Best 4-String Basses for Alternative Styles 2026
Perfect 4-string basses for alternative-styles - easy to play and learn on
Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026
#1
⭐
4.6/5
(5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Black
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
#2
⭐
4.7/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Tobacco Sunburst
by
Hagstrom
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Tobacco SunburstElectric BassBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: ResinatorTenon joint...
⭐
4.7/5
(9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600988
$1,176
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe 4 SMT VIB
by
Lakland
Distinctive Sound
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Lakland Skyline 44-02 Deluxe 4 SMT VIBElectric BassBody: AshTop: Spalted mapleNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.5/5
(27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599560
$2,342
#4
⭐
4.4/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez SR5500-MHF Prestige
by
Ibanez
Unique Designs
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Ibanez SR5500-MHF PrestigeElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Ovangkol5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodMother...
⭐
4.4/5
(18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606699
$2,859
#5
⭐
4.8/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez SR300EB-WNF
by
Ibanez
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Ibanez SR300EB-WNFElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: JatobaWhite dot fingerboard...
⭐
4.8/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606654
$406
#6
⭐
4.6/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Lakland Skyline Hollowbody-30 4 BG
by
Lakland
Experimental Music
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Lakland Skyline Hollowbody-30 4 BGElectric BassDesign: HollowbodyBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...
⭐
4.6/5
(42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617891
$1,782
#7
⭐
4.8/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM CH
by
Sadowsky
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Standard four-string configuration
✗ CONS
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM WHElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
⭐
4.8/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599517
$1,077
#8
⭐
4.6/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 4 Morado SIL
by
Sadowsky
Specialty Applications
Distinctive Sound
Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ 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 SILElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MoradoFingerboard...
⭐
4.6/5
(32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599520
$1,209
#9
⭐
4.4/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE BK w/Bag
by
Höfner
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Standard tuning limitations
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE BK w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE Black*Electric...
⭐
4.4/5
(41 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 611738
$472
#10
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Kramer Guitars Disciple D-1 Bass TC Purple
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Kramer Guitars Disciple D-1 Bass TC PurpleElectric BassBody: MahoganyAsymmetrical neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyScale:...
⭐
4.6/5
(4 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606475
$626
#11
⭐
4.5/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Ibanez SR300EDX-WZM
by
Ibanez
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
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
Ibanez SR300EDX-WZMElectric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: JatobaWhite dot fingerboard...
⭐
4.5/5
(52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606644
$516
#12
⭐
4.6/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez TMB420B-BKF
by
Ibanez
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Ibanez TMB420B-BKFElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: EbonolFingerboard radius: 240 mm...
⭐
4.6/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606806
$494
#13
⭐
4.7/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MkII WY
by
Reverend
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MkII WYElectric BassMike Watt Signature modelBody: KorinaBolt-on 3-piece neck:...
⭐
4.7/5
(49 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 600490
$1,759
#14
⭐
4.8/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Ibanez TMB400TA-IAB
by
Ibanez
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Ibanez TMB400TA-IABElectric BassBody: PoplarTop: Tamo ashBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Bound rosewoodAcrylic...
⭐
4.8/5
(45 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619807
$439
#15
⭐
4.8/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Ibanez SRD900-CTL
by
Ibanez
Distinctive Sound
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
- • No high C string for extended range
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Ibanez SRD900-CTLElectric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Exotic mapleBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: Panga...
⭐
4.8/5
(11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606595
$1,154
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.
