AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Sadowsky MetroLine 24-Fret LTD 4 LH NTS ($5,239). Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA TB LH gives you the most for the money at $2,285. 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 width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This lefty bass feels special thanks to the roasted maple neck and Koa top. The active electronics let you shape your tone exactly how you like it. It's a solid choice for players who want smooth action and a warm sound.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck adds unique tonal character
- AAA Koa top provides warm, vintage resonance
- 24 nickel-silver frets ensure smooth playability
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction may feel less premium
- Limited left-handed market availability
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,239 now$5,239€4,699 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 ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a solid choice if you play left-handed and need a bass that looks as good as it sounds. The flamed maple and spruce top give it a classic warm tone, while the two humbuckers deliver plenty of output. It comes with a case and factory strings, but the unmounted pickguard is a weak point you should watch out for. Ideal for session players who want reliable performance without extra modifications.
Pros
- Left-handed build for comfortable playing orientation
- Flamed maple back adds visual appeal and resonance
- Two staple nickel humbuckers for warm output
Cons
- Pearloid pickguard is unmounted and vulnerable to damage
- Weight not specified makes handling uncertainty
45AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,668 · Aug 17$3,567 now$3,567€3,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Frets22 frets
This Lefthanded Höfner 500/1 Relic is a seriously cool piece of history. The compact scale and unique tone are perfect for players wanting that classic McCartney vibe, especially those in rockabilly, early rock, or vintage-inspired settings. It's a premium-priced instrument offering a distinctive sound and feel.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and resonant tone.
- Relic finish authentically recreates a vintage instrument's character.
- Ebony bridge adds clarity and sustain to the low end.
Cons
- The shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to longer basses.
- Relic finish might not appeal to players preferring a pristine look.
38AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$3,668 · Aug 17$3,668 now$3,668€3,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale760 mm (29.92")
- Frets22 frets
This lefty bass feels like the original Beatle with its wide maple neck and spruce top. The dual humbuckers give it a thick, modern sound while keeping that vintage look. It suits players who want that classic tone without switching hands.
Pros
- Classic German spruce top adds warmth
- Original 1962 neck dimensions for feel
- Dual staple humbuckers for thick tone
Cons
- No string gauge options listed
- Missing bridge pickup volume control
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,567 now$3,567€3,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Frets22 frets
This lefty Höfner is a seriously cool piece of history, built with German precision. It nails that Paul McCartney vibe with its distinctive tone and comfortable neck – perfect for players chasing a vintage aesthetic and a focused, punchy sound. It’s a premium-priced instrument, but the quality and character are undeniable.
Pros
- Relic finish authentically replicates a vintage '61, adding character and mojo.
- German craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and hardware precision.
- Höfner Staple pickups deliver that iconic, punchy, and warm vintage tone.
Cons
- Short 30 in scale limits low-end extension; may feel cramped for larger hands.
- Relic finish, while desirable, may not appeal to players preferring pristine instruments.
39AudioFu
Index↓ 3.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,334 · Aug 17$3,232 now$3,232€2,899 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
This lefty bass has a roasted maple neck that feels great to play. The birdseye fingerboard looks cool and the split pickup switch changes the sound instantly. It is a solid German-made option for players who want a lightweight feel without losing tone control.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck plays fast and stays stable.
- Birdseye maple looks unique and feels smooth.
- Split switch lets you mix humbucker tones easily.
Cons
- Active/passive EQ toggle is a confusing choice.
- No specific string gauge listed in specs.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,563 now$2,563€2,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets24 frets
This left-handed Warwick Corvette is a serious contender for players seeking a powerful, vintage-inspired tone. The ash body and MEC J pickups deliver a punchy, aggressive sound that cuts through the mix, while the German build quality ensures it'll last. It’s perfect for rock, funk, and heavier styles where you want a defined, articulate low end.
Pros
- Ash body delivers a bright, articulate tone with excellent sustain
- MEC J pickups offer a focused, aggressive growl ideal for rock and funk
- Ovangkol neck provides a smooth, fast playing experience with great feel
Cons
- The long scale (34 in) might feel unwieldy for players with shorter arms
- Ash bodies can be somewhat resonant, potentially requiring careful amp EQing
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,563 now$2,563€2,299 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 ↗
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
Sandberg California II TT 4 BB LHSandberg · 3 finishes52Stable$2,073€1,859$2,073€1,859Check ↗
- 12
Sandberg California II TM 4 Short BK LHSandberg45Stable$2,006€1,799$2,006€1,799Check ↗
- 13
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 4 Active (Long Scale)RB Corvette $$ LH 4 NB TS · Warwick64Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 14
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California VS RB LH · Sandberg60Stable$1,616€1,449$1,616€1,449Check ↗
- 15
Warwick Rockbass Star Bass 4RB Star Bass 4 SBHP LH · Warwick58Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 16
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California VS Lionel BK LH · Sandberg58Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 4 BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 18
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 19
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ4 Mora LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes49↓ 8.9%$1,147€1,029$1,147€1,029Check ↗
- 20
Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56Stable$779€699$779€699Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller V8-4 NT LHMarcus Miller50↓ 5.9%$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 22
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 4 RM LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 23
Sandberg Florence 4Florence 4 LH MN BRG · Sandberg47Stable$1,917€1,719$1,917€1,719Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted 3TS LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$779€699$779€699Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mo FL LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado LH BKSadowsky45↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 27
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint MJ 4 RM LH BKSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 28
Ibanez SR500AL Soundgear Left-HandedSR500AL-MHL · Ibanez53↓ 5.6%$768€689$768€689Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWH LHSadowsky44↓ 7.0%$1,036€929$1,036€929Check ↗
- 30
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 Shortsc. LH BKWarwick44Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 31
Tobias Killer B IVKiller B IV LH · Tobias44↓ 8.3%$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 32
Marcus Miller P7 4 New Gen TS LHMarcus Miller49Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez EHB600L-WNFIbanez43Stable$947€849$947€849Check ↗
- 34
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 LH BKSadowsky43Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 35
Tobias Growler IVGrowler IV LH · Tobias43Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 36
Schecter Stiletto-4 Stealth Pro EX Left-HandedStiletto Stealth-4 LH SB · Schecter45Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 37
Warwick RB Corvette Premium 4 NTHP LHWarwick42Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 38
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 FL LH BKSadowsky42↓ 1.1%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 39
Fender MIJ Trad 60s Jazz Bass LH SNBFender42Stable$1,816€1,629$1,816€1,629Check ↗
- 40
Marcus Miller Z7-4 Skyburst Sparkle LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$712€639$712€639Check ↗
- 41
Höfner HCT-500/1L-SB Violin Bass CTLHHöfner42Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE LHMarcus Miller50↓ 1.6%$701€629$701€629Check ↗
- 43
Ibanez SR300EB Standard Soundgear BassSR300EBL-WK · Ibanez63Stable$434€389$434€389Check ↗
- 44
Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen TS LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$668€599$668€599Check ↗
- 45
Warwick RB Fortress 4 SBHP LHWarwick42Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 46
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 LH NBTSWarwick42Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 47
Marcus Miller Z3-4 Antique White LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes56Stable$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 48
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes56↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 49
Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NT LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51Stable$590€529$590€529Check ↗
- 50
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted BK LHMarcus Miller49Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
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
As a pro, you need a neck that feels like an extension of your hand. We're talking comfortable contours, consistent action, and a profile that doesn't fight you through complex lines. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your speed and articulation.
Pickup Voicing & Output
A bright, ice-picky tone might sound cool on its own, but it'll clash with a drummer and guitarist. We're looking for pickups that offer a balanced response - a solid low-end thump without muddiness, and enough clarity to cut through the mix without being brittle.
Hardware & Construction Quality
Cheap pots and sloppy fretwork will haunt you on stage. Pro gear needs to withstand the rigors of touring - reliable tuners, a stable bridge, and a neck joint that doesn't rattle are non-negotiable.
Sustain & Resonance
A bass that doesn't sustain well is just... frustrating. We're assessing how the wood resonates, how the instrument transfers your energy into sound, and how easily you can coax those long, singing notes out of it. A dead bass is a useless bass.
Versatility & Tone Shaping
You need a bass that can do more than just one thing. Whether it's clean jazz tones, distorted rock growls, or something in between, a flexible instrument with good pickup selection and tone controls is essential.
Buying guide
Finding a quality left-handed bass as a pro isn't just about strings and wood; it's about finding an instrument that can handle the demands of a gigging life, studio sessions, and complex musical ideas. You're not looking for something to learn on, you're looking for a workhorse. This list isn't about beginner-friendly basses; it's about instruments that let you dig in and really play, and that's what we're focusing on here.
Don't chase hype. Cheap basses often cut corners on fretwork and electronics, leading to frustration and a constant need for adjustments. Paying more usually gets you better wood, tighter tolerances, and more reliable components, but it doesn't guarantee greatness.
Focus on feel and tone - if it doesn't feel right in your hands and inspire you, it doesn't matter how many glowing reviews it has.
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 higher-end basses really that much better?
Generally, yes. The difference isn't always night and day, but the consistency of build quality, the quality of the wood, and the nuance of the pickups are noticeable, especially in a studio setting. It's less about a huge jump in 'tone' and more about a reduction in frustration and a higher level of refinement.
I'm a leftie - does this mean I'll have fewer options?
Historically, yes. The selection is smaller, and often at a premium. But more manufacturers are recognizing the left-handed market. Don't settle for a flipped-string bass; get a properly mirrored instrument.
What's the deal with active vs. passive electronics?
Active basses have a preamp built-in, offering more tonal shaping options and often higher output. Passive basses rely on the pickups alone, typically delivering a more 'vintage' or natural tone. It's a matter of preference, and what you're trying to achieve in your sound.
How important is the wood type?
It matters. Alder is a workhorse for a reason - balanced tone. Ash tends to be brighter. Mahogany is warmer and often has a nice midrange honk. But ultimately, the construction and pickups have a bigger impact than the wood itself. Don't get hung up on wood types alone.
I'm used to playing a short-scale bass. Should I switch to a long-scale?
Long-scale basses generally offer tighter low-end response and better string tension, which can be beneficial for recording and playing with a band. However, it's a bigger adjustment. Try before you buy - a short-scale bass played well is always better than a long-scale bass played awkwardly.
