AudioFu

Best 4-String P-Basses for Beginner 2026

Perfect 4-string p-basses for beginner - 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 Standard P Bass MN WPG CND - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Lakland Skyline Geezer Butler 4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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 MN Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic PP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Fender 54 P-Bass Journeyman Relic PP

by Fender
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
Art. 597349
$6,214
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 57 P-Bass MN Shell Pink CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Fender Standard P Bass LRL BPG 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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 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
Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado CHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 Morado SSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 LTD '54 P Bass HR ANB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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 69 P-Bass RW Black CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Markbass MB Yellow PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Markbass MB Yellow PB

by Markbass
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
Art. 597780
$289
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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