Best 4-String P-Basses for Beginner 2026

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

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

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 Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic BP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic BP

by Fender

Classic Rock Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic BPElectric bass2-Piece selected body: AshOne-piece neck: Quartersawn mapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 597354

$6,214

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 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

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

⭐ 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

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

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

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

#12

⭐ 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 AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT

by Fender

Pop Blues Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Fender AV II 60 P Bass RW OWTElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays: Clay...

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 608714

$2,837

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 for Beginner 2026

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM SSM

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic BP

Fender 59 P-Bass MN Desert Sand CC

Fender 69 P-Bass RW Black CC

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM

Fender 57 P-Bass MN Black CC

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal

Fender Player II Mod P Bass RW OLP

Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB

Fender AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND

Fender LTD '54 P Bass HR SFASB

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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