AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Sandberg California II TT 4 BLK LH ($1,950). Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4 gives you the most for the money at $1,560. Höfner Club Bass Vintage Relic BK LH leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 73 models across 14 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Nut width39.4 mm (1.55")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty bass shines with its bright ash body and classic Delano pickups. The long scale gives a tight feel, while the rosewood fingerboard adds warmth. It suits players who want a vintage sound without sacrificing modern electronics.
Pros
- Left-handed configuration for reversed playing style
- Bright ash body paired with warm rosewood fingerboard
- Delano J-style pickups for classic vintage tone
Cons
- Active/passive electronics require battery power
- No specific string gauge listed in specs
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,950 now$1,950€1,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4
California VS RB LH · Sandberg
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty bass brings solid German craftsmanship to the table with a warm ash body and smooth rosewood neck. It feels like a reliable workhorse for players who want a sturdy instrument without the extra weight. Perfect for someone looking for a ready-to-play setup at a fair price.
Pros
- German-made precision ensures consistent quality and durability.
- Solid ash body delivers a warm, punchy low-end response.
- Maple bolt-on neck provides a sturdy, responsive connection.
Cons
- Split coil pickup configuration limits standard single-coil tone options.
- No string gauge options listed for user customization.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,616 now$1,616€1,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sandberg California Central 4
California Central LH RBL · Sandberg
10 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Sandberg California Central LH RBL is a seriously comfortable and great-sounding left-handed bass. The roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play, and the single humbucker delivers a warm, punchy tone perfect for rock, blues, and modern styles. It's a premium-priced instrument that rewards players seeking quality and a distinctive look.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and smooth playability.
- Sandberg humbucker delivers a thick, articulate tone with surprising clarity.
- The 3-band EQ provides precise tonal shaping for a wide range of musical styles.
Cons
- Roquefort Blue Hardcore Aged finish might not appeal to players preferring more subtle aesthetics.
- Alder body, while resonant, can make the bass feel a bit weighty for extended playing sessions.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,786 now$2,786€2,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width39.5 mm (1.56")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardPau ferro fingerboard
This Sandberg California II is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a fantastic blend of vintage vibe and modern versatility. The Delano pickups are a real highlight, providing a wide palette of tones perfect for rock, funk, and even some jazz. It's a premium-priced bass that delivers a lot of bang for your buck, especially for left-handed players who often miss out on quality options.
Pros
- Ash body provides a resonant, balanced tonal foundation.
- Delano pickups deliver a versatile range, from clean to aggressive.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and comfortable playability.
Cons
- The 14in radius fingerboard might feel less familiar to players accustomed to flatter profiles.
- Blackburst finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,917 now$1,917€1,719 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width39.5 mm (1.56")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAlder body
This Sandberg California II is a seriously good-looking and feeling lefty bass. The HCA finish gives it a cool, broken-in vibe, and the P-style pickup nails that classic, upright-like tone. It's perfect for players wanting a vintage-inspired sound with modern playability and premium German build quality.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and easy playability
- Sandberg P-style pickup offers a classic, warm, and punchy growl
Cons
- 14in radius might feel unusual for players accustomed to flatter boards
- Tobacco-Sunburst aged finish may not appeal to those preferring a pristine look
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,285 now$2,285€2,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4
California VS Lionel BK LH · Sandberg
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
This lefty Sandberg California VS Lionel BK is a seriously well-made instrument. The ash body and split coil pickups give it a punchy, defined sound that’s great for rock, funk, and even some blues. It’s a fantastic choice for left-handed players seeking a premium-priced, reliable bass with a vintage vibe.
Pros
- Ash body delivers a tight, focused low-end response.
- Sandberg split coil pickups offer a balanced, articulate tone.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel.
Cons
- The maple fretboard can feel a bit sharp for some players initially.
- Passive electronics limit tonal flexibility compared to active basses.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,560 now$1,560€1,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets20 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This is a solid choice for a left-handed player who wants a classic look and a thick sound. The maple neck and humbucker pickup give it a sturdy feel, perfect for rock music. Just remember to buy your own strings before you start playing. It suits anyone who likes a vintage British Green finish without needing to guess the weight or scale.
Pros
- Left-handed design for right-handed players who need a mirror image setup
- Alder body paired with maple neck offers a balanced, solid construction feel
- Humbucker pickup delivers thick, warm tones suitable for rock and metal genres
Cons
- No strings included in the package, forcing an extra purchase for playability
- Scale length and string gauge are not specified, limiting setup customization
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,917 now$1,917€1,719 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale760 mm (29.92")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty Höfner Artist is a fantastic choice for players seeking that iconic Beatles tone. The build quality is superb, and the unique electronics provide some interesting tonal flexibility – it's a premium-priced instrument perfect for classic rock, pop, and vintage-inspired sounds, especially for those who appreciate a shorter scale length.
Pros
- Select spruce top delivers a bright, articulate tone with excellent projection.
- German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and long-term reliability.
- The HA2-B electronics and rhythm/solo switch offer useful tonal shaping options.
Cons
- The shorter 30in scale can feel cramped for bassists with larger hands.
- The vintage-style humbuckers might lack modern high-gain versatility.
46AudioFu
Index↓ 4.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,442 · Aug 17$2,340 now$2,340€2,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width39.5 mm (1.56")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This lefty bass feels great for players who need a solid, bright tone right out of the box. The active electronics let you dial in exactly the sound you want, and the J-pickup at the neck keeps that classic bass clarity. It's a solid choice for anyone playing left-handed who wants a German-made instrument that handles well.
Pros
- Lefthanded model fits players who reverse the string orientation naturally
- Ash body offers a bright, responsive tone distinct from maple
- Active electronics let players shape sound with bass and treble controls
Cons
- No string brands listed, so compatibility isn't confirmed
- Weight isn't specified, which is key for long playing sessions
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,006 now$2,006€1,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a solid left-handed bass with a warm, thick sound thanks to the humbuckers. The flamed maple body looks great on stage, and the trapeze tailpiece keeps it in tune well. It comes with a case but no strings, so you'll need to buy those separately to start playing.
Pros
- Left-handed design suits mirror-image playing styles perfectly
- Flamed maple body adds unique visual texture and warmth
- Trapeze tailpiece offers stable tuning for live performances
Cons
- No strings included means extra cost to play immediately
- Weight is not listed so heft may surprise some players
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,013 now$4,013€3,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 73 4-String lefthanded basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-Fret LTD 4 LH NTSSadowsky43Stable$5,239€4,699$5,239€4,699Check ↗
- 12
Höfner Vintage Mersey 500/1 62 LeftHöfner40Stable$3,567€3,199$3,567€3,199Check ↗
- 13
Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 61 LHHöfner39↓ 3.0%$3,232€2,899$3,232€2,899Check ↗
- 14
Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jazz Bass LH SNBFender42Stable$1,816€1,629$1,816€1,629Check ↗
- 15
Höfner Violin Bass 500/1 Relic 63 LHHöfner38Stable$3,668€3,290$3,668€3,290Check ↗
- 16
Warwick GPS Corvette 4 Ash NT LHWarwick36Stable$2,563€2,299$2,563€2,299Check ↗
- 17
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 4 Active (Long Scale)RB Corvette $$ LH 4 NB TS · Warwick64Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 18
Warwick Rockbass Star Bass 4RB Star Bass 4 SBHP LH · Warwick58Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 19
Tobias Growler IVGrowler IV LH · Tobias43Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 20
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.9%$1,147€1,029$1,147€1,029Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 4 BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 22
Tobias Killer B IVKiller B IV LH · Tobias44↓ 8.3%$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 23
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 24
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint MJ 4 RM LH BKSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mo FL LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 27
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 28
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 Shortsc. LH BKWarwick44Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWH LHSadowsky44↓ 7.0%$1,036€929$1,036€929Check ↗
- 30
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 LH BKSadowsky43Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 31
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 FL LH BKSadowsky42↓ 1.1%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 32
Warwick RB Corvette Premium 4 NTHP LHWarwick42Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez EHB600L-WNFIbanez43Stable$947€849$947€849Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez GSRM20 Gio miKro SoundgearGSRM20L-BK · Ibanez67Stable$269€241$269€241Check ↗
- 35
Ibanez SR300EB Standard Soundgear BassSR300EBL-WK · Ibanez63Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton PB-20BK LH Standard SeriesHarley Benton · 6 finishes60Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 37
Ibanez TMB100 Standard Talman BassTMB100L-BK Talman Bass · Ibanez60Stable$332€298$332€298Check ↗
- 38
Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes59Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton PB-50 LH FR Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes57Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 40
Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle Black LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes56Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 41
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56Stable$779€699$779€699Check ↗
- 43
Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes55↓ 9.1%$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 44
Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp Ash LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez SR500AL Soundgear Left-HandedSR500AL-MHL · Ibanez53↓ 5.6%$768€689$768€689Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton JB-62 LH CC SFGHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 47
Marcus Miller V3 4 New Gen Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51↓ 3.6%$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 48
Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 49
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE LHMarcus Miller50↓ 1.6%$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 50
Marcus Miller V8-4 NT LHMarcus Miller50↓ 5.9%$891€799$891€799Check ↗
4-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 102 models we track, not a sample.
Median $768 — half of all 4-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 85 models · 760 mm (29.92")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 81 models
most common · 62 models
median of 85 models · 38 mm (1.5")–42 mm (1.65")
How to choose the best 4-String lefthanded basses
Neck Profile & Playability
Advanced players demand a neck profile that feels like an extension of their hand - be it a slim C, a comfortable D, or something more modern. Low action without fret buzz is non-negotiable; we're looking for effortless access to the higher frets for those soaring lines.
Pickup Voicing & Articulation
That generic 'bass thump' won't cut it. We need pickups that deliver clarity and articulation, allowing individual notes to cut through the mix without getting muddy. A pickup that can handle both a warm, round vintage tone and a biting, aggressive growl is a huge plus.
Hardware & Tuning Stability
Cheap hardware means constant tuning headaches and a frustrating playing experience. We're looking at solid bridge designs, reliable tuners that lock in, and overall build quality that can withstand the rigors of gigging.
Body Wood & Resonance
The wood choice impacts the bass's inherent tonal character - mahogany for warmth, alder for balance, ash for a more scooped sound. Advanced players understand that the wood isn't just for looks; it's a core element of the instrument's voice and sustain.
Electronics Complexity & Versatility
Beyond the basic volume and tone controls, advanced players often want more - coil splits, active electronics with EQ shaping, or onboard preamps for direct recording. These options expand tonal possibilities and offer greater control over the bass's sound.
Buying guide
Alright lefty bassists, you've paid your dues, you're past slapping lessons on YouTube, and you're looking for a bass that can actually keep up with your evolving playing. Forget the beginner packs; we're talking serious instruments here. This isn't about getting the coolest look; it's about a foundation that lets you explore complex tones, lock in with a band, and finally nail that tricky fill you've been chasing. Let's cut through the noise and find you a 4-string that'll actually inspire you.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or celebrity endorsements. A bass's tone and feel are paramount. Pay attention to the neck profile; it's the most personal aspect of any instrument.
Solid hardware is worth the investment - cheap tuners will cost you gigs and sanity. Ultimately, the best bass is the one that feels right in your hands and 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 102 4-String lefthanded 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
Are active electronics always better for a more 'professional' sound?
Not necessarily. Active electronics give you more tonal shaping options and often more headroom, but a great passive bass with a well-voiced pickup can sound fantastic. It depends on your sonic goals and the gear you're using.
I'm a lefty - do I have to settle for lower-quality options?
Historically, yes. But the market's improving. You'll still pay a premium and have fewer choices, but there are some excellent left-handed 4-string basses available now. Just be prepared to hunt a bit.
What's the deal with different bridge types?
Bridge design impacts sustain, resonance, and string angle. A fixed bridge generally offers more sustain, while a string-through body design can add brightness and clarity. A bad bridge, however, will just make tuning a nightmare.
Should I be worried about the bass's weight?
Absolutely. Lugging a heavy bass around for hours on end isn't fun. Consider a bass with a lighter body wood like poplar or swamp ash if you prioritize comfort. Strapping hardware quality also matters - a bad strap button can break under the strain.
I've heard about 'neck dive' - what is it?
Neck dive is when the headstock tends to dip downwards, making the bass uncomfortable to play standing up. It's often caused by an imbalance in the instrument's weight. Good strap locks and a properly adjusted setup can help mitigate it.
