Should You Rent or Buy a Bass?
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing the Right Bass Gear
As the founder and lead Bass instructor at Loop Music Academy, I often get this question from parents: “Should we rent or buy a bass for our child?”
It’s a great question! Choosing the right bass setup is a big step in setting up your student for success in their lessons. In this guide, I’ll break down the pros and cons of renting vs. buying, recommend the best beginner basses, and cover the essential gear you’ll need.
Renting vs. Buying – Which Is Right for You?
Pros & Cons
What Type of Bass Is Best for Beginners?
The right bass will make learning much easier for your student. Here’s what to consider:
Electric vs. Acoustic Bass: Almost all beginners should start with an electric bass because it’s easier to play and works for most styles of music.
How Many Strings?: I recommend a bass with 4 strings, as this sets the foundation for all good bass players.
Recommended Beginner Basses: Some great starter basses include:
Squier Affinity Precision Bass – Affordable and great quality for the price.
Yamaha TRBX174 – A solid beginner bass with a comfortable feel.
Squier Sonic Precision Bass – A beginner-friendly bass perfect for students.
Essential Gear – What Do You Really Need?
Besides the bass itself, here’s what your student will need to get started:
Amp: A small, beginner-friendly amp like the Fender Rumble 15 is perfect.
Cable: A reliable 10-15 ft instrument cable.
Tuner: A clip-on tuner like a Snark Tuner or a tuner app for their phone.
Strap & Stand: A good strap for comfort and a stand to keep the bass safe.
Extras: Picks (even if they play fingerstyle), a gig bag, and headphones for quiet practice.
What’s a Reasonable Budget?
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to spend:
Renting Costs:
$20-$40 per month – Rental programs vary, but this is a common range.
Total for one year: $240-$480.
Rent through Guitar Center here.
Buying Costs:
Beginner bass: $200-$400
Small amp: $100-$200
Accessories (cable, tuner, strap, stand): $50
Total Beginner Setup: $350-$700
While renting may be cheaper upfront, buying is often the smarter choice if your student sticks with lessons for more than a year.
Sweetwater is a great place to purchase. I recommend Tone Shop Guitars in Dallas, Texas for in-person purchases.
Conclusion: Making the Best Choice for Your Young Bassist
So, should you rent or buy a bass? If your student is unsure about long-term commitment, renting is a risk-free option. But if they’re excited about learning bass, buying an affordable beginner setup is usually the best way to go.
I usually recommend buying the bass guitar, as this results in the most value for the student and family. If your student loses interest, it is extremely easy to re-sell your used gear for close to its original price!
If you’re still unsure, I’d be happy to help! At Loop Music Academy, we guide parents and students through the process of picking the right instrument. Feel free to reach out for a free consultation, and we can help you make the best choice for your young bassist.
Email me at loopmusicacademy@gmail.com, and I’d love to help you through the process.
Ready to get started? Contact us today and let’s find the perfect bass for your student!