Best Danelectro Miscellaneous 4-String Basses 2026
Premium Danelectro miscellaneous 4-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous 4-string basses in 2026 are Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass Jade (top pick), Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass Red Hot for tighter budgets, and Danelectro FiftyNiner Shortscale Jade for pros — selected from 8 options, priced $698–$874, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass Jade
by
Danelectro
Scale
756 mm (29.76")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
356 mm (14.02")
Fingerboard
Pau ferro fingerboard
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
This bass feels solid thanks to its Masonite top and bolt-on maple neck. The single-coil pickups give it a crisp, loud tone that cuts through any mix. It suits players who want a vintage F-hole look without the cost of real wood.
PROS
- • Solid Masonite top with classic F-hole design
- • Sturdy bolt-on maple neck construction
- • Bright single-coil pickup sound
- • Large 356mm fingerboard radius for comfort
CONS
- • Single master tone control limits EQ
- • No string gauge options listed
- • Black finish hides wood grain detail
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 626562
$816
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass Red Hot
by
Danelectro
Scale
756 mm (29.76")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
356 mm (14.02")
Fingerboard
Pau ferro fingerboard
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The Longhorn is a quirky, characterful bass – instantly recognizable and surprisingly fun to play. Those Lipstick pickups give you a real snarling growl perfect for garage rock, punk, and anything needing a bit of attitude. It’s a great option for players who want a vintage vibe and a unique voice without taking themselves too seriously.
PROS
- • Lipstick pickups deliver a uniquely gritty, vintage-voiced tone.
- • Maple neck provides comfortable playability and stable tuning.
- • Pau Ferro fingerboard offers a smooth, snappy feel under the fingers.
- • The distinctive Longhorn body shape is eye-catching and surprisingly ergonomic.
CONS
- • Masonite construction, while iconic, isn't as resonant as solid wood.
- • Short scale length limits low-end extension and versatility for some.
- • Bolt-on neck design may lack the sustain of a set-neck construction.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585329
$816
Danelectro FiftyNiner Shortscale Jade
by
Danelectro
Scale
756 mm (29.76")
Frets
21 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
This FiftyNiner is a quirky, fun bass with a distinctive vibe. The short scale and Lipstick pickups give it a unique, almost upright-bass-like character, perfect for players wanting a vintage tone and easy playability. It’s a great option for session players or anyone seeking a cool, affordable alternative to more traditional basses.
PROS
- • Unique, resonant spruce top offers a surprisingly warm, woody tone.
- • Lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive, vintage growl and chime.
- • Short scale makes it exceptionally comfortable for smaller hands or travel.
- • Maple body construction provides a sturdy feel and decent sustain.
CONS
- • Masonite back contributes to a somewhat hollow, less resonant low-end response.
- • Rosewood fretboard might require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in specific vintage-inspired genres.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 598266
$874
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass Black Red
by
Danelectro
Scale
756 mm (29.76")
Frets
24 frets
Fingerboard radius
356 mm (14.02")
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The 58 Longhorn is a real character bass, instantly recognizable and oozing vintage vibe. Its unique Lipstick pickups and shorter scale make it ideal for players chasing a retro growl for rockabilly, surf, or garage rock. It's a budget-friendly option with a lot of personality.
PROS
- • Lipstick pickups deliver a uniquely gritty, vintage growl and character.
- • Pao Ferro fingerboard provides a snappy, articulate playing feel.
- • Bolt-on neck offers a comfortable, accessible action and easy adjustability.
- • Moonlight Delight finish is striking and visually distinctive.
CONS
- • Masonite body construction can feel less resonant than solid wood.
- • Shorter 29.75in scale may feel unusual for bassists accustomed to longer scales.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in specific vintage-inspired genres.
⭐
4.7/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
6/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609212
$816
Danelectro DC Longscale Bass BK
by
Danelectro
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
21 frets
Alternative Styles
Experimental Music
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
This Danelectro Longscale is a quirky, character-filled bass that's surprisingly capable. The Lipstick pickups give it a unique, vintage vibe that's perfect for rock, blues, or anything needing a bit of grit. It’s a solid choice for players wanting something different from the usual Fender or Ibanez offerings.
PROS
- • Unique AlNiCo Lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive, growly tone.
- • Longer scale offers improved note definition and string tension.
- • Poplar/Masonite construction provides surprising resonance and character.
- • Bolt-on neck enhances clarity and attack compared to set-neck designs.
CONS
- • Masonite top/back can feel less premium than solid wood construction.
- • Tape binding, while aesthetic, can be prone to chipping with rough handling.
- • Limited tonal versatility compared to basses with more pickup options.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 391969
$699
Danelectro DC Longscale Bass CB
by
Danelectro
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
21 frets
Distinctive Sound
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Key Feature:
This Danelectro is a quirky character – it’s got a real vintage vibe and a unique sonic signature thanks to those Lipstick pickups. The long scale makes it surprisingly playable, and it's a great option for players wanting something different from the usual Fender or Ibanez offerings, especially for rockabilly, blues, and indie rock.
PROS
- • Unique Alnico Lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive, chimey growl.
- • Long scale offers improved note definition and string tension.
- • Pau ferro fretboard provides a comfortable playing experience and good sustain.
- • Solid poplar core with masonite top/back creates a surprisingly resonant body.
CONS
- • Masonite construction can feel less robust than solid wood alternatives.
- • Bolt-on neck limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in specific genres, less so others.
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 378847
$699
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass BK
by
Danelectro
Scale
755 mm (29.72")
Frets
24 frets
Unique Designs
Distinctive Sound
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
The Danelectro Longhorn is a characterful bass, perfect for players seeking a vintage vibe and a quirky aesthetic. Its short scale makes it comfortable for smaller hands or those preferring a quicker response, and the Lipstick pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful, growly tone. It's a fun, affordable option for rock, blues, or alternative players who want something different.
PROS
- • Unique, quirky aesthetics set it apart from the crowd
- • Lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive, growly, vintage tone
- • Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel
- • Masonite top/back creates a surprisingly resonant semi-hollow experience
CONS
- • Masonite construction can feel less robust than solid wood
- • Short scale limits low-end extension and versatility
- • Bolt-on neck joint may not appeal to players seeking a smoother transition
- • Rosewood bridge can be prone to string slippage without careful setup
⭐
4.6/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 278306
$699
Danelectro 58 Longhorn Bass CB
by
Danelectro
Scale
755 mm (29.72")
Frets
24 frets
Distinctive Sound
Specialty Applications
Custom Features
Key Feature:
The Longhorn is a character piece, no doubt. Its quirky charm and those Lipstick pickups give it a unique, almost honky, low-end that’s perfect for indie rock, garage punk, or anything needing a vintage, slightly off-kilter vibe. It’s a budget-friendly option for players wanting something different.
PROS
- • Unique, quirky vibe; instantly recognizable and fun to play.
- • Lipstick pickups deliver a distinctive, growly, vintage tone.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers a comfortable, familiar feel for many players.
- • Pau Ferro fretboard provides a smooth playing experience and decent durability.
CONS
- • Plywood body construction can feel less resonant than solid wood alternatives.
- • 755mm scale length may feel unusual for players accustomed to longer scales.
- • Limited tonal versatility; excels in specific genres, less adaptable.
⭐
4.5/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
4/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 228497
$699
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 408 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $1,166
from $256 to $4,491
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 762 mm (30") to 864 mm (34.02") · 356 models
Frets
median 22
from 20 to 24 · 220 models
Strings
median 4-string
from 4-string to 4-string · 21 models
Fingerboard
maple, rosewood, ebony
most common · 237 models
Nut width
median 39.2 mm (1.54")
from 38 mm (1.5") to 43 mm (1.69") · 321 models
Neck profile
C, D, V
most common · 50 models
Body
okoume, alder, ash
most common · 301 models
Fingerboard radius
median 305 mm (12.01")
from 240 mm (9.45") to 508 mm (20") · 128 models
Weight
median 3.9 kg
from 3.2 kg to 4.3 kg · 44 models
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 8 of 408 miscellaneous 4-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 8 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 4-String 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 miscellaneous 4-string 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.
