Best Yamaha Miscellaneous 4-String Basses 2026
Premium Yamaha miscellaneous 4-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship
Last updated: August 27, 2026
⚡ The best miscellaneous 4-string basses in 2026 are Yamaha TRBX 174 OVS (top pick), Yamaha TRBX 174 BL for tighter budgets, and Yamaha TRBX 174EW NAT for pros — selected from 15 options, priced $278–$897, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Yamaha TRBX 174 OVS
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
4-string
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
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.
- • Yamaha’s hardware provides reliable tuning stability and solid construction for the price.
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.
- • While versatile, it lacks the extreme clarity of higher-end, boutique pickups.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 329076
$279
Yamaha TRBX 174 BL
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
4-string
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The TRBX 174 is a fantastic entry-level bass that punches way above its weight class. The mahogany body gives it a surprisingly full tone, and the pickup combination lets you cover a lot of ground from classic rock to modern funk. It’s a solid choice for beginners and gigging musicians on a budget.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, focused low-end response.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, articulate feel for quick playing.
- • Split coil/single coil pickup combo offers surprising tonal flexibility.
- • Rosewood fretboard adds a touch of vintage warmth and comfortable playability.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it slightly heavier than some basses.
- • Rosewood fretboard may require occasional oiling to prevent dryness.
- • Hardware, while functional, isn't premium-grade, limiting upgrade potential.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 329071
$314
Yamaha TRBX 174EW NAT
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
The TRBX 174EW NAT is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It's got a great feel, a warm and punchy sound thanks to the mahogany body and versatile pickups, making it ideal for gigging musicians or students just starting out.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end frequencies.
- • Mango top adds attractive aesthetics and subtle upper-midrange clarity.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel for quick playing.
- • Split coil/single coil pickup combo offers versatile tonal options.
CONS
- • Rosewood fingerboard can feel a bit dry compared to oiled alternatives.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
- • Mahogany body might feel slightly heavier than basses with alder or ash.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 351677
$330
Yamaha TRBX 174EW RB
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Specialty Applications
Distinctive Sound
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The TRBX 174EW RB is a seriously solid bass for the price. It's got a really comfortable feel, a surprisingly versatile pickup setup, and that mahogany body gives it a warm, vintage vibe. This is a fantastic option for gigging musicians or students looking for a reliable and affordable instrument.
PROS
- • Mahogany/Mango body combo delivers warm, resonant low-end tones
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and easy playability
- • Split coil/single coil pickup configuration offers versatile tonal options
- • Yamaha’s hardware consistently demonstrates reliable build quality and tuning stability
CONS
- • Root beer finish, while attractive, might not appeal to all players
- • Bolt-on neck construction can limit high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs
- • While versatile, pickup configuration isn’t a powerhouse for modern, aggressive genres
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 351676
$330
Yamaha TRBX 174 DBM
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
4-string
Distinctive Sound
Experimental Music
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The TRBX 174 DBM is a fantastic entry point for beginner to intermediate bassists, or those seeking a reliable and affordable workhorse. It’s surprisingly versatile for its price, handling rock, pop, and even some funk with a solid, punchy tone. The comfortable neck profile and decent build quality make it a joy to play.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, articulate tone with good sustain
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy, responsive feel ideal for faster playing
- • Split coil/single coil pickup combo provides versatile tonal options
- • Sonokeling fretboard adds warmth and a smooth playing experience
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the resonance of a set-neck design
- • Hardware, while functional, feels a bit budget-oriented for experienced players
- • Dark blue metallic finish might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 329073
$314
Yamaha TRBX 304 FBL
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The TRBX 304 FBL is a seriously solid bass for the money. The mahogany body gives it a lovely warmth, while the ceramic pickups add a modern bite. It's a great choice for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile and reliable instrument without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant low-end foundation.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a comfortable feel.
- • Ceramic pickups provide a punchy, modern tone suitable for diverse genres.
- • Performance EQ switch offers surprising tonal flexibility for the price.
CONS
- • Rosewood fretboard can feel a bit dry compared to alternatives like ebony.
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • The 2-band EQ, while functional, is limited for nuanced tone shaping.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 483814
$536
Yamaha TRBX 304 MGR
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Specialty Applications
Distinctive Sound
Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
The TRBX 304 MGR is a seriously solid instrument for the money. It's a great all-rounder - the mahogany body gives it a warm, punchy character that's fantastic for rock, funk, and even some heavier styles. This is a perfect bass for gigging musicians or students looking for a reliable, versatile, and affordable workhorse.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones with a focused low-end.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a comfortable, fast feel.
- • Ceramic humbuckers provide a punchy, aggressive tone suitable for various genres.
- • Performance EQ is surprisingly effective for shaping your sound on the fly.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it a bit heavier than some basses; consider a strap.
- • 2-band EQ is limited compared to more complex onboard electronics.
- • Hardware, while functional, feels a little basic for the price point.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 312993
$547
Yamaha TRBX 304 CAR
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
The TRBX 304 CAR is a seriously solid bass for the money. It's got a warm, punchy tone thanks to the mahogany body and ceramic pickups, and that Performance EQ is a clever touch for quickly dialing in different sounds. This is a great choice for gigging musicians who want a reliable, versatile instrument without a premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant low-end tone.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck provides excellent stability and feel.
- • Ceramic humbuckers offer a thick, punchy sound with good clarity.
- • Performance EQ is surprisingly effective for quick tonal adjustments.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it a bit heavier than some basses.
- • 2-band EQ is limited compared to more complex bass preamps.
- • Candy Apple Red finish might not appeal to all players.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 312991
$530
Yamaha TRBX 304 WH
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Unique Designs
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
The TRBX 304 is a seriously solid bass for the money. It’s got a warm, punchy tone thanks to the mahogany body and ceramic pickups, and that long scale really locks in the low end. This is a great choice for players looking for a reliable, versatile instrument for rock, pop, or funk without needing to spend a fortune.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides warm, resonant low-end frequencies.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers excellent stability and feel.
- • Ceramic humbuckers deliver a punchy, modern tone with clarity.
- • Performance EQ is surprisingly effective for diverse playing styles.
CONS
- • Mahogany body can make it feel slightly heavier than some basses.
- • The 2-band EQ is basic; lacks tonal flexibility for complex sounds.
- • Dalbergia Latifolia fretboard, while nice, isn't as premium as ebony.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 312990
$536
Yamaha TRBX 304 BL
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Unique Designs
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
The TRBX 304 is a seriously impressive bass for the money. It’s got a great feel, a versatile sound thanks to the EQ switch, and a warm, solid low end that cuts through the mix. This is an excellent choice for gigging musicians or anyone looking for a reliable, affordable workhorse bass.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant, and surprisingly punchy low-end.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable feel.
- • Ceramic humbuckers deliver a powerful, articulate tone with plenty of growl.
- • Performance EQ toggle switch adds welcome tonal versatility for different playing styles.
CONS
- • Hardware, while functional, feels a bit basic for the price point.
- • The bolt-on neck construction lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck bass.
- • While versatile, it’s not a chameleon; excels in rock/pop, less so in jazz.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 312989
$512
Yamaha TRBX 504 TBL
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Experimental Music
Alternative Styles
Specialty Applications
Key Feature:
The TRBX 504 TBL is a seriously well-built bass that punches way above its class. It's got a great feel, versatile pickups, and that long scale gives it a tight, defined low end – ideal for players who want a solid, reliable instrument without the premium price tag. A great choice for gigging musicians or anyone looking for a workhorse bass.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant, and controlled low-end.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a comfortable, fast feel.
- • Alnico humbuckers deliver a versatile, punchy tone suitable for many genres.
- • Active/passive switch allows tonal flexibility, from aggressive to vintage warmth.
CONS
- • Translucent Black finish can show fingerprints and minor blemishes easily.
- • Rosewood fretboard might feel a bit dry to some players; conditioning recommended.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 312977
$722
Yamaha TRBX 504 TWH
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Body
Mahogany body
Custom Features
Distinctive Sound
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The TRBX 504 TWH is a seriously impressive bass for the price. It nails that modern, versatile tone with a comfortable neck and solid construction. This is a great choice for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a professional-grade instrument without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant, and surprisingly punchy low-end.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a comfortable, modern feel.
- • Yamaha Alnico humbuckers deliver a versatile tone, from growl to smooth sustain.
- • Active/passive switch allows for tonal flexibility, adapting to various playing styles.
CONS
- • Translucent White finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • Long scale (864mm) might feel slightly unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
- • Rosewood fretboard, while nice, isn’t the fastest for shredding compared to ebony.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 312980
$722
Yamaha TRBX 604FM Indigo Blue
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Fingerboard radius
250 mm (9.84")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Unique Designs
Key Feature:
The TRBX 604FM is a fantastic all-around bass—a real workhorse. The EQ section gives you a ton of flexibility, and those Alnico pups have a really pleasing growl that's great for rock, funk, and even some heavier styles. It's a premium-priced instrument that delivers serious value and plays like a bass costing significantly more.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Maple/Mahogany neck offers comfortable playability and warmth.
- • Alnico double coils deliver a powerful, articulate sound with a modern edge.
- • 3-band EQ allows for substantial tonal shaping and customization.
CONS
- • Flamed maple top is cosmetic; doesn't significantly impact tone.
- • Rosewood fretboard might feel a bit dry for some players.
- • Slightly heavier than some basses, might fatigue during long gigs.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605623
$897
Yamaha TRBX 604FM Caramel Brown
by
Yamaha
Nut width
40 mm (1.57")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Specialty Applications
Experimental Music
Distinctive Sound
Key Feature:
The TRBX 604FM is a seriously well-built bass that delivers a modern punch with a touch of vintage warmth. The active EQ really lets you dial in your tone, and the flamed maple top looks gorgeous. It's a fantastic option for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a versatile, high-quality instrument without premium pricing.
PROS
- • Alder body provides excellent resonance and sustain.
- • Maple/Mahogany neck offers a comfortable feel and warmth.
- • Alnico V pickups deliver powerful, articulate low-end tones.
- • Balance control offers significant tonal shaping flexibility.
CONS
- • Caramel Brown finish might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • While versatile, it leans towards modern rock/pop, less suited for upright-style playing.
- • The active circuitry can drain batteries if not used judiciously.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605590
$897
Yamaha TRBX604FM Dark Red Burst
by
Yamaha
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Fingerboard radius
254 mm (10")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Alternative Styles
Distinctive Sound
Experimental Music
Key Feature:
The TRBX604FM is a seriously well-built bass. It’s a great all-rounder, offering a modern, punchy sound and a comfortable neck that’s easy to play. This is a fantastic option for gigging musicians who want a versatile, reliable bass without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, articulate tone with good sustain.
- • Flamed maple top adds visual appeal and a touch of brightness to the sound.
- • 5-piece maple/mahogany neck offers stability and a comfortable, fast feel.
- • Alnico double coil pickups deliver a punchy, modern tone with ample output.
CONS
- • Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry for some players’ preferences.
- • The dark red burst finish can be prone to fingerprints and smudging.
- • While versatile, it leans towards modern styles, less suited for truly vintage tones.
⭐
4.8/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
8/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 560232
$886
Every miscellaneous 4-string basses that matches
18 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Yamaha TRBX 174 RM | Nut width 40 mm (1.57") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets | $314 |
| 17 | Yamaha BB234 BK | Nut width 40 mm (1.57") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") | $501 |
| 18 | Yamaha BB234 VW | Nut width 40 mm (1.57") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") | $501 |
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 18 of 408 miscellaneous 4-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 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.
