Best 4-String Acoustic Basses 2025

Top-rated 4-string acoustic basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst

Jazz World Music Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Authentic unplugged sound
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May need pickup for recording

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass BurstAcoustic Bass with PickupType: 000 with cutawayBack and sides: SapeleTop: SpruceNeck:...

4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst

Acoustic Sessions Jazz Unplugged
Key Feature:
• Authentic unplugged sound
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May need pickup for recording

Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS BurstAcoustic Bass with PickupStyle: DreadnoughtBack and sides: solid sapeleTop: SpruceNeck:...

5.0/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass

Jazz Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• No amplifier needed
✓ PROS
  • • No amplifier needed
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • May need pickup for recording

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E BassAcoustic Bass with PickupType: 000 with cutawayBack and sides: SapeleTop: SpruceNeck:...

4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44X-7C-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44X-7C-G

Folk Unplugged World Music
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44X-7C-GAcoustic Bass with PickupCelebrity Elite SeriesTop: quilted mapleMid-Depth Lyrachord...

4.8/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 NT

Unplugged Jazz Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May need pickup for recording

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 NTAcoustic Bass with PickupBack and sides: AgathisSolid wood top: Sitka spruceSet-in neck:...

4.6/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44-1N-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44-1N-G

Singer-Songwriter Jazz Unplugged
Key Feature:
• No amplifier needed
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May need pickup for recording

Ovation Celebrity Elite CEB44-1N-GAcoustic Bass with PickupCelebrity Elite SeriesTop: Solid spruceMid-Depth Lyrachord...

4.6/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass

World Music Jazz Folk
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • No amplifier needed
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-BassAcoustic Bass with PickupBody shape: New AuditoriumTop: Flamed mapleScalloped X-bracingBody:...

5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Ovation Elite B778TX-5-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ovation Elite B778TX-5-G

Singer-Songwriter Folk World Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Ovation Elite B778TX-5-GAcoustic Bass with PickupType: Mid-depth Lyrachord GS body with cutawayX-Scalloped bracingTop:...

4.8/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass w/Bag

Singer-Songwriter Folk Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass*Acoustic Bass with Pickup*Body...

5.0/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Warwick Alien 4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Warwick Alien 4 NT

Folk Acoustic Sessions Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Natural acoustic resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Warwick Alien 4 NTAcoustic Bass with PickupTop: Solid AAAA Sitka spruceBack and sides: OvangkolSet-in neck:...

4.8/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS

Singer-Songwriter World Music Folk
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • No amplifier needed
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Ibanez AEGB24E-MHSAcoustic Bass with PickupWith cutawayTop: SapeleBack and sides: Sapele3-Strip neck: Nyatoh /...

4.9/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez AEGB24FE-MHS Fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Ibanez AEGB24FE-MHS Fretless

Jazz Acoustic Sessions World Music
Key Feature:
• No amplifier needed
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Ibanez AEGB24FE-MHS FretlessFretless Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlessAE SeriesAEG CutawayBack and sides: SapeleTop:...

4.9/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS

World Music Unplugged Jazz
Key Feature:
• Natural acoustic resonance
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASSAcoustic Bass with PickupType: 000 with cutawayBack and sides: Solid sapeleTop:...

4.7/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez AEGB24E-BKH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Ibanez AEGB24E-BKH

Acoustic Sessions Singer-Songwriter Folk
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good room acoustics
  • • Limited volume for large venues

Ibanez AEGB24E-BKHAcoustic Bass with PickupWith cutawayTop: SapeleBack and sides: Sapele3-Strip neck: Nyatoh /...

4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Guild B-240E Acoustic Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Guild B-240E Acoustic Bass

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Sessions Folk
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Limited volume for large venues

Guild B-240E Acoustic BassAcoustic BassDesign: JumboTop: Solid Sitka spruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck:...

4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best 4-String Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 4-string acoustic basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more