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Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 4-string semi-acoustic basses under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Blues For Folk For Acoustic Ensembles For Recording For Unplugged Performance
BRANDS: Höfner
Harley Benton HB-60 WB w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton HB-60 WB w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Jazz Acoustic Ensembles Recording
Key Feature:
• Versatile for many musical contexts
✓ PROS
  • • Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
  • • Great for both acoustic and electric settings
✗ CONS
  • • May not satisfy acoustic purists
  • • May feedback at higher volumes

Harley Benton HB-60 WB w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HB-60 WB*Electric Bass*Vintage SeriesStyle:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 543749
$328
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Ignition Cavern SE w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Höfner Ignition Cavern SE w/Bag

by Höfner
Recording Unplugged Performance Blues
Key Feature:
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for many musical contexts
  • • Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than pure acoustic
  • • Electronics add complexity

Höfner Ignition Cavern SE w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Höfner Ignition Cavern SE*Electric Violin Bass*Spruce...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 611729
$483
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Ignition SE Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Höfner Ignition SE Bundle

by Höfner
Blues Jazz Acoustic Ensembles
Key Feature:
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile for many musical contexts
  • • Natural bass tone with projection
✗ CONS
  • • May feedback at higher volumes
  • • May not satisfy acoustic purists

Höfner Ignition SE Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Höfner Ignition SE*Electric Bass*Spruce topFlamed maple back and...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 489561
$461
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Ignition SE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Höfner Ignition SE

by Höfner
Folk Unplugged Performance Recording
Key Feature:
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✓ PROS
  • • Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
  • • Versatile for many musical contexts
✗ CONS
  • • May feedback at higher volumes
  • • Battery dependency for preamp

Höfner Ignition SEElectric BassSpruce topFlamed maple back and sidesMaple one-piece neckJatoba fretboardTop and back...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 484469
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Ignition Cavern SE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Höfner Ignition Cavern SE

by Höfner
Jazz Blues Unplugged Performance
Key Feature:
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for acoustic-electric performances
  • • Great for both acoustic and electric settings
✗ CONS
  • • May not satisfy acoustic purists
  • • Battery dependency for preamp

Höfner Ignition Cavern SEElectric Violin BassSpruce topFlamed maple back and sidesMaple one-piece neckJatoba...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 492045
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Höfner Ignition Violin Bass BK SE - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass BK SE

by Höfner
Acoustic Ensembles Recording Jazz
Key Feature:
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✓ PROS
  • • Great for both acoustic and electric settings
  • • Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
✗ CONS
  • • Electronics add complexity
  • • May feedback at higher volumes

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass BK SEElectric BassTop: SpruceBack and sides: MapleOne-piece neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 612800
$406
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic 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 semi-acoustic 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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