Bass Guitar Pack vs Buying the Bass Alone
A bass guitar pack or the bass on its own? A bass needs an amp before it makes a useful sound. Compare the total, not the instrument price.
Quick Answer:
A bass guitar without an amplifier is close to inaudible, so an amp is required rather than optional. A pack bundles a bass, an amp, a cable and usually a strap and tuner, which is why comparing a pack against a bare instrument is not comparing like with like. The Yamaha is the better instrument on its own; the Squier pack is the cheaper route to actually playing.
| Factor | Squier Affinity Precision Bass Pack | Yamaha TRBX174 |
|---|---|---|
| Amp included | Yes * | No |
| Cable and strap included | Usually * | No |
| Instrument quality | Good | Generally reported as better finished * |
| Typical price | Around 430 dollars for the pack | Around 260 dollars for the bass alone |
| Total cost to first sound | Pack price * | Bass plus amp |
| Neck feel | P Bass profile, wider | Slimmer neck * |
| Suits smaller hands | Less | More * |
| Resale | Strong | Strong |
* Indicates better option for that factor
The amp is not optional
An unamplified electric bass produces almost no sound, far less than an unamplified electric guitar, because the strings are so much heavier and the frequencies so much lower. Practising without an amp is genuinely unrewarding. Budget for one from the start, and note that a small practice amp with a headphone socket also solves the neighbour problem.
Neck profile matters more on bass
Bass necks are long and the strings are thick, so the profile makes a real difference to comfort. A Precision Bass style neck is wider at the nut, which some players prefer and which is harder for smaller hands. The Yamaha TRBX has a slimmer neck that is widely reported as comfortable for beginners and for players coming from guitar.
Short scale is worth knowing about
Standard basses have a 34 inch scale, which is a long stretch for a child or a small adult. Short scale basses at around 30 inches exist and are entirely legitimate instruments played on many records. If the player finds a standard bass a stretch, that is a reason to look at short scale rather than to conclude bass is not for them.
Bass is a good instrument to start on
Fewer strings, simpler lines at the beginning and an immediate role in any group make bass a rewarding first instrument, and bass players are always in demand in school and community bands. It is also physically demanding on the fretting hand at first because of the string tension, which is a reason to keep early practice sessions short.
Our Verdict
If the player owns no amp, the pack is the cheaper and simpler route and the Squier is a perfectly good first bass. If there is already an amp in the house, or the budget allows buying one separately, the Yamaha TRBX174 is the better instrument with a more comfortable neck. Either way, price the amp in before comparing.
The two instruments compared
Comparison based on published manufacturer specifications, current listings and the general consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. Confirm current specifications and prices before buying. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What size amp does a beginner bass player need?
Something in the region of 20 to 40 watts for home practice, with a headphone socket. Bass needs more power than guitar to produce the same perceived volume, so a ten watt bass amp is quieter than you would expect. Anything for playing with a live drummer starts much higher and is not a first purchase.
Is bass easier than guitar?
Different rather than easier. Bass lines are often simpler to start with and there are fewer strings, which makes early progress quick. The strings are much heavier, so the fretting hand works harder and beginners tire faster. Timing matters more, because the bass is holding the rhythm section together.
Should a child start on a short scale bass?
If the reach on a standard 34 inch scale is a stretch, yes. Short scale basses are real instruments rather than children's versions, and many adult players use them by choice. As with guitars, an instrument that fits gets played and one that does not gets put away.
How is this comparison researched?
From published manufacturer specifications, current listings and the consensus of verified owner reviews. We have not played these instruments ourselves and do not claim to have. The neck profile guidance reflects what owners consistently report rather than personal experience.
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