Best 4-String P-Basses Under $1,000 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Country Classic Rock Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P8-4 NTElectric BassBody: Swamp ashNeck: Bolt-on roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553613

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Marcus Miller P8-4 TSElectric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on roasted maple neckFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid block...

⭐ 4.4/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553614

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg Electra Vs4 RW CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg Electra Vs4 RW CR

by Sandberg

Pop Country Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Sandberg Electra Vs4 RW CRElectric BassBody: Basswood6-Bolt neck: MapleRosewood fingerboardScale: Long scaleNut width:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 301716

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass RW CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II P Bass RW CRR

by Fender

Pop Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

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

Fender Player II P Bass RW CRRElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595128

$988

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg Electra Vs 4 RW TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg Electra Vs 4 RW TB

by Sandberg

Blues Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg Electra Vs 4 RW TBElectric BassBasswood bodyBolt-on maple neck (6 bolts)Rosewood fretboardLong scaleNut width:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 278971

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass MN AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II P Bass MN AQB

by Fender

Rock Classic Rock Alternative

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Fender Player II P Bass MN AQBElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595135

$988

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass MN HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II P Bass MN HLY

by Fender

Blues Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Great for pick and finger playing
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• May lack brightness for slap bass

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595166

$968

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TS

by Fender

Classic Rock Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595123

$988

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM TSB

by Sadowsky

Rock Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM TSBElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596218

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-4 WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P8-4 WB

by Marcus Miller

Country Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P8-4 WBElectric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite pearloid block...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553615

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB434 TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Yamaha BB434 TBS

by Yamaha

Classic Rock Alternative Country

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Yamaha BB434 TBSElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: 5-Ply maple/mahoganyFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)21 Medium...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 463005

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB 434 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Yamaha BB 434 BK

by Yamaha

Pop Blues Alternative

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Yamaha BB 434 BKElectric BassAlder bodyMaple/Mahogany 5-piece neckRosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) fretboard21 Medium...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 472113

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass RW PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Player II P Bass RW PWT

by Fender

Blues Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

Fender Player II P Bass RW PWTElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 595126

$968

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass MN BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II P Bass MN BLK

by Fender

Pop Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Fender Player II P Bass MN BLKElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 595134

$965

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II P Bass MN BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II P Bass MN BCG

by Fender

Blues Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Great for pick and finger playing

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Fender Player II P Bass MN BCGElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: black...

⭐ 4.7/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 595167

$988

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 Under $1,000 2025

Marcus Miller P8-4 NT

Marcus Miller P8-4 TS

Sandberg Electra Vs4 RW CR

Fender Player II P Bass RW CRR

Sandberg Electra Vs 4 RW TB

Fender Player II P Bass MN AQB

Fender Player II P Bass MN HLY

Fender Player II P Bass RW 3TS

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ4 RM TSB

Marcus Miller P8-4 WB

Yamaha BB434 TBS

Yamaha BB 434 BK

Fender Player II P Bass RW PWT

Fender Player II P Bass MN BLK

Fender Player II P Bass MN BCG

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