Best 4-String Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 4-string basses under $800 - 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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone Sunburst

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone SunburstElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584190

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp Ash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp Ash

by Marcus Miller

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Alternative Styles

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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp AshElectric BassNew Z Series with J and humbucker pickup and premium hardwareBody:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584188

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Burgundy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Burgundy

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 BurgundyElectric BassNew Z Series with J and humbucker pickups and premium hardwareBody:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 586965

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Pueblo Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Pueblo Pink

by Sterling by Music Man

Custom Features Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Pueblo PinkElectric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585137

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLK

by Sterling by Music Man

Specialty Applications Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLKElectric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585157

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

by Sterling by Music Man

Custom Features Specialty Applications Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 BKElectric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Maple21 FretsNut width: 38...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 434968

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Verythin Bass HCT-500/8-DC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner Verythin Bass HCT-500/8-DC

by Höfner

Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

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

Höfner Verythin Bass HCT-500/8-DCElectric BassConstruction: Half resonance with sustain blockMaple bodyMaple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 388584

$758

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BZ-4000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton BZ-4000 II NT

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BZ-4000 II NTElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: Mahogany / Ash / Mahogany / AshTop: AAA flamed maple...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 521698

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha TRBX 304 BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha TRBX 304 BL

by Yamaha

Custom Features Unique Designs Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha TRBX 304 BLElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: 5-Piece maple/mahoganybolt-onFretboard: Dalbergia LatifoliaScale:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 312989

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson X Series Spectra Bass IV DPM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Jackson X Series Spectra Bass IV DPM

by Jackson

Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Perfect for most musical styles

✓ PROS

• Standard four-string configuration
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Jackson X Series Spectra Bass IV DPMElectric BassBody: NyatohNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard inlays: white...

⭐ 4.9/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 583522

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD B204SM Natural Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

ESP LTD B204SM Natural Satin

by ESP

Custom Features Distinctive Sound Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Wide variety of pickup configurations

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

ESP LTD B204SM Natural SatinBass GuitarAsh body with "Spalted Maple" surfaceScrewed 5-striped...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 262869

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BK

by Danelectro

Unique Designs Distinctive Sound Specialty Applications

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Perfect for most musical styles
• Versatile tonal range

✗ CONS

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

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BKElectric BassDesign: Semi-hollowBody frame and centre block: PoplarTop & Back:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278306

$688

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Skyburst Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Skyburst Sparkle

by Marcus Miller

Distinctive Sound Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Classic bass foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Skyburst SparkleElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610503

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Antique White

by Marcus Miller

Unique Designs Distinctive Sound Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Standard four-string configuration

✓ PROS

• Versatile tonal range
• Classic bass foundation

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Antique WhiteElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584203

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH Cobra Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH Cobra Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Experimental Music Unique Designs Distinctive Sound

Key Feature:

• Versatile tonal range

✓ PROS

• Classic bass foundation
• Perfect for most musical styles

✗ CONS

• Standard tuning limitations
• Less range than extended scale basses

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH Cobra BlueElectric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585145

$659

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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TOP

Best 4-String Basses Under $800 2025

Marcus Miller Z7-4 3-Tone Sunburst

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp Ash

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Burgundy

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray4 Pueblo Pink

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH ST BLK

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

Höfner Verythin Bass HCT-500/8-DC

Harley Benton BZ-4000 II NT

Yamaha TRBX 304 BL

Jackson X Series Spectra Bass IV DPM

ESP LTD B204SM Natural Satin

Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BK

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Skyburst Sparkle

Marcus Miller Z7-4 Antique White

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray4 HH Cobra Blue

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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