Best 4-String J-Basses 2026

Top-rated 4-string j-basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Funk For Pop For R&B For Jazz For Session Work

BRANDS: Marcus Miller Harley Benton Fender Sandberg Sadowsky Squier

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK Sparkle 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK Sparkle 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Funk Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
• May lack warmth for some styles

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK Sparkle 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610539

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Pop Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

• Less output than humbucker basses
• May lack warmth for some styles

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen.Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 460015

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Pop R&B

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

• Less output than humbucker basses
• May lack warmth for some styles

Marcus Miller V8-4 WBElectric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: roasted mapleNeck profile: C-shapeFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553394

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NT

by Marcus Miller

Pop Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Less output than humbucker basses

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NTElectric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Burl poplar veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584270

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch

by Marcus Miller

Pop Rock Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Single-coils can be noisy

Marcus Miller V6 Sandblasted 4 BBElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610769

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted BK

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

• Less output than humbucker basses
• May lack warmth for some styles

Marcus Miller V6 Sandblasted 4 BKElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610778

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Funk Rock R&B

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen.Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 445910

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR

by Marcus Miller

R&B Session Work Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• Less output than humbucker basses

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CARElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock fingerboard inlaysNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610764

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California TT MN NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California TT MN NT

by Sandberg

Pop R&B Session Work

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• String spacing may not suit all players

Sandberg California TT MN NTElectric BassAsh bodyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Maple22 FretsFretboard radius: 356...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446459

$2,111

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TM 4 Greenburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II TM 4 Greenburst

by Sandberg

Jazz Rock Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• Less output than humbucker basses

Sandberg California II TM 4 GreenburstElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 533075

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Less output than humbucker basses

Marcus Miller V8-4 NTElectric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite abalone block...

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553392

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen TS

by Marcus Miller

Rock Funk Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• Less output than humbucker basses

Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen TSElectric BassTuned to sound like the original bass from the 70s favoured by...

⭐ 4.8/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 572516

$846

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted OTB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted OTB

by Marcus Miller

Funk R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• Single-coils can be noisy

Marcus Miller V6 Sandblasted 4 OTBElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610766

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

R&B Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TSElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536816

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3 SB 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3 SB 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Funk Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Single-coils can be noisy

Marcus Miller V3 BK 2nd GenElectric bassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut width:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 502812

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 4-String J-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 4-string j-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.

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TOP

Best 4-String J-Basses 2026

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK Sparkle 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NT

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted Butterscotch

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted BK

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR

Sandberg California TT MN NT

Sandberg California II TM 4 Greenburst

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT

Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen TS

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted OTB

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS

Marcus Miller V3 SB 2nd Gen

How to Choose the Best 4-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

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