Best 4-String Heavy Basses 2025

Top-rated 4-string heavy basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 4

Heavy Music Hard Rock Aggressive Playing
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Great for heavy music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 4Electric BassRobert Trujillo (Metallica) Signature modelAlder bodyArched top and...

4.6/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Warwick RB Corvette Taranis 4 NBTS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Warwick RB Corvette Taranis 4 NBTS

Heavy Music Hard Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Warwick RB Corvette Taranis 4 NBTS4-String Electric BassTuning: B E A DBody: AshBolt-on3-piece neck: Maple with Ekanga...

4.5/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

ESP LTD AP-4 Black Metal

Hard Rock Punk Metal
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Often more expensive

ESP LTD AP-4 Black MetalElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Macassar ebonyNeck profile: Thin U21 XJ...

4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK Blast - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK Blast

Heavy Music High-Gain Amps Punk
Key Feature:
• Professional heavy sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD ML B-4 BLK BlastElectric BassMike Leon Signature ModelBody: Swamp Ash5-Piece Bolt-on neck: Wenge /...

4.7/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
ESP LTD F-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

ESP LTD F-4

Hard Rock Heavy Music Aggressive Playing
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD F-4Electric BassBody: Mahogany3-Strip neck-through-body neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyNeck profile: extra thin...

4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Jackson David Ellefson CBX IV SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Jackson David Ellefson CBX IV SBK

Metal Punk Heavy Music
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Professional heavy sound
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical contexts
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones

Jackson David Ellefson CBX IV SBK AHElectric BassDavid Ellefson (Megadeth) Signature ModelBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck:...

4.6/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Schecter Sixx Bass Satin Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Schecter Sixx Bass Satin Black

Aggressive Playing High-Gain Amps Metal
Key Feature:
• Professional heavy sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
✗ CONS
  • • Often more expensive
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones

Schecter Sixx Bass Satin BlackElectric BassNikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) signature modelBody: MahoganyFingerboard:...

5.0/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Schecter Stiletto Stealth-4 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-4

Heavy Music Punk Aggressive Playing
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Solid construction for aggressive playing
  • • Professional heavy sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-4Electric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodFretboard inlays: Grey...

5.0/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton TB-70VS Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton TB-70VS Deluxe Series

High-Gain Amps Heavy Music Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • May be too aggressive for clean tones
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres

Harley Benton TB-70VS Deluxe SeriesElectric BassBody: OkoumeSet-in Mahogany neckFingerboard: BlackwoodDot fingerboard...

5.0/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series w/Bag

Aggressive Playing High-Gain Amps Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • Modern hardware and electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Often more expensive

Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series*Electric Bass*Rock...

5.0/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKS

High-Gain Amps Metal Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Solid construction for aggressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical contexts
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres

ESP LTD M-4 Black Metal BLKSElectric BassBody: Alder3-Piece neck: MapleFingerboard: Macassar ebonyNeck profile: Thin...

4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB

High-Gain Amps Aggressive Playing Punk
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Great for heavy music styles
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical contexts
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

Epiphone Thunderbird IV VSB, Thunderbird IV Electric BassEven though Epiphone's American sister company Gibson was...

4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BL

Heavy Music Punk Hard Rock
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Professional heavy sound
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • May not suit all musical contexts

ESP LTD Orion 4 Signature BLElectric BassBody: Swamp ashNeck: 3-Piece maple neckNeck binding: Bolt-onFretboard:...

4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSS

Hard Rock High-Gain Amps Heavy Music
Key Feature:
• Great for heavy music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional heavy sound
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
✗ CONS
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres
  • • Requires high-gain amplification

ESP LTD Phoenix-1004 TSSElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: 5-Piece mahogany/walnutNeck attachment:...

4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series

Hard Rock High-Gain Amps Metal
Key Feature:
• Modern hardware and electronics
✓ PROS
  • • High-output pickups for distortion
  • • Professional heavy sound
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all musical contexts
  • • Limited versatility outside heavy genres

Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock SeriesElectric BassRock SeriesBody: BasswoodSet-in neck: Canadian mapleFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (13 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10

How to Choose the Best 4-String Heavy 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 heavy 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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more