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

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 12, 2025 • Next update: November 19, 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 HCA Marley - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA Marley

by Sandberg

Blues Rock Country

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Simple, reliable electronics

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA MarleyElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFretboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 504054

$2,529

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

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN BK

by Fender

Country Classic Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack brightness for slap bass
• Less modern features

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN BKElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckMaple fretboardNeck profile: 1963 C.Scale length: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 500564

$2,309

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA TB

by Sandberg

Alternative Classic Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Single pickup limits sound options

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA TBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: rosewoodAbalone dots fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 518337

$2,254

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF MR HCAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF MR HCAR

by Sandberg

Alternative Pop Country

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Single pickup limits sound options

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF MR HCARElectric BassBody: Thermally treated alderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 439966

$2,969

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB Black

by Sandberg

Rock Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Less modern features
• Thicker neck profile

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB BlackElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleMatched headstockFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 559286

$2,749

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

Sadowsky MetroLine Hyb P/J 21-4 Mo Bl - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroLine Hyb P/J 21-4 Mo Bl

by Sadowsky

Alternative Rock Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Precision Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Simple, reliable electronics
• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Thicker neck profile

Sadowsky MetroLine Hyb P/J 21-4 Mo BlElectric BassBody: American red alderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MoradoScale...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 510404

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VT 4 HCA RFB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VT 4 HCA RFB

by Sandberg

Rock Pop Country

Key Feature:

• Simple, reliable electronics

✓ PROS

• Classic Precision Bass sound
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Sandberg California II VT 4 HCA RFBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodAbalone dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 518341

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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 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

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN 3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN 3TSB

by Fender

Rock Alternative Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent in band mix

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Thicker neck profile

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN 3TSBElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckMaple fretboardNeck profile: 1963 C.Scale length: 864...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 500561

$2,298

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW OWT

by Fender

Blues Classic Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Thick, fundamental bass tone
• Excellent in band mix

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW OWTElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: 1963 CScale length: 864...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 500554

$2,265

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel

by Sandberg

Pop Blues Classic Rock

Key Feature:

• Thick, fundamental bass tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent in band mix
• Classic Precision Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II VM 4 BK HCA4-String Electric BassAlder bodyOliver Riedel / Rammstein signature modelMaple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 441173

$2,617

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender AV II 54 P BASS MN 2TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender AV II 54 P BASS MN 2TS

by Fender

Rock Alternative Blues

Key Feature:

• Great for pick and finger playing

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Single pickup limits sound options
• Less modern features

Fender AV II 54 P BASS MN 2TSElectric BassAsh bodyOne-piece maple neckMaple fingerboardBlack dot fingerboard inlaysNeck...

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 548585

$2,584

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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TOP

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

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA Marley

Sandberg California II VS 4 FR MHCA

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN BK

Sandberg California II VS 4 HCA TB

Sandberg California II VM 4 PF MR HCAR

Sandberg California II VM 4 EB Black

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW DK NIGHT

Sadowsky MetroLine Hyb P/J 21-4 Mo Bl

Sandberg California II VT 4 HCA RFB

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Hyb 59 Burst

Fender AV II 60 P Bass RW OWT

Fender AM Pro II P Bass MN 3TSB

Fender AM Pro II P Bass RW OWT

Sandberg California II VM 4 O. Riedel

Fender AV II 54 P BASS MN 2TS

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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