Best 4-String Basses 2026
Top-rated 4-string basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level
Last updated: January 28, 2026 • Next update: February 4, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty Green
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty GreenElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDual action...
⭐
4.6/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 612713
$428
#2
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Sterling by Music Man Sting Ray Classic 24 TLB
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sterling by Music Man Sting Ray 34 QM NBL4-String Electric BassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboard (Dalbergia...
⭐
4.6/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 459394
$824
#3
⭐
4.9/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 BK
Custom Features
Specialty Applications
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 BKElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Maple21 FretsNut width: 38...
⭐
4.9/5
(23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 434968
$516
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc Frost
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc FrostElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.9/5
(2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585249
$1,429
#5
⭐
5.0/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLK
Specialty Applications
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLKElectric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...
⭐
5.0/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585157
$659
#6
⭐
4.5/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 DC Poplar Burl
Unique Designs
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 DC Poplar BurlElectric BassTop: Burl poplarBody: AlderNeck-thru-body 3-piece neck:...
⭐
4.5/5
(28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 560546
$5,335
#7
⭐
4.9/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Traveler Guitar TB-4P Bass SBT
Unique Designs
Distinctive Sound
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Traveler Guitar TB-4P Bass SBTElectric Travel BassTotal length: 895 mmBolt-on neck: MapleBody: AlderFretboard: MapleDot...
⭐
4.9/5
(36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 513325
$604
#8
⭐
4.8/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone Sunburst
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • No high C string for extended range
Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone SunburstElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...
⭐
4.8/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584190
$548
#9
⭐
4.5/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY24CA Olympic White
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY24CA Olympic WhiteElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.5/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 585272
$846
#10
⭐
4.5/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Chopper Blue
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Chopper BlueElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: MapleScale:...
⭐
4.5/5
(3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585133
$504
#11
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Sterling by Music Man Sting Ray RAY34BKR2
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sterling by Music Man Sting Ray RAY34BKR2Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Rosewood21 Medium...
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 457606
$1,099
#12
⭐
4.8/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Ulrich Bass Saulus 4 Padouk
by
Ulrich Bass
Experimental Music
Distinctive Sound
Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Standard tuning limitations
Ulrich Bass Saulus 4 PadoukElectric BassChambered body: AshTop: PadoukThree-pieceset-in maple neckFingerboard: Pau...
⭐
4.8/5
(46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 590345
$4,399
#13
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH Bruleé
by
Music Man
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH BruleéElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.4/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589567
$3,189
#14
⭐
4.8/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.Rock
by
Music Man
Distinctive Sound
Custom Features
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH B.RockElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleRoasted maple...
⭐
4.8/5
(8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 589570
$3,189
#15
⭐
5.0/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Danelectro DC Longscale Bass BK
by
Danelectro
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Danelectro DC Longscale Bass BKElectric BassType: Semi-HollowBody: Poplar frame and centre block with Masonite top and...
⭐
5.0/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 391969
$659
How to Choose the Best 4-String 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 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.
