Best 4-String P-Basses 2026

Top-rated 4-string p-basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Pop For Country For Blues For Classic Rock For Alternative

BRANDS: Fender Harley Benton Sandberg Sadowsky Marcus Miller Squier Lakland Yamaha

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Thicker neck profile

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme*Electric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468364

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA

by Sandberg

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCAElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleScale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 497498

$2,694

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH

by Sandberg

Classic Rock Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GHElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau FerroWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 520935

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BK

by Sandberg

Rock Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BKElectric BassBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard radius:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 583453

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Great for pick and finger playing
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CARElectric bassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MoradoScale: 864...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596214

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP

by Sadowsky

Rock Blues Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHPElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595885

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB

by Fender

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASBElectric GuitarCustom Shop modelBody: AshBolt-on one-piece neck: Quartersawn...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600986

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB

by Fender

Classic Rock Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Great for pick and finger playing
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANBElectric BassLimited EditionCustom Shop modelBody: AshBolt-on one-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600981

$6,599

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CC

by Fender

Rock Pop Alternative

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CCElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: 60s P-Bass...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620047

$5,719

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA

by Sandberg

Alternative Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCAElectric BassBody: Alder (Thermo and Vibration treatment)Bolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 517102

$3,464

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Nate Mendel P Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Nate Mendel P Bass

by Fender

Pop Blues Country

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Single pickup limits sound options

Fender Nate Mendel P BassElectric BassNate Mendel signature modelBody: ashNeck profile: mapleFretboard: rosewood20...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 297000

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW

by Yamaha

Pop Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW4-String Electric BassBody: AldermaplealderNeck: 5-Ply maple/mahoganyFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 464691

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Charvel PM Bass SD PJ IV Sonic Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Charvel PM Bass SD PJ IV Sonic Blue

by Charvel

Classic Rock Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Charvel PM Bass SD PJ IV Sonic BlueElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: caramelised mapleFingerboard: caramelised...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 583610

$1,143

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM

by Sadowsky

Pop Alternative Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSMElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingebroard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596259

$1,066

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO

by Sadowsky

Blues Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAOElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596221

$1,066

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced 4-string p-basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best 4-String P-Basses 2026

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BB GH

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CAR

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 4 SOWHP

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CC

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA

Fender Nate Mendel P Bass

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW

Charvel PM Bass SD PJ IV Sonic Blue

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM CAO

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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