Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses Under $500 2026
Finding a decent left-handed bass that won't bleed your wallet dry is tougher than it looks. You want something that can handle a gig, lay down a solid foundation in rehearsal, and not sound like a strangled cat when you plug it in. This list focuses on 4-string lefties under $500 that actually deliver reasonable performance - we're not chasing miracles, but we are hunting for value.
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best 4-string lefthanded basses in 2026 are Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vintage Bundle (top pick), Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK Bundle for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK Bundle for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $127–$290, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vintage Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Weight
7.5 kg
Correct Form
Comfort
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
This left-handed bass has a solid ash body and a maple neck with a D profile. The vintage Alnico 5 pickups give a warm, classic tone. It is a great choice for players who want a budget-friendly option that looks and feels like a classic vintage instrument.
PROS
- • Left-handed build for right-handed players
- • Vintage-style Alnico 5 single coil pickups
- • American ash body with hard rock maple neck
- • D-profile neck for comfortable playing
CONS
- • No weight specification listed in description
- • Single coil pickups prone to hum
- • Only two volume controls available
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 410737
$291
Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK Bundle
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Weight
12 kg
Correct Form
Natural Playing Position
Proper Technique
Key Feature:
This lefty PB-20LH bundle is a seriously impressive value. The bass itself has a surprisingly good, classic P-bass vibe, and the included amp is more than adequate for bedroom practice and small gigs. It's a fantastic starting point for new bassists or anyone needing a reliable, affordable backup.
PROS
- • Basswood body offers surprisingly resonant and balanced low-end response.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, articulate feel ideal for faster playing.
- • PB-style split coil pickup delivers a thick, vintage-inspired tone with good clarity.
- • HB-40B amp provides decent power and surprisingly usable tube emulation for practice.
CONS
- • Basswood, while resonant, lacks the sustain of mahogany or ash.
- • Amaranth fingerboard can feel a little harder than rosewood or ebony.
- • Budget hardware, particularly the machine heads, may feel a little rough.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 537994
$267
Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK Bundle
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Weight
7.5 kg
Proper Technique
Correct Form
Comfort
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton PB-20LH is a fantastic entry point for left-handed bassists, especially beginners or those wanting a classic Precision Bass vibe on a budget. The included amp is surprisingly usable for practice, though it won’t replace a higher-end setup. It’s a solid package delivering a lot of bang for the buck.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel.
- • PB-style split coil pickup offers a surprisingly versatile sound.
- • HB-20B amp provides a decent starting point for practice.
CONS
- • Basswood can be a bit 'woody' and lack sustain compared to mahogany.
- • Bolt-on neck joint might not appeal to players preferring set necks.
- • The amp's TEC circuit is a gimmick – don't expect true tube warmth.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 537991
$232
Harley Benton TB-70VS LH Deluxe Series
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Okoume body
Left-Handed Bass Players
Correct Form
Comfort
Key Feature:
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.
- • Active electronics give full control over bass tone and balance.
CONS
- • Okoume body material is less dense than maple or mahogany.
- • No gig bag is included with the instrument.
- • Weight is not listed so you cannot know the total mass.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 612323
$232
Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vint Ser. Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Comfort
Proper Technique
Ergonomic Performance
Key Feature:
This lefty Harley Benton JB-75MN is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic P-Bass vibe with its ash body and Roswell pickups – surprisingly good for the price. It's a fantastic option for left-handed players looking for a vintage-inspired tone and feel without emptying their wallet, especially great for rock, blues, and Motown.
PROS
- • American ash body provides resonant, balanced tonal foundation
- • Roswell pickups deliver surprisingly articulate and punchy vintage tones
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable D profile and stable feel
- • Bolt-on neck construction contributes to a snappy, responsive playing experience
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck might lack the sustain of a set-neck design
- • Sung Il hardware, while functional, isn’t premium-grade
- • Ash body can be prone to finish checking with age and temperature changes
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 540140
$221
Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vint Ser. w/Bag
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Correct Form
Proper Technique
Key Feature:
This lefty bass feels right at first touch with its ash body and maple neck. The Alnico pickups give it that classic warm sound vintage players love. It's a budget-friendly option for left-handed players who want solid wood without the big price tag.
PROS
- • Left-handed design plays naturally for lefties
- • Vintage series body uses American ash wood
- • Canadian hard rock maple neck offers solid feel
- • Alnico 5 pickups deliver warm vintage tone
CONS
- • Weight not listed makes carry less clear
- • Single coil pickups may need active EQ
- • No active electronics mentioned in specs
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 540144
$221
Harley Benton JB-75MN LH NA Vintage Series
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Ergonomic Performance
Comfort
Correct Form
Key Feature:
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
- • Bolt-on neck ensures solid connection and stability
CONS
- • Only two volume controls limit tone shaping
- • No active electronics boost output clarity
- • Weight not listed so user must check feel
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 290771
$209
Harley Benton PB-50 LH FR Vintage Ser Bundle
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Natural Playing Position
Correct Form
Proper Technique
Key Feature:
This left-handed Harley Benton PB-50 is a seriously impressive budget-friendly option. It nails the classic Precision Bass vibe, with a comfortable neck and surprisingly good pickups. Ideal for beginners or players seeking a reliable, vintage-inspired bass without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, resonant low-end ideal for vintage tones.
- • Roswell VTN4 pickups provide a surprisingly authentic Precision Bass growl.
- • Screwed maple neck enhances sustain and adds a touch of brightness.
- • Complete accessory pack provides immediate playability and value.
CONS
- • Basswood body can be somewhat prone to resonances if not properly EQ'd.
- • Maple fretboard may feel a little 'slick' for players preferring a more textured feel.
- • Hardware, while functional, isn't quite on par with higher-end components.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 560984
$151
Harley Benton PB-50 LH FR Vintage Series
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Natural Playing Position
Correct Form
Proper Technique
Key Feature:
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.
- • Deluxe chrome hardware elevates the aesthetic beyond the budget price point.
CONS
- • Basswood, while warm, can lack sustain compared to more premium tonewoods.
- • Maple fretboard may feel a little dry to some players; consider oiling.
- • Limited tonal versatility; designed specifically for vintage-style music.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 422547
$139
Harley Benton RB-414LH BK Classic Series
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Okoume body
Correct Form
Natural Playing Position
Comfort
Key Feature:
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.
- • DLX machine heads provide stable tuning and a more refined feel than budget alternatives.
CONS
- • Semi-hollow construction can introduce unwanted feedback at higher volumes.
- • Okoume body, while resonant, may be somewhat less durable than maple or mahogany.
- • 3-way pickup selector limits tonal versatility compared to more complex wiring schemes.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 467069
$267
Harley Benton MV-4P LH Black
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Proper Technique
Left-Handed Bass Players
Ergonomic Performance
Key Feature:
This is a solid left-handed bass for players who need something quick and reliable. The Alnico 5 pickup gives a tight, punchy sound that cuts through a mix easily. While the electronics are simple, the solid maple neck and good truss rod make it playable for hours. It fits well as a budget-friendly option for anyone needing a second instrument or a dedicated lefty bass.
PROS
- • Left-handed design for right-handed players
- • Alder body with sycamore maple neck
- • Alnico 5 single-coil pickup for punch
- • Double action truss rod for stability
CONS
- • No weight listed in description
- • Only one volume and tone control
- • Basic electronics for a bass
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 571189
$267
Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK w/Bag
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Proper Technique
Correct Form
Natural Playing Position
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton PB-20LH is a fantastic entry point for left-handed bassists wanting a Precision Bass vibe. It’s surprisingly well-built for the price, with a comfortable neck and a usable range of tones—perfect for beginners or players needing a reliable, budget-friendly bass for practice or gigging.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a surprisingly warm and resonant low-end.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel.
- • PB-style split coil pickup offers a thick, punchy, and versatile tone.
- • Included gig bag is genuinely well-padded and practical for transport.
CONS
- • Basswood can lack sustain compared to mahogany or other hardwoods.
- • Bolt-on neck joint can be a point of weakness if not handled carefully.
- • Amaranth fingerboard, while durable, lacks the traditional feel of rosewood.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 537985
$162
Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK Bundle
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Ergonomic Performance
Proper Technique
Comfort
Key Feature:
This lefty PB-20LH bundle is a fantastic entry point for aspiring bassists. It nails that classic Precision Bass vibe with a surprisingly punchy sound and a comfortable, modern neck profile. Ideal for rock, blues, and funk players on a budget who want a solid, playable instrument right out of the box.
PROS
- • Basswood body offers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel.
- • PB-style split coil pickup delivers a thick, punchy, vintage-inspired sound.
- • Gigbag and strap included offer excellent value for a beginner bundle.
CONS
- • Basswood, while versatile, can lack the upper-midrange clarity of mahogany.
- • Bolt-on neck joint might not offer the sustain of a set-neck construction.
- • The .045-.105 strings are heavy; may be tough for beginners.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 537989
$162
Harley Benton PB-20LH SBK
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Basswood body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Proper Technique
Natural Playing Position
Key Feature:
This lefty PB-20LH is a seriously impressive offering for the price. It’s got that classic Precision Bass vibe with a surprisingly good feel and decent punch. Perfect for beginners or players wanting a solid, affordable, vintage-inspired bass for rock, blues, and funk.
PROS
- • Basswood body delivers a warm, punchy low-end response.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy articulation and easy playability.
- • Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface.
- • PB-style split coil pickup delivers a thick, vintage-inspired tone.
CONS
- • Basswood can lack sustain compared to mahogany or ash.
- • Bolt-on neck construction isn’t ideal for extended sustain or complex tonal shaping.
- • Hardware, while functional, feels budget-grade and may require upgrades.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 506998
$151
Harley Benton PB-20BK LH Standard Series
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Correct Form
Left-Handed Bass Players
Natural Playing Position
Key Feature:
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.
- • Split coil pickup delivers a thick, growly P-Bass vibe.
CONS
- • Hardware quality is budget-level; tuner stability might be a concern.
- • Poplar body can be a bit plain aesthetically, lacking premium wood grain.
- • Modern C neck profile might not suit players preferring a thicker vintage feel.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 266353
$127
Every 4-string lefthanded basses that matches
30 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton JB-20 SB LH | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 20 frets · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $127 |
| 17 | Harley Benton JB-62 LH CC SFG Bundle | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $221 |
| 18 | Harley Benton JB-62 LH CC SFG | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $197 |
| 19 | Harley Benton PB-62CC LH Black | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Body Basswood body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $181 |
| 20 | Harley Benton B-450LH BK Progressive Series | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Body Alder body | $209 |
| 21 | Harley Benton MB-4LH SBK w/Bag | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 21 frets · Neck profile D-shape neck | $169 |
| 22 | Harley Benton MB-4LH SBK | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 21 frets · Neck profile D-shape neck | $151 |
| 23 | Harley Benton PB-50 LH SB Vintage Series | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 20 frets · Neck profile C-shape neck | $139 |
| 24 | Harley Benton PB-Shorty LH BK Std. Bundle | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 762 mm (30") · Frets 19 frets · Body Poplar body | $127 |
| 25 | Harley Benton PB-Shorty LH BK Std. Series | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 762 mm (30") · Frets 19 frets · Body Poplar body | $116 |
| 26 | Ibanez SR300EBL-WK | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $454 |
| 27 | Ortega Neo Series Solid U-Bass TGB LH | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 512 mm (20.16") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Purpleheart fingerboard | $349 |
| 28 | Ibanez GSRM20L-BK | Scale 726 mm (28.58") · Frets 22 frets · Body Poplar body | $281 |
| 29 | Höfner Ignition VSB LH SE | Nut width 39.8 mm (1.57") · Frets 22 frets | $466 |
| 30 | Ibanez TMB100L-BK Talman Bass | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Body Poplar body | $348 |
4-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 30 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $209
from $127 to $349
Nut width
median 42 mm (1.65")
from 38 mm (1.5") to 42 mm (1.65") · 28 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 726 mm (28.58") to 864 mm (34.02") · 29 models
Frets
median 20
from 19 to 22 · 19 models
Body
poplar, basswood, ash
most common · 26 models
Fingerboard
laurel, maple, purpleheart
most common · 19 models
Neck profile
D, C
most common · 13 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 305 mm (12.01") to 305 mm (12.01") · 7 models
How to Choose the Best 4-String Lefthanded Basses
1
Pickup Voicing
Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lack warmth. We're looking for something with a usable low-end and a little bit of growl - even if it needs tweaking. Thin, ice-picky highs are a no-go.
2
Neck Profile & Playability
A neck that's uncomfortable to play will kill your enthusiasm faster than a bad amp. We're prioritizing necks that feel good in the hand, with reasonable action and decent fretwork, even if it's not boutique-level.
3
Hardware Quality
Pots that crackle, tuners that slip - these are the little things that make a bass frustrating to play. We're looking for hardware that at least holds tune and doesn't introduce unwanted noise, understanding that higher-end upgrades are likely down the line.
4
Body Wood & Construction
Don't expect mahogany or alder at this price point. Most will be basswood or nato, which are fine for the money, but contribute to a certain "generic" tone. Solid construction is more important - we want something that won't fall apart after a few gigs.
5
Overall Articulation
A good bass responds to your playing - it has dynamics. Cheap basses often feel lifeless and lack articulation, blurring notes together. We're searching for something that can handle a groove and define its space in the band.
Buying Guide
At this price, you're making compromises. The biggest trade-offs are usually in pickups and hardware. Expect to potentially upgrade those down the road if you're serious. Don't get hung up on aesthetics - focus on feel and sound. A good setup from a local tech can do wonders, even on a budget bass - it's often the difference between playable and unplayable.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 30 4-string lefthanded basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, but with realistic expectations. They'll handle the basics - rehearsals, smaller gigs - but don't expect pristine studio tone. Be prepared for potential hardware tweaks or upgrades.
You can, but you'll likely want to EQ and compress to smooth out any harshness or lack of low-end. A decent preamp can help significantly.
Both are soft woods. Basswood is generally considered a bit more neutral-sounding, while nato can have a slightly warmer, more mid-focused tone. It's subtle, and often masked by the pickups anyway.
Used is almost always a better value at this price point. You can often snag a higher-end model for the same price as a new budget bass. Just inspect it carefully for neck warps or major hardware issues.
Action refers to the height of the strings above the frets. Lower action means easier playing but can lead to fret buzz. Higher action is harder to play but might eliminate buzz. A good setup adjusts this to a comfortable level.
