Best 4-String Guitars in 2026: 14 Picks Compared on Specs
The Ibanez SR300E is our top pick for a 4-string guitar. As an electric bass from a maker with several 4-string listings in the pool, it offers a middle path between starter kits and custom shop instruments, and its Standard model name is the clearest signal in the list. To keep the comparison honest, every pick below is chosen on stated specifications from the catalogue, with live pricing shown on the page, and no unit was tested by the site.
13 picks from 47 guitars that match this guide with a price we can quote today. Prices below are live, each shown with the time it was read.
Quick list
Which one is right for you?
- For a first bass: The Donner is the only pick explicitly sold as a full-size kit, so it is the clearest starting point if you want one box to begin playing. See pick 3
- For acoustic players: The Fender acoustic-electric is the only pick that names a Fishman pickup with tuner and equalizer, so it suits players who want plug-in EQ without guesswork. See pick 5
- For studio and pro players: If you want a fully specified pro-level 4-string, the Sadowsky MetroLine names a 21-fret neck, vintage P/J pickups, and an alder body in the listing. See pick 13
- For short-scale fans: The Ortega Ken Taylor is a short-scale acoustic-electric with a solid spruce top and a signature gig bag, while EKO offers a short-scale electric alternative. See pick 7
All 13 picks in detail
1 Best overall
Ibanez Standard SR300E 4-string Bass Guitar
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$379.99 (as of 10/26/2026 00:30 PDT - Details)
The SR300E is the middle-of-the-road electric bass that anchors this list: it is the only pick explicitly labeled Standard, and Ibanez has several 4-string listings in the pool. It gives players a familiar electric bass platform without the extra complexity of the neck-through, fretless, or pro-level options.
Pros
- Only pick in this list explicitly labeled Standard in its model name
- Midnight Gray Burst finish is stated, giving a clear visual spec
- Listed as a 4-string bass by Ibanez, a maker with multiple 4-string listings in the pool
Cons
- Body wood, pickup model, and neck specs are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag or case is mentioned in the listing
Good fit if
- Players who want a known Standard model name
- Rock, pop, or practice players who do not need an acoustic body
Skip if
- Players who want acoustic tone or an onboard tuner
- Players who specifically need a neck-through or fretless design
Verdict: The Ibanez SR300E is the most balanced all-round 4-string electric bass in this list.
2 Best entry-level electric
Yamaha TRBX174 BL 4-String Electric Bass Guitar
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$299.99 (as of 10/26/2026 03:00 PDT - Details)
The TRBX174 is the simplest Yamaha pick in this comparison and one of two TRBX models with the same model prefix. It is a direct 4-string electric bass with no kit accessories or acoustic body, which makes it a clean choice for players who already own an amp and cable.
Pros
- Shares the TRBX model prefix with the Yamaha TRBX304 in this list
- No kit accessories are declared, so it is a bare electric bass for players who already have gear
- BL finish is stated in the model name
Cons
- Body wood, pickups, and electronics are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag, strap, or cable is mentioned in the listing
Good fit if
- Anyone replacing a starter bass who already has an amp and accessories
- Players who prefer a plain electric bass without a kit
Skip if
- Beginners who need an amp and cable in one box
- Players who want onboard EQ or a tuner
Verdict: The Yamaha TRBX174 is the no-frills electric 4-string pick for players who want a simple instrument from a well-known maker.
3 Best beginner kit
Donner Electric Bass 4 Strings Full-Size Guitar Kit PB-Style
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
- Size
- Full size
- Kit or bundle
- Yes
- For beginners
- Yes
$135.99 (as of 10/25/2026 23:37 PDT - Details)
The Donner is the clearest beginner play in the pool because the seller explicitly calls it a full-size guitar kit. It also supplies a full-size body, which not every pick in this list states, and the PB-Style name gives a clear visual hint of the body design.
Pros
- Only pick in this list explicitly sold as a kit
- Full-size body stated by the seller
- PB-Style name in the listing indicates a Precision Bass-style body
Cons
- Specific kit contents are not stated by the seller
- Body wood and pickup details are not stated by the seller
- No acoustic or onboard tuner option
Good fit if
- First-time bass players who want one box to start
- Players who want a full-size instrument rather than a short scale
Skip if
- Players who want a named pickup brand or tonewood details
- Players who already own a strap, cable, and other kit items
Verdict: The Donner kit is the most complete beginner 4-string package in this list based on the stated specs.
4 Best full-size acoustic-electric starter
Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
- Size
- Full size
$119.99 (as of 10/25/2026 22:59 PDT - Details)
The Best Choice Products bass is the only pick here that combines acoustic-electric operation, a full-size body, and a padded gig bag in one listing. That makes it a practical first instrument for school, home, or small acoustic sessions without requiring extra purchases.
Pros
- Full-size acoustic-electric bass, stated by the seller
- Padded gig bag named in the listing
- Fretted bass, stated by the seller
- Stated as a 4-string bass
Cons
- Body wood and pickup-brand details are not stated by the seller
- Tuner and EQ controls are not described in the listing
- No amplifier or cable is mentioned
Good fit if
- Beginners who need an acoustic-electric with a bag
- Players who practice unplugged or in small acoustic settings
Skip if
- Players who want a known pickup system like Fishman
- Players who want a short-scale or electric-only bass
Verdict: Best Choice Products is the full-size acoustic-electric starter with the most complete stated accessory in this list.
5 Best acoustic-electric with preamp
The Fender acoustic bass stands out because its listing names a specific Fishman pickup with tuner and equalizer, a feature set that no other acoustic-electric pick in this list spells out. For players who want an acoustic body with usable onboard electronics, this is the most clearly specified option in the 4-string pool.
Pros
- Fishman pickup named in the listing
- Tuner and equalizer named in the listing
- Classic design label is part of the product name
Cons
- Body wood and scale length are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag is mentioned in the listing
- Acoustic-electric only, not a solid-body electric
Good fit if
- Acoustic players who want plug-and-play electronics with tuning help
- Players who like the Fender brand and a classic acoustic look
Skip if
- Players who want an electric bass with a solid body
- Players who need a case or gig bag in the same listing
Verdict: The Fender acoustic bass is the best specified acoustic-electric in this comparison because it names its pickup, tuner, and EQ.
6 Best acoustic-electric with gig bag
Oscar Schmidt OB100N-A-U 4-String Acoustic-Electric Bass with Gig Bag
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$299.95 (as of 10/26/2026 01:33 PDT - Details)
The Oscar Schmidt is another acoustic-electric 4-string, but its listing includes a gig bag, which makes it a convenient choice for transporting the guitar. Along with the Fender pick, it gives acoustic players a clearly stated alternative in the same body style.
Pros
- Acoustic-electric bass, stated by the seller
- Gig bag named in the listing
- Natural finish is stated in the product name
Cons
- Pickup brand and preamp controls are not stated by the seller
- Body wood and scale length are not stated
- No tuner or EQ is mentioned
Good fit if
- Players who want an acoustic-electric with a bag included
- Acoustic players who want a natural-finish instrument
Skip if
- Players who want a named preamp system like Fishman
- Players who want a full-size body explicitly stated
Verdict: The Oscar Schmidt is the acoustic-electric pick for players who want a gig bag in the same listing.
7 Best solid-top short scale
Ortega Ken Taylor Signature Series 4-String Short Scale
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
- Solid top
- Yes
$649.99 (as of 10/26/2026 01:33 PDT - Details)
The Ortega is the only pick in the entire pool with a solid top explicitly stated, and it is a short-scale acoustic-electric with a signature gig bag. The solid spruce top and short scale make it a distinctive choice for players who want a compact acoustic bass with a clearly stated top wood.
Pros
- Only pick in this list with a solid top stated by the seller
- Short scale stated in the model name
- Signature gig bag named in the listing
- Solid spruce top named in the listing
Cons
- Preamp model and controls are not stated by the seller
- Body back and sides woods are not stated
- No full-size body option
Good fit if
- Players who value a solid top and a signature model
- Players who prefer short-scale acoustic basses
Skip if
- Players who want a full-size body
- Players who need a specific branded onboard EQ rather than a signature model
Verdict: The Ortega Ken Taylor is the short-scale acoustic-electric with the only stated solid top in this comparison.
8 Best short-scale electric
The EKO JB-100 is the short-scale electric with the most descriptive listing in this comparison: poplar body, maple neck, laurel fingerboard, and a jazz pickup are all named. It gives players a compact 4-string alternative to the full-size Donner and Best Choice picks.
Pros
- Short scale stated in the listing
- Poplar body, maple neck, and laurel fingerboard stated by the seller
- Jazz pickup named in the listing
Cons
- No gig bag or kit mentioned
- Pickup brand and electronics details not stated
- Not acoustic
Good fit if
- Players who want a compact 4-string electric
- Players who want a jazz-style pickup configuration
Skip if
- Players who want a full-size body
- Players who need an acoustic body or starter kit
Verdict: The EKO JB-100 is the most fully specified short-scale electric in this list.
9 Best custom-series electric
The Schecter Stiletto Custom-4 is the only Custom model in this list, and its name points to a step above the Standard Ibanez and TRBX Yamahas without going as far as the neck-through Spector or pro-level Sadowsky. It is an electric bass for players who want a more distinctive model name.
Pros
- Only pick with Custom-4 in the model name
- Natural satin finish stated in the listing
- Listed as a 4-string electric bass
Cons
- Pickup model, electronics, and woods are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag or case mentioned
- No acoustic option
Good fit if
- Players who want a custom-series electric bass
- Players who prefer a natural satin finish over gloss colors
Skip if
- Players who want a fretless or acoustic design
- Players who need the exact pickup and wood specs in the listing
Verdict: The Schecter Stiletto Custom-4 is the custom-series electric pick for players who want a step up from standard models.
10 Best neck-through design
Spector Icon NS-2 Neck Through 4-String Bass Guitar
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$1,699.99 (as of 10/26/2026 02:22 PDT - Details)
The Spector Icon NS-2 is the only pick in this list with a construction detail in its name: a neck-through body. That distinguishes it from the other electric models here and makes it the clearest choice for players who prioritize that build style.
Pros
- Neck-through construction stated in the listing name
- Black stain finish stated in the listing
- Icon NS-2 model name stated by the seller
Cons
- Exact wood species and pickup specs are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag or case included in the listing
- Pro-level instrument is more than a starter needs
Good fit if
- Players who specifically want a neck-through 4-string
- Players looking for a high-spec electric bass
Skip if
- Beginners who want a kit or acoustic-electric
- Players who want a short-scale or fretless design
Verdict: The Spector Icon NS-2 is the neck-through pick in this comparison.
11 Best classic nameplate
Gibson USA BASG14HCCH1 SG Standard Bass 2014 4-String Bass Guitar
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$3,040.30 (as of 10/26/2026 00:07 PDT - Details)
The Gibson SG Standard bass is the only Gibson in the pool and one of the few list entries with a vintage-styled model family in its name. It is a 4-string bass for players who want a recognizable classic name rather than a modern high-spec build.
Pros
- Only Gibson in this list
- SG Standard model name stated by the seller
- Heritage Cherry finish named in the listing
Cons
- Pickups, electronics, and wood details are not stated by the seller
- No gig bag or case mentioned
- The listing identifies a 2014 model, which may matter for buyers who want current production
Good fit if
- Players who want Gibson's SG model name on a 4-string
- Fans of classic-style solid-body basses
Skip if
- Players who need exact pickup specs stated in the listing
- Players who want modern neck-through or fretless features
Verdict: The Gibson SG Standard is the classic nameplate pick for 4-string players who want a familiar solid-body bass.
12 Best fretless 4-string
Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO Fretless 4-string Bass
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$2,899.00 (as of 10/26/2026 02:50 PDT - Details)
The Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO Fretless is the only fretless bass in the pool, which makes it the automatic pick for players who want to play without frets and focus on slides and intonation control. Its natural satin finish and Pro Series name give it a clearly stated professional identity.
Pros
- Only fretless pick in this list
- Pro Series and Thumb BO model names stated by the seller
- Natural satin finish stated in the listing
Cons
- Exact electronics and wood species are not stated by the seller
- Fretless design is not suitable for players who want fretted convenience
- No gig bag or case mentioned
Good fit if
- Bassists who want a fretless instrument for solo or jazz playing
- Players who want a natural satin finish with a Pro Series name
Skip if
- New players who need frets for consistent intonation
- Players who want a fretted electric or acoustic-electric
Verdict: The Warwick Thumb BO is the fretless specialist in this comparison.
13 Best pro-level P/J bass
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-fret Vintage P/J Bass
- Type
- Bass
- Strings
- 4
$4,035.00 (as of 10/26/2026 01:58 PDT - Details)
The Sadowsky MetroLine is the most detailed pro-level pick in the list: the name specifies a 21-fret neck, a Vintage P/J pickup layout, an alder body, and a candy apple red metallic finish. For players who want the full spec sheet up front, this is the pick with the most information stated in the listing.
Pros
- 21-fret neck stated in the listing
- Vintage P/J pickup layout stated in the listing
- Red alder body stated in the listing
- Candy apple red metallic high polish finish stated in the listing
Cons
- No gig bag or case is mentioned in the listing
- Electronics beyond the pickup layout are not stated by the seller
- No acoustic or short-scale option
Good fit if
- Pro players who want a clearly specified 21-fret P/J bass
- Players who value a candy apple red metallic high-polish finish
Skip if
- First-time buyers who want a kit
- Players who want a short-scale, fretless, or acoustic 4-string
Verdict: The Sadowsky MetroLine is the most fully specified pro-level 4-string in this comparison.
Specs compared
| # | Guitar | Type | Strings | Size | Left-handed | Kit or bundle | Amp included |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ibanez Standard SR300E 4-string Bass Guitar | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | Yamaha TRBX174 BL 4-String Electric Bass Guitar | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | Donner Electric Bass 4 Strings Full-Size Guitar Kit PB-Style | Bass | 4 | Full size | not stated | Yes | not stated |
| 4 | Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass Guitar | Bass | 4 | Full size | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 5 | Fender Acoustic Bass Guitar 4-String | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | Oscar Schmidt OB100N-A-U 4-String Acoustic-Electric Bass with Gig Bag | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | Ortega Ken Taylor Signature Series 4-String Short Scale | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 8 | EKO GUITARS - Electric Bass JB-100 | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 9 | Schecter Stiletto Custom-4 Electric Bass | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 10 | Spector Icon NS-2 Neck Through 4-String Bass Guitar | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 11 | Gibson USA BASG14HCCH1 SG Standard Bass 2014 4-String Bass Guitar | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 12 | Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO Fretless 4-string Bass | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 13 | Sadowsky MetroLine 21-fret Vintage P/J Bass | Bass | 4 | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
How we chose these
The catalogue produced 17 4-string guitar entries, all of them basses, and near-duplicate listings were folded into single entries. From that pool we kept 14 picks that cover the useful range: starter kits, full-size acoustic-electric models, short-scale instruments, neck-through designs, fretless basses, and pro-level builds. Shortlisting rules were to keep distinct body styles, represent each practical category without relying on price ranking, prefer established makers, and drop duplicate models in different colors, such as the second Ibanez SR300E listing. Prices on this page are live and read from the store listing at the time shown next to each price. Nobody on the site has played these guitars; the picks are based on the maker's published names and the specifications in each listing.
What to look for
What does 4-string mean in this pool
Every pick in this pool is a bass guitar. When the catalogue is filtered to instruments with four strings, the matching listings are all basses rather than standard 6-string guitars. If you came looking for a 6-string acoustic or electric, this guide will not line up with that search. The 4-string spec is the common thread here, and every pick below carries a bass designation in its listing.
Acoustic-electric vs electric
Four of the 14 picks are acoustic-electric basses: Best Choice Products, Fender, Oscar Schmidt, and Ortega. Acoustic-electric models can be played unplugged and can also be plugged into an amp or mixer when their onboard electronics are used. The other ten picks are electric basses, which are intended to be played through an amplifier. Before buying, decide whether you will mostly play at home without an amp or in a band with one.
Full-size vs short-scale
Two picks in this list explicitly state a full-size body (Best Choice Products and Donner), and two state a short scale (Ortega and EKO). Full-size bodies follow a standard bass geometry, while short-scale instruments have a shorter string length and a more compact feel. If the seller does not state the scale length, the listing alone cannot tell you the exact measurement.
Solid tops and tonewoods
Wood is part of an acoustic guitar's voice: the top responds directly to the strings, and the back and sides shape resonance, projection, and sustain. Several picks in this list do not state their woods at all. The Ortega is the only pick whose seller states a solid top, and the EKO names poplar, maple, and laurel in its listing. If wood matters to you, favor listings that state it; otherwise the specs are not available from the catalogue.
Onboard electronics and preamps
Acoustic-electrics vary in what the onboard preamp does. The Fender listing names a Fishman pickup with tuner and equalizer, and the Best Choice, Oscar Schmidt, and Ortega listings do not specify their preamp controls. Electric basses in this list generally have no electronics details except for the EKO's named jazz pickup and the Sadowsky's named P/J pickup layout. If you need a tuner or EQ built in, check the listing for those words before buying.
Protecting your hearing
Practicing with a bass amp, headphones, or a PA can get loud. Prolonged or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 dBA can cause hearing loss, and music through headphones at maximum volume can reach 94 to 110 dBA. Use moderate amp volume, take breaks, and consider hearing protection at rehearsals or shows.
Questions
Why are all of the picks basses?
The guide's filter is a 4-string spec. When the catalogue is filtered for guitars with four strings, every matching listing in this pool is a bass guitar, and the picks reflect that. If you are looking for a 6-string acoustic or electric, this guide will not match.
What is the difference between full-size and short-scale 4-string basses?
Full-size and short-scale are the two size labels stated in this pool. Two picks state a full-size body, and two state a short scale. Short-scale basses have a shorter string length, which changes reach and feel, while full-size basses follow a standard bass geometry. If a listing does not state the scale, the information is not available from the catalogue.
Should I choose an acoustic-electric or an electric 4-string?
The pool has four acoustic-electric picks: Best Choice Products, Fender, Oscar Schmidt, and Ortega. They can be played unplugged or with their onboard electronics. The other picks are electric basses intended for an amplifier. Choose an acoustic-electric if you want unplugged practice or small acoustic settings; choose an electric if you plan to play through an amp or with a band.
What electronics do the acoustic-electric picks have?
Only the Fender listing names its pickup system: a Fishman bass pickup with tuner and equalizer. The other acoustic-electric picks do not state their preamp controls in the listing. If you need a built-in tuner or a specific EQ, look for a listing that states it, or plan to use an external tuner and equalizer.
Do I need to worry about CITES rules for 4-string basses?
CITES is an international treaty that regulates trade in listed wild plants and animals. Some instruments use tonewoods from listed species. If you plan to take a guitar across an international border, check whether its wood is CITES-listed and whether a permit is required. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is one place to start.
Update history
- : First published.