Best 4-String Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 4-string basses under $300 - 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 MV-4MSB Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Seafoam Green

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Seafoam GreenElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian hard rock...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570877

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Black

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4MSB BlackElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian hard rock maple with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570880

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha TRBX 174 OVS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Yamaha TRBX 174 OVS

by Yamaha

Custom Features Alternative Styles Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha TRBX 174 OVSElectric Bass4-StringBody: MahoganyNeck: Maplebolt-onFretboard: (Dalbergia latifolia)Scale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 329076

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Daphne Blue

by Harley Benton

Custom Features Experimental Music Distinctive Sound

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

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Daphne BlueElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian hard rock...

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570878

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• No high C string for extended range

Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489507

$270

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Unique Designs Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe SeriesElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: PoplarTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 361464

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HB-50 Vintage Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HB-50 Vintage Orange

by Harley Benton

Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• No high C string for extended range

Harley Benton HB-50 Vintage OrangeElectric BassVintage SeriesType: Semi-HollowBody: MapleArched topSet-in neck:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 561974

$263

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFM

by Squier

Unique Designs Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Standard four-string configuration

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• No high C string for extended range

Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFMElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: black...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 516908

$273

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez TMB100-TFB Talman Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez TMB100-TFB Talman Bass

by Ibanez

Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Ibanez TMB100-TFB Talman BassElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 494652

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton RB-414BK Classic Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton RB-414BK Classic Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Custom Features Unique Designs Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Harley Benton RB-414BK Classic Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton RB-414BK Classic Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 489508

$270

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR200B-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez GSR200B-WNF

by Ibanez

Unique Designs Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Standard tuning limitations

Ibanez GSR200B-WNFElectric BassBody: NyatohGSR4 Maple neckScale: Long scaleFretboard: Rosewood22 Medium fretsWhite Dot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 332277

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS2 Concert Bass Snow White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS2 Concert Bass Snow White

by Jackson

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• Standard tuning limitations

Jackson JS2 Concert Bass Snow WhiteElectric BassPoplar bodyOne-piece bolt-on maple neckgraphite reinforced with scarf...

⭐ 4.5/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 413944

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass

by Ibanez

Experimental Music Distinctive Sound Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman BassElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFretboard: JatobaNeck profile: TMB4Scale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 369358

$285

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Shell Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Shell Pink

by Harley Benton

Distinctive Sound Unique Designs Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
• May need alternate tunings for some styles

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Shell PinkElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian hard rock maple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570868

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR180-BEM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez GSR180-BEM

by Ibanez

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez GSR180-BEMElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: PurpleheartWhite dot fingerboard inlays22...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 481758

$219

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 $300 2025

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Seafoam Green

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Black

Yamaha TRBX 174 OVS

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Daphne Blue

Harley Benton RB-414CS Classic Series w/Bag

Harley Benton MM-84A SB Deluxe Series

Harley Benton HB-50 Vintage Orange

Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFM

Ibanez TMB100-TFB Talman Bass

Harley Benton RB-414BK Classic Series w/Bag

Ibanez GSR200B-WNF

Jackson JS2 Concert Bass Snow White

Ibanez TMB100-MGR Talman Bass

Harley Benton MV-4MSB Shell Pink

Ibanez GSR180-BEM

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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