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Best 4-String Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable 4-string basses under $5,000 - 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
Franz Bassguitars Merak 4 Poplar Burl Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Franz Bassguitars Merak 4 Poplar Burl Premium

by Franz Bassguitars
Unique Designs Custom Features Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Franz Bassguitars Merak 4 Poplar Burl PremiumElectric BassBody: European alderTop: Premium poplar burlNeck-thru-body:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 617504
$3,959
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 4 HH Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Music Man Stingray 4 HH Black

by Music Man
Custom Features Unique Designs Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile tonal range
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Music Man Stingray 4 HH BlackElectric BassBody: Selected hardwood5-Bolt neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599555
$3,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003S MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Rickenbacker 4003S MG

by Rickenbacker
Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Rickenbacker 4003S MGElectric BassMaple body with rounded edgesMaple neck-thru-body with Skunk StripeFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 360916
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass Black

by Duesenberg
Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Duesenberg Chris Chaney Bass BlackElectric BassBody: Solid alderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: 864...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 618676
$2,804
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 FG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Rickenbacker 4003 FG

by Rickenbacker
Custom Features Specialty Applications 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
  • • No high C string for extended range

Rickenbacker 4003 FG, Electric BassWhen Paul McCartney decided on a new bass around 1966, it had ongoing consequences...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 103893
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Duesenberg Starplayer Bass Vintage Orange - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Duesenberg Starplayer Bass Vintage Orange

by Duesenberg
Alternative Styles Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Duesenberg Starplayer Bass Vintage OrangeElectric BassSemi HollowArched & laminated spruce topArchedlaminated &...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 549536
$2,859
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 4

by Warwick
Unique Designs Specialty Applications Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • No high C string for extended range

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 44-String Electric BassScale: 34" (864 mm) long scaleBubinga body (Guibourtia...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 489054
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ulrich Bass Saulus 4 Padouk - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ulrich Bass Saulus 4 Padouk

by Ulrich Bass
Experimental Music Distinctive Sound Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Classic bass foundation
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Ulrich Bass Saulus 4 PadoukElectric BassChambered body: AshTop: PadoukThree-pieceset-in maple neckFingerboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 590345
$4,399
Buy at Thomann View Details
Rickenbacker 4003 MG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Rickenbacker 4003 MG

by Rickenbacker
Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Versatile tonal range
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string

Rickenbacker 4003 MG Electric BassElectric BassMaple bodyFull-length maple neck with skunk stripeUnvarnished Caribbean...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 157070
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH PBB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH PBB

by Music Man
Specialty Applications Alternative Styles Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • Less range than extended scale basses

Music Man Stingray 4 Special HH PBBElectric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 590454
$3,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21 4 Vintage MM SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 4 Vintage MM SBK

by Sadowsky
Alternative Styles Custom Features Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Standard four-string configuration
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • No high C string for extended range
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 4 Vintage MM SBK4-String Electric BassScale 34" (864 mm)Bolt-on neckSlightly scaled down...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 525607
$3,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TM2 MBKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sandberg California II TM2 MBKB

by Sandberg
Distinctive Sound Custom Features Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Perfect for most musical styles
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
✗ CONS
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles
  • • No high C string for extended range

Sandberg California II TM2 MBKBElectric BassBody: AshNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 376231
$2,309
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay

by Music Man
Unique Designs Custom Features Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Classic bass foundation
  • • Perfect for most musical styles
✗ CONS
  • • Standard tuning limitations
  • • No high C string for extended range

Music Man Pino Palladino StingRayElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619273
$4,619
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Tim Commerford StingRay Active - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Music Man Tim Commerford StingRay Active

by Music Man
Experimental Music Distinctive Sound Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Wide variety of pickup configurations
✓ PROS
  • • Standard four-string configuration
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • Less range than extended scale basses
  • • Standard tuning limitations

Music Man Tim Commerford StingRay ActiveElectric BassTim Commerford (Rage Against The Machine) Artist seriesBody:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 622064
$4,399
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Jackpot - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special Jackpot

by Music Man
Distinctive Sound Unique Designs Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
• Classic bass foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Wide variety of pickup configurations
  • • Versatile tonal range
✗ CONS
  • • Limited low-end extension vs 5-string
  • • May need alternate tunings for some styles

Music Man Stingray 4 H Special JackpotElectric BassBody: Selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 589242
$3,189
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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