AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Harley Benton 4-String Lefthanded Basses 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton PB-20BK LH Standard Series ($122). Harley Benton RB-414LH BK Classic Series leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 12 models, 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 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 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 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 ↗ -
- 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")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This is a solid left-handed bass for players who need space in a small room. The mahogany neck and blackwood fretboard feel great to play. You get active electronics to shape your sound exactly how you like it. It suits anyone looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option that fits left-handed style.
Pros
- Left-handed build saves space for right-handed players in small rooms.
- Mahogany set neck provides a solid, stable foundation for the neck.
- Blackwood fingerboard offers a smooth feel under the fingers.
Cons
- Okoume body material is less dense than maple or mahogany.
- No gig bag is included with the instrument.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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 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")
- Scale775 mm (30.51")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty bass comes in a hollow body with a fancy flamed maple top. It has a sturdy maple neck and two humbuckers for a warm sound. Great for players who want a vintage vibe without spending a lot of money.
Pros
- Hollow body design offers rich, resonant tone
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal
- Canadian maple neck provides solid feel
Cons
- Hollow body construction may lack sustain
- Only two volume and one tone controls
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 24Sep 24$233 now$233€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyOkoume body
This lefty RB-414 is a seriously cool, budget-friendly semi-hollow bass. It's got a vintage vibe and a surprisingly full sound, making it ideal for players digging classic rock, Motown, or wanting a unique tone without the premium price tag. The build quality is decent for the money, though not quite in the same league as instruments costing significantly more.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience with good note definition.
- Artec pickups deliver a usable range, from mellow to surprisingly aggressive.
Cons
- Semi-hollow construction can introduce unwanted feedback at higher volumes.
- Okoume body, while resonant, may be somewhat less durable than maple or mahogany.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$255 now$255€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 12 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 PB-Shorty LH BK Std. SeriesHarley Benton45Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton B-450LH BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton45Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
4-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 102 models we track, not a sample.
Median $188 — 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
Price/Value
Let's be honest, this is the big one. You're getting a lot of bass for your dollar. The materials and hardware won't be top-shelf, but the sheer value proposition is undeniable.
Neck Profile & Playability
Harley Benton's neck profiles vary, but generally they lean towards comfortable 'C' shapes. Many models offer a surprisingly smooth feel, and the action is often adjustable to a very playable height, a big plus for lefties who might have fewer setup options.
Pickup Voicing & Tone
Expect a generally versatile voicing - leaning towards a modern, slightly scooped sound. While they might not have the vintage warmth of a P-bass, they can cover a wide range of genres, from rock and pop to funk and even some metal with the right amp settings. The low-end thump is usually decent, but articulation can suffer at higher gain levels.
Hardware Quality
This is where the budget shows. The tuners are often adequate but not stellar, and the bridge might feel a little flimsy. Replacing the hardware isn't a huge deal, and honestly, it's a common upgrade path for many players anyway.
Build Quality Consistency
There's a bit of a lottery element with Harley Benton. You can get a fantastic instrument, but there's also a chance you'll need a minor setup adjustment or fret leveling. It's not a dealbreaker, but be prepared to potentially tweak it.
Buying guide
Alright, southpaw bassists, let's talk Harley Benton. You're looking for a left-handed 4-string that doesn't break the bank, and honestly, Harley Benton's been quietly delivering that for years. They're not a heritage brand like Fender or Gibson, but they've carved out a serious niche by offering surprisingly playable and decent-sounding instruments at prices that make you raise an eyebrow. These aren't just budget basses; they're a legitimate option for gigging musicians and anyone wanting to experiment without the commitment of a high-end purchase.
Look, you're not buying a museum piece. Expect some minor cosmetic imperfections - that's part of the deal. Pay close attention to the neck relief and action when you receive it; a basic setup is almost always needed.
Don't expect boutique-level sustain or the kind of nuanced breakup you get from a figured maple body, but do expect a functional, playable bass that sounds surprisingly good for the price. The real value lies in the ability to experiment and learn without risking a serious investment.
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 24 4-String lefthanded basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 102 in the category). 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 Harley Benton basses any good?
They're surprisingly good for the price. Don't expect perfection, but they offer a lot of value and can be gig-worthy with a little setup.
What kind of music are Harley Benton basses suitable for?
They're versatile enough for most genres. Rock, pop, funk, and even some metal are all within reach, although a vintage tone might require some amp tweaking.
Do I need to upgrade the hardware?
It's not essential, but upgrading the tuners and bridge can improve tuning stability and overall feel. It's a common upgrade path.
What's the deal with the lottery aspect?
Quality control isn't always consistent. You might get a bass that needs a little extra work to be perfect, but it's usually minor.
How do these compare to Squier basses?
Harley Bentons generally offer better value for money. While Squiers have improved, Harley Bentons often have better specs and a more modern feel at a similar price point.
