AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Rickenbacker 4005V ($6,738). Marcus Miller GB5-4 Natural gives you the most for the money at $561. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale845 mm (33.27")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This bass has a bright maple top and vintage single coil pickups for a punchy sound. The set neck design keeps it stable, and the stereo jack lets you run it to two amps. It suits players who like classic tone and clear note definition.
Pros
- Solid maple top gives bright, punchy tone
- Vintage toaster coils for classic warm sound
- Set neck construction ensures perfect intonation
Cons
- Rosewood fretboard can be harder to read
- Single coil pickups may hum at high volume
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,738 now$6,738€5,998 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This German-made bass brings a spruce top and flamed maple for a punchy sound. The two nickel humbuckers drive the notes hard without needing heavy amplification. It feels solid under your hand with a smooth rosewood fingerboard. Great for players who want clear tone and reliable performance.
Pros
- Spruce top paired with flamed maple for bright tone
- Two nickel humbuckers provide powerful output
- German manufacturing ensures precise build quality
Cons
- Pearloid pickguard sits unmounted on body
- Weight not listed in product description
59AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$3,696 · Aug 17$3,696 now$3,696€3,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass
Jack Casady Signature Bass SB · Epiphone
24 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width41.5 mm (1.63")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Jack Casady Signature Bass is a fantastic option for players seeking a semi-hollow vibe with a vintage edge. It's surprisingly versatile thanks to the rotary switch, making it a great fit for classic rock, blues, and even some jazz. The build quality is solid for the price point, offering a lot of character and feel.
Pros
- Laminated maple body delivers a warm, resonant acoustic tone.
- JCB-1 humbuckers provide a focused, vintage-inspired growl.
- Mahogany neck offers comfortable playability and sustain.
Cons
- The semi-hollow body makes it prone to feedback at high volumes.
- Sparkling Burgundy finish might not appeal to all players’ tastes.
71AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$785 now$785€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale760 mm (29.92")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The HCT-500-7 Verythin is a neat little bass – surprisingly resonant for a semi-hollow. It nails that classic, slightly woody Höfner vibe, perfect for Motown, vintage rock, or anyone wanting a compact instrument with a unique character. It's a fantastic option for smaller players or those who appreciate a more intimate feel.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate acoustic voice.
- Maple body and sustain block enhance resonance and note definition.
- Höfner Staple Top humbuckers provide a thick, vintage-inspired tone.
Cons
- The 760mm scale might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
- Hollowbody construction can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$841 now$841€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale760 mm (29.92")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This Club Bass Green Line is a premium-priced instrument evoking that classic Höfner vibe. The solid top and flamed maple back create a warm, woody tone perfect for Motown, classic rock, and vintage-inspired sounds. It's a fantastic choice for players seeking a unique, historically-rooted bass with exceptional build quality.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and resonant tone.
- Flamed maple back and sides add warmth and sustain, avoiding boxiness.
- Höfner Staple humbuckers provide a distinctive, growly vintage tone with good output.
Cons
- The 30” scale can feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
- Semi-hollow construction limits versatility – not ideal for high-gain or modern genres.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,022 now$3,022€2,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Guild Starfire IV Cherry 1967
Starfire I Bass Cherry Red · Guild
3 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale781 mm (30.75")
- Frets21 frets
The Guild Starfire I Bass in Cherry Red is a fantastic option for players seeking a vintage-inspired semi-hollow tone without the premium price tag. It's got a comfortable neck, a warm and woody sound that sits perfectly in a mix, and the hum-cancelling pickups keep things clean. This bass is ideal for blues, jazz, and classic rock players who want a unique voice.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides warm, resonant low-end and focused tone.
- BiCoil hum-cancelling pickups deliver clean, articulate sound with vintage character.
- Center block minimizes feedback common in semi-hollow basses, boosting stage usability.
Cons
- Semi-hollow construction makes it more prone to handling noise than solid-body basses.
- The shorter 781 mm scale might feel cramped for players accustomed to longer scales.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$785 now$785€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale770 mm (30.31")
- BodyBasswood body
The AFB200-TKS is a surprisingly versatile semi-acoustic bass, offering a warm acoustic voice with the punch of humbucker pickups. It's a great option for gigging musicians who want a stage-ready instrument with a unique vibe—especially those playing blues, jazz, or mellow rock where a little acoustic resonance is welcome.
Pros
- Basswood body delivers a warm, mellow acoustic tone.
- Maple/Mahogany neck provides comfortable playability and sustain.
- Classic Elite humbuckers offer a powerful, articulate sound.
Cons
- Basswood can lack upper-midrange clarity compared to premium woods.
- Semi-hollow construction might introduce feedback at higher volumes.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale781 mm (30.75")
- Frets21 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Starfire I Bass is a real treat – it nails that classic, thumpy semi-hollow vibe. The neck profile is comfortable, and the BC-1 pickups have a surprisingly modern edge. It’s an excellent choice for players seeking a vintage-inspired tone with a touch of Guild's unique character, especially for blues, rock, and Motown-inspired grooves.
Pros
- Maple top and mahogany core deliver a warm, resonant, and articulate tone.
- Guild BC-1 humbuckers offer a vintage-voiced, punchy low-end with surprising clarity.
- The 30.75” scale provides a comfortable feel and slightly looser string tension.
Cons
- Semi-hollow construction makes it more prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- The 61mm body thickness can feel a bit bulky for players accustomed to thinner basses.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$785 now$785€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This is the Höfner Verythin Bass-HCT-500/7 with a GigB bag. It is a four-string semi-acoustic bass designed for players who need reliable amplification. The bundle offers a complete package for transport and performance. It suits beginners and pros who want a simple, solid-sounding instrument.
Pros
- Includes GigB Deluxe Verythin Bass carrying bag
- Verythin Bass-HCT-500/7 model designation
- Semi-acoustic design for amplified performance
Cons
- Weight not specified in description
- Limited control options mentioned
38AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 27Aug 27$875 now$875€779 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
The GB5-4 Natural is a seriously cool instrument. It's a great choice for players wanting a semi-acoustic vibe without the huge size or premium price tag – think upright-like tones for jazz, blues, or even a touch of vintage rock. The build quality is solid, and the preamp gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers surprising clarity and articulation.
- Mahogany body provides warm, resonant low-end and sustain.
- Vividx-B preamp offers versatile tonal shaping and useful phase switch.
Cons
- The semi-acoustic body makes it somewhat less robust for gigging.
- While versatile, it shines most in jazz, blues, and vintage tones.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$561 now$561€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 4-String semi-acoustic basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton HB-60 WB w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 12
Höfner Ignition Violin Bass BK SEHöfner46Stable$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 13
Höfner Ignition Cavern SEHöfner46Stable$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 14
Höfner Ignition Cavern SE w/BagHöfner46Stable$493€439$493€439Check ↗
- 15
Höfner Ignition SEHöfner43Stable$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 16
Höfner Ignition SE BundleHöfner26Stable$493€439$493€439Check ↗
4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 23 models we track, not a sample.
Median $785 — half of all 4-String semi-acoustic basses here cost less.
median of 22 models · 38 mm (1.5")–42.9 mm (1.69")
median of 20 models · 760 mm (29.92")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 19 models · 20–22
most common · 14 models
How to choose the best 4-String semi-acoustic basses
Body Wood & Construction
It's not just about 'mahogany' or 'maple.' The thickness of the top, the bracing pattern, the wood density - it all contributes to the overall resonance and sustain. Lighter bodies are comfortable but can lack punch; heavier bodies offer more low-end thump but can be fatiguing on stage.
Neck Profile & Playability
A semi-acoustic's neck needs to be a joy to play, especially when you're navigating complex lines. We're looking for comfortable profiles - not too thick, not too thin - and a well-executed setup with a manageable action. High fret access is a bonus, but often a compromise with this style.
Pickup Voicing & Electronics
That hollow body resonance can be a blessing or a curse if the pickups aren't dialed in right. We want pickups that capture the warmth without getting muddy, and offer enough clarity to cut through a dense mix. Active electronics can expand your tonal palette, but passive circuits often provide a more natural, vintage vibe.
Hardware Quality & Reliability
Let's be honest, cheap hardware is a recipe for disaster on stage. Tuners that slip, a bridge that rattles, pots that crackle - these are all things that can derail a performance. Solid hardware isn't about flash; it's about dependability.
Overall Response & Articulation
A semi-acoustic bass shouldn't just sound "warm"; it should articulate clearly. We're listening for a balance of low-end thump and defined mids, with enough detail to hear individual notes even when playing fast passages. That 'fat midrange honk' is desirable, but not at the expense of clarity.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're a pro looking to add a semi-acoustic 4-string bass to your arsenal? It's a vibe, no doubt - that hollow body resonance, the woody warmth, the potential for a seriously cool upright-esque tone. But a semi-acoustic isn't just about looks; it's about nuanced response and a different feel under your fingers. Let's break down which ones will actually deliver for the gig and the studio, and which ones are just pretty faces.
Don't chase the vintage look alone. A poorly made semi-acoustic will sound and feel like a compromise. Pay attention to the neck joint - a sloppy transition here will kill your playing.
Budget for a professional setup; even the best basses need it. And seriously, consider the weight - lugging a heavy semi-acoustic around for gigs isn't fun.
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 23 4-String semi-acoustic 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
Are semi-acoustic basses good for slap bass?
It's possible, but not ideal. The hollow body can introduce unwanted resonance and muddiness. You'll need to carefully EQ to tame the low-end and dial in some bite, and be prepared for a slightly different feel.
Do I need an amp for a semi-acoustic bass?
Absolutely. While some models are surprisingly loud acoustically, you'll need an amp to really hear the full tonal range and cut through a band. A clean amp with good headroom is crucial.
What's the difference between a semi-hollow and a hollow body bass?
Semi-hollows have a solid center block, which reduces feedback and provides more sustain. Hollow bodies are more resonant but prone to feedback at higher volumes.
Are semi-acoustic basses easy to record?
They can be. The warmth and character they bring to a recording is often fantastic. But be mindful of room resonance and potential feedback issues when miking.
What's a reasonable price range for a professional-grade semi-acoustic bass?
Expect to spend at least $1200 for a well-made model. Anything significantly cheaper will likely cut corners somewhere - usually in hardware or bracing.
