4 String Bass roundup
4 String Bass: A Complete Buyer's Guide
From scale length and pickup type to budget tiers and where to buy — this buyer's guide tells you exactly what matters when choosing a bass and what the marketing won't tell you.
Shopping for a 4 string bass can feel overwhelming when the options range from a sub-£100 starter pack to a £2,000 boutique instrument. The good news is that the market is well-served at every price point, and knowing what actually matters — and what you can safely ignore — makes the decision considerably cleaner. This guide covers the key buying criteria and tells you what to look for at different budgets.
Scale Length: Long, Medium or Short?
Long scale (34 inches) is the industry standard for good reasons: it provides even string tension across all four strings, clear note definition and a full-bodied low end. The vast majority of 4 string bass guitars you will encounter in shops and online are long scale, and the string selection is wider. Short scale (30–32 inches) has lower string tension and a warmer, slightly rounder sound. It suits smaller-handed players, younger beginners, or anyone who finds the stretch up the neck genuinely uncomfortable. If you are buying a first instrument and have no strong preference, start with long scale.
Pickups: Passive or Active?
Passive pickups — no battery, no on-board preamp — are simpler, lower-maintenance and produce a warmer, more organic tone. Split-coil (Precision-style) and single-coil (Jazz-style) are the most common types. Active electronics add an on-board EQ and typically a more powerful, clearer signal with a wider tonal range. They require a battery (usually a 9V that lasts several months of regular playing) but give far more flexibility in shaping your sound. Entry-level instruments are almost always passive; active electronics typically appear from the mid-range upward.
Neck Feel and Setup
More than any other single factor, the way a bass neck feels in your hand will determine how much you enjoy playing it. Narrow, shallower profiles (sometimes called "C" shapes) suit players who prefer fast movement; thicker "U" profiles give more to grip and suit heavier-handed technique. Nut width — the string spacing at the headstock — affects comfort when fretting near the first few frets. Try to play an instrument before buying where possible, even if the final purchase is online.
Setup is equally important. Action — the height of the strings above the frets — varies considerably on new instruments straight from the factory. High action makes fretting harder and more tiring than it should be. A professional setup from a guitar technician (typically £40–£60 in the UK) adjusts neck relief, action at the nut and saddle, and intonation, and can transform the playability of a mediocre instrument.
Body Wood and Construction
Alder and ash are the standard tonewoods on most production basses. Alder is well-balanced and used on most Fender and Fender-style instruments; ash gives a slightly brighter, more open character. Mahogany appears in warmer-toned designs. In practice, the differences between tonewoods at a given price point are less significant than pickup choice and setup quality. Solid body construction is standard. Semi-hollow and hollowbody designs exist for players wanting natural resonance, though these are more susceptible to feedback at volume.
Budget Tiers
| Budget | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Under £200 | Squier, Harley Benton, Epiphone — playable instruments that benefit from a professional setup |
| £200–£500 | Yamaha TRBX, Ibanez SR, Fender Player Series — noticeably better quality control, hardware and tone |
| £500–£1,000 | Fender American Performer, G&L Tribute, Music Man Sub Series — professional-grade playability |
| Over £1,000 | American-made Fender, Music Man StingRay, Warwick — instruments built to last a career |
Most 4 string bass players are genuinely well-served by the £200–£500 bracket. The jump from entry-level to mid-range is significant; the jump from mid-range to premium is real but more subtle.
What to Avoid
Unbranded starter packs from unknown importers. The instruments are often poorly set up from the factory, with high action and poor intonation that makes learning harder than it needs to be. Stick to instruments from established brands with UK distribution and after-sales support.
Also avoid buying second-hand without trying the instrument in person. Neck issues, fret wear and electronic faults are hard to spot in photos and can be expensive to fix.
Where to Buy in the UK
Andertons, Thomann, Gear4music and Guitar Guitar are the main online retailers with good stock and returns policies. PMT (Professional Music Technology) and independent music shops allow you to try before you buy. For second-hand instruments, Reverb.com and the Fender-specific forums carry well-documented used stock.
Before spending anything, it is worth reading our overview of the 4 string bass to understand the instrument you are buying. If you are new to bass, our beginner's guide helps you set sensible expectations before committing to a budget. For specific model recommendations, see our best for the money guide.
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