Best 4-String J-Basses 2026

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

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 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 V5 24-4 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 MLG

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 MLGElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleNeck profile: CFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 562295

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V8-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V8-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

R&B Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 553393

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue TS

by Marcus Miller

Rock Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584276

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

R&B Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
• String spacing may not suit all players

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TSElectric BassMahogany bodyNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut width:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536925

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee NT MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee NT MN

by Sadowsky

Session Work R&B Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky Metro Line 22-Fret Will Lee Artist Line Bass4-String Electric BassRight-handed versionScale: 34" (864...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 491407

$3,519

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TM4 RW HCAR LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II TM4 RW HCAR LPB

by Sandberg

Rock Session Work R&B

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II TM4 RW HCAR LPBElectric BassBody: Alderheat treatedNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodFretboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 532534

$2,969

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BUR 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460012

$571

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536813

$516

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender 64 J-Bass OG Journeyman Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender 64 J-Bass OG Journeyman Relic

by Fender

Session Work Funk Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Fender 64 J-Bass OG Journeyman RelicElectric BassCustom Shop modelTwo-piece body: AlderQuartersawn neck: MapleRound...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598673

$6,764

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender LTD Jazz Bass Re Black Paisley - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fender LTD Jazz Bass Re Black Paisley

by Fender

R&B Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Fender LTD Jazz Bass Re Black PaisleyElectric BassCustom Shop ModelBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 601110

$6,709

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky

Session Work Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CARElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598490

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM CH

by Sadowsky

Pop Funk Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM WHElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599034

$1,066

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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 V5 Alder-4 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 V5 24-4 MLG

Marcus Miller V8-4 TS

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue TS

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS

Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee NT MN

Sandberg California II TM4 RW HCAR LPB

Marcus Miller V3 SB 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BUR 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 NT

Fender 64 J-Bass OG Journeyman Relic

Fender LTD Jazz Bass Re Black Paisley

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM CH

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR

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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