# Which long-scale bass guitar offers the best value for money under $500? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which long-scale bass guitar offers the best value for money under $500?

## Products

### Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay 5 RAY5HH 5-String Cobra Blue RAY5HHCOBM1
```yaml
product: sterling-by-music-man-sub-stingray-5-ray5hh-5-string-cobra-blue-ray5hhcobm1
brand: Sterling by Music Man
price_gbp: 367.17
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Fixed Bridge
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Jabon
neck_material: Hard Maple
number_of_frets: 22 Medium Frets
pickup_configuration: HH - 2 Ceramic Humbuckers
```

- **Price:** £367.17 [^1]
- **Summary:** The RAY5HH is a long-scale five-string bass with a Jabon body, Hard Maple neck, active 2-band preamp, and two ceramic humbuckers controlled by a 5-way selector. It suits beginners, gigging players, and bassists who want versatile StingRay-style tones at an accessible price.
- **Ideal For:** This offers strong value under $500 when available at that price, combining a full 34 in scale, 22 frets, five-string range, fixed bridge, active preamp, and versatile dual-humbucker configuration.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3]

### Sterling by Music Man SUB StingRay 5 RAY5HH 5-String Stealth Black RAY5HHSBKJ1
```yaml
product: sterling-by-music-man-sub-stingray-5-ray5hh-5-string-stealth-black-ray5hhsbkj1
brand: Sterling by Music Man
price_gbp: 354.66
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Fixed Bridge
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Jabon
neck_material: Hard Maple
number_of_frets: 22 medium
pickup_configuration: HH - 2 ceramic humbuckers
```

- **Price:** £354.66 [^4]
- **Summary:** This 5-string bass combines a 34 in scale, Jabon body, hard maple neck, fixed bridge, and two ceramic humbuckers with a 5-way selector and active preamp. It suits beginners and intermediate players who want versatile StingRay-style tones for rock, funk, recording, and live performance.
- **Ideal For:** Its 34 in long scale, sturdy fixed bridge, active 2-band preamp, and versatile dual-humbucker configuration provide strong value for players seeking a flexible 5-string bass around the under-$500 category.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6]

### Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ Maple Fingerboard Black Pickguard Black 0378550571
```yaml
product: squier-affinity-series-precision-bass-pj-maple-fingerboard-black-pickguard-black-0378550571
brand: Squier
price_gbp: 272.25
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: 4-saddle bass bridge
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 20
pickup_configuration: PJ
```

- **Price:** £272.25 [^7]
- **Summary:** The Squier Affinity Precision Bass PJ has a slim C-shaped maple neck, a 4-saddle bridge, and both Precision Bass and Jazz Bass pickups for versatile tones. Its lightweight design and approachable layout make it well suited to beginners and players seeking an affordable all-purpose bass.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a long-scale-style bass format, 20 frets, a maple neck, a 4-saddle bridge, and versatile PJ pickups for both Precision and Jazz Bass tones.

### Squier Classic Vibe 50s Precision Bass Maple Fingerboard White Blonde 0374500501
```yaml
product: squier-classic-vibe-50s-precision-bass-maple-fingerboard-white-blonde-0374500501
brand: Squier
price_gbp: 308.31
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: 4-Saddle Vintage-Style
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Pine
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 20
pickup_configuration: S
```

- **Price:** £308.31 [^8]
- **Summary:** The Squier Classic Vibe 50s Precision Bass features a pine body, maple neck and fingerboard, a 34 in scale, and a Fender-Designed alnico single-coil pickup. Its comfortable C-shaped neck and vintage-style bridge make it well suited to beginners, gigging players, and bassists seeking classic Precision Bass tone and styling.
- **Ideal For:** Its 34 in long scale, comfortable maple C-shaped neck, vintage-style bridge, and Fender-Designed alnico pickup offer strong value for players seeking a full-size bass with classic tone and practical features under $500 when discounted.
- **Additional Sources:** [^9], [^10]

### Ibanez GSR200-MGR Bass Mint Green GSR200-MGR
```yaml
product: ibanez-gsr200-mgr-bass-mint-green-gsr200-mgr
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 194.26
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: B10
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Okoume
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 22
pickup_configuration: Dynamix P and Dynamix J passive
```

- **Price:** £194.26 [^11]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GSR200-MGR is a lightweight four-string bass with a 34 in scale, 22 frets, an Okoume body, and a comfortable Maple GSR4 neck. Its passive Dynamix P and J pickups plus Phat II active bass boost make it suitable for beginners and developing players who want versatile tones at an accessible price.
- **Ideal For:** It suits the best-value-under-500 question because it combines a full 34 in scale, 22-fret Maple neck, B10 bridge, versatile P/J pickup configuration, and active Phat II bass boost at a budget-friendly price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^12], [^13]

### Yamaha TRBX174EW-NT Bass Guitar Natural TRBX174EWNT
```yaml
product: yamaha-trbx174ew-nt-bass-guitar-natural-trbx174ewnt
brand: Yamaha
price_gbp: 236.93
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Vintage Style
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Mahogany body, Flamed Mango Top
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 24
pickup_configuration: P/J: Ceramic Split-coil and Ceramic Single-coil
```

- **Price:** £236.93 [^14]
- **Summary:** The Yamaha TRBX174EW-NT is a full-scale four-string bass with a mahogany body, flamed mango top, maple neck, and versatile P/J pickup configuration. Its comfortable design and broad tonal range make it well suited to beginners, practice, home recording, and live playing.
- **Ideal For:** This is a strong value under $500 because it combines a long 34 in scale, 24 frets, a mahogany body with flamed mango top, and versatile P/J pickups at an entry-level price.
- **Additional Sources:** [^15], [^16]

### Ibanez GSR180-BK
```yaml
product: ibanez-gsr180-bk
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 131.71
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: B10
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Okoume
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 22
pickup_configuration: 2 Dynamix J single coils
```

- **Price:** £131.71 [^17]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez GSR180-BK is a long-scale, four-string bass with a comfortable maple neck, Okoume body, B10 bridge, and two passive Dynamix J pickups. Its slim GSR4 neck profile and straightforward controls make it well suited to beginners and players seeking an affordable, versatile bass.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 through its full 34 in scale, 22 frets, adjustable B10 bridge, maple neck, and dual Dynamix J pickups at a price around $179 to $182.
- **Additional Sources:** [^18]

### Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass
```yaml
product: ibanez-tmb100-mgr-talman-bass
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 186.16
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: B10 bridge
scale_length: 34in
body_material: Poplar
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 20
pickup_configuration: Dynamix P split-coil and Dynamix J single-coil
```

- **Price:** £186.16 [^19]
- **Summary:** The Ibanez TMB100-MGR is a long-scale, 34in bass with a poplar body, maple neck, B10 bridge, and versatile P/J-style Dynamix pickups. Its active two-band EQ and comfortable Talman design suit beginners, developing players, and bassists seeking varied tones at an accessible price.
- **Ideal For:** It offers strong value under $500 with a full 34in long scale, 20 frets, a stable B10 bridge, versatile P/J pickup configuration, and active two-band EQ.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Sterling by Music Man, accessed 2026-09-13. https://intl.sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-ray5hh-cobra-blue-bass
[^2]: Andertons Music Co, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.andertons.co.uk/sterling-by-music-man-sub-stingray-5-hh-cobra-blue-5-string-mn/
[^3]: Swee Lee, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.sweelee.ph/products/sterling-s-u-b-series-ray5-hh-5-string-electric-bass-guitar-cobra-blue
[^4]: Peach Guitars, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.peachguitars.com/sterling-ray5hh-sub-series-stingray-5-hh-bass-stealth-black.htm
[^5]: Andertons Music Co, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.andertons.co.uk/sterling-by-music-man-sub-stingray5-hh-stealth-black-5-string-j1/
[^6]: Sterling by Music Man, accessed 2026-09-13. https://intl.sterlingbymusicman.com/products/stingray-ray5h-stealth-black-bass
[^7]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Squier/Affinity-Series-Precision-Bass-PJ-Maple-Fingerboard-Black-1500000348348.gc
[^8]: Gear4music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.gear4music.com/Guitar-and-Bass/Squier-Classic-Vibe-50s-Precision-Bass-White-Blonde/2ZY5
[^9]: Adorama, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.adorama.com/squier-classic-vibe-50s-precision-bass-guitar-maple-fingerboard/p/sq0374500501
[^10]: Music & Arts, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicarts.com/squier-classic-vibe-50s-precision-bass-maple-fingerboard-main0459256
[^11]: Swee Lee, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.sweelee.com.sg/products/ibanez-gsr200-mgr-4-string-electric-bass-guitar-mint-green
[^12]: Stars Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-gio-gsr200-mgr-mint-green_211960.html
[^13]: DJ Service, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.djservice.ee/article/ibanez-gsr200-mgr
[^14]: Acclaim Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.acclaim-music.com/yamaha-trbx174ew-nt-4-string-rh-trbx174ew-electric-bass-natural-trbx-174-ew.html
[^15]: Music Bliss Malaysia, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicbliss.com.my/products/yamaha-trbx174ew-malaysia-4-string-electric-bass-guitar-natural
[^16]: Vivace Music, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.vivacemusic.com.au/shop/guitars/electric-bass/yamaha-bass/yamaha-trbx174ew-bass-guitar/
[^17]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_gsr180_bk.htm
[^18]: Music Store Professional, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.musicstore.com/en_US/USD/Ibanez-GSR-180-Black/art-BAS0001882-002
[^19]: Thomann, accessed 2026-09-13. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_tmb100_mgr_talman_bass.htm