Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 4-string semi-acoustic basses under $800 - 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

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Natural

by Marcus Miller

Blues Recording Acoustic Ensembles

Key Feature:

• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✓ PROS

• Perfect for acoustic-electric performances
• Great for both acoustic and electric settings

✗ CONS

• More expensive than pure acoustic
• May feedback at higher volumes

Marcus Miller GB5-4 NaturalElectric BassType: Semi AcousticReproduces the rich resonance and double bass tones of a...

⭐ 4.6/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 587008

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Black

by Marcus Miller

Unplugged Performance Blues Jazz

Key Feature:

• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✓ PROS

• Perfect for acoustic-electric performances
• Versatile for many musical contexts

✗ CONS

• May feedback at higher volumes
• More expensive than pure acoustic

Marcus Miller GB5-4 BlackElectric BassType: Semi AcousticReproduces the rich resonance and double bass tones of a...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 587011

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Starfire I Bass Pelham Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Guild Starfire I Bass Pelham Blue

by Guild

Unplugged Performance Folk Blues

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many musical contexts

✓ PROS

• Perfect for acoustic-electric performances
• Natural bass tone with projection

✗ CONS

• More expensive than pure acoustic
• Electronics add complexity

Guild Starfire I Bass Pelham BlueElectric BassStyle: Thinline Semi-Hollow with mahogany centre blockBody thickness: 61...

⭐ 5.0/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 560038

$747

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Starfire I Bass Vintage Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Guild Starfire I Bass Vintage Walnut

by Guild

Blues Jazz Unplugged Performance

Key Feature:

• Natural bass tone with projection

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many musical contexts
• Natural bass tone with projection

✗ CONS

• May not satisfy acoustic purists
• More expensive than pure acoustic

Guild Starfire I Bass Vintage WalnutElectric BassBody style: Thinline Semi-Hollow with Mahogany center blockBody...

⭐ 4.9/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 511895

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass SB

by Epiphone

Jazz Blues Acoustic Ensembles

Key Feature:

• Great for both acoustic and electric settings

✓ PROS

• Great for both acoustic and electric settings
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✗ CONS

• May not satisfy acoustic purists
• Electronics add complexity

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass SBElectric BassLaminated maple bodyMahogany neckFingerboard: Indian laurelNeck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502840

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Guild Starfire I Bass Cherry Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Guild Starfire I Bass Cherry Red

by Guild

Folk Acoustic Ensembles Recording

Key Feature:

• Versatile for many musical contexts

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many musical contexts
• Natural bass tone with projection

✗ CONS

• More expensive than pure acoustic
• Electronics add complexity

Guild Starfire I Bass Cherry RedElectric BassBody style: Thinline Semi-Hollow with Mahogany center blockBody thickness:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511900

$655

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass LTD w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass LTD w/Bag

by Höfner

Recording Jazz Blues

Key Feature:

• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✓ PROS

• Great for both acoustic and electric settings
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✗ CONS

• More expensive than pure acoustic
• Electronics add complexity

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass LTD w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Höfner Ignition Bass Limited HI-VB-SB*Electric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 618807

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Höfner Ignition Bass Limited HI-VB-SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Höfner Ignition Bass Limited HI-VB-SB

by Höfner

Blues Unplugged Performance Acoustic Ensembles

Key Feature:

• Great for both acoustic and electric settings

✓ PROS

• Versatile for many musical contexts
• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability

✗ CONS

• Battery dependency for preamp
• Electronics add complexity

Höfner Ignition Bass Limited HI-VB-SBElectric BassBeatles Violin Bass Limited Edition with original string...

⭐ 4.7/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 618489

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez AFB200-TKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez AFB200-TKS

by Ibanez

Folk Recording Unplugged Performance

Key Feature:

• Great for both acoustic and electric settings

✓ PROS

• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
• Natural bass tone with projection

✗ CONS

• Electronics add complexity
• May feedback at higher volumes

Ibanez AFB200-TKSAcoustic BassBody: Basswood3-Piece neck: Maple/mahoganyFretboard: LaurelWhite fingerboard inlaysNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 454078

$681

Buy at Thomann View Details

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass FPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass FPB

by Epiphone

Acoustic Ensembles Blues Unplugged Performance

Key Feature:

• Perfect for acoustic-electric performances

✓ PROS

• Acoustic resonance with amplification capability
• Perfect for acoustic-electric performances

✗ CONS

• Electronics add complexity
• More expensive than pure acoustic

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass FPBElectric BassLaminated maple bodyMahogany neckFretboard: Indian LaurelNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502717

$773

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses Under $800 2025

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Natural

Marcus Miller GB5-4 Black

Guild Starfire I Bass Pelham Blue

Guild Starfire I Bass Vintage Walnut

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass SB

Guild Starfire I Bass Cherry Red

Höfner Ignition Violin Bass LTD w/Bag

Höfner Ignition Bass Limited HI-VB-SB

Ibanez AFB200-TKS

Epiphone Jack Casady Signature Bass FPB

How to Choose the Best 4-String Semi-Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string semi-acoustic basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string semi-acoustic basses?

Are expensive 4-string semi-acoustic basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string semi-acoustic basses?

Should I buy 4-string semi-acoustic basses online or in-store?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies