Best 4-String Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 4-string basses under $500 - 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

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Electric Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Electric Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Less range than extended scale basses

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Electric BlueElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDual action...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612710

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VC

by Sterling by Music Man

Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Wide variety of pickup configurations
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• Standard tuning limitations

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VCElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut width: 38...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 435005

$437

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Rosegold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Rosegold

by Marcus Miller

Custom Features Unique Designs Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z3-4 RosegoldElectric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584177

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Blue

by Marcus Miller

Specialty Applications Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z3-4 BlueElectric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 584173

$490

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Distinctive Sound Custom Features Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Standard four-string configuration

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Less range than extended scale basses

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd GenElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)C neck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446387

$391

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Newport Bass Pacific Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Epiphone Newport Bass Pacific Blue

by Epiphone

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Newport Bass Pacific BlueElectric BassBody: MahoganyGlued-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian laurelPerloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 549142

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle Black

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle BlackElectric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584158

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 539298

$347

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS3P Concert Bass TR BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS3P Concert Bass TR BLK

by Jackson

Distinctive Sound Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Less range than extended scale basses
• Standard tuning limitations

Jackson JS3P Concert Bass TR BLKElectric BassBody: PoplarTop: burl poplar with art grainNeck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 583803

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Newport Bass Cherry - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Epiphone Newport Bass Cherry

by Epiphone

Unique Designs Distinctive Sound Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Epiphone Newport Bass CherryElectric BassBody: MahoganyGlued-in neck: MahoganyFingerboard: Indian LaurelPerloid Dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 549141

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty Green

by Sterling by Music Man

Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty GreenElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDual action...

⭐ 4.6/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 612713

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Orange O-Bass Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Orange O-Bass Orange

by Orange

Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Standard four-string configuration

✗ CONS

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

Orange O-Bass OrangeElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: MapleDouble-action truss-rodFretboard: Purpleheart20...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 447085

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Embassy Bass Graphite Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Epiphone Embassy Bass Graphite Black

by Epiphone

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

• No high C string for extended range
• Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Epiphone Embassy Bass Graphite BlackElectric BassBody: mahoganyNeck: MahoganyMedium C ProdilIndian Laurel fretboardNut...

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 502737

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS3Q Kelly Bird TRB AH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS3Q Kelly Bird TRB AH

by Jackson

Alternative Styles Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS3Q Kelly Bird TRBElectric BassJS seriesBody: PoplarTop: MapleBolt-on neck: Maple with graphite reinforcement...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 406327

$461

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 $500 2025

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Electric Blue

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Black

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VC

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Rosegold

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Blue

Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd Gen

Epiphone Newport Bass Pacific Blue

Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle Black

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series w/Bag

Jackson JS3P Concert Bass TR BLK

Epiphone Newport Bass Cherry

Sterling by Music Man StingRay2 Misty Green

Orange O-Bass Orange

Epiphone Embassy Bass Graphite Black

Jackson JS3Q Kelly Bird TRB AH

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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