Best 4-String Acoustic Basses Under $1,000 2025

Affordable 4-string acoustic basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

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

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
Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 Hybrid Thinline - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 Hybrid Thinline

Jazz Singer-Songwriter World Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Warwick RockBass Alien Deluxe 4 Hybrid Thinline4-String Acoustic BassRockBass seriesBuild: Thin lineBody depth: 80...

4.7/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 NT

Jazz Unplugged Singer-Songwriter
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 NTAcoustic Bass with PickupRockBass seriesTop: Solid AA Sitka spruceBottom and sides:...

4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Bass Amber CE

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
Guild B-140E Nat Westerly - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Guild B-140E Nat Westerly

World Music Singer-Songwriter Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • Less versatile than electric

Guild B-140E Nat WesterlyElectro-Acoustic BassSolid spruce topSolid mahogany back and sidesMahogany neckRosewood...

4.4/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 SBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 SBS

World Music Unplugged Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Rich, warm tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good room acoustics
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 SBSAcoustic Bass with PickupType: Thin-LineBody depth: 80 mmTop: Solid AA Sitka...

4.5/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
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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