Best 4-String P-Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $500 - 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 P5 Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

Pop Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 TSElectric BassAlder bodyOne-piece roasted maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 512874

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller D5 Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller D5 Alder-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller D5 Alder-4 TSElectric BassAlder bodyOne-piece roasted maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 512877

$494

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWT

by Squier

Blues Alternative Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWTElectric BassClassic Vibe SeriesBody: PoplarNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457306

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural

by Harley Benton

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN NaturalElectric BassStyle: PBErgonomically shaped body made of swamp ash6-Bolt Canadian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 443474

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural w/Case

by Harley Benton

Country Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Single pickup limits sound options

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural*Electric Bass*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 597793

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLG

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLGElectric BassAlder bodyOne-piece roasted maple neckFingerboard: roasted mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 512876

$448

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue w/Case

by Harley Benton

Classic Rock Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue*Electric Bass*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 597788

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BSB

by Jackson

Blues Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BSBElectric BassPoplar bodyMaple neckLaurel fingerboardWhite dot fretboard inlaysMatte neck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536869

$336

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green w/Case

by Harley Benton

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green*Electric...

⭐ 4.4/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597797

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Thicker neck profile

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme*Electric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468364

$450

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BB

by Jackson

Blues Country Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BBElectric BassPoplar bodyMaple neckLaurel fingerboardWhite dot fretboard inlaysMatte neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 536872

$340

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB Bundle

by Squier

Country Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB*Electric Bass*Body:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 579639

$309

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green w/Case

by Harley Benton

Rock Blues Pop

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Less modern features

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597772

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHB

by Squier

Rock Classic Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHBElectric BassBody: PineNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: MapleFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 468519

$444

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WN

by Squier

Country Pop Blues

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WNElectric BassNato bodyMaple neckBolt-on neck attachmentMaple fretboardBlack block fretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 468527

$439

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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Best 4-String P-Basses Under $500 2025

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 TS

Marcus Miller D5 Alder-4 TS

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWT

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Natural w/Case

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLG

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Daphne Blue w/Case

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BSB

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Seafoam Green w/Case

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle

Jackson JS2P Spectra Bass BB

Squier Affinity P Bass PJ LPB Bundle

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green w/Case

Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHB

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WN

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?

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