Best Yamaha 4-String P-Basses 2025

Premium Yamaha 4-string p-basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

Yamaha BB734 AFRD Fire Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Yamaha BB734 AFRD Fire Red

Country Alternative Blues
Key Feature:
• Great for pick and finger playing
✓ PROS
  • • Simple, reliable electronics
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Yamaha BB734 AFRD Fire RedElectric Bass3-Piece body: Alder/Maple/Maple5-Piece bolt-on neck: Maple/MahoganyFingerboard:...

4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha BB434 TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Yamaha BB434 TBS

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

Yamaha BB434 TBSElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: 5-Ply maple/mahoganyFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia)21 Medium...

4.5/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW

Pop Country Alternative
Key Feature:
• Thick, fundamental bass tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass

Yamaha BB734 A DCSG RW4-String Electric BassBody: AldermaplealderNeck: 5-Ply maple/mahoganyFretboard: Rosewood...

4.8/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Yamaha BB 434 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Yamaha BB 434 BK

Pop Blues Alternative
Key Feature:
• Simple, reliable electronics
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
  • • Excellent in band mix
✗ CONS
  • • Less tonal versatility than Jazz Bass
  • • Thicker neck profile

Yamaha BB 434 BKElectric BassAlder bodyMaple/Mahogany 5-piece neckRosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) fretboard21 Medium...

4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo Blue

Alternative Pop Classic Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent in band mix
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, fundamental bass tone
  • • Classic Precision Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single pickup limits sound options
  • • May lack brightness for slap bass

Yamaha BB734 AIDB Indigo BlueElectric Bass3-Piece body: Alder / Maple / AlderBolt-on 5-piece neck:...

4.9/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Yamaha BB734 A TMBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Yamaha BB734 A TMBL

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

Yamaha BB734 A TMBLElectric Bass3-Piece body: alder / maple / alder5-Piece neck: maple / mahoganyFretboard:...

4.6/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

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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