AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 4-String Heavy Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless ($595). Harley Benton WB-20BK Rock Series gives you the most for the money at $133. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
You get a 4-string bass with a poplar body, a roasted maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. It has two humbucker pickups and controls for volume, balance, bass and treble, so you can adjust the sound as you play. It suits you if you want a 4-string bass with a 34 inch scale and a thin U neck to play.
Pros
- Poplar body is a lightweight wood choice for the bass
- Roasted maple bolt-on neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard
- Two SB-4 humbucker pickups, one at the neck and one at the bridge
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$595 now$595€533 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
If you want a black 4-string bass with a simple setup, this one is worth a look. It has a basswood body, a Canadian maple neck, and a PB-style split coil pickup, with one volume and one tone knob. It suits you if you want a straightforward bass you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Basswood body, a lightweight wood commonly used for bass bodies
- Canadian maple set neck paired with a laurel fingerboard
- PB-style split coil pickup suits a classic bass style
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control, with no extra tone shaping
- Gig bag is sold separately and not included
67AudioFu
Index↓ 14.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$155 · Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
You get a Thunderbird-shaped bass with a mahogany body, a maple neck and two humbuckers. It has a long 34-inch scale and an Indian Laurel fretboard. It suits you if you want a classic Thunderbird look and a bass built for rock at an affordable price.
Pros
- Mahogany body and bolt-on maple neck give it a classic build
- Two humbuckers built for crisp, thrusting rock tones
- Indian Laurel fretboard on a long 34-inch scale
Cons
- The matching case (#161567) is not included and must be bought separately
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$496 now$496€444 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius400 mm (15.75")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
You get a 4-string heavy bass with a poplar body, a roasted maple bolt-on neck and a rosewood fingerboard. Two humbucker pickups and volume, balance and tone boost controls give you a good amount of control over your sound. It suits you if you want a well-built bass with a 34-inch scale and 21 frets for playing across the neck.
Pros
- Poplar body keeps the bass lightweight for long sessions on stage
- Two SB-4 humbucker pickups at the neck and bridge give two pickup positions to choose from
- Volume, balance and tone boost controls let you shape the signal from the bass
64AudioFu
Index↓ 7.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$669 · Aug 17$619 now$619€554 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 4-string bass with an 864 mm scale, 20 frets, and two mini humbuckers with active electronics. It suits you if you want a bass with a D-profile neck, a Blackwood fingerboard, and a push-pull volume control on one knob. Plan to buy a gig bag separately if you want one to carry it in.
Pros
- Okoume body is a lightweight wood choice for the bass
- Set-in mahogany neck with a D profile for a comfortable grip
- Two Roswell GB4 mini humbuckers paired with active electronics
Cons
- Gig bag is not included, so you will need to buy one separately
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- BodyMahogany body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a four-string electric bass with a mahogany body, a maple neck and a rosewood fingerboard. It has two passive humbuckers and a simple set of controls, so you get a classic setup without extra features. It suits you if you want a straightforward bass for everyday playing and practice.
Pros
- Mahogany body with a maple bolt-on neck
- Rosewood fingerboard with mini dot inlays
- Two passive bass humbuckers at the neck and bridge
Cons
- Fixed bridge means no tremolo or vibrato system
4-String Heavy Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $496 — half of all 4-String heavy basses here cost less.
median of 7 models · 38 mm (1.5")–42 mm (1.65")
median of 8 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 8 models
most common · 7 models
How to choose the best 4-String heavy basses
Pickup Voicing
Cheap pickups can sound brittle and lack warmth. We looked for pickups that offer a usable low-end and a decent amount of punch without sounding ice-picky or muddy - that sweet spot for rock, metal, and heavier genres.
Neck Profile & Playability
A neck that's uncomfortable will kill your motivation. We prioritized basses with comfortable neck profiles (C or D shapes are generally safe bets) and a decent setup right out of the box - low action without fret buzz is key.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners and a flimsy bridge will haunt you on stage. We assessed the hardware's ability to stay in tune and handle the demands of gigging - a locking nut is a huge plus at this price point.
Body Wood & Construction
Alder is a common choice for a reason - it's versatile. While exotic woods are nice, we focused on solid, well-constructed bodies that offer good resonance and sustain without excessive weight.
Electronics & Controls
Basic EQ controls (bass, mid, treble) are essential for shaping your tone. We looked for pots and switches that feel solid and don't crackle or fail prematurely.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a serious 4-string bass that can handle a gig, lay down a solid foundation, and won't break the bank? Forget about boutique instruments - we're talking about getting the most thump and articulation for your dollar under $800. There's some surprisingly good gear out there if you know where to look, and we're gonna cut through the hype and show you what's worth your time and money.
At this price range, expect some trade-offs. The finish might not be flawless, and the hardware might not be top-tier, but a good bass should still play and sound great. Don't get hung up on aesthetics - focus on the feel and the tone.
If the action is too high or the neck feels awkward, pass it on; a setup can only do so much. Prioritize a bass that inspires you to play.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 9 4-String heavy basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the deal with passive vs. active electronics?
Passive basses are simpler and often have a more vintage, organic tone. Active basses use a preamp for more tonal shaping and usually higher output, but they need a battery. For under $800, passive is often the safer bet unless you really need the extra EQ flexibility.
Can I realistically expect a bass with a figured maple top for under $800?
Yeah, it's common. But be wary of purely aesthetic upgrades; often, the wood underneath is still standard alder. Don't sacrifice playability for a fancy top.
What about Squier basses? Are they always a good value?
Squier offers some great options, but quality control can be inconsistent. Check the neck and action carefully before you buy. Some models are fantastic, others are a gamble.
Is a roasted maple neck worth the extra money?
Roasted maple is more stable and resistant to humidity changes, which can improve tuning stability and overall feel. It's a nice upgrade, but not essential at this price point - a well-built standard maple neck is perfectly fine.
I'm a beginner, does it really matter what bass I get?
Absolutely. A bass that's uncomfortable or sounds bad will discourage you. A playable bass with a decent tone will make learning more enjoyable and help you develop good habits.
