# Which active bass guitar offers the best value for money under £500? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

Which active bass guitar offers the best value for money under £500?

## Products

### Ibanez Ibanez SR300EB-CA
```yaml
product: ibanez-ibanez-sr300eb-ca
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 242.77
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 38 mm
scale_length: 34 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ w/3-way Power Tap switch
pickup_configuration: HH 2 PowerSpan Dual Coils
```

- **Price:** £242.77 [^1]
- **Summary:** Ibanez SR300EB-CA is a 4-string active bass with 2 PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups and Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ plus a 3-way Power Tap switch for multiple pickup voicings. It's built on a 38 mm nut with a 34 in scale for a fast, modern SR-style feel. It's well suited to players who want one bass that can cover clean, full humbucker, and single-coil tones via the switch.
- **Ideal For:** For an active bass under £500, the SR300EB-CA's Ibanez Custom Electronics 3-band EQ plus 3-way Power Tap switch (with Dual Coil HH pickups) lets you access multiple tonal setups without needing extra pedals, while it's listed at 325.00 USD at Thomann.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^3], [^1], [^2], [^3]

### Squier Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN BPG MOC
```yaml
product: squier-squier-cv-act-70s-j-bass-mn-bpg-moc
brand: Squier
price_gbp: 329.42
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
nut_width: 1.5 in
tuner_type: Vintage-style machine heads
scale_length: 34 in
number_of_strings: 4
active_electronics: Onboard active/passive preamp with Treble/Bass Boost
pickup_configuration: 2 Fender-designed Alnico Noiseless single coils
```

- **Price:** £329.42 [^4]
- **Summary:** A Classic Vibe-style active Jazz Bass with 2 Fender-designed Alnico Noiseless J pickups and onboard active/passive electronics for Treble/Bass Boost. It's built with a long 34 in scale and a 1.5 in bone nut, using vintage-style hardware for a 1970s vibe. This suits players who want traditional Jazz Bass feel with active control options for live flexibility.
- **Ideal For:** It suits under £500 best because it combines a 4-string 34 in Jazz Bass layout with a 9-volt active/passive preamp featuring Treble/Bass Boost and two Fender-designed Alnico Noiseless J pickups, giving versatile tone without needing separate outboard EQ.
- **Additional Sources:** [^5], [^6], [^4], [^5], [^6]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Thomann, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.thomannmusic.com/ibanez_sr300eb_ca.htm
[^2]: Star's Music, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.stars-music.com/ibanez-sr300eb-ca-candy-apple_97705.html
[^3]: Bonners Music, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.bonnersmusic.co.uk/products/ibanez-sr300eb-bass-candy-apple-red
[^4]: Thomann Music, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.thomannmusic.com/squier_cv_act_70s_j_bass_mn_bpg_moc.htm
[^5]: Session, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.session.de/en/products/squier-by-fender-classic-vibe-active-70s-jazz-bass-mn-bpg-moc/
[^6]: Kirstein, accessed 2026-07-14. https://www.kirstein.de/en/Electric-Basses/Squier-Classic-Vibe-Active-70s-Jazz-Bass-Mocha.html