Best 4-String P-Basses Under $500 2026

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

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

⭐ 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

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL 3TS

by Squier

Pop Alternative Country

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL 3TSElectric BassClassic Vibe SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457304

$449

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Burgundy Mist w/Case

by Harley Benton

Blues Alternative Pop

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
• Thicker neck profile

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597786

$303

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

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-4P Burgundy Mist w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4P Burgundy Mist w/Case

by Harley Benton

Country Pop Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 597752

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink w/Case

by Harley Benton

Country Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink*Electric Bass*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 597776

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme

by Harley Benton

Country Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Single pickup limits sound options

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB CremeElectric BassBuild: PB styleErgonomically shaped alder bodyMatching headstock6-Bolt...

⭐ 4.7/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 443467

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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 70s P Bass MN WN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural Bundle

by Harley Benton

Rock Country Alternative

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570671

$358

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN BK

by Squier

Classic Rock Alternative Pop

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN BKElectric BassBody: NatoNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: MapleFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468526

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ O Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ O Bundle

by Squier

Classic Rock Rock Alternative

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ O Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ OW*Electric Bass*Body:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579622

$303

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 2026

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme Bundle

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL 3TS

Harley Benton MV-4PJ Burgundy Mist w/Case

Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWT

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLG

Harley Benton MV-4P Burgundy Mist w/Case

Harley Benton MV-4P Shell Pink w/Case

Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHB

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4EB Creme

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 TS

Harley Benton MV-4P Seafoam Green w/Case

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WN

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN Natural Bundle

Squier CV 70s P Bass MN BK

Squier Affinity P Bass MN PJ O Bundle

How to Choose the Best 4-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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