AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Miscellaneous 4-String Basses for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Yamaha TRBX174 4-String Bass ($269). Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series gives you the most for the money at $145. Ibanez SR300EB Standard Soundgear Bass leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 211 models across 36 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings4-string
- BodyMahogany body
The TRBX 174 is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It's got that warm, vintage vibe you crave, with a surprising amount of versatility thanks to the dual pickup configuration. This is a fantastic option for gigging musicians or students looking for a reliable and great-sounding bass without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly punchy low-end.
- Maple neck provides excellent sustain and a comfortable, fast playing experience.
- Split coil/single coil pickup combination offers versatile tonal options.
Cons
- Mahogany body can feel a bit heavy after extended playing sessions.
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry for some players, requiring occasional oiling.
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$269 now$269€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41 mm (1.61")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyNyatoh body
This is a four-string bass with a Nyatoh body, maple neck and Jatoba fretboard. It has two Dynamix pickups and Phat II EQ electronics, so you can change the sound with its controls. It suits you if you want a simple, easy-to-play bass for practice or playing with others.
Pros
- Nyatoh body and maple bolt-on neck give a simple, straightforward build
- Jatoba fretboard with dot inlays and 22 medium frets
- Dynamix J bridge and Dynamix P neck pickups give you two pickup positions
Cons
- Active Phat II EQ electronics need a power source to run
78AudioFu
Index↓ 6.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$311 · Aug 17$292 now$292€259 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width41 mm (1.61")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardPurpleheart fingerboard
The GSR180-BEM is a seriously good deal for beginners or players needing a reliable, budget-friendly bass. That purpleheart fingerboard gives it a unique vibe, and the Dynamix J pickups deliver a surprisingly punchy sound – great for rock, pop, and even some funk. It's a solid starting point with a cool aesthetic.
Pros
- Purpleheart fingerboard offers a unique, snappy feel.
- Dynamix J pickups provide a surprisingly punchy, versatile tone.
- Bolt-on neck construction delivers a bright, responsive attack.
Cons
- Passive electronics limit tonal shaping options significantly.
- Poplar body can feel a little 'soft' and resonance is average.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
This MB-4 SB Deluxe is a fantastic entry point for bassists wanting a vintage-inspired vibe. The D-profile neck is comfortable, and the coil-split humbucker gives you a surprising amount of tonal flexibility. It's a real winner for beginners or players looking for a solid, affordable bass with character.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel and easy playability.
- Humbucker with coil split delivers versatility from thick growl to brighter tones.
Cons
- Poplar body, while good, lacks the premium tonal complexity of mahogany or ash.
- Maple fretboard can feel a bit dry; may benefit from a lemon oil treatment.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$145 now$145€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SR300EB Standard Soundgear Bass
SR300E-DOT · Ibanez
51 for sale on Reverb13 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The SR300E-DOT is a solid, affordable option for gigging musicians or students. It’s got a surprisingly robust sound thanks to those PowerSpan pickups and the EQ is genuinely useful for dialing in different tones. It's a great all-rounder that won't break the bank.
Pros
- Nyatoh body offers a surprisingly warm, resonant low-end.
- Maple/Walnut neck provides stability and a comfortable, fast feel.
- PowerSpan pickups deliver a thick, punchy tone with good clarity.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while warm, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or ash.
- Plastic nut can contribute to tuning instability, a common budget bass trait.
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$366 now$366€325 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez TMB100 Standard Talman Bass
TMB100-TFB Talman Bass · Ibanez
63 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41 mm (1.61")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyPoplar body
The TMB100-TFB is a seriously fun bass, especially for players who dig a slightly shorter scale and a vintage-inspired vibe. The Dynamix pickups are a pleasant surprise, offering a good range of tones from growly to smooth. It's a fantastic, budget-friendly option for beginners or anyone wanting a solid, reliable workhorse bass.
Pros
- Jatoba fretboard offers a surprisingly snappy, articulate feel.
- Dynamix pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile, punchy tone.
- Bolt-on neck provides a bright, responsive attack and easy playability.
Cons
- Poplar body, while lightweight, lacks the resonance of mahogany or ash.
- Plastic nut can contribute to tuning instability and a less premium feel.
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$303 now$303€269 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyAlder body
The Harley Benton B-450 delivers surprising performance for the price. The active preamp gives you a versatile palette of sounds, from tight, modern grooves to a more aggressive, rock-oriented tone. It's a great option for beginner to intermediate players looking for a solid, feature-rich bass without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Canadian maple neck offers a comfortable, modern D profile for easy playability.
- Active preamp boosts output and adds tonal flexibility with EQ controls.
Cons
- Black walnut fretboard can feel slightly softer than rosewood, requiring more care.
- Bolt-on neck construction lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$202 now$202€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale762 mm (30")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton is a serious contender for the budget-conscious player seeking a vintage-inspired tone. The caramelized maple neck is a real treat, and those custom pickups deliver a surprising amount of clarity and growl. It’s a fantastic option for players exploring classic rock, blues, and Motown styles.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for a balanced tone.
- Caramelized maple neck provides a smooth, fast feel with enhanced sustain.
- Custom VJB/VPB Alnico 5 pickups offer a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the complexity of a set neck.
- Shell Pink finish may not appeal to all players seeking a more traditional look.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$257 now$257€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton is a seriously impressive value. It nails the classic Music Man aesthetic and sound, thanks to those Roswell pickups and the coil-split functionality. A great option for players wanting a versatile, growling bass without the premium price tag – perfect for rock, funk, and heavier genres.
Pros
- Roswell pickups offer surprisingly articulate and powerful MM-style tones.
- Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and a touch of warmth to the poplar body.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel and easy adjustability.
Cons
- Poplar body, while decent, lacks the resonance of mahogany or ash.
- Hardware, while DLX, might feel a little less refined than higher-end options.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43.6 mm (1.72")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyOkoume body
This RB-414CS is a seriously impressive value. It's got a classic vibe, a comfortable neck, and surprisingly good pickups for the money. It's a fantastic option for beginner to intermediate players, or anyone wanting a solid, vintage-inspired bass without spending a fortune.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a warm, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Amaranth fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and durability.
- Artec pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range, from mellow to growly.
Cons
- Okoume can be prone to slight movement with humidity changes.
- The stock strings are a bit on the light side for some players.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$258 now$258€229 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 211 miscellaneous 4-String basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Beatbass VS Vintage SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez TMB400TA Standard Talman BassTMB400TA-IAB · Ibanez · 2 finishes70↓ 5.1%$416€369$416€369Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton TB-70 SBK Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 14
Jackson JS Series Spectra Bass JS2P IVJS2 Concert Bass Satin Black · Jackson · 2 finishes56Stable$313€278$313€278Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton HB-50 Vintage OrangeHarley Benton · 2 finishes47Stable$247€219$247€219Check ↗
- 16
Yamaha TRBX304 Electric Bass GuitarTRBX 304 BL · Yamaha · 5 finishes76Stable$495€439$495€439Check ↗
- 17
Cort C4 Deluxe BlackCort47↓ 25.1%$303€269$303€269Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton HB-60 WBHarley Benton44Stable$281€249$281€249Check ↗
- 19
Jackson JS Series JS3Q Kelly Bird IV Bass with Amaranth FretboardJS3 Spectra Bass Snow White · Jackson · 5 finishes60Stable$411€365$411€365Check ↗
- 20
Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFMSquier43Stable$279€248$279€248Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-StyleHarley Benton25Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 22
Höfner Shorty Bass BKHöfner35Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez GSR280QA Gio SoundgearGSR280QA-TMS · Ibanez44↓ 4.1%$314€279$314€279Check ↗
- 24
Yamaha BB234-YNS 4-String Yellow NaturalBB234 YNS · Yamaha · 3 finishes63Stable$483€429$483€429Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes44↑ 1.9%$355€315$355€315Check ↗
- 26
Marcus Miller Z3-4 RosegoldMarcus Miller · 5 finishes55Stable$450€399$450€399Check ↗
- 27
Marcus Miller M2 WHP 2nd GenMarcus Miller · 3 finishes45↓ 4.0%$377€335$377€335Check ↗
- 28
Sterling StingRay2 Sunrise OrangeSterling43Stable$371€329$371€329Check ↗
- 29
Sterling StingRay2 BlackSterling41Stable$371€329$371€329Check ↗
- 30
Epiphone EB-3 BassEB-3 CH · Epiphone · 2 finishes51Stable$450€399$450€399Check ↗
- 31
Sterling StingRay2 Misty GreenSterling39Stable$371€329$371€329Check ↗
- 32
Sterling StingRay2 Electric BlueSterling39Stable$371€329$371€329Check ↗
- 33
Epiphone Newport Bass Pacific BlueEpiphone42↓ 2.9%$414€367$414€367Check ↗
- 34
Sterling S.U.B. Sting Ray4 WSSterling · 5 finishes52Stable$495€439$495€439Check ↗
- 35
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE BlackHöfner · 2 finishes45Stable$450€399$450€399Check ↗
- 36
Orange O-Bass Off-BlackOrange39↓ 2.0%$441€391$441€391Check ↗
- 37
Sterling S.U.B. Sting Ray 4 VSSSterling · 3 finishes44Stable$495€439$495€439Check ↗
- 38
Traveler Guitar Ultra Light Bass Maple NaturalTraveler Guitar34Stable$438€389$438€389Check ↗
- 39
Orange O-Bass OrangeOrange36Stable$472€419$472€419Check ↗
- 40
Höfner Club Bass Ignition SE S w/BagHöfner35Stable$495€439$495€439Check ↗
- 41
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 HH Black · Music Man79↓ 15.2%$3,154€2,799$3,154€2,799Check ↗
- 42
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special MN CR · Music Man · 5 finishes78Stable$3,075€2,729$3,075€2,729Check ↗
- 43
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 4 Active (Long Scale)RB Corvette $$ 4 BK HP · Warwick · 6 finishes75↓ 3.9%$973€864$973€864Check ↗
- 44
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH Candyman · Music Man73↓ 6.5%$3,369€2,990$3,369€2,990Check ↗
- 45
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 H Special BB · Music Man · 2 finishes73Stable$3,379€2,999$3,379€2,999Check ↗
- 46
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special Raspberry · Music Man72Stable$3,829€3,398$3,829€3,398Check ↗
- 47
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HBFR Stingray 4 H Special PBB · Music Man72Stable$5,182€4,599$5,182€4,599Check ↗
- 48
Rickenbacker 4003S4003S FG · Rickenbacker · 5 finishes71Stable$3,041€2,699$3,041€2,699Check ↗
- 49
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH Bruleé · Music Man70Stable$3,266€2,899$3,266€2,899Check ↗
- 50
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 H Special Jackpot · Music Man70Stable$3,266€2,899$3,266€2,899Check ↗
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 402 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,103 — half of all miscellaneous 4-String basses here cost less.
median of 312 models · 38 mm (1.5")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 352 models · 762 mm (30")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 219 models · 20–24
most common · 303 models
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 402 miscellaneous 4-String 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
What should I look for when buying miscellaneous 4-string basses?
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.
How much should I spend on miscellaneous 4-string basses?
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.
Are expensive miscellaneous 4-string basses worth the investment?
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.
What are the best brands for miscellaneous 4-string basses?
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.
Should I buy miscellaneous 4-string basses online or in-store?
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.
