AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Miscellaneous 4-String Basses Under $300 2026
The top pick is Yamaha TRBX174 4-String Bass ($285). Harley Benton MB-4 SB Deluxe Series gives you the most for the money at $145. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 5 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.
-
- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings4-string
- BodyMahogany body
This is a 4-string bass with a mahogany body, a maple bolt-on neck and a rosewood fingerboard. The long 864 mm scale and 24 frets give your hand plenty of room to move. It suits you if you want a simple 4-string bass with a classic build, a split coil and single coil pickup pair, and chrome hardware.
Pros
- Mahogany body and maple bolt-on neck form the core build
- Rosewood fingerboard with 24 frets gives a long playing area
- Split coil and single coil pickups give two pickup types on one bass
82AudioFu
Index↓ 5.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$303 · Aug 17$285 now$285€253 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 ↗ -
Ibanez TMB100 Standard Talman Bass
TMB100-MGR Talman Bass · Ibanez
63 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyPoplar body
The Ibanez Talman TMB100-MGR is a solid, budget-friendly bass with a retro vibe. Its comfortable neck and versatile pickups make it a great choice for beginners or players looking for a reliable workhorse for rock, blues, and funk. The unique green finish sets it apart from the usual bass options.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- TMB4 neck profile is comfortable and fast for a wide range of players.
- Dynamic P/J pickup combo delivers versatility from growl to clarity.
Cons
- Standard bridge might benefit from an upgrade for ultimate stability.
- Mint green finish, while distinctive, isn't for everyone’s taste.
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$292 now$292€259 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")
- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyOkoume body
The RB-414BK is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It nails that classic, warm tone and the set-in neck feels great under your fingers. This is a fantastic option for players wanting a vintage vibe and solid performance without a premium price tag – especially those playing blues, rock, or classic funk.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a warm, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- Amaranth fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Artec Mini humbucker delivers a thick, vintage-inspired low end.
Cons
- Okoume can be prone to slight finish checking with temperature changes.
- The 3-way pickup switch limits tonal versatility somewhat.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$258 now$258€229 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 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 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The HB-50 Cherry Red is a seriously impressive bass for the money. Its semi-hollow construction and vintage-voiced humbucker give it a warm, woody tone perfect for Motown, blues, and classic rock. This is a fantastic entry point for players wanting that semi-hollow vibe without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Maple/Laurel combo delivers a surprisingly warm and articulate tone.
- Artec MMC4 humbucker provides a thick, vintage-voiced low end.
- Set-in neck with a comfortable C profile enhances playability and sustain.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body might be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- ABS nut can degrade over time and may benefit from an upgrade.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$247 now$247€219 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 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
Harley Benton TB-70 SBK Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton HB-60 WBHarley Benton44Stable$281€249$281€249Check ↗
- 14
Squier Aff. Jaguar Bass H CFMSquier43Stable$279€248$279€248Check ↗
- 15
Höfner Shorty Bass BKHöfner35Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit MB-StyleHarley Benton25Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
Miscellaneous 4-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $257 — half of all miscellaneous 4-String basses here cost less.
median of 36 models · 38 mm (1.5")–43 mm (1.69")
median of 37 models · 762 mm (30")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 24 models · 20–24
most common · 16 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 42 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.
