AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses Under $200 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton PB-20BK LH Standard Series ($123). Harley Benton JB-62 LH CC SFG leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 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$123 now$123€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$134 now$134€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$190 now$190€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$145 now$145€129 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$123 now$123€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$174 now$174€155 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
4-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 13 models we track, not a sample.
Median $145 — half of all 4-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 13 models · 38 mm (1.5")–42 mm (1.65")
median of 13 models · 762 mm (30")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 7 models
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best 4-String lefthanded basses
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A thick, unwieldy neck or high action will kill your mojo fast. We prioritized instruments that felt reasonably comfortable to play, even if the finish isn't flawless. Neck profile is key - a C shape is generally forgiving, but what 'C' means can vary wildly.
Pickup Voicing
Don't expect boutique-level clarity or vintage warmth. At this price, pickups are often generic, but we looked for ones that didn't sound terrible - avoiding the ice-pick harshness or complete mud. A little bit of that fat midrange honk is a plus.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners mean frustration - constant retuning mid-song. A flimsy bridge will kill sustain and make intonation a nightmare. We were looking for hardware that, while not amazing, at least wouldn't actively sabotage your performance.
Construction & Finish
Let's be honest, the finish will be basic. But we checked for glaring flaws - sharp fret ends, uneven fret spreads, and generally sloppy construction. A bass that feels solid, even if it looks plain, is a winner.
Overall Tone & Articulation
You're not getting a P-Bass growl or a Music Man thunk, but you should be able to get a usable sound. We prioritized basses that had reasonable articulation - meaning individual notes are discernible, not just a blurry rumble.
Buying guide
Alright lefty bassists, let's be real - finding a decent 4-string that won't drain your gig money can be tough. You want something you can actually play and that won't sound like a dying mosquito.
At this price point, you're trading something. Usually it's finish quality, hardware, or pickup clarity. Don't expect a perfectly set-up instrument straight out of the box - a basic setup from a local tech ($50-$75) will make a world of difference.
Focus on playability first, then tone - a bass that's a joy to play will inspire you more than a bass with marginally better pickups.
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 13 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
Will this bass cut through the mix in a band?
Probably not with a super-aggressive metal tone, but for rock, blues, or funk, you can make it work. EQ and a decent amp are your friends. Don't expect it to effortlessly compete with a screaming guitarist.
Can I record with this bass?
Absolutely! It won't sound as polished as a more expensive bass, but with some EQ and compression, you can get serviceable recordings. Just be mindful of the pickup's limitations - it might need some extra tweaking.
What's the deal with the 'wood'?
Expect basswood or nato - they're cheap and resonant enough. Don't get hung up on exotic tonewoods; they're not happening at this price. The construction and hardware are more important than the species of wood.
Are these basses easy to upgrade?
Yes and no. Pickups are the obvious upgrade, but the wiring and electronics are often basic. Replacing tuners is also a common improvement - better tuners are relatively inexpensive.
Is it worth spending a little more?
Generally, yes. Even an extra $50-$100 can get you noticeably better pickups, hardware, and a more consistent build quality. But if you're truly on a tight budget, the options we've listed are solid starting points.
