Best 4-String P-Basses for Advanced 2026

Perfect 4-string p-basses for advanced - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal

Country Rock Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red MetalElectric BassBody: Moon SpruceBolt-on neck: Solid mapleFingerboard:...

4.5/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender 57 P-Bass MN 2-Tone Sunb. CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender 57 P-Bass MN 2-Tone Sunb. CC

Blues Country Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Fender 57 P-Bass MN 2-Tone Sunb. CCElectric BassFender 1957 Precision BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB

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
Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB

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
Fender Standard P Bass LRL WPG BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender Standard P Bass LRL WPG BLK

Rock Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Thicker neck profile

Fender Standard P Bass LRL WPG BLKElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelWhite dot...

4.6/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Fender 57 P-Bass MN Shell Pink CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Shell Pink CC

Alternative Classic Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Less modern features

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

4.7/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic PP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic PP

Rock Country Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Thicker neck profile

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic PPElectric BassLimited editionTwo-piece body: Selected ashOne-piece neck: Quartersawn...

4.4/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT

Rock Classic Rock Alternative
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent in band mix
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWTElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Markbass MB Yellow PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Markbass MB Yellow PB

Classic Rock Alternative Country
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Markbass MB YELLOW PBElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelDot fingerboard inlaysScale: 864 mm...

4.8/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Fender 60 P-Bass RW WBoA CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender 60 P-Bass RW WBoA CC

Classic Rock Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

Fender 60 P-Bass RW WBoA CCElectric BassFender 1960 Precision BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

4.7/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN DSK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN DSK

Country Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Thicker neck profile

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN DSKElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

4.9/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Fender Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TS

Country Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TSElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelWhite dot...

4.7/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TS

Rock Alternative Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Thicker neck profile

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: Modern...

4.7/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM

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
Fender 57 P-Bass MN Deserst Sand CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Deserst Sand CC

Classic Rock Alternative Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

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

4.9/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10

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.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more