Best 4-String Basses Under $200 2025

Affordable 4-string basses under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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

Harley Benton B-450 Black Progressive Serie - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton B-450 Black Progressive Serie

by Harley Benton

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Harley Benton B-450 Black Progressive SeriesElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck made from Canadian mapleModern...

⭐ 4.8/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 317302

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-450 White Progressive Serie - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton B-450 White Progressive Serie

by Harley Benton

Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Harley Benton B-450 White Progressive SeriesElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck made of Canadian mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 317310

$197

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-4 SBK Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MB-4 SBK Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Standard four-string configuration

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Harley Benton MB-4 SBK Deluxe SeriesElectric BassPoplar bodyBolt-on maple neckRoseacer fretboardMatching headstockNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 493192

$153

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-Style - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-Style

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• May need alternate tunings for some styles
• No high C string for extended range

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-StyleMB-Style Electric Bass KitComplete DIY (do-it-yourself) kitBody: Rengas (wood...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 549492

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Custom Features Specialty Applications Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

• May need alternate tunings for some styles
• No high C string for extended range

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 541433

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe SeriesElectric BassDeluxe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleNeck Profile: DFretboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 361460

$142

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR180-BS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez GSR180-BS

by Ibanez

Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Ibanez GSR180-BS4-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeNeck: MapleFretboard: PurpleheartNeck profile: GSR422 Medium...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 177148

$199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 541432

$164

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-450 QTB Progressive Serie - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton B-450 QTB Progressive Serie

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Harley Benton B-450 QTB Progressive SeriesElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck made from Canadian mapleModern D...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 317311

$197

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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Best 4-String Basses Under $200 2025

Harley Benton B-450 Black Progressive Serie

Harley Benton B-450 White Progressive Serie

Harley Benton MB-4 SBK Deluxe Series

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-Style

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series Bundle

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series

Ibanez GSR180-BS

Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series w/Bag

Harley Benton B-450 QTB Progressive Serie

How to Choose the Best 4-String Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How much should I spend on 4-string basses?

Are expensive 4-string basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string basses?

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

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