AudioFu

Best 4-String Acoustic Basses for World Music 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 Fender Martin Guitar Warwick Ortega
Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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 FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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

by Fender
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
Art. 539045
$477
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ortega KTSM2-4 Ken Taylor Signature - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ortega KTSM2-4 Ken Taylor Signature

by Ortega
Folk Jazz Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• No amplifier needed
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Weather sensitive wood
  • • Less versatile than electric

Ortega KTSM2-4 Ken Taylor SignatureAcoustic Bass with PickupKen Taylor Signature ModelTop: Solid spruceBack and sids:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606602
$747
Buy at Thomann View Details
Taylor GS Mini-e Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
#6

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
Ibanez AEGB24E-BKH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez AEGB24E-BKH

by Ibanez
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
Art. 533879
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS

by Ibanez
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
Art. 533876
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Lakewood A-14 Bass Edition 2024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Lakewood A-14 Bass Edition 2024

by Lakewood
World Music Acoustic Sessions Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Authentic unplugged sound
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good room acoustics
  • • Less versatile than electric

Lakewood A-14 Bass Edition 2024Acoustic Bass with PickupStyle: AuditoriumWith cutawayTop: solid spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 582495
$2,305
Buy at Thomann View Details
Applause Elite AEB4-7S - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
#13

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
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Ibanez AEGB24FE-MHS Fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Ibanez AEGB24FE-MHS Fretless

by Ibanez
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
Art. 578562
$512
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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