AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Miscellaneous 4-String Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Fodera Monarch Standard Classic 4 ($9,858). Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 H gives you the most for the money at $5,182. 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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- Frets24 frets
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Monarch Standard Classic 4 is a serious contender for players seeking a refined, vintage-inspired tone. The combination of alder, maple, and those classic Seymour Duncans delivers a fantastic blend of clarity, warmth, and punch—perfect for session work, jazz, or anyone wanting a sophisticated, articulate foundation for their music.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Seymour Duncan single coils provide articulate, vintage-voiced clarity and punch.
- Bolt-on neck construction offers a snappy response and comfortable, familiar feel.
Cons
- The black diamond firemist finish can be a fingerprint magnet, requiring diligent cleaning.
- Relatively heavy due to the alder body and hardware; may fatigue players over long gigs.
34AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,858 now$9,858€8,749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Masterbuilt Thumb NT 4 is a serious instrument for the discerning bassist. The combination of the resonant Bubinga body, fast Wenge neck, and versatile MEC pickups delivers a premium playing experience and a wide range of tones—perfect for session players and stage professionals seeking a top-tier bass.
Pros
- Bubinga pommelé body delivers exceptional clarity and sustain.
- Wenge neck provides a comfortable, fast playing experience with excellent stability.
- MEC J/J pickups offer a versatile, articulate tone suitable for many genres.
Cons
- The Bubinga pommelé body makes it quite heavy, potentially tiring for long gigs.
- The active electronics require charging, adding a maintenance consideration.
33AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,449 now$8,449€7,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
- Weight4.52 kg
This Masterbuilt Streamer StageII is a serious instrument – the afzelia body and wenge neck create a beautifully resonant and responsive platform. The active MEC pickups offer a punchy, defined sound, and the built-in battery is a real convenience. It’s ideal for experienced players seeking a premium, focused tone and exceptional craftsmanship.
Pros
- Afzelia body provides a focused, articulate, and warm tonal foundation.
- Continuous wenge neck offers exceptional stability and a fast, comfortable playing feel.
- MEC J/J pickups deliver a balanced, powerful tone suitable for diverse genres.
Cons
- The substantial weight (4.52 kg) may be fatiguing for some players over extended periods.
- Afzelia’s tonal character might be too focused for players desiring extreme versatility.
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,336 now$8,336€7,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This bass uses a bright ash body and maple neck for a solid feel. The dual-coil pickups and built-in preamp let you shape the tone easily. It is a high-end choice for players who want long-scale playability and a clear sound.
Pros
- Built with a solid ash body for bright resonance
- Features two powerful dual-coil Fodera/Duncan pickups
- Constructed with a stable bolt-on maple neck
Cons
- No locking bridge mentioned for string tension
- Missing specific weight information in description
32AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,336 now$8,336€7,399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyBubinga body
This Masterbuilt Corvette is a serious instrument, built for players who demand top-tier quality and a powerful, defined sound. The combination of Bubinga and Wenge creates a rich, resonant tone with excellent clarity, perfect for rock, funk, and progressive styles. It’s a premium-priced bass, but the craftsmanship and components justify the investment for discerning musicians.
Pros
- Bubinga body delivers incredible sustain and a rich, complex tone.
- Maple/Wenge neck-thru construction enhances resonance and upper-mid clarity.
- MEC pickups offer a powerful, articulate voice with excellent note definition.
Cons
- The weight, typical of Bubinga basses, will be a factor for some players.
- The 2-band active preamp, while capable, limits tonal sculpting compared to more complex systems.
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,660 now$7,660€6,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
This bass has a solid Bubinga body and a smooth Wenge fingerboard that feels great to play. The active electronics let you shape your tone easily with separate treble and bass knobs. It suits players who want a responsive instrument with a flat fretboard for fast runs.
Pros
- Bubinga body with Wenge neck for a strong, balanced tone
- Active MEC J-style pickups with treble and bass controls
- Invisible Fret Technology for a smooth, flat playing surface
Cons
- No weight listed means you might find it heavy
- Rechargeable battery adds complexity and potential failure points
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,984 now$6,984€6,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This bass packs a powerful build with a neck-through design and active electronics for serious tone control. The rich wood combo gives it a warm character, while the 24 frets make it easy to reach high notes. It suits players who want detailed sound shaping without sacrificing stability.
Pros
- Swamp ash and curly redwood top blend unique resonance
- Neck-through body construction ensures solid stability
- Active electronics offer precise tone shaping
Cons
- Five individual controls may overwhelm simple players
- No string gauge options listed in specs
37AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,759 now$6,759€5,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Weight3.9 kg
This Masterbuilt Corvette $$ NB 4 is a statement piece – beautifully crafted with premium materials and a powerful voice. The bolt-on neck provides a fast, responsive feel, while the MEC pickups deliver a focused, aggressive tone perfect for players seeking a modern, articulate sound with vintage character. It's an exceptional instrument for the serious bassist who demands top-tier quality and performance.
Pros
- Swamp ash/flamed maple combo delivers a resonant, articulate, and visually striking tone.
- MEC humbuckers provide a punchy, aggressive sound ideal for rock and modern genres.
- Bolt-on wenge neck offers a snappy feel and excellent sustain.
Cons
- The 864mm scale length might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- Masterbuilt pricing places it firmly in the premium-priced category, limiting accessibility.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,421 now$6,421€5,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 H
BFR Stingray 4 H Special PBB · Music Man
118 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
If you want a 4-string bass with a bold look, this one is worth a close look. The ash body, spalted maple top, and flamed maple neck and fingerboard make it stand out in a crowd. It has one humbucker and an active 3-band preamp, so you get bass, mid, and treble controls, and it comes with a Mono Case gig bag.
Pros
- Ash body with a spalted maple top gives it a striking look
- Flamed maple bolt-on neck and fingerboard with dot inlays
- One Music Man humbucker with neodymium magnets for a focused pickup setup
Cons
- Its active preamp needs an 18 volt power source to run
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,182 now$5,182€4,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- BodyAlder body
The Sirius 4 is a beautifully crafted instrument, clearly aimed at the discerning bassist. The combination of alder, thermo-ash, and eucalyptus creates a unique sonic signature—powerful, articulate, and incredibly versatile thanks to the Delano pickups and Glockenklang EQ. This bass is ideal for players seeking a high-end, German-made instrument with a modern voice.
Pros
- Poplar burl top offers stunning visual appeal and resonance
- Delano Timesquare pickups deliver a thick, articulate, modern tone
- Thermo-ash neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players
- Thermo-ash neck, while stable, can feel slightly less 'traditional' than maple
33AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,465 now$5,465€4,850 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
Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino Signature StingrayPino Palladino StingRay · Music Man60↓ 4.1%$4,505€3,998$4,505€3,998Check ↗
- 12
Le Fay Herr Schwarz 4Le Fay35Stable$5,014€4,450$5,014€4,450Check ↗
- 13
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH RW BE · Music Man · 5 finishes78Stable$4,055€3,599$4,055€3,599Check ↗
- 14
Ernie Ball Music Man Tim Commerford Signature StingRay Full-Scale…Tim Commerford StingRay Active · Music Man53Stable$4,506€3,999$4,506€3,999Check ↗
- 15
Marleaux Votan 4 Autumn BurstMarleaux35Stable$4,844€4,299$4,844€4,299Check ↗
- 16
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin MM DLPB MNSadowsky · 3 finishes49Stable$4,506€3,999$4,506€3,999Check ↗
- 17
Music Man Tim Commerford StingRay PassivMusic Man46Stable$4,506€3,999$4,506€3,999Check ↗
- 18
Music Man Dark Ray BFR Grapes Of WrathMusic Man44Stable$4,506€3,999$4,506€3,999Check ↗
- 19
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special Raspberry · Music Man72Stable$3,829€3,398$3,829€3,398Check ↗
- 20
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 H Special CN · Music Man · 2 finishes73Stable$3,717€3,299$3,717€3,299Check ↗
- 21
Music Man 50th Anniversary Stingray 4HMusic Man46Stable$4,168€3,699$4,168€3,699Check ↗
- 22
Sandberg California Supreme 35th BLB 4Sandberg37Stable$4,337€3,849$4,337€3,849Check ↗
- 23
Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 4Sandberg37Stable$4,337€3,849$4,337€3,849Check ↗
- 24
Sandberg California Supreme 35th HB 4Sandberg37Stable$4,337€3,849$4,337€3,849Check ↗
- 25
Music Man Retro 70s StingRay White MCMusic Man · 3 finishes54Stable$3,880€3,444$3,880€3,444Check ↗
- 26
Music Man Stingray 4 Sp HH RaspberryMusic Man42Stable$4,055€3,599$4,055€3,599Check ↗
- 27
Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Heritage NMusic Man49Stable$3,886€3,449$3,886€3,449Check ↗
- 28
Sandberg Ken Taylor Signature Basic 4Basic 4 EB SPG · Sandberg · 2 finishes46Stable$3,942€3,499$3,942€3,499Check ↗
- 29
Music Man Stingray 4 Sp Frost GreenMusic Man44Stable$3,942€3,499$3,942€3,499Check ↗
- 30
Spector Euro Rex Brown 4 Desert GoldSpector38Stable$4,055€3,599$4,055€3,599Check ↗
- 31
Music Man Stingray Short Scale GalacticMusic Man44Stable$3,830€3,399$3,830€3,399Check ↗
- 32
Music Man Dark Ray Stealth BlackMusic Man44Stable$3,830€3,399$3,830€3,399Check ↗
- 33
Music Man Dark Ray Plasma PurpleMusic Man48↓ 3.0%$3,716€3,298$3,716€3,298Check ↗
- 34
Music Man Dark Ray SilverburstMusic Man44Stable$3,716€3,298$3,716€3,298Check ↗
- 35
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 4 SGRSadowsky48Stable$3,604€3,199$3,604€3,199Check ↗
- 36
Music Man Stingray 4 Special Burnt EndsMusic Man42Stable$3,716€3,298$3,716€3,298Check ↗
- 37
Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage M 4Str LPBSadowsky48Stable$3,492€3,099$3,492€3,099Check ↗
- 38
Warwick Pro Series Corvette $$ 4 NBTSWarwick · 2 finishes43Stable$3,492€3,099$3,492€3,099Check ↗
- 39
Höfner H500/2-CV ClubHöfner33Stable$3,707€3,290$3,707€3,290Check ↗
- 40
Rickenbacker 4003SW Walnut4003 Walnut · Rickenbacker43Stable$3,435€3,049$3,435€3,049Check ↗
- 41
Duesenberg Starplayer Bass Black VelvetDuesenberg33Stable$3,604€3,199$3,604€3,199Check ↗
- 42
Duesenberg Starplayer Bass Tobacco BurstDuesenberg36Stable$3,492€3,099$3,492€3,099Check ↗
- 43
Human Base Max 4 Walnut BurlHuman Base31Stable$3,594€3,190$3,594€3,190Check ↗
- 44
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 HH Black · Music Man79↓ 15.2%$3,154€2,799$3,154€2,799Check ↗
- 45
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH Candyman · Music Man73↓ 6.5%$3,369€2,990$3,369€2,990Check ↗
- 46
Rickenbacker 4003S4003S FG · Rickenbacker · 5 finishes71Stable$3,041€2,699$3,041€2,699Check ↗
- 47
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH Bruleé · Music Man70Stable$3,266€2,899$3,266€2,899Check ↗
- 48
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 H Special Jackpot · Music Man70Stable$3,266€2,899$3,266€2,899Check ↗
- 49
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 HStingray 4 Special HH B.Rock · Music Man68Stable$3,266€2,899$3,266€2,899Check ↗
- 50
Rickenbacker 40034003 JG · Rickenbacker68Stable$3,379€2,999$3,379€2,999Check ↗
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.
