Best 4-String P-Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 4-string p-basses under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 2025

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWH

Blues Pop Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 VWHElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CScale:...

4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Dakota Red 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Dakota Red 2nd Gen

Rock Classic Rock Blues
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Dakota Red 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Ebony (Diospyros...

4.7/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted BK

Blues Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 BKElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

4.7/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd Gen

Rock Classic Rock Country
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less modern features

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Black 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleNeck shape: CScale: 864 cm / 34"...

4.8/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch

Pop Rock Alternative
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Less modern features

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 BBElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

4.4/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd Gen

Pop Classic Rock Country
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent in band mix
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less modern features

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 AW 2nd GenElectric BassAlder bodyMaple neckBolt-on neck attachmentEbony fretboard (Diospyros...

4.9/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 TS

Classic Rock Alternative Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 TSElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CScale: 34"...

4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Squier FSR CV 60S P-Bass LRL AZG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Squier FSR CV 60S P-Bass LRL AZG

Country Pop Blues
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • Less modern features

Squier FSR CV 60S P-Bass LRL AZGElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelWhite dot fingerboard...

4.8/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted SGM

Country Pop Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less modern features
  • • Thicker neck profile

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 SGMElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWT

Rock Classic Rock Alternative
Key Feature:
• Classic Precision Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent in band mix
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Fender Standard P Bass MN BPG OWTElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NT

Classic Rock Blues Country
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 NTElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CScale: 34"...

4.9/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Inca Silver - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted Inca Silver

Rock Country Pop
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Less modern features

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 ISElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Marcus Miller P6-4 Sandblasted CAR

Alternative Pop Country
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 4 CARElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 DRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-4 DRD

Rock Country Blues
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent in band mix
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Single pickup limits sound options

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

4.9/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CND

Blues Classic Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Great for pick and finger playing
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
✗ CONS
  • • Thicker neck profile
  • • Less modern features

Fender Standard P Bass MN WPG CNDElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

4.4/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10

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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