Music is all about expression and when it comes to expression, there are times you just want to say more. In cases like this, less is not always better.
Although everything in Western music revolves around twelve musical notes, there is still something known as range and octave. Let’s say, for instance, a singer with a larger or more extended vocal range will undoubtedly be more versatile in some areas than one who doesn’t.
The same goes for musical instruments like the bass guitar. Bass guitars usually come with 21, 22, or 24 frets. Although we cannot exactly say that one is better than the other, the truth is that the bass with 24 frets allows for a wider range of notes to be played with fewer frets.
This makes it a lot more versatile than its 21 and 22 frets counterparts. Having a wider range of musical notes at your fingertips is a plus and an advantage for any bass player. This makes 24 frets bass guitars very popular among bass players.
With a wider range of notes, there is a possibility for more creativity in the right hands. 24 frets equals 49 musical notes which means complete four octaves. As a bass player, imagine the things you could do with a bass that has four complete octaves.
Regardless of how conservative or minimalist your approach towards bass guitar and music is, you will agree that 24-fret bass guitars actually rock. Another great advantage of having more number frets is that it makes the bass a lot easier to play.
However, it is also important to know that it is not a must-have. There are rarely any songs that require 24 frets. Most songs you will ever come across can be played on a 20-fret, 4-string bass-tuned EADG.
However, in this article, we will take a look at 10 amazing 24-fret bass guitars you can ever lay your hand on. It does not matter what your musical preferences or level of play is, if you are in the market searching for a 24-fret bass, all you have to do is read on!
Table of Contents
10 BEST 24 Fret Bass Guitars
- Fender Deluxe Series Jazz Bass
- Ibanez SR Standard 5
- Sadowsky Metroline Modern Bass
- Music Man Bongo 5
- Sire NAMM Prototype V7
- Sadowsky Masterbuild
- Gibson Thunderbird IV
- Yamaha TRBX605FM
- Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass
- Sawtooth Rebel24 Series
Review of 10 Best 24 Fret Bass Guitars
Fender Deluxe Series Jazz Bass
The Fender Deluxe Series Jazz Bass is a popular model that offers an upgraded version of the classic Fender Jazz Bass design.
It is well-known for its versatile tone, comfortable playability, and high-quality craftsmanship, and it caters to a wide range of players and musical styles.
The Deluxe Jazz Bass typically features an alder or ash body, depending on the specific model and finish. Alder offers a balanced and versatile tonal profile, while ash provides enhanced resonance and a slightly brighter tone.
It has a modern C-shaped maple neck with a maple or pau ferro fingerboard. The neck is very satin smooth at the back so that there’s no sticky feeling when playing, and it is also comfortable and easy to play.
It also features rolled edges for added smoothness, so you don’t have to fight with sharp edges on your bass neck. The Deluxe Series Jazz Bass is equipped with two vintage Seymour Duncan Basslines Single-Coil Jazz Bass Pickups.
These pickups deliver the classic warm and articulate tone associated with the Jazz Bass, suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
The bass features a high-quality bridge, usually a four-saddle HiMass bridge, which enhances sustain, stability, and intonation.
The hardware is typically chrome or nickel-plated, adding a sleek and classic aesthetic. You can get anything from warm and mellow vintage tones to punchy and modern tones with enhanced midrange and clarity.
This versatility makes the Deluxe Series Jazz Bass suitable for various genres, including rock, funk, jazz, and more. Although the bass is of good quality, the preamp may not be as versatile or responsive as some prefer.
Adjustments to the knobs may yield minimal changes in sound. However, to improve the sound quality, turning off the slap switch and increasing the bass while utilizing both pickups can help mitigate this issue.
To add to this, you’ll find a “Mid-scoop switch on this bass which is sometimes dubbed the “slapper’s delight” due to its ability to accentuate the percussive sounds of the slap technique.
The Fender Deluxe Series Jazz Bass offers an upgraded take on the iconic Jazz Bass design, combining classic aesthetics with modern features and tonal versatility.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Aesthetically pleasing quilt maple top | The preamp is not the best |
| Versatile sound |
Ibanez SR Standard 5
- Usage: 5-string electric bass guitar suitable for right-hand usage
- Rosewood Fretboard: Rosewood provides a well-balanced solid tone with a focused mid range
- Accu-Cast B500 Bridge: The Accu-cast B500 bridge features adjustable saddles for variable string spacing by +/- 1.5mm
- Tonal Control: Experience precision tonal control with a switch to choose passive-only operation
There are plenty of Ibanez models that come with 24 frets, but SR Standard 5 is the one that stands out the most in terms of quality and value. The Ibanez SR Standard 5 is a popular 5-string bass guitar model from Ibanez’s SR series.
Considering that the bass is a 5-string and comes with 24 frets, you’d expect it to be pretty bulky, but surprisingly, this model is very popular for its slim and easy-to-play profile and sleek design.
The SR Standard 5 typically features a solid, double-cutaway body in either a Quilted Maple top or Mahogany. The ergonomic and balanced body design provides a comfortable playing experience and good access to upper frets.
Depending on the specific model, it has a thin and fast-playing neck made from maple or roasted maple.
The neck is often equipped with a 24-fret rosewood or maple fingerboard, allowing for extended range and flexibility. The SR Standard 5 is equipped with Bartolini BH2 pickups developed by Ibane.
They are positioned near the bridge and neck and deliver a wide range of tones, from deep and punchy lows to clear and articulate highs.
The SR Standard 5 often features a sturdy and adjustable Accu-cast B300 bridge, providing good sustain and intonation. Depending on the model, the hardware is generally chrome or black, offering a sleek and modern aesthetic.
One of the standout features of the SR Standard 5 is its emphasis on playability and comfort. The slim and fast neck profile and the lightweight body construction make it easy to navigate the fretboard and play for extended periods without fatigue.
The Ibanez SR Standard 5 offers a balance of style, playability, versatility, and value for bassists seeking a reliable and well-crafted 5-string bass guitar.
It is suitable for both beginners and experienced players, providing a range of tones and features to accommodate various musical styles.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent build and finish | Slight fret buzz |
| Slim and comfortable to play |
Sadowsky MetroExpress Hybrid PJ
A fun fact about the Sadowsky Metroline and Metroexpress basses is that they are produced by Roger’s personally trained protégé, Yoshi Kikuchi, in Tokyo, Japan.
The MetroLine 24-Fret Modern Bass typically features a solid body of premium tonewoods such as alder or ash. These tonewoods are chosen for their balanced tonal characteristics, offering a versatile foundation for various musical styles.
The ergonomic body design has smooth curves and contours for enhanced comfort and playability. The body contours and weight distribution are optimized for balance and comfort, allowing extended playing sessions without fatigue.
The bass has a bolt-on neck construction, usually made of maple. The neck is known for its stability, brightness, and quick response.
It typically features a rosewood or maple fingerboard with 24 frets, providing extended range and versatility for players who require access to higher notes.
The MetroLine 24-Fret Modern Bass features a pair of Sadowsky hum-cancelling pickups, known for their clarity, articulation, and balanced tonal response.
The bass includes an active preamp system with controls for volume, balance, bass, treble, and possibly a midrange control, allowing players to shape their tone to suit different musical styles and preferences.
The bass features a high-quality bridge, such as a Sadowsky bridge, known for its stability, intonation, and sustain. The hardware, including the tuners and bridge, is designed for precise tuning stability and durability.
The bass is designed to offer a comfortable playing experience, with a sleek neck profile, smooth fingerboard, and easy access to the upper frets.
As suggested by its price point, the MetroLine 24-Fret Modern Bass is a professional-grade instrument with exceptional performance, tone, and durability.
You can have a feel of what the bass sounds like in this youtube video.
| Pros | Cons |
| versatile tonal range | Very expensive |
| Ergonomic body for comfort when playing |
Music Man Bongo 5
The Music Man Bongo series is the only Music Man series of basses with 24 frets. The Bongo 5 is a modern 5-string bass with a distinctive design produced by Ernie Ball Music Man.
The Bongo 5 features a uniquely contoured basswood body, sleek lines, and ergonomic curves for player comfort.
It has a bolt-on maple neck with a five-bolt attachment for added stability. The neck is equipped with Music Man’s patented 5-bolt sculpted neck joint, allowing easy access to all 24 frets.
The Bongo 5 typically comes with a choice of rosewood or maple fingerboard. The fingerboard features dot inlays and has a scale length of 34 inches.
It has two custom-designed Ernie Ball Music Man proprietary humbucking pickups near the bridge and neck for a versatile tonal range.
The Bongo 5 features an active 4-band EQ system, offering precise control over bass, midrange, and treble frequencies. It also has an active preamp with volume control and a 3-way pickup selector switch.
The bass utilizes a patented Music Man hardened steel bridge with stainless steel saddles for enhanced sustain and intonation.
The active EQ provides ample control over the bass’s tonal shaping, making it suitable for various genres and playing styles, including rock, funk, metal, and more.
The Music Man Bongo 5 stands out for its distinctive design, high-quality craftsmanship, and tonal versatility. It has found favour among many bassists seeking a modern, well-built instrument with unique aesthetic and powerful sound capabilities.
Check out the Bongo 5 at work here:
| Pros | Cons |
| Sooth sound and buttery lows | Very expensive |
| Unique design |
Sire NAMM Prototype V7
NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is an annual trade show where instrument manufacturers showcase new products and prototypes.
At the Winter NAMM Show, held in 2015, Sire Guitars declared a collaboration with Marcus Miller to launch a range of signature basses named the Sire NAMM Prototype V7 (also known as the Sire Marcus Miller V7).
Sire Guitars, known for their high-quality instruments at affordable prices, has gained popularity with their V7 series basses. The V7 basses typically feature a solid ash or alder body, depending on the specific model and finish.
The tonewoods contribute to the bass’s overall tonal characteristics, with ash offering a slightly brighter and more resonant tone and alder providing a balanced and versatile sound.
The neck is made with one-piece hard Canadian maple to maintain stability and maximize sustain.
It features a maple or rosewood fingerboard with a scale length of 34 inches, offering familiarity and ease of play for bassists.
Sire also introduced the rolled fingerboard per Marcus Miller’s request for more comfort while playing. Holding this bass neck makes you feel like you’ve played it for years. The V7 basses often come equipped with Sire’s proprietary humbucking pickups.
These pickups are designed to deliver a wide range of tones, from classic vintage sounds to modern, punchy tones.
The basses may feature an active preamp system with controls for volume, balance, tone shaping (bass, midrange, and treble), and pickup blending, offering versatility and tonal flexibility.
The basses typically feature high-quality hardware, such as a solid bridge with adjustable saddles for accurate intonation and stability. The tuners are designed to provide reliable tuning stability.
The V7 may be a heavy bass, but this is also advantageous when it comes to balance; the Marcus Miller V7 is a great bass worth every penny.
Have a look at the video to find out more:
| Pros | Cons |
| Rolled fingerboard for comfort | Pretty heavy |
| Affordable | |
| Plenty of sustain |
Sadowsky Masterbuild 24-Fret
One thing about Sadowsky basses is that they’re meticulously handcrafted, and the limited edition Masterbuild is the pinnacle of craftsmanship and quality from Sadowsky Guitars.
Each Masterbuilt is handcrafted by a small team of highly skilled luthiers led by Roger Sadowsky. These basses are made to order, allowing for custom specifications and personalized features to meet each musician’s specific needs and preferences.
It includes options for body shape, tonewood selection, neck profile, fingerboard material, electronics configuration, hardware choices, and aesthetic details such as finishes and inlays.
This level of customization ensures that each Masterbuilt bass is tailored to meet the specific needs and desires of the individual musician. The Masterbuilt basses typically feature a solid body made from high-quality tonewoods such as alder, ash, or Mahogany.
The basses have a bolt-on neck made from premium-grade maple or roasted maple, known for its stability and resonance.
The neck profile can be customized to the player’s preference, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
The fingerboard is made from either maple or rosewood, offering different tonal characteristics and visual aesthetics. The fingerboard is meticulously crafted and finished for smooth playability.
The Masterbuilt bass features Sadowsky’s own custom-designed pickups and active preamp system. These pickups are renowned for their clarity, warmth, and versatility, allowing players to achieve a wide range of tones.
The Masterbuilt basses have high-quality hardware, including Sadowsky’s bridge and tuners. These components ensure precise intonation, excellent sustain, and reliable tuning stability.
The Masterbuilt bass is celebrated for its exceptional tone and versatility. This bass excels in various musical genres, from jazz and funk to rock and pop, allowing players to dial their desired tone precisely.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent craftsmanship | Expensive |
| Customization options |
Gibson Thunderbird IV 1976
Although most of Gibson’s basses have 20 – 22 frets, one model in the Thunderbird series has 24 frets, and that is the 1976 version of the Thunderbird IV.
The Gibson Thunderbird is an iconic bass guitar model that has become synonymous with Gibson’s bass lineup. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Thunderbird is known for its distinctive body shape and powerful tone.
The Thunderbird features a unique reverse body design, extending the upper horn further than the lower horn. The body is typically constructed from Mahogany, providing a warm and resonant tone.
The Thunderbird has a set-in neck made from Mahogany, providing excellent sustain and stability. After popular demand, the Thunderbird frets were extended to 24 frets in the 1976 version.
It usually features a rosewood or ebony fingerboard with 20 or 22 frets, depending on the specific model. The neck profile varies but often offers a comfortable and fast-playing experience.
The Thunderbird features dual humbucking pickups positioned near the bridge and neck. These pickups are known for their powerful output and thick, punchy tone.
The bass may include separate volume controls for each pickup and a master tone control, allowing players to shape their desired sound. The Thunderbird bass has a sturdy bridge and tailpiece, providing solid sustain and accurate intonation.
The hardware is often chrome-plated, giving the bass a classic and sleek appearance.
Gibson has produced several variations of the Thunderbird over the years, including different finish options, neck-through-body construction, and active electronics.
The 1976 version is one of the best 24-fret basses, and you can check out the video here to hear it in action:
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent craftsmanship | Expensive |
| Customization options | Hard to find |
| Impressive growl tone |
Yamaha TRBX605FM
Yamaha is a very popular guitar brand, and its basses also have much to offer for a reasonable price. If you’re looking for a 24-fret bass, the TRBX605FM is as good a choice as any.
The TRBX605FM features a solid mahogany body with a flamed maple top. It has a five-piece maple or mahogany neck that offers stability and strength.
The neck is a bolt-on construction, making it easy to access the upper frets and make quick adjustments. It features a rosewood or maple fingerboard with 24 frets, offering extended range and versatility.
The TRBX605FM is equipped with Yamaha’s custom-designed Alnico humbucking pickups. These pickups are known for their clarity, punch, and versatility, allowing players to achieve a wide range of tones.
It also includes an active/passive preamp system with controls for volume, balance, bass, midrange, and treble, allowing players to shape their sound to suit different musical styles.
With the active/passive toggle switch, you can switch to passive mode if your 9V battery dies. The bass typically features a high-mass bridge for improved sustain and resonance.
The hardware, including the tuners and bridge, is designed to provide stability, accurate intonation, and reliable tuning. The Yamaha TRBX605FM offers a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres.
The bass provides a solid low-end foundation, articulate mids, and clear highs. With its active/passive electronics, players can switch between a more traditional passive sound or engage the active preamp for added tonal shaping and versatility.
The TRBX605FM is designed to offer a comfortable playing experience, with a sleek neck profile, smooth fingerboard, and easy access to the upper frets.
The balanced weight distribution and contoured body shape further enhance the overall comfort, allowing extended playing sessions without fatigue.
The bass also provides a combination of quality components, versatile tonal options, and an affordable price, making it an attractive option for beginners and more experienced players.
You may need some time to get used to the space of the narrow string.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Quality build | Narrow string space |
| Comfortable |
Schecter Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass
The Schecter may not be a popular brand in the bass guitar world, but the Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass is a great 24-fret bass from the Schecter’s Stiletto series.
It has s sleek design, versatile tonal options, and an affordable price point, and it comes with the option for 4 strings or 5 strings for different level players.
The Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass typically features a solid body of Mahogany or Basswood, providing a balanced and resonant tone. The body design is sleek and modern, with contours that enhance playing comfort and access to the upper frets.
The bass has a bolt-on neck construction, usually made of maple, which offers stability, brightness, and quick response. The neck typically features a rosewood or maple fingerboard with 24 frets, allowing for extended range and versatility.
The sleek neck profile, smooth fingerboard, and well-balanced body provide a comfortable playing experience. With the extended range of 24 frets and the body contours, it’s easy to reach the upper frets and explore a wide tonal range.
The Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass is equipped with a pair of Schecter Diamond SuperRock Humbucking Pickups high-output pickups that are known for their punch, clarity, and versatility.
The bass includes an active 2-band EQ with controls for volume, blend, bass, and treble, allowing players to shape their tone to suit different musical styles and preferences.
The bass is a Schecter Custom Hardtail bridge that improves the bass’s stability, intonation, and sustain. The hardware, including the tuners and bridge, is designed to provide precise tuning stability and durability.
You’ll get a well-crafted bass with clear tones at a reasonable price with the Stiletto Extreme 4 Bass.
However, this may not be the best bass for beginners considering its price range, and it can also be difficult to find in some regions.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Very clear sound | Pretty heavy |
| Great sustain | Limited availability |
| Quality build |
Sawtooth Rebel24 Series
Another not-so-popular but note-worthy brand is Sawtooth which offers plenty of 24-fret basses. One of these basses that stands out is the Sawtooth Rebel24 bass.
It is a 24-fret bass guitar model offered by Sawtooth, a musical instrument brand known for producing affordable and quality instruments. It features a solid body of Basswood or other tonewoods, offering a balanced and resonant tone.
The bass has a bolt-on neck construction, usually made of maple or similar wood. The neck is known for its stability, bright tone, and quick response. It comes with a rosewood or maple fingerboard with 24 frets, providing extended range and versatility for players.
The Rebel24 bass is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, which deliver a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical genres.
The pickup configuration can sometimes include a split-coil humbucker in the middle position and a traditional humbucker in the bridge position.
It gives the bass an impressive range of tone, but the quality may differ from other high-end basses.
The bass has a sturdy bridge, such as a vintage-style bridge or a modern bridge design, offering good intonation and stability.
The hardware, including the tuners and bridge, is designed for reliable tuning stability and durability.
The Sawtooth Rebel24 bass provides a versatile range of tones suitable for various musical styles.
Depending on the player’s preference and playing style, the bass can deliver warm and rich tones, punchy and aggressive tones, or crisp and clean tones.
Sawtooth instruments are designed with player comfort in mind, and the Rebel24 bass aims to provide a comfortable playing experience.
This bass is suitable for beginner players or those on a budget.
Here’s how it sounds:
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable | Build quality is on the low side |
| Great tonal range and versatility | Low resale value |
About 24-Fret Bass Guitars; Do You Really Need One?
The need for a 24-fret bass depends on your playing style, musical preferences, and the type of music you plan to perform.
The full 24-fret neck gives the player unprecedented expressive range and access to the higher frets. It allows you to explore higher octaves and play intricate melodies or solos.
If you primarily play genres that demand access to higher notes, such as jazz fusion, progressive rock, or metal, having those additional frets can be beneficial.
A 24-fret bass can provide you with more range and flexibility. If you frequently venture into the upper registers of the bass neck or enjoy playing complex bass lines that utilize higher notes.
Most traditional bass playing focuses on the lower registers, and many accomplished bassists never find the need to go beyond the 20th or 22nd fret. A standard bass with 20 to 22 frets suits most musical styles.
Some bassists prefer the feel and aesthetics of a bass with 24 frets, even if they may not use the highest frets regularly. Having those extra frets available can be a matter of comfort and personal satisfaction.
Ultimately, the decision to get a 24-fret bass should be based on your specific needs and musical goals.
If you find yourself consistently reaching for higher notes and require the extended range, then a 24-fret bass might be worth considering. Otherwise, a standard 20 to 22-fret bass can be adequate for most bass players.
Famous Players Who Used 24-Fret Bass Guitars
Some notable bassists who’ve used 24-fret basses include:
Pros and Cons of 24-Fret Bass Guitars
Pros
- It allows you to explore higher octaves and play intricate melodies or solos. If you primarily play genres that demand access to higher notes, such as jazz fusion, progressive rock, or metal, having those additional frets can be beneficial.
- A 24-fret bass can provide you with more range and flexibility. If you frequently venture into the upper registers of the bass neck or enjoy playing complex bass lines that utilize higher notes,
Cons
- For the more popular brands like Fender and Sadowsky, 24-fret basses come in limited and special editions, making them pretty expensive.
Conclusion
24-fret basses offer extended range and versatility to bass players, allowing them to access higher notes and expand their musical possibilities.
The extra frets on a 24-fret bass open up a wide range of tonal possibilities, enabling players to achieve higher-register harmonies, play chords in higher positions, and access notes that are otherwise unavailable on instruments with fewer frets.
While 24-fret basses may not be necessary for every bass player, they offer a valuable option for those seeking increased range, expanded tonal capabilities, and the ability to push their playing skills to new heights.
Hopefully, we’ve helped you narrow your search with our 10 best 24-fret basses list.
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