Best 4-String J-Basses 2025

Top-rated 4-string j-basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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 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 V6-4 Sandblasted AWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted AWH

by Marcus Miller

R&B Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610782

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U7-4 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller U7-4 BK

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Pop R&B

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller U7-4 BKElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays: BlocksEdgeless...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584429

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445968

$541

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 V7 Alder-4 Tide Pool 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Tide Pool 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Pop Session Work Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610549

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBK

by Marcus Miller

Pop Jazz R&B

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBKElectric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Solid poplar burlBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleAbalone...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584328

$1,209

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

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW 3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW 3TSB

by Sandberg

Session Work Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW 3TSBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: Long scale22...

⭐ 4.7/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 500524

$1,055

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM OWH

by Sadowsky

Pop Session Work Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598470

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Rock Session Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWHElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleNeck profile: CFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562297

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TM4 RW 3TS HCAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II TM4 RW 3TS HCAR

by Sandberg

R&B Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II TM4 RW 3TS HCARElectric BassHeat-treated alder bodyNeck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.7/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 363199

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BK HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BK HG

by Sandberg

Session Work Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BK HGElectric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodScale: 34" (long scale)22...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 363333

$2,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline 44-60 4-String 3TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lakland Skyline 44-60 4-String 3TSB

by Lakland

Session Work Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Lakland Skyline 44-60 4-String 3TSBElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodCream Dots fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 574420

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3 BKS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

R&B Jazz Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3 BKS 2nd GenElectric BassMahogany bodyNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut...

⭐ 5.0/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 556242

$439

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 2025

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue TS

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted AWH

Marcus Miller U7-4 BK

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Tide Pool 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBK

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW 3TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM OWH

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH

Sandberg California II TM4 RW 3TS HCAR

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BK HG

Lakland Skyline 44-60 4-String 3TSB

Marcus Miller V3 BKS 2nd Gen

How to Choose the Best 4-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 4-string j-basses?

How much should I spend on 4-string j-basses?

Are expensive 4-string j-basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 4-string j-basses?

Should I buy 4-string j-basses online or in-store?

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