Best 4-String J-Basses 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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 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

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGR

by Marcus Miller

Pop R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGRElectric BassBody: Swamp ashTop: Solid poplar burlNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleAabalone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584327

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NTElectric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleC neck profileFretboard: Roasted mapleScale:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 492593

$487

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNB

by Marcus Miller

Funk R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNBElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536932

$384

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 V5R Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 V5 Alder-4 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 VWH

by Marcus Miller

R&B Pop Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 VWHElectric BassAlder bodyOne-piece roasted maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 513009

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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 V3 TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V3 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

R&B Pop Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3 TS 2nd GenElectric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446377

$424

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3 AWH 2nd GenElectric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446374

$421

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TT4 RW RFB HCAM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II TT4 RW RFB HCAM

by Sandberg

Pop Funk Session Work

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II TT4 RW RFB HCAMElectric BassBody: Thermo alderNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodVibration-treated...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 382187

$3,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin MO SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin MO SGM

by Sadowsky

Rock Session Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
• Less output than humbucker basses

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin MO SGM4-String Electric BassScale length: 34" (864 mm)Bolt-on neckBody made of...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 493517

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II TT 4 RMN HA CB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg California II TT 4 RMN HA CB

by Sandberg

Session Work Funk R&B

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg California II TT 4 RMN HA CBElectric BassBody: Alder6-Bolt-on neck: Roasted mapleMatching...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 583470

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado BK

by Sadowsky

Jazz R&B Funk

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598469

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW SB

by Sandberg

Pop Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW SBElectric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: Long scale22...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585519

$1,044

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 V3P-4 TS

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGR

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNB

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Tide Pool 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 VWH

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

Marcus Miller V3 TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V3 AWH 2nd Gen

Sandberg California II TT4 RW RFB HCAM

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-4 Vin MO SGM

Sandberg California II TT 4 RMN HA CB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado BK

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW SB

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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