AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton PB-20BK LH Standard Series ($122). Ibanez GSRM20 Gio miKro Soundgear 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.
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- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This lefty Harley Benton PB-20BK is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic Precision Bass tone with a modern neck profile, making it a fantastic option for beginners or players needing a reliable, affordable bass for rock, blues, or Motown. The build is surprisingly solid for the price point.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel.
- Amaranth fretboard is durable and offers a smooth playing experience.
Cons
- Hardware quality is budget-level; tuner stability might be a concern.
- Poplar body can be a bit plain aesthetically, lacking premium wood grain.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
This lefty PB-50 is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic Precision Bass vibe with a warm, punchy sound and a comfortable neck. It's perfect for beginners or experienced players wanting a vintage-inspired tone without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Basswood body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the vintage tone.
- Roswell VTN4 pickups deliver a surprisingly authentic Precision Bass growl.
- Screwed maple neck offers stability and a comfortable, familiar C-shape profile.
Cons
- Basswood, while warm, can lack sustain compared to more premium tonewoods.
- Maple fretboard may feel a little dry to some players; consider oiling.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets19 frets
- BodyPoplar body
This PB-Shorty is a seriously impressive value for a lefty. It’s a fantastic entry point into bass playing, especially for beginners or those who prefer a shorter scale. Expect a warm, punchy tone and a comfortable neck – a great little bass for rock, punk, and general gigging.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a balanced, resonant tone with surprising warmth
- Short scale (762mm) offers exceptional comfort and easy reach for smaller hands
- Modern C neck profile is comfortable and facilitates fast playing
Cons
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-grade and may benefit from upgrades
- Amaranth fretboard can be a little brittle and prone to chipping with aggressive playing
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- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This lefty Harley Benton JB-20 is a seriously fun bass for the money. It nails that classic JB tone – think early Motown or punchy funk – with a surprisingly playable neck. It's a great entry point for beginners or a cool, affordable workhorse for experienced players.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly balanced and resonant tone.
- JB-style single coils deliver a punchy, articulate, and vintage-inspired sound.
- Modern C neck profile is comfortable and facilitates fast playing for many.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
- Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may benefit from upgrades.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$122 now$122€109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This MB-4LH is a seriously impressive value for a left-handed bassist. The D-profile neck is comfortable and the humbucker/coil-split pickup combo gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility – it's a great option for beginners or players wanting a versatile, affordable bass for rock, pop, or funk.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant, balanced tone.
- Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel for quick playing.
- Humbucker with coil-split delivers versatility from thick growl to bright single-coil tones.
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; an immediate upgrade is highly recommended.
- Bolt-on construction, while responsive, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$144 now$144€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAsh body
This left-handed bass offers a classic feel with its ash body and maple neck. The Alnico 5 pickups sound warm and punchy, perfect for vintage-style rock. It suits anyone needing a reliable, affordable bass without the weight of a full-size instrument.
Pros
- Left-handed build fits players who play left
- American ash body gives warm vintage tone
- Alnico 5 pickups deliver classic single coil punch
Cons
- Only two volume controls limit tone shaping
- No active electronics boost output clarity
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This lefty Harley Benton JB-62 is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic Fender Jazz Bass vibe with its single-coil pickups and comfortable neck, making it perfect for beginners or experienced players wanting a vintage-inspired tone on a budget. The build quality is surprisingly solid for the price point.
Pros
- Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly authentic, vintage-voiced single-coil tone.
- Caramelized maple neck provides a comfortable, fast feel with a subtle sweetness.
- Bolt-on construction offers a bright, snappy response characteristic of classic basses.
Cons
- Poplar body, while comfortable, lacks the resonance of more premium tonewoods.
- Graphite nut, while stable, isn't quite as smooth as a Tusq or bone nut.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$188 now$188€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale726 mm (28.58")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyPoplar body
The GSRM20L-BK is a solid choice for beginners and players on a budget. It’s a surprisingly versatile little bass, offering a blend of P and J pickup tones that work well for rock, pop, and even some funk. The short scale makes it super easy to play, perfect for younger players or those who prefer a more compact feel.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly balanced, resonant tone.
- Dynamix P/J pickups deliver a versatile range of sounds.
- Jatoba fretboard provides a smooth playing experience.
Cons
- Entry-level hardware limits upgrade potential for serious players.
- Poplar body can be prone to finish checking with heavy use.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$269 now$269€241 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This lefty PB-62CC is a seriously impressive value. The Roswell pickups give it a warm, vintage growl perfect for Motown, classic rock, or funk. It's a fantastic starter bass or a great addition for players wanting a reliable, vintage-inspired tone without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Roswell pickups deliver a surprisingly punchy, vintage-voiced tone, great for classic styles.
- Caramelized maple neck offers a smooth, comfortable playing experience and improved resonance.
- Solid basswood body provides a balanced tonal foundation, avoiding excessive muddiness.
Cons
- Basswood body, while balanced, lacks the premium sustain of mahogany or ash.
- Graphite nut can feel a bit slick for some players, requiring potential modification.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$173 now$173€155 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyAlder body
This lefty Harley Benton B-450 is a seriously impressive value. The active preamp gives you a wide range of tones, from tight and modern to a thicker, more vintage growl. It's a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate bassists wanting a long-scale instrument with a punchy sound and solid hardware, without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the tone
- Canadian maple neck offers stability and a comfortable, modern profile
- Active preamp boosts signal and adds versatility for modern styles
Cons
- Black walnut fretboard may feel slightly less refined than rosewood or ebony
- Bolt-on neck construction can slightly reduce sustain compared to a neck-through design
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 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
Harley Benton TB-70VS LH Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton49Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton Beatbass VS LH Vintage SeriesHarley Benton47Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton RB-414LH BK Classic SeriesHarley Benton47Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez TMB100 Standard Talman BassTMB100L-BK Talman Bass · Ibanez60Stable$332€298$332€298Check ↗
- 15
Ortega Neo Series Solid U-Bass TGB LHOrtega37Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 16
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 4 Active (Long Scale)RB Corvette $$ LH 4 NB TS · Warwick64Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 17
Ibanez SR300EB Standard Soundgear BassSR300EBL-WK · Ibanez63Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 18
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California VS RB LH · Sandberg60Stable$1,616€1,449$1,616€1,449Check ↗
- 19
Warwick Rockbass Star Bass 4RB Star Bass 4 SBHP LH · Warwick58Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 20
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California VS Lionel BK LH · Sandberg58Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller Z3-4 Sparkle Black LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes56Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 22
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 23
Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56Stable$779€699$779€699Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes55↓ 9.1%$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 25
Marcus Miller Z7-4 Natural Swamp Ash LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez SR500AL Soundgear Left-HandedSR500AL-MHL · Ibanez53↓ 5.6%$768€689$768€689Check ↗
- 27
Sandberg California II TT 4 BLK LHSandberg · 3 finishes52Stable$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
- 28
Marcus Miller V3 4 New Gen Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51↓ 3.6%$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 29
Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 30
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 4 BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 31
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE LHMarcus Miller50↓ 1.6%$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 32
Marcus Miller V8-4 NT LHMarcus Miller50↓ 5.9%$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 33
Sandberg California Central 4California Central LH RBL · Sandberg50Stable$2,786€2,499$2,786€2,499Check ↗
- 34
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted BK LHMarcus Miller49Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller P7 4 New Gen TS LHMarcus Miller49Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 36
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 37
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.9%$1,147€1,029$1,147€1,029Check ↗
- 38
Sandberg California II VS 4 RW BB LHSandberg · 2 finishes49Stable$1,727€1,549$1,727€1,549Check ↗
- 39
Sandberg California II TM 4 PF BKB LHSandberg · 2 finishes49Stable$1,917€1,719$1,917€1,719Check ↗
- 40
Höfner Ignition VSB LH SEHöfner47Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 41
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 42
Sandberg Florence 4Florence 4 LH MN BRG · Sandberg47Stable$1,917€1,719$1,917€1,719Check ↗
- 43
Höfner H500/1 LH Artist Violin BassHöfner · 2 finishes46↓ 4.2%$2,340€2,099$2,340€2,099Check ↗
- 44
Schecter Stiletto-4 Stealth Pro EX Left-HandedStiletto Stealth-4 LH SB · Schecter45Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 45
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mo FL LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 46
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 47
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint MJ 4 RM LH BKSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 48
Sandberg California II TM 4 Short BK LHSandberg45Stable$2,006€1,799$2,006€1,799Check ↗
- 49
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWH LHSadowsky44↓ 7.0%$1,036€929$1,036€929Check ↗
- 50
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 Shortsc. LH BKWarwick44Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
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
Playability
A comfortable neck profile (C, D, or U shapes are common) and manageable action (string height) are non-negotiable. A neck that's too thick or action that's too high will make learning frustrating. It's about building muscle memory, and fighting the instrument isn't part of the equation.
Scale Length
Most basses are 34" scale, but shorter scales (30.5" or 32") can be easier to handle, especially for smaller hands or players with less reach. It'll slightly alter the string tension and feel, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preference.
Pickup Voicing
Beginner basses often have basic pickups - generally delivering a fairly neutral tone. You don't need boutique pickups, but avoid anything overly bright or ice-picky; you want a solid low-end thump that can be shaped with EQ. Think somewhere between a round, warm tone and a punchy, articulate growl.
Hardware Quality
Cheap hardware (tuners, bridge) often means tuning instability and a generally flimsy feel. While you can upgrade later, it's a hassle. Look for something reasonably solid that holds a tune, even under gigging conditions.
Body Wood & Construction
While tonewood snobs might scoff, a bass with a solid wood body generally resonates better than a hollow or laminate body. Bolt-on necks are common and perfectly fine for beginners; set-neck constructions are a step up but not essential at this level.
Buying guide
So, you're a lefty and just starting out on bass - awesome! Finding the right instrument is crucial, and it's not just about slapping a bass on a stand. A bass that's a pain to play will kill your motivation faster than a blown amp fuse. Let's break down some solid 4-string left-handed options that won't break the bank and, more importantly, will feel good under your fingers.
Don't chase the flashiest finishes or the most knobs. Focus on playability above all else. A bass that feels good in your hands will inspire you to practice more.
Used instruments are your friend - you can often find a higher-quality bass for the same price as a new, budget model. And seriously, get it properly set up by a tech - even a cheap bass can play like a dream with a good setup.
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
What's the difference between a C, D, and U neck profile?
Think of them as shapes. C is generally the most comfortable and common - rounded. D is a bit flatter and wider. U is thicker and more substantial. It's personal preference - try them all if you can.
My bass keeps going out of tune. What's wrong?
Cheap tuners are the usual culprit. String stretching is normal too, especially with new strings. Make sure the nut slots are clean and properly sized; a luthier can help with that.
Should I buy a bass combo amp or a separate head and cab?
For a beginner, a small bass combo amp (10-15 watts) is perfectly fine for bedroom practice and small rehearsals. A head/cab setup is more versatile but a bigger investment.
What strings should I use?
Nickel-plated steel strings are a good starting point - they offer a balanced tone. Experiment with different gauges later to change the feel and tone. Don't go too heavy initially; it'll be tough on your fingers.
Is it worth spending more on a bass?
Yes, to a point. A slightly more expensive bass will often have better hardware, a more comfortable neck, and better overall construction. But don't break the bank - a good bass doesn't need to cost a fortune. Focus on feel and playability first.
