Best 4-String Acoustic Basses for Folk 2025

Perfect 4-string acoustic basses for folk - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Folk For Unplugged For Acoustic Sessions For Singer-Songwriter For Jazz For World Music

BRANDS: Harley Benton Ibanez Warwick Martin Guitar Fender Ortega

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst

by Martin Guitar

Unplugged Folk World Music

Key Feature:

• No amplifier needed

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged sound
• Perfect for intimate venues

✗ CONS

• Weather sensitive wood
• Less versatile than electric

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS BurstAcoustic Bass with PickupType: 000 with cutawayBack and sides: solid sapeleTop:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564002

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE

by Breedlove

Jazz Unplugged Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged sound

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm tone
• Perfect for intimate venues

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• Weather sensitive wood

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CEAcoustic Bass with PickupType: Dreadnought Concerto with cutawayBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612712

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Applause Elite AEB4-7S - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Applause Elite AEB4-7S

by Applause

World Music Jazz Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged sound

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm tone
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• May need pickup for recording

Applause Elite AEB4-7SAcoustic Bass with PickupConstruction: Mid-Depth Roundback with cutawayTop: SpruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 526511

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AEGB25E-TKH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez AEGB25E-TKH

by Ibanez

Acoustic Sessions World Music Jazz

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Rich, warm tone

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for recording
• Requires good room acoustics

Ibanez AEGB25E-TKHAcoustic Bass with PickupWith cutawayBody: SapeleTop: SpruceBolt-on neck: NyatohFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 615214

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst

by Martin Guitar

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

Art. 614262

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK

by Ibanez

Jazz Unplugged Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm tone
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• Less versatile than electric

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WKAcoustic BassBody shape: Grand ConcertTop: OkoumeBack and sides: OkoumeNeck: MapleFretboard and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 509674

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst

by Martin Guitar

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

Art. 563970

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag

by Fender

Folk Jazz Unplugged

Key Feature:

• No amplifier needed

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• Limited volume for large venues

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural IL*Acoustic Bass*With...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 538819

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Kingman Bass SEB WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Kingman Bass SEB WN

by Fender

Folk World Music Acoustic Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged sound
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• May need pickup for recording
• Requires good room acoustics

Fender Kingman Bass SEB WNAcoustic Bass with PickupTop: Solid SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck: NatoFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570839

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Jazz Folk

Key Feature:

• Perfect for intimate venues

✓ PROS

• Authentic unplugged sound
• Rich, warm tone

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for large venues
• Weather sensitive wood

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahogany*Acoustic...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 611856

$248

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass

by Martin Guitar

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

Art. 614261

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Taylor GS Mini-e Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Taylor GS Mini-e Bass

by Taylor

Acoustic Sessions Singer-Songwriter Unplugged

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for large venues
• May need pickup for recording

Taylor GS Mini-e BassAcoustic Bass with PickupTop: solid torrefied spruceGS mini bracingBack and sides: SapeleNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 593053

$1,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS

by Martin Guitar

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

Art. 563987

$768

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega KT-WALKER-V3 Ken Taylor Sign. - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ortega KT-WALKER-V3 Ken Taylor Sign.

by Ortega

Jazz World Music Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Authentic unplugged sound

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• Rich, warm tone

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• May need pickup for recording

Ortega KT-WALKER-V3 Ken Taylor Sign.Acoustic Bass with PickupTop: Solid spruceBack and sids: Flamed mapleNeck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606597

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set

by Harley Benton

Singer-Songwriter Folk Unplugged

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed
• Rich, warm tone

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for large venues
• Weather sensitive wood

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce*Acoustic Bass...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 611853

$237

Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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TOP

Best 4-String Acoustic Basses for Folk 2025

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE

Applause Elite AEB4-7S

Ibanez AEGB25E-TKH

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK

Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag

Fender Kingman Bass SEB WN

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set

Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass

Taylor GS Mini-e Bass

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS

Ortega KT-WALKER-V3 Ken Taylor Sign.

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set

How to Choose the Best 4-String Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string acoustic basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string acoustic basses?

Are expensive 4-string acoustic basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string acoustic basses?

Should I buy 4-string acoustic basses online or in-store?

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