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Best 4-String Acoustic Basses Under $2,000 2025

Affordable 4-string acoustic basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

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
Ovation Elite B778TX-5-G - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Ovation Elite B778TX-5-G

by Ovation
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
Art. 610605
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Alien 4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Warwick Alien 4 NT

by Warwick
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
Art. 492910
$1,649
Buy at Thomann View Details
Martin Guitar 000C Jr E Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Warwick Alien 4 FL NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Warwick Alien 4 FL NT

by Warwick
Folk World Music Acoustic Sessions
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Weather sensitive wood
  • • Requires good room acoustics

Warwick Alien 4 FL NTAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlessTop: Solid spruceBack and sides: Ovangkol laminatedSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 621770
$1,649
Buy at Thomann View Details
Taylor GS Mini-e Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa Bass

by Taylor
Unplugged Singer-Songwriter Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • Less versatile than electric

Taylor GS Mini-e Koa BassAcoustic Bass with PickupTop: Solid koaGS Mini bracingBack & Sides: KoaNeck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 483251
$1,098
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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