AudioFu

Best 4-String P-Basses for Alternative 2026

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

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
Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Fender 57 P-Bass MN Shell Pink CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Shell Pink CC

by Fender
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
Art. 620191
$5,279
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM

by Sadowsky
Country Classic Rock Alternative
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596260
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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 Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TS

by Fender
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
Art. 608542
$637
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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 59 P-Bass RW White Blonde CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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 Player II Mod P Bass MN DSK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN DSK

by Fender
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
Art. 609111
$1,196
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mod P Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 Player II Mod P Bass RW OLP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Fender Player II Mod P Bass RW OLP

by Fender
Rock Country Alternative
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

Fender Player II Mod P Bass RW OLPElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Modern...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 609106
$1,196
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT

by Fender
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
Art. 608537
$700
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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 60 P-Bass RW WBoA CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender 60 P-Bass RW WBoA CC

by Fender
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
Art. 620081
$5,939
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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