unwanted hum.

2005: Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay

Price: $1,500 - $2,000 (used)
What's Great: Powerful, punchy sound with its signature humbucking pickup. High-quality build and hardware, great for a variety of genres.
What's Bad: Some might find it too heavy and bulky. Price is on the higher side.
Noteworthy: A favorite among rock, funk, and pop bassists for its dynamic and cutting tone.

2006: Fender Standard Jazz Bass (Made in Mexico)

Price: $400 - $500 (used)
What's Great: Affordable yet high-quality Jazz Bass with great tone versatility.
What's Bad: Lower-tier components compared to the American models, but still decent for the price.
Noteworthy: Provides a solid entry point into the Fender Jazz Bass lineup, making it a popular choice for beginners.

2007: Ibanez SRX705 Soundgear

Price: $400 - $500 (used)
What's Great: Sleek design with a modern, punchy sound, thanks to active electronics and a versatile 5-string setup.
What's Bad: Some might prefer a more traditional bass look. Active pickups require battery changes.
Noteworthy: Known for being a well-rounded bass that fits in with modern metal, rock, and funk genres.

2008: Squier Vintage Modified Jazz Bass

Price: $250 - $350 (used)
What's Great: Great entry-level instrument with a vintage vibe. Excellent value for money.
What's Bad: Not as refined as higher-end Fender models, but it gets the job done for the price.
Noteworthy: Gained a reputation for being one of the best budget-friendly Jazz Basses on the market.

2009: Fender American Standard Jazz Bass

Price: $1,200 - $1,400 (used)
What's Great: High-quality construction with Fender’s signature bright, punchy tone. Comfortable neck and great playability.
What's Bad: Still quite expensive, which could be prohibitive for some players.
Noteworthy: One of the go-to models for professional players across all genres.

2010: Fender Standard Precision Bass

Price: $500 - $650 (used)
What's Great: Classic, simple design with a punchy and warm tone, perfect for rock, blues, and punk.
What's Bad: Limited tonal flexibility compared to a Jazz Bass, but that's to be expected from a Precision.
Noteworthy: Consistently one of the most popular bass guitars, thanks to its simplicity and iconic sound.

2011: Squier Vintage Modified Precision Bass

Price: $300 - $400 (used)
What's Great: Great value for money with a classic P-Bass design. Excellent for beginners and players on a budget.
What's Bad: The hardware isn’t as high-end as pricier models, but still very functional.
Noteworthy: One of the best low-cost options for those wanting the classic Precision Bass feel.

2012: Fender 60th Anniversary Precision Bass

Price: $900 - $1,100 (used)
What's Great: A modern take on the classic P-Bass with vintage-style pickups and a commemorative design.
What's Bad: Higher price point might not justify the subtle upgrades for some.
Noteworthy: A limited edition release marking 60 years of the Precision Bass.

2013: Fender American Standard Jazz Bass

Price: $1,200 - $1,400 (used)
What's Great: Quality construction, versatile tone, and smooth playability. The American Standard line was highly regarded.
What's Bad: Still on the pricier side for players looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Noteworthy: Known for being the standard to which all other Jazz Basses are compared.

2014: Squier Classic Vibe Jazz Bass

Price: $350 - $450 (used)
What's Great: High-quality build with vintage-inspired tones at a reasonable price.
What's Bad: It’s a Squier, so some players may feel it’s inferior to Fender’s higher-end models.
Noteworthy: Squier’s Classic Vibe series received strong praise for offering an authentic feel at an entry-level price.

2015: Fender American Standard Precision Bass

Price: $1,200 - $1,400 (used)
What's Great: Premium quality, classic P-Bass punch and clarity. Durable and reliable for professional use.
What's Bad: Higher price point compared to other options on the market.
Noteworthy: Fender’s flagship bass model, still favored by professionals for its no-nonsense performance.

2016: Fender American Elite Jazz Bass

Price: $1,500 - $1,800 (used)
What's Great: Loaded with modern features like Noiseless pickups, a slimmer neck profile, and advanced electronics.
What's Bad: Pricey for players who prefer a more traditional Jazz Bass experience.
Noteworthy: A top choice for bassists seeking both modern enhancements and classic tone.

2017: Ibanez SR2600 Soundgear

Price: $1,200 - $1,500 (used)
What's Great: Lightweight and ergonomic, with a smooth neck and versatile electronics.
What's Bad: The sleek design may not appeal to traditional bass players.
Noteworthy: Known for being a well-rounded and high-performance bass guitar, favored by many modern bassists.

2018: Fender American Professional Precision Bass

Price: $1,400 - $1,600 (used)
What's Great: Upgraded pickups and a redesigned neck profile offer improved playability and tone.
What's Bad: Still somewhat expensive, especially for those new to bass playing.
Noteworthy: One of Fender’s most reliable professional-level basses, with consistent praise from both novice and pro players.

2019: Fender Player Jazz Bass

Price: $600 - $700 (new)
What's Great: Great entry-level Jazz Bass with solid craftsmanship and versatile tones.
What's Bad: Not quite as polished as higher-end Fender models.
Noteworthy: A great option for players looking for a quality instrument at a mid-range price point.

2020: Fender Player Precision Bass

Price: $650 - $750 (new)
What's Great: Affordable yet high-quality Precision Bass with a classic sound.
What's Bad: Some players feel the hardware could be upgraded.
Noteworthy: A best-seller in the Player Series for its blend of affordability and classic Fender sound.

2021: Fender Vintera '60s Precision Bass

Price: $950 - $1,100 (new)
What's Great: Vintage-inspired design with a classic tone and feel.
What's Bad: The pickups may not be as modern-sounding as some players prefer.
Noteworthy: Fender’s Vintera series provides a nostalgic experience with solid craftsmanship.

2022: Fender Player Plus Jazz Bass

Price: $1,000 - $1,200 (new)
What's Great: Modern upgrades, including Noiseless pickups and a comfortable neck.
What's Bad: Still a little pricey for players who want the classic sound at a lower price.
Noteworthy: A fantastic option for players seeking a professional-quality bass

without the hefty price tag of American-made models.

2023: Fender American Ultra Jazz Bass

Price: $2,000 - $2,300 (new)
What's Great: Loaded with advanced features like Ultra Noiseless pickups and a fast, modern neck profile.
What's Bad: The high price may turn off players who are more budget-conscious.
Noteworthy: A top-tier bass guitar, perfect for professional-level performances and studio recordings.

2024: Fender Player Jazz Bass

Price: $650 - $750 (new)
What's Great: Great tone and build quality for a mid-range bass guitar. Perfect for those looking for a well-rounded instrument.
What's Bad: The sound may not be as full-bodied as higher-end models.
Noteworthy: Continues to be a popular choice among bassists for its reliable performance and versatile sound.