AudioFu

Best 4-String Basses 2025

Top-rated 4-string basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Unique Designs For Specialty Applications For Experimental Music For Custom Features For Alternative Styles For Distinctive Sound
BRANDS: Sadowsky Ibanez Harley Benton Warwick Music Man Sterling by Music Man Yamaha Sandberg Marcus Miller Höfner Epiphone Jackson Spector Rickenbacker Lakland Cort Danelectro Fodera
Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Black

by Sterling by Music Man
Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • No high C string for extended range

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 BlackElectric BassIntro SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 612689
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado Green

by Sterling by Music Man
Custom Features Unique Designs Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • No high C string for extended range

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Dorado GreenElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted maplefingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585268
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller Z7-4 Burgundy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Burgundy

by Marcus Miller
Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • No high C string for extended range

Marcus Miller Z7-4 BurgundyElectric BassNew Z Series with J and humbucker pickups and premium hardwareBody:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 586965
$593
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller
Distinctive Sound Custom Features Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd GenElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)C neck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 446387
$391
Buy at Thomann View Details
Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 DC Poplar Burl - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 DC Poplar Burl

by Franz Bassguitars
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003S JG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Rickenbacker 4003S JG

by Rickenbacker
Alternative Styles Specialty Applications Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Rickenbacker 4003S JGElectric BassMaple body with rounded edgesMaple neck-through-body with Skunk StripeFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360913
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 BK

by Sterling by Music Man
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 WS

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Designs Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 WSElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut width: 38...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 435006
$516
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller Z3-4 Silver Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Silver Sparkle

by Marcus Miller
Alternative Styles Experimental Music Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • No high C string for extended range

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Silver SparkleElectric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard: RosewoodBlack dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610509
$494
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VC

by Sterling by Music Man
Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VCElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut width: 38...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 435005
$437
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Spalted 3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Spalted 3TSB

by Sterling by Music Man
Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34 Spalted 3TSBElectric BassBody: NyatohTop: spalted mapleBolt-on neck: roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585257
$1,374
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Rickenbacker 4003 Walnut

by Rickenbacker
Custom Features Alternative Styles Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Rickenbacker 4003 WalnutElectric BassBody: WalnutNeck-through-body Skunk Stripe neckFretboard: Mapleunpainted with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 333622
$3,354
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass Black

by Duesenberg
Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass BlackElectric BassBody: Solid alderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 864...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618676
$2,804
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 4 Morado LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 4 Morado LH BK

by Sadowsky
Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 4 Morado LH BKElectric BassLeft-handed modelBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599329
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M4 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M4 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky
Distinctive Sound Custom Features Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M4 Morado CARElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 597741
$1,198
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

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