Best 4-String Acoustic Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 4-string acoustic basses under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle

World Music Jazz Folk
Key Feature:
• Authentic unplugged sound
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Limited volume for large venues

Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Series*Acoustic...

4.6/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural IL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural IL

Acoustic Sessions World Music Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Rich, warm tone
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • May need pickup for recording

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural ILAcoustic BassWith cutawaySolid spruce topBack and sides: Mahogany laminatedNeck:...

4.9/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton B-30NT Acoustic Bass Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton B-30NT Acoustic Bass Bundle

Unplugged Jazz World Music
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • No amplifier needed
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • Limited volume for large venues
  • • May need pickup for recording

Harley Benton B-30NT Acoustic Bass Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-30NT Acoustic Bass Series*Acoustic...

4.7/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez PNB14E-OPN Acoustic Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez PNB14E-OPN Acoustic Bass

Singer-Songwriter Acoustic Sessions Jazz
Key Feature:
• Natural acoustic resonance
✓ PROS
  • • No amplifier needed
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • Requires good room acoustics
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Ibanez PNB14E-OPN Acoustic BassElectro-Acoustic BassParlor body sizeAfrican mahogany topAfrican mahogany back and...

4.7/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Mahoga Set

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
Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-E

World Music Acoustic Sessions Folk
Key Feature:
• Perfect for intimate venues
✓ PROS
  • • Natural acoustic resonance
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less versatile than electric
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Cordoba Mini II Bass MH-EElectro-Acoustic BassLaminated mahogany back and sidesLaminated mahogany topMahogany...

4.7/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton GS-Travel-E Bass Spruce Set

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
Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle

Folk Acoustic Sessions Jazz
Key Feature:
• Rich, warm tone
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
  • • No amplifier needed
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Limited volume for large venues

Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-30BK Acoustic Bass Series*Acoustic...

4.9/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Black 2018 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Black 2018

Acoustic Sessions Unplugged Jazz
Key Feature:
• Authentic unplugged sound
✓ PROS
  • • Authentic unplugged sound
  • • Perfect for intimate venues
✗ CONS
  • • May need pickup for recording
  • • Weather sensitive wood

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Black 2018Acoustic BassWith cutawayTop: solid spruceBack and sides: Mahogany laminatedNeck:...

4.4/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more