Best Martin Guitar 4-String Acoustic Basses 2026

Premium Martin Guitar 4-string acoustic basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Martin Guitar 000CJR-10E BASS Burst

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
Martin Guitar DJR-10E BASS Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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 BC-16E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Martin Guitar BC-16E

Singer-Songwriter Unplugged Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Weather sensitive wood
  • • Less versatile than electric

Martin Guitar OM-16EAcoustic Bass with PickupType: M-14 Fret with cutawayTop: Solid SpruceBack and sides: Solid...

4.9/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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

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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