Best 4-String P-Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $5,000 - 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

Sandberg California II VS 4 BK MHCA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 BK MHCA

by Sandberg

Classic Rock Alternative Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Single pickup limits sound options

Sandberg California II VS 4 BK MHCAElectric BassBody: Alder (Thermo and Vibration Treatment)Bolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 517094

$3,629

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA

by Sandberg

Alternative Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCAElectric BassBody: Alder (Thermo and Vibration treatment)Bolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 517102

$3,464

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VS 4 RW SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 RW SFG

by Sandberg

Alternative Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II VS 4 RW SFG4-String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: roasted mapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 504940

$2,386

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VS 4 LPB HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 LPB HG

by Sandberg

Blues Country Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sandberg California II VS 4 LPB HGElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyMatched headstockAbalone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 523300

$2,364

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt

by Sandberg

Blues Alternative Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black MattElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyMatched headstockScale...

⭐ 4.8/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 518522

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA

by Sandberg

Blues Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCAElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleScale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 497498

$2,694

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Hyb 59 Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Hyb 59 Burst

by Sadowsky

Country Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Hyb 59 BurstElectric BassAmerican swamp ash bodyBolt-on maple neckMaple fretboardScale length:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 515912

$4,069

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW DK NIGHT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW DK NIGHT

by Fender

Blues Alternative Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW DK NIGHTElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: 1963 C.Scale...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 500558

$2,254

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II P Bass EB TXT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Ultra II P Bass EB TXT

by Fender

Pop Classic Rock Blues

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender Am Ultra II P Bass EB TXTElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite pearloid dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596079

$2,745

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AV II 60 P BASS RW WT3TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender AV II 60 P BASS RW WT3TB

by Fender

Classic Rock Alternative Country

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender AV II 60 P BASS RW WT3TBElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleBlock-glued slab board rosewood fingerboardClay dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 548588

$2,474

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

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

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA LPB

by Sandberg

Alternative Country Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA LPBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 521666

$2,254

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin P/J ´59 BR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin P/J ´59 BR

by Sadowsky

Classic Rock Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Thicker neck profile
• Less modern features

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin P/J ´59 BRElectric GassBody: American swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleScale...

⭐ 4.8/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 516048

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB BB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB BB

by Sandberg

Rock Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB BBElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Ebony22 FretsNut width: 39.5 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 480675

$2,188

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 $5,000 2025

Sandberg California II VS 4 BK MHCA

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA

Sandberg California II VS 4 RW SFG

Sandberg California II VS 4 LPB HG

Sandberg California II VT 4 Black Matt

Sandberg California II VM 4 MN OR HCA

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Hyb 59 Burst

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW DK NIGHT

Fender Am Ultra II P Bass EB TXT

Fender AV II 60 P BASS RW WT3TB

Fender AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT

Maybach Motone P Candy Apple Red Metal

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA LPB

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin P/J ´59 BR

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB BB

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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