Best 4-String Basses Under $2,000 2026
Affordable 4-string basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY34HH Charc Frost
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Versatile tonal range
- • 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:...
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ4 Morado CAR
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • No high C string for extended range
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ4 Morado CARElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ4 RM SGR
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Less range than extended scale basses
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ4 RM SGRElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 Black Gloss
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Classic bass foundation
- • 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...
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM CAR
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM CARElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M4 RM OWH
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M4 RM OWHElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
Sandberg California Central 4 Black MN
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • Less range than extended scale basses
Sandberg California Central 4 Black MN4-String Electric BassBody: AshNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFingerboard:...
Lakland Skyline 44-01 Deluxe 4 NAT
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
Lakland Skyline 44-01 Deluxe 4 NATElectric BassBody: AshTop: spalted MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodCream...
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint MJ 4 MO OB
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint MJ 4 MO OBElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MoradoFingerboard...
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ 4 RM OWH
- • Versatile tonal range
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ 4 RM OWHElectric BassBody: OkumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 White Gloss
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Hagstrom Nekromant 4 White GlossElectric BassBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: ResinatorPearloid Hagstrom...
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM BK
- • Classic bass foundation
- • Perfect for most musical styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
- • No high C string for extended range
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM BKElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-4 M MO CAR
- • Standard four-string configuration
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
- • Standard tuning limitations
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-4 M MO CARElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MoradoFingerboard...
Warwick RB Star Bass 4 SBHP
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Versatile tonal range
- • No high C string for extended range
- • May need alternate tunings for some styles
Warwick RB Star Bass 4 SBHPElectric Basssides and bottom: MapleSet-in3-piece neck: Maple with ekanga veneer...
Reverend Mike Watt Wattplower MkII WY
- • Wide variety of pickup configurations
- • Classic bass foundation
- • 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:...
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