What is the best 4-string bass guitar for beginners?
This page compares 7 4-string bass guitars with verified specifications and prices. Top options include Ibanez GSR200 (Gio Series), Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II, Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ (Made in Indonesia). Prices range from £171 to £372. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Number of Frets ⇅ | Scale Length (inch) ⇅ | Body Material ⇅ | Neck Material ⇅ | Fingerboard Material ⇅ | Pickup Configuration ⇅ | Tuner Type ⇅ | Bridge Type ⇅ |
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Ibanez GSR200 (Gio Series)
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£171.22 ≈ | 22 | 864mm / 34 in | Poplar | Maple | Jatoba | P + J | Ibanez die-cast | B10 |
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Entry-level 4-string bass with a slim maple neck, 22 frets, PJ passive pickups and Phat II EQ for punchy, flexible tones. Suits beginners and gigging players seeking a lightweight, affordable Soundgear-style bass.
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Gretsch G2220 Junior Jet Bass II
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£223.33 ≈ | 20 | 30.3 in | Basswood | Maple | Laurel | SS | Die-Cast | 4-Saddle Adjustable |
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Short-scale 30.3 in bass with a basswood body, bolt-on maple neck and 20-fret laurel fingerboard. It has two Gretsch single-coil bass pickups, die-cast tuners and a four-saddle adjustable bridge, suited to beginners and players wanting a compact, vintage-styled short-scale bass.
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Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ (Made in Indonesia)
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£197.29 ≈ | 20 | 34 in | Poplar | Maple | Indian Laurel | PJ | Vintage-Style open-gear | 4-Saddle Standard |
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The Squier Affinity Series Precision Bass PJ is an entry-level 4-string bass with a poplar body, slim C-shaped maple neck, and Indian laurel fingerboard. Its PJ pickup combo and 4-saddle bridge deliver versatile tones suited to beginners and gigging players on a budget.
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Squier Affinity Series Jazz Bass
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£372.23 ≈ | 20 | 34 in | Poplar | Maple | Indian Laurel | Two Squier single-coil Jazz Bass pickups | Die-Cast sealed tuning machines | Vintage-style bridge (17mm string spacing) |
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A value-focused 6-string Jazz Bass VI in the Affinity line with a slim C maple neck, Indian laurel fingerboard, dual single-coil Jazz Bass pickups and vintage-style hardware. Suited for players wanting extended-range bass tones and classic Jazz Bass feel at an affordable price.
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Sterling by Music Man SUB Ray4
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£238.22 ≈ | 21 | 34 in | Basswood | Hard Maple | Hard Maple | H - 1 Ceramic Humbucker | Open Gear | Fixed Bridge |
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The SUB Ray4 is a budget-friendly StingRay-style 4-string bass with a single ceramic humbucking pickup, 9V active preamp/2-band EQ, and a fully adjustable fixed bridge. It suits beginners and gigging players seeking classic StingRay tones at an affordable price.
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Yamaha BB234
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£268.00 ≈ | 21 | 34 in | Alder | Maple | Rosewood | SS | Lightweight Open Gear | Vintage style bridge |
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The BB234 is a straightforward, passive 4-string bass with alder body, maple neck, and rosewood fingerboard, offering P/J-style tonal versatility from two ceramic pickups. It suits beginners and gigging players seeking a comfortable thin-profile neck and classic solid-body bass tones.
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Yamaha TRBX174
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£215.89 ≈ | 24 | 34 in | Mahogany | Maple | Rosewood | P-J | Covered | Vintage Style |
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The TRBX174 is a 4-string solid-body bass with a 34 in scale, 24 frets, mahogany body, maple neck and rosewood fingerboard. It uses a P-J pickup layout with ceramic pickups, vintage-style fixed bridge and covered tuners, making it suitable for beginners and intermediate players seeking versatile tones and solid build quality.
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