Best 4-String Acoustic Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 4-string acoustic basses under $500 - 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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

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

Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

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

Ortega D7E-SBK-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ortega D7E-SBK-4

by Ortega

Unplugged Singer-Songwriter World Music

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• No amplifier needed

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• May need pickup for recording

Ortega D7E-SBK-4Acoustic Bass with PickupDeep seriesTop: SpruceBack and sides: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 534356

$348

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ortega D7CE-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Ortega D7CE-4

by Ortega

Singer-Songwriter Jazz Acoustic Sessions

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• Authentic unplugged sound

✗ CONS

• Weather sensitive wood
• Requires good room acoustics

Ortega D7CE-4Acoustic Bass with PickupDeep seriesWith cutawayTop: SpruceBack and Sides: MahoganyNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 534352

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag

by Fender

Folk Jazz Unplugged

Key Feature:

• No amplifier needed

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• Limited volume for large venues

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural IL*Acoustic Bass*With...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 538819

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez PCBE12MH-OPN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez PCBE12MH-OPN

by Ibanez

World Music Folk Jazz

Key Feature:

• No amplifier needed

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed
• Authentic unplugged sound

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for large venues
• Requires good room acoustics

Ibanez PCBE12MH-OPNAcoustic Bass with PickupTop: SapeleBack and sides: SapeleNeck: MapleFingerboard: NanduScale: 810 mm...

⭐ 4.6/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 332656

$311

Buy at Thomann View Details

Applause Elite AEB4-7S - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

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 AEGB24E-BKH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

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

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK

by Ibanez

Jazz Unplugged Singer-Songwriter

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Rich, warm tone
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires good room acoustics
• Less versatile than electric

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WKAcoustic BassBody shape: Grand ConcertTop: OkoumeBack and sides: OkoumeNeck: MapleFretboard and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 509674

$318

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass

by Fender

World Music Jazz Folk

Key Feature:

• Perfect for intimate venues

✓ PROS

• No amplifier needed
• Authentic unplugged sound

✗ CONS

• Less versatile than electric
• Requires good room acoustics

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-BassAcoustic Bass with PickupBody shape: New AuditoriumTop: Flamed mapleScalloped X-bracingBody:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 456707

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AEB8E-BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez AEB8E-BK

by Ibanez

Folk Unplugged World Music

Key Feature:

• Rich, warm tone

✓ PROS

• Perfect for intimate venues
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for large venues
• Requires good room acoustics

Ibanez AEB8E-BKAcoustic BassTop: SpruceBack and sides: SapeleNeck: MahoganyBridge and fretboard: Purple HeartScale:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 177086

$344

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4-String Acoustic Basses Under $500 2025

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

Ibanez AEGB24E-MHS

Ortega D7E-SBK-4

Ortega D7CE-4

Fender CB-60SCE A-Bass Natural w/Bag

Ibanez PCBE12MH-OPN

Applause Elite AEB4-7S

Ibanez AEGB24E-BKH

Ibanez PCBE14MH-WK

Fender FA-450CE 3TSB A-Bass

Ibanez AEB8E-BK

How to Choose the Best 4-String Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string acoustic basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string acoustic basses?

Are expensive 4-string acoustic basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string acoustic basses?

Should I buy 4-string acoustic basses online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies