Shopping for a bass guitar isn't a single decision. You might be picking your first instrument, looking for a second bass, or trying to change the tone of one you already have. These four options cover all of those cases: a set of foam mutes for an existing bass, a full beginner kit with an amp, a used ESP LTD with an extra pickup, and an ESP LTD built for a different playing feel. The listed prices span from the low single digits to the mid-four-figures, so your budget will point you in the right direction.
Quick take
If you're starting from scratch, the Ktaxon kit pairs a full-size bass with an amp. If you already own a bass and want a vintage-style muted tone, the Lot of 3 bass guitar THICK mutes is an inexpensive add-on. Players who want a used instrument with an extra pickup can look at the ESP LTD AP 4-String. The ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale covers a different feel and a used build.
Listed price comparison
| Product | Listed price | Price bar |
|---|---|---|
| Lot of 3 bass guitar THICK mutes | USD 5.95 | |
| Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size, Beginner Kit With 20W Bass AMP | USD 98.99 | |
| ESP LTD AP 4-String Bass Guitar Satin Black Finish | USD 592.00 | |
| ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale 4 String Electric Bass Guitar - Natural | USD 1,449.00 |
Decision matrix
| Your situation | Recommended match |
|---|---|
| You need a cheap vintage-tone add-on for an existing bass | Lot of 3 bass guitar THICK mutes |
| You're starting from zero and need a bass plus amp | Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Kit |
| You want a used 4-string with pickups included | ESP LTD AP 4-String Bass Guitar |
| You want an ergonomic fretboard design in a used bass | ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale |
Product notes
Lot of 3 bass guitar THICK mutes
Strictly speaking, this is not a bass guitar; it's a set of three foam mutes designed to fit 4- and 5-string Fender/Squier basses and similar instruments. At USD 5.95, it's the least expensive way here to get closer to a vintage Motown-style thump without palm muting. The foam blocks measure 3/4" x 1 1/4" x 4" and can be installed flat, stood on end, or trimmed with a razor blade. It's new and made in the United States. The limitation is clear: you need a bass guitar to attach these to, and they don't change pickups, electronics, or amplifier tone.
Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar, Full Size, Beginner Kit With 20W Bass AMP
Unless you already own an amp, this kit gives you a full-size 4-string bass and a 20W bass amp for one listed price: USD 98.99. It includes closed SS pickups and thicker strings with higher tension than a regular guitar, which is why it's marketed as a beginner bass kit. It's new, and the layout is straightforward: plug the bass into the included amp and play. The limitation is that a beginner kit is a starting point; you'll likely want a more tailored setup later as your playing grows. If you want a single package to get started, this covers the essentials.
ESP LTD AP 4-String Bass Guitar Satin Black Finish
At USD 592.00, this used ESP LTD AP is a 4-string electric bass with a satin black finish, solid alder body, bolt-on maple neck, ebony fingerboard, and 21 stainless steel frets. It comes with an EMG 35J installed plus an extra EMG 35CS pickup, roundwound strings, and a set of flatwound strings. Condition is good, with no functional or cosmetic damage. The limitation is that it's a used instrument, so it's best for buyers comfortable with a used purchase. If you're looking for a rock, metal, studio, or theater-style bass with replacement pickups already added, this is the one to focus on.
ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale 4 String Electric Bass Guitar - Natural
This is the top listed price in the group at USD 1,449.00, and it's a used instrument in excellent, near-mint condition with little to no play wear. The multi-scale fretboard is designed to optimize string tension across the neck, and the build includes a swamp ash body, ziricote top, wenge/purple heart neck, Nordstrand Big Splits pickups, 3-band active EQ, Hipshot Solo bridge, Gotoh tuners, and a TKL padded gig bag. The limitation is the price: it's the biggest investment here by a wide margin. It makes the most sense for a player who wants ergonomic multi-scale benefits and is ready for a near-mint used bass.
Final recommendation by use case
If you're starting out from zero, the Ktaxon 4 String Electric Bass Guitar Beginner Kit with 20W Bass AMP is the one to choose because it combines the bass and amp in one package. If you already have a bass and want a quick way to change its tone, the Lot of 3 bass guitar THICK mutes is the least expensive add-on. If you want a used ESP LTD with pickups already installed, the ESP LTD AP is the middle-priced option. And if you want multi-scale ergonomics and a different feel, the ESP LTD B-1004 Multi-Scale is the advanced choice.
