AudioFu

Best 4-String Basses for Experimental Music 2025

Perfect 4-string basses for experimental-music - easy to play and learn on

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
Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MkII WY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR4500-DST Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez SR4500-DST Prestige

by Ibanez
Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Ibanez SR4500-DST PrestigeElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: Roasted mapleMother of...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606707
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR400EQM-SCB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Ibanez SR400EQM-SCB

by Ibanez
Unique Designs Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Ibanez SR400EQM-SCBElectric BassBody: NyatohTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 606632
$637
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE BK w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Black Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Black Gloss

by Hagstrom
Custom Features Distinctive Sound Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Black GlossElectric BassBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: ResinatorPearloid Hagstrom...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 600984
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR300EDX-WZM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Kramer Guitars Disciple D-1 Bass TC Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Kramer Guitars Disciple D-1 Bass TC Purple

by Kramer Guitars
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR300EB-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector Euro 4 CST Nat Violet Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Spector Euro 4 CST Nat Violet Burst

by Spector
Custom Features Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • No high C string for extended range

Spector Euro 4 CST Nat Violet BurstElectric BassBody: European ash with a walnut stripeTop: European poplar burl3-Piece...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 603228
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 White Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Hagstrom Nekromant 4 White Gloss

by Hagstrom
Alternative Styles Specialty Applications Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Hagstrom Nekromant 4 White GlossElectric BassBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: ResinatorPearloid Hagstrom...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600980
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez TMB400TA-IAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SRD900-CTL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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
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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