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Ernie Ball Music Man Ball Family Reserve DarkRay Bass Guitar with Mono Softshell Case
$3,899.00BFR DarkRay 5: A Limited Edition Tone Machine This isn't just a bass; it's a collectible, a curiosity, a finely-crafted low-end weapon dressed in its absolute Sunday best. This, my friends, is the Ball Family Reser...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $899.00 downh m s
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Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay Bass Guitar with MONO Bag
$2,999.00DarkRay 4-string bass - Unlimited Tones! Designed in collaboration with world-renowned bass accessory manufacturer Darkglass Electronics, the DarkRay unlocks a whole new range of sonic capabilities. At the heart of ...12 Payments of $249.92
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Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH Bass Guitar with MONO Bag
$2,549.00 - $3,099.00First introduced in 1976, the StingRay has been revered as one of the most iconic bass guitars in history. The StingRay was the first production four string bass to feature onboard active equalization. The flagship ...12 Payments of $212.42
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Ernie Ball Music Man Tim Commerford StingRay Passive Bass with Bag
$3,299.00The Tim Commerford Artist Series StingRay Bass was developed in close collaboration with legendary bassist Tim Commerford of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and 7D7D, combining Ernie Ball Music Man craftsmansh...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $299.00 downh m s
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Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special HH Bass Guitar with Mono Case
$2,549.00 - $2,999.00The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special combines classic tone with modern upgrades for maximum performance. Its ash body, roasted maple neck, and 22 stainless steel frets deliver exceptional durability, resonance,...12 Payments of $212.42
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Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay Bass Guitar with Mono Softshell Case
$2,999.00Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay: Welcome to the Dark Side This isn’t just a bass; it’s a beautifully brutal beast, a collaboration between two titans of tone that resulted in something truly special. The DarkRay is...12 Payments of $249.92
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Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4-String Bass Guitar with MONO Bag
$2,449.00 - $2,899.00An iconic bass since its introduction in 1976, the StingRay bass guitars was the first production four string bass to feature onboard active equalization. The flagship of the Music Man line, today's StingRay retain...12 Payments of $204.08
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Ernie Ball Music Man BFR StingRay Special Bass Guitar with Mono Case Paua
$3,699.00The Ball Family Reserve StingRay Bass showcases the Ball Family's dedication to quality and performance. Featuring an ash body with a spalted maple top, a dark translucent blue back, and a Paua blue burst front, eac...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $699.00 downh m s
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Ernie Ball Music Man DarkRay Bass with MONO Bag
$2,999.00Astonishing clean, slight gain or brutal fuzz tones, and everything in between is obtainable, all with no low-end loss. A bright LED ring and the 3-way lever switch signifies which mode the bass is in. Despite the e...12 Payments of $249.92
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Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino Signature StingRay Fretless Bass with MONO Case
$3,499.00The Pino Palladino Signature StingRay Bass captures the iconic tone and feel of one of the most influential bass players of all time. Inspired by Pino's original 1979 fretless StingRay, this signature model is avail...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $499.00 downh m s
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Ernie Ball Music Man Pino Palladino StingRay Bass Guitar with MONO Case
$3,499.00The Pino Palladino Signature StingRay Bass captures the iconic tone and feel of one of the most influential bass players of all time. Inspired by Pino's original 1979 fretless StingRay, this signature model is avail...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $499.00 downh m s
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Ernie Ball Music Man Retro 70s StingRay Bass Guitar with Bag
$2,499.00 - $3,299.00Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the Retro 70s StingRay Bass captures the essence of the golden era of bass playing. From the moment you lay your eyes on its sleek and stylish design, you'll be transport...12 Payments of $250.00
plus $299.00 downh m s
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4 String Electric Bass Guitars
Get Your Next 4-String Bass Guitar at AMS
The 4-string bass guitar is the heartbeat of modern music, and at American Musical Supply, we’ve got a lineup that keeps the groove alive without draining your wallet. Whether you’re a beginner hunting for your first 4-string electric bass or a pro looking to snag a great deal on your next stage companion, you’ll find plenty of options here. AMS carries top brands trusted by working bassists everywhere, with VERY fast shipping and flexible payment plans to make it easy to bring the low end home.
Legendary 4-String Bass Brands That Define the Low End
A great 4-string bass guitar starts with the name on the headstock, and American Musical Supply is home to the names players trust most. Whether you want vintage-inspired thump, modern clarity, or something built for heavy riffs, you’ll find it here.
- Fender: Precision and Jazz Basses that set the standard for tone and feel.
- Ibanez: Slim necks, punchy pickups, and versatile tones made for speed.
- Schecter: Aggressive designs and massive low end for rock and metal players.
- Yamaha: Reliable, balanced basses that work in any genre or setup.
- ESP LTD: Bold looks and high-output electronics ready for the stage.
AMS makes it easy to grab a 4-string electric bass from the world’s best builders; find yours today.
Styles of 4-String Electric Bass Guitars: Electronics, Pickups, and Playability
Every 4-string electric bass guitar has its own personality. The right choice depends on the kind of music you play, the sound you want, and how the instrument feels in your hands. Here’s a breakdown to help you find your match.
Active vs. Passive Electronics
An active system includes a battery-powered preamp and EQ that can boost your sound and push the signal harder, great for punchy, modern tones and heavier music. Passive setups stick to basics: simpler controls, warmer vibes, and fewer headaches when your battery dies.
Pickup Configurations
Single split-coil “P” pickups give you classic tone with punch and fullness, while dual single-coils — like on a Jazz-style model — offer more tonal shaping and brightness. Humbuckers deliver a fatter, more powerful response that's common in basses built for rock, metal, or funk.
Body Shapes and Neck Feel
Offset Fender-style bodies (like the Jazz Bass) feel familiar and lean on your hip nicely, while other designs might offer more contour or flare for stage presence. Slim or carved necks help you play faster; chunkier profiles add sustain, grip, and growl.
The Peavey Cirrus Bass Guitar Brings The Thunder
If you’re chasing boutique tone without the boutique price tag, the Peavey Cirrus Bass Guitar deserves a listen. This video dives into its craftsmanship, sleek playability, and punchy sound that makes it a serious contender for pros and weekend warriors alike.
Grab Your Next 4-String Bass Without the Wait
When you’ve got the itch for a new 4-string bass guitar, the last thing you want is to stare at it in your online cart for months. That’s why American Musical Supply makes it simple to bring one home today. Our true 0% interest payment plans let you spread the cost over time without sneaky fees or interest stacking up in the background. Whether you’re looking at a Fender Precision, an Ibanez designed for speed, or a Schecter built for heavy riffs, you don’t have to put off the purchase until your next payday.
Combine that with VERY fast, reliable shipping, and your new 4-string electric bass will be ready to plug in before your next rehearsal or gig. Great tone doesn’t wait, and neither should you.
Frequently Asked Questions About 4-String Bass Guitars
Whether you’re brand new to bass or adding another 4-string to your collection, questions always come up. Here are some quick answers to help you get the most out of your next 4-string bass guitar.
What scale lengths are available for 4-string basses?
The standard scale is 34 inches, which balances tension and playability. Short-scale basses (30 inches or less) are also popular for easier reach, lighter feel, and a punchier tone.
Do I need special amps for a 4-string bass?
You’ll want a bass amp designed to handle low frequencies. Guitar amps won’t cut it; they can’t reproduce bass tones properly and might even get damaged.
How do I keep my 4-string bass in top shape?
Wipe it down after playing, change strings regularly, and keep it in a case when not in use. A quick setup once or twice a year will keep the neck, action, and intonation dialed in.
Find Your Next 4-String Bass Guitar with AMS
American Musical Supply is here to keep your low end locked in with the best selection of 4-string bass guitars from the brands you know and love. With true 0% interest payment plans and VERY fast shipping, you can grab the bass you’ve been eyeing without putting your groove on hold. Browse our full lineup today and get the 4-string electric bass that’s ready to carry every riff, run, and rhythm you throw at it.
