Best 4-String P-Basses 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Country Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P8-4 NTElectric BassBody: Swamp ashNeck: Bolt-on roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553613

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Blues Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWHElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536832

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch

by Marcus Miller

Pop Rock Alternative

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 BBElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610820

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P8-4 TSElectric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on roasted maple neckFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid block...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553614

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Inca Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Inca Silver

by Marcus Miller

Rock Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 ISElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610818

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Pop Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd GenElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckBolt-on neck attachmentEbony fretboard (Diospyros...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 446135

$626

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

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted CAR

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Pop Country

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 CARElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610821

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleNeck shape: CScale: 864 cm / 34"...

⭐ 4.8/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446138

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel

by Sandberg

Pop Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II VM 4 BK HCA4-String Electric BassAlder bodyOliver Riedel / Rammstein signature modelMaple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 441173

$2,617

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt

by Sandberg

Blues Alternative Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black MattElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyMatched headstockScale...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 518522

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC

by Fender

Blues Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CCElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: '57 P-Bass...

⭐ 4.5/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620052

$5,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado TSB

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Alternative Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado TSBElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado (pau...

⭐ 4.4/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596216

$1,096

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Alternative Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Less modern features

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596196

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TS

by Fender

Classic Rock Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595123

$988

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

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWH

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Inca Silver

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd Gen

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted CAR

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd Gen

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado TSB

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 BK

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TS

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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