AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String P-Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is Fender Standard Stratocaster ($599). Harley Benton PB-50 SB Vintage Series gives you the most for the money at $133. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 28 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fender Standard Stratocaster
Standard P Bass MN WPG CND · Fender
297 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyPoplar body
This Standard P Bass delivers that iconic Fender growl and feel at a very approachable price. The modern neck profile makes it comfortable for a wide range of players, and the candy cola finish is a real eye-catcher. It’s a fantastic choice for gigging musicians and anyone chasing that classic P Bass tone.
Pros
- Maple neck provides excellent clarity and sustain.
- Modern 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
- Standard split-coil pickup delivers a classic P Bass growl with added articulation.
Cons
- Poplar body can be somewhat resonant, potentially muddying low frequencies in certain settings.
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the integrated feel of a set-neck bass.
77AudioFu
Index↓ 2.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$615 · Aug 17$599 now$599€537 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric Guitar
Affinity P Bass PJ LPB · Squier
227 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
This Squier Affinity P Bass PJ is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players on a budget. The PJ pickup combo gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility, covering everything from Motown grooves to heavier rock. It's a solid, playable bass that offers excellent value for the money.
Pros
- Solid poplar body delivers a surprisingly resonant, full tone.
- Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile suits a wide range of players.
- The PJ pickup configuration offers a versatile blend of punch and warmth.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
- Synthetic bone nut is a cost-saving measure; upgrades are common.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$300 now$300€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Squier Sonic Precision Bass
Sonic Precision Black · Squier
157 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Squier Sonic Precision is a fantastic entry point for beginners or players wanting a vintage P-Bass vibe on a budget. The ceramic pickup gives it a surprisingly assertive growl, and the bolt-on neck keeps things bright and punchy – ideal for rock, punk, and classic tones. It’s a solid, reliable instrument that's hard to beat for the price.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Maple neck with laurel fingerboard provides a comfortable, familiar playing feel.
- Ceramic split-coil pickup delivers a powerful, focused low-end punch.
Cons
- Basic hardware limits upgrade potential for more serious players.
- Synthetic bone nut may lack the sustain and feel of a bone or graphite nut.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This bass is built for players who want a bright, clear tone without the extra gear. The poplar body keeps it light while the maple neck holds the tuning up tight. With just one ceramic pickup and a simple volume and tone knob, it cuts through the mix without needing much help.
Pros
- Poplar body offers light weight for easy playing
- Maple bolt-on neck ensures strong connection
- Ceramic pickup delivers clear, punchy tone
Cons
- No weight information provided in description
- Single pickup limits tonal variety options
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This Harley Benton MV-4PJ is a seriously impressive value. The caramelized maple neck feels fantastic, and the custom pickups deliver a surprisingly authentic vintage P-bass growl. It's a fantastic choice for players wanting that classic P-bass tone and feel without the premium price tag – perfect for gigging musicians or those just starting out.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain
- Caramelized maple neck offers a surprisingly smooth and fast playing experience
- Custom-wound pickups provide a surprisingly articulate and punchy vintage P-bass tone
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the warmth of a set-neck design
- Roseacer fretboard might feel slightly less refined than ebony or maple
61AudioFu
Index↓ 5.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$307 · Aug 17$289 now$289€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
This budget-friendly bass feels great for beginners thanks to its smooth maple neck and solid feel. The classic AlNiCo pickups give a warm, vintage sound that many players love. While it lacks modern EQ options, it's a perfect starter tool for learning the basics.
Pros
- Affordable entry point for new bassists
- Vintage maple neck with comfortable C profile
- AlNiCo 5 pickups offer classic warm tone
Cons
- No active electronics boost for cut
- Single tone control limits frequency shaping
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2P IV
JS2 Spectra Bass QSV · Jackson
22 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
This bass is great for players who want a bright, fast feel and tight lows. The active electronics let you adjust the sound easily, but single coils can get noisy with lots of gain. It fits well in a budget-friendly setup for rock and metal.
Pros
- Solid poplar body offers a bright, punchy attack for rock players.
- Maple bolt-on neck provides a fast, responsive feel under the fingers.
- Active electronics let you shape tone with blend and bass boost controls.
Cons
- Single coil pickups can sound noisy in high-gain settings.
- No weight spec is listed, so heft might be unknown to buyers.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 5.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$278 · Aug 17$263 now$263€236 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch is a fantastic option for gigging musicians seeking a versatile and well-built P-style bass. Its comfortable neck, powerful pickups, and flexible electronics make it a workhorse for funk, soul, and rock, offering a premium feel without the premium price tag. This is a solid choice for players who want a stage-ready bass with a distinctive look and a wide range of tonal possibilities.
Pros
- Mahogany/Ash body provides a warm, resonant, and punchy tonal foundation.
- Marcus Super-PJ Revolution pickups offer a versatile blend of clarity and growl.
- Heritage-3 electronics provide extensive tonal shaping with active/passive switching.
Cons
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry for some players; consider oiling.
- Sandblasted finish, while attractive, can be prone to minor cosmetic imperfections.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 3.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$590 · Aug 17$568 now$568€509 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
The PB-50 SB is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It nails that classic P-bass vibe, offering a warm, punchy tone perfect for rock, blues, and Motown. This is a fantastic entry-level instrument or a great beater for gigging musicians who want that vintage feel without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Roswell VTN4 pickup delivers surprisingly authentic vintage P-bass tone.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and comfortable playability.
- Basswood body offers a lightweight feel, easing extended playing sessions.
Cons
- Basswood body, while lightweight, lacks the sustain of more premium woods.
- Bolt-on neck construction limits upper fret access compared to set necks.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$133 now$133€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This Harley Benton PJ-74 is a seriously impressive value, nailing that classic P-bass vibe with a welcome single-coil bite. It’s a fantastic option for players seeking a vintage-inspired tone and comfortable feel without the premium price tag – perfect for blues, rock, and Motown styles.
Pros
- Roswell PBA pickup delivers a surprisingly authentic, warm P-bass tone.
- Canadian maple neck with a comfortable 'D' profile feels well-played and stable.
- Laurel fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience with a slightly warmer tone than rosewood.
Cons
- Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or ash.
- Vintage-style machine heads might not offer the precision of locking tuners.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 28 4-String P-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 MLGMarcus Miller · 7 finishes50Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller P7 4 New Gen Dark ForestMarcus Miller · 3 finishes49Stable$724€649$724€649Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton PB-20 BK Standard SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes48Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton PJ-4 HTR Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 4 finishes48Stable$144€129$144€129Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-4MN NaturalHarley Benton · 4 finishes48Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 16
Squier Paranormal Precision Bass VWTSquier · 3 finishes46↓ 1.9%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 17
ESP LTD Surveyor-204DXLTD Surveyor-204DX RB · ESP · 2 finishes46↓ 1.7%$634€569$634€569Check ↗
- 18
Marcus Miller P7-4 Sandblasted CAR TEMarcus Miller45Stable$668€599$668€599Check ↗
- 19
Marcus Miller P8-4 NTMarcus Miller · 2 finishes45Stable$779€699$779€699Check ↗
- 20
Squier CV 60s P-Bass LRL OWTSquier · 2 finishes41Stable$467€419$467€419Check ↗
- 21
Squier CV 70s P Bass MN WNSquier · 2 finishes41Stable$478€429$478€429Check ↗
- 22
Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric GuitarAffinity P Bass MN PJ O Bundle · Squier38Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 23
Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric GuitarAffinity P Bass PJ LPB Bundle · Squier38Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 24
Squier CV 50s P Bass MN WHBSquier37↑ 2.6%$479€430$479€430Check ↗
- 25
Squier Affinity Telecaster Electric GuitarAffinity P Bass MN PJ B Bundle · Squier36↑ 7.0%$340€305$340€305Check ↗
- 26
Markbass MB Yellow PBMarkbass34Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit P-StyleHarley Benton25Stable$110€99$110€99Check ↗
- 28
Squier Sonic Precision Califor BundleSquier24Stable$248€222$248€222Check ↗
4-String P-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 81 models we track, not a sample.
Median $300 — half of all 4-String P-Basses here cost less.
median of 81 models · 38 mm (1.5")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 31 models · 20–24
median of 71 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 45 models · 241 mm (9.49")–355.6 mm (14")
How to choose the best 4-String P-Basses
Pickup Voicing
Budget P-basses often have pickups that lack the clarity and punch of higher-end models. Expect a slightly muddier low-end and a less defined attack, but a good one will still deliver that classic P-bass thump - just maybe not as cutting through a dense mix.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck is crucial. Many in this price range have a 'C' shape, but the finish and overall feel can vary wildly. A proper setup (action, intonation, string height) makes a huge difference - don't be afraid to have a tech dial it in.
Hardware Quality
Expect basic hardware - tuners that might not be the absolute most precise, a bridge that's functional but potentially a little less refined. These aren't dealbreakers, but they're areas where you might want to upgrade down the line.
Body Wood & Construction
You're likely looking at alder or agathis for the body. Alder is generally preferred for its balanced tone, but agathis can be surprisingly decent. Construction will be bolt-on - a cost-saving measure that's perfectly acceptable for this price range.
Electronics & Noise
Keep an ear out for hum or noise. Budget pickups and pots can sometimes be a bit noisy, especially when amplifying. It's rarely crippling, but something to be aware of if you're recording in a quiet environment.
Buying guide
Alright, so you need a Precision Bass but you're not trying to drop five grand? Smart move. Plenty of great-playing, gig-worthy P-basses can be had for under $800, but you gotta know what to look for. We're focusing on bang-for-your-buck here - instruments that'll lay down a solid foundation for your band without breaking the bank.
At this price point, you're trading off refinements. Don't expect flawless finish work or the absolute best components. Focus on the feel - a comfortable neck and a playable action are more important than fancy aesthetics.
A good setup from a tech can often elevate a budget bass significantly, so factor that into your budget. Don't chase specs, chase feel and tone - that fat midrange honk is achievable even on a budget.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 81 4-String P-Basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between alder and agathis?
Alder's generally more balanced and versatile, with a bit more clarity. Agathis can be darker and warmer, sometimes a little 'woody.' Both are perfectly serviceable, it just depends on the tone you're after.
Are bolt-on necks bad?
Not at all. It's a cost-saving measure. Bolt-on necks are perfectly stable and reliable, and don't inherently impact tone negatively. Neck-through construction is just a luxury.
Should I buy used?
Absolutely! You can often snag a higher-spec instrument for your budget buying used. Just be sure to check the neck relief and overall condition before committing.
What about active electronics?
Most basses under $800 will have passive electronics. Active electronics add complexity and power, but they require a battery and can sometimes introduce noise. Passive is a solid choice for a versatile, reliable bass.
What kind of amp do I need to hear the 'real' tone?
A decent practice amp will do just fine. The key is a speaker that can handle low frequencies - look for something with a 10" or 12" speaker. Don't expect miracles, but a decent amp will let you hear the bass's true character.
