Best 4-String P-Basses for Alternative 2025

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

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Black CC

by Fender

Pop Blues Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Black CCElectric BassFender 1959 Precision BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 620065

$5,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal

by Maybach

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

Art. 602681

$2,507

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 59 P-Bass RW White Blonde CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender 59 P-Bass RW White Blonde CC

by Fender

Rock Alternative Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender 59 P-Bass RW White Blonde CCElectric BassFender 1959 Precision BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 620219

$5,939

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TS

by Fender

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

Art. 609109

$1,196

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Desert Sand CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Desert Sand CC

by Fender

Alternative Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Desert Sand CCElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: 60s P-Bass...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620083

$5,389

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 57 P-Bass MN 2-Tone Sunb. CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

by Fender

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

Art. 620222

$5,279

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 59 P-Bass Special Ltd AOLW JRN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender 59 P-Bass Special Ltd AOLW JRN

by Fender

Country Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Single pickup limits sound options

Fender 59 P-Bass Special Ltd AOLW JRNElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite Perloid...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 603935

$6,269

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM

by Sadowsky

Country Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado WHMElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596255

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND

by Fender

Blues Classic Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608535

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue

by Yamaha

Alternative Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo BlueElectric Bass3-Piece body: Alder / Maple / AlderBolt-on 5-piece neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 605504

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK

by Lakland

Country Classic Rock Blues

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

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBKElectric BassGeezer Butler (Black Sabbath) Signature ModelBody: AshBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599559

$2,408

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 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

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4-String P-Basses for Alternative 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Black CC

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal

Fender 59 P-Bass RW White Blonde CC

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TS

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Desert Sand CC

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB

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

Fender 59 P-Bass Special Ltd AOLW JRN

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CC

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string p-basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string p-basses?

Are expensive 4-string p-basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string p-basses?

Should I buy 4-string p-basses online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies