Best 4-String P-Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Harley Benton PJ-74 VW Vintage Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton PJ-74 VW Vintage Series w/Bag

Rock Classic Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Less modern features

Harley Benton PJ-74 VW Vintage Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-74 VW Vintage Series*Electric...

4.6/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton MV-4P Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton MV-4P Daphne Blue

Classic Rock Alternative Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Harley Benton MV-4P Daphne BlueElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore with...

4.9/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BK

Classic Rock Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for pick and finger playing
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BKElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

4.7/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton MV-4PJ Shell Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Shell Pink

Classic Rock Alternative Country
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Shell PinkElectric GuitarDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore maple...

4.6/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink

Alternative Classic Rock Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell PinkElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore with...

4.6/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton MV-4P Burgundy Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton MV-4P Burgundy Mist

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

Harley Benton MV-4P Burgundy MistElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore with...

4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ B Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ B Bundle

Country Alternative Blues
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent in band mix
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less modern features

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ B Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ BK*Electric Bass*Body:...

5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green

Country Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Great for pick and finger playing
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • Thicker neck profile

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam GreenElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore with...

4.7/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OW

Pop Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Great for pick and finger playing
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OWElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack dot fretboard...

4.5/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue

Pop Alternative Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne BlueElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderMatching headstockBolt-on neck: caramelised...

4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Markbass MB Yellow PB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Markbass MB Yellow PB

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
Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green

Rock Country Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • Thicker neck profile

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam GreenElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore...

4.9/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Harley Benton MV-4PJ Burgundy Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Burgundy Mist

Rock Classic Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Burgundy MistElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore...

4.5/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB

Pop Alternative Country
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Thicker neck profile

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPBElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: LaurelPearloid Dot fretboard...

4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural

Blues Classic Rock Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Harley Benton MV-4PJ NaturalElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore maple with...

4.6/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10

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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