AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 4-String J-Basses 2026
The top pick is Fender Player II Jazz Bass ($1,053). Harley Benton JB-62SB gives you the most for the money at $177. Fender JG-66 Jaguar Reissue MIJ leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 99 models across 15 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
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All 4-String J-BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fender Player II Jazz Bass
Player II Jazz Bass MN CGR · Fender
307 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This bass has a sturdy maple neck and a classic alder body that feels great to play. The Alnico 5 pickups give it a warm, vintage vibe, though they might pick up interference in big venues. It is a solid, straightforward choice for players who want a reliable workhorse without extra bells and whistles.
Pros
- Solid alder body keeps the tone tight and balanced.
Cons
- Single coil pickups can sound noisy in loud rooms.
88AudioFu
Index↓ 4.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,103 · Aug 17$1,053 now$1,053€944 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Professional Classic Telecaster
Am Pro Clsc J-Bass RW FFMG · Fender
224 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This bass feels great to play with its smooth rosewood neck and comfortable C profile. The vintage pickups give it a warm, classic tone that cuts well in a band. It is perfect for players who want that old-school sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Modern C neck profile fits small hands comfortably
- Coastline '66 pickups deliver classic vintage tone
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability
Cons
- Master Greasebucket circuit lacks modern EQ options
- Faded Firemist Gold finish may show wear easily
81AudioFu
Index↓ 6.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,850 · Aug 17$1,727 now$1,727€1,549 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass
AM Pro Jazz Bass MN OW · Fender
141 for sale on Reverb8 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
This bass is great for players who want a crisp, bright tone with active electronics. The slim neck makes it easy to play fast, and the American-made build feels solid. It suits anyone needing a modern, high-end sound, though you should expect to carry extra power for the active pickups.
Pros
- Active electronics with V-Mod II pickups for bright tone
- Slim C neck profile for fast playing and comfort
- Made in USA with high-quality maple and alder parts
Cons
- Active electronics require power and can drain batteries
- Limited controls with only two volume and one tone
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$2,385 now$2,385€2,139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster
Player II Mod J Bass RW HGM · Fender
175 for sale on Reverb5 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
The Player II Mod J Bass HGM is a seriously versatile instrument. The active EQ really lets you dial in some unique sounds, and the noiseless pickups keep things clean. It's a fantastic choice for gigging musicians needing a reliable, modern J Bass with a touch of vintage vibe.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a warm, resonant foundation for the tone.
- Player II Noiseless pickups offer classic J Bass tone with reduced hum.
- Modern 'C' neck profile provides comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
Cons
- Rosewood fingerboard may feel a bit dry for some players, requiring occasional conditioning.
- Harvest Green Metallic finish, while striking, might not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass
Am Ultra II Jazz Bass MN SRD · Fender
108 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAlder body
This Am Ultra II Jazz Bass is a seriously refined instrument. The compound radius neck and modern profile make it incredibly comfortable, while the noiseless pickups deliver that classic Jazz Bass tone with exceptional clarity. It’s ideal for gigging musicians and studio players seeking a versatile, high-performance bass.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Modern inDin neck profile offers exceptional comfort and playability
- Ultra II Noiseless pickups deliver clarity and vintage tone with minimal hum
Cons
- The compound radius fingerboard might not suit all players' preferences
- Premium-priced, limiting accessibility for some bassists
74AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,619 now$2,619€2,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Jazz Bass
LTD Player II Jazz Bass RW SHP · Fender
307 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This bass feels great in hand with its smooth rosewood neck and maple neck. The Alnico 5 pickups punch hard while the three knobs let you dial in your sound. It suits players who want a solid, reliable instrument without too many extra features.
Pros
- Modern C neck profile offers comfortable playing for everyone
- Alnico 5 pickups deliver strong, clear low-end response
- Rosewood fretboard provides a warm, smooth feel under fingers
Cons
- Alder body material lacks the warmth of maple alternatives
- Standard open-gear tuners may struggle with heavy strings
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 8Oct 8$1,103 now$1,103€989 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender JG-66 Jaguar Reissue MIJ
66 J-Bass JM Relic LTD Black · Fender
80 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius184 mm (7.24")
- BodyAlder body
This bass sounds like the real deal from the sixties. The maple neck feels smooth and the pickups give that warm, vintage tone. It suits players who want authentic sound without extra electronics.
Pros
- Authentic 1960s vintage J-Bass sound profile
- Premium quartersawn maple neck construction
- Hand-wound single-coil jazz pickups inside
Cons
- Heavy weight from solid alder body
- No modern electronics or preamp
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 22Aug 22$5,797 now$5,797€5,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Ultra II Jazz Bass V
LTD AM Ultra Jazz Bass · Fender
56 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- BodyAsh body
This bass mixes vintage warmth with modern control. The roasted ash body sounds great, and the active EQ lets you cut mids or boost bass on the fly. It fits players who want precise tone shaping without sacrificing playability.
Pros
- Roasted ash body offers solid resonance and stability.
- Active EQ controls let you shape tone precisely.
- HiMass bridge provides strong bottom-end response.
Cons
- Roasted ash can be unpredictable for some players.
- Active electronics require battery maintenance.
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,400 now$3,400€3,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyBasswood body
The JB-62SB is a fantastic entry point into the classic J-Bass world. The Roswell pickups genuinely surprise with their vintage-inspired growl, and the bolt-on neck offers a comfortable, responsive feel. It’s a superb option for beginners or players wanting a reliable, affordable workhorse bass.
Pros
- Roswell pickups deliver surprisingly punchy, vintage-voiced tones, a real highlight.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers comfortable playability with a snappy attack.
- Laurel fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface and warm tonal character.
Cons
- Basswood body can lack the sustain of more premium tonewoods like Ash or Mahogany.
- Graphite nut, while stable, might not offer the same 'feel' as a bone or Tusq nut.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$177 now$177€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Custom Shop '64 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic
64 J-Bass SB Journeyman Relic · Fender
52 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius184 mm (7.24")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Journeyman Relic is a seriously impressive tribute to the '64 J-Bass. The tone is undeniably authentic, and the build quality is top-notch. It's perfect for players chasing that vintage vibe and articulate punch – ideal for session work, classic rock, and anything needing a refined, woody low end.
Pros
- Exceptional Josefina pickups deliver classic, articulate J-Bass tone.
- Quartersawn maple neck offers superb stability and comfortable '60s U profile.
- Relic'd finish authentically replicates a vintage instrument's character and feel.
Cons
- The relic'd finish, while aesthetically pleasing, won't appeal to all players.
- Being a long-scale, it can be a bit unwieldy for smaller hands or players with shorter arms.
61AudioFu
Index↓ 5.2%since Aug 17$6,466 · Aug 17$6,131 now$6,131€5,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 99 4-String J-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Harley Benton MV-4JB Daphne BlueHarley Benton · 12 finishes60Stable$255€229$255€229Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 4 New Gen NaturalMarcus Miller · 10 finishes60Stable$735€659$735€659Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez MDM1000 ModeMDM1000-PW · Ibanez · 2 finishes59↓ 9.3%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 14
Fender MIJ Hybrid II Jazz BassMIJ Hybrid II Jazz Bass MAB · Fender · 4 finishes59Stable$1,727€1,549$1,727€1,549Check ↗
- 15
Fender Custom Shop '64 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic64 J-Bass OG Journeyman Relic · Fender59Stable$6,856€6,149$6,856€6,149Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 10 finishes58Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TidepoolMarcus Miller · 9 finishes57Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 18
Sandberg California II TM4 NighthawkSandberg · 13 finishes56Stable$2,340€2,099$2,340€2,099Check ↗
- 19
Fender Laura Lee Signature Jazz BassLaura Lee J Bass RW VWT · Fender55Stable$1,761€1,579$1,761€1,579Check ↗
- 20
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California TT MN NT · Sandberg · 2 finishes55Stable$2,140€1,919$2,140€1,919Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted OTBMarcus Miller · 5 finishes54Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 22
Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLKFender · 4 finishes54↓ 0.9%$706€633$706€633Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton JB-20 CA Standard SeriesHarley Benton · 6 finishes53Stable$122€109$122€109Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller V3P-4 ORGMarcus Miller · 3 finishes53Stable$411€369$411€369Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM OWHSadowsky · 6 finishes53↓ 7.4%$980€879$980€879Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado SOBSadowsky · 8 finishes53↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 27
Fender MIM Geddy Lee Artist Series Signature Jazz BassUS Geddy Lee Bass BK · Fender53Stable$3,009€2,699$3,009€2,699Check ↗
- 28
Fender Vintera III E60s Jazz Bass OWTFender · 2 finishes52↓ 4.5%$1,284€1,152$1,284€1,152Check ↗
- 29
Fender AV II 66 Jazz Bass RW LPBFender52↓ 15.4%$2,619€2,349$2,619€2,349Check ↗
- 30
Marcus Miller V3 4 New Gen Midnight BluebursMarcus Miller · 7 finishes51Stable$512€459$512€459Check ↗
- 31
Marcus Miller U7-4 SGMMarcus Miller · 2 finishes51↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 32
Sandberg California II TM 4 MN RBSandberg · 4 finishes51Stable$2,340€2,099$2,340€2,099Check ↗
- 33
Sandberg Electra TT 4Electra TT4 RW 3TSB · Sandberg · 3 finishes50Stable$1,047€939$1,047€939Check ↗
- 34
Fender Vintera III E 60s J Bass SNBFender50↓ 5.4%$1,281€1,149$1,281€1,149Check ↗
- 35
Sandberg California II TT 4 BTW BKSandberg · 5 finishes50Stable$2,396€2,149$2,396€2,149Check ↗
- 36
Sandberg California II TT4 RW TBS HCASandberg · 7 finishes50Stable$2,786€2,499$2,786€2,499Check ↗
- 37
Fender MIM Geddy Lee Artist Series Signature Jazz BassGeddy Lee Jazz Bass BK · Fender49Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 38
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass OWTSquier · 2 finishes48Stable$329€295$329€295Check ↗
- 39
Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass LRL AZGSquier · 4 finishes48Stable$556€499$556€499Check ↗
- 40
Sandberg Electra TT 4Electra TM EF MH SB · Sandberg48Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 41
Fender Custom Shop '66 Jazz Bass Journeyman Relic66 Jazz Bass VW U-Relic MBJS · Fender48Stable$10,024€8,990$10,024€8,990Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller V8-4 NTMarcus Miller · 2 finishes47Stable$735€659$735€659Check ↗
- 43
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 4 MA CAOSadowsky · 2 finishes47↓ 7.2%$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 44
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-Fret MF 4 SGSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,025€919$1,025€919Check ↗
- 45
Marcus Miller V10-4 TGRMarcus Miller47↓ 2.0%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 46
Fender Vintera III E 70s Jazz Bass BKFender47Stable$1,448€1,299$1,448€1,299Check ↗
- 47
Fender Vintera III E 70s J Bass 3CSBFender47Stable$1,471€1,319$1,471€1,319Check ↗
- 48
Fender Vintera III E70s Jazz Bass CARFender47Stable$1,471€1,319$1,471€1,319Check ↗
- 49
Sandberg California II SLm TM4 MN BKSandberg · 3 finishes47Stable$2,006€1,799$2,006€1,799Check ↗
- 50
Marcus Miller V10DX-4 TSMarcus Miller46↓ 3.6%$1,504€1,349$1,504€1,349Check ↗
4-String J-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 264 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,025 — half of all 4-String J-Basses here cost less.
median of 193 models · 38 mm (1.5")–39.5 mm (1.56")
median of 203 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 140 models · 20–22
most common · 184 models
How to choose the best 4-String J-Basses
Neck Profile
This is huge. A thin, shredder-style neck might feel fast, but a chunkier C-shape will offer more sustain and comfort for long gigs. Try before you buy if possible - a neck that feels wrong will kill your playing, regardless of the pickups.
Pickup Voicing
J-Bass pickups vary wildly. Some are scooped and modern, others have that classic, punchy midrange honk. Consider the music you play - a scooped tone might sound great with metal, but get lost in a funk band. Listen for clarity and note separation, not just low-end rumble.
Body Wood
Alder is the standard for a reason - balanced tone, good resonance. Ash tends to be brighter with more high-end sparkle, while mahogany offers a warmer, rounder response. These aren't night-and-day differences, but they'll influence the overall character.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners mean tuning instability, which is a nightmare on stage. A poorly cut nut will choke your open strings. Solid hardware isn't about flash, it's about reliability and consistent performance - things you need when the lights are on.
Bridge Design
A fixed bridge transfers more string vibration to the body, resulting in more sustain. A two-point adjustable bridge offers better intonation stability, which is crucial if you like to play high up the neck or drop tune.
Buying guide
So, you're in the market for a J-Bass? Smart move. It's the workhorse for a reason - reliable, versatile, and capable of laying down a serious groove. But 'J-Bass' covers a lot of ground, from budget instruments to boutique axes costing more than your car. Let's break down what to look for to find the right one for your needs and your wallet.
Don't chase specs - chase feel and sound. Budget J-Basses will often cut corners on hardware and wood quality, resulting in a muddy low-end and a neck that feels like a baseball bat. Paying more generally gets you better wood, smoother fretwork, and higher-quality components that'll last longer and sound better.
But a well-setup, mid-range instrument from a reputable brand will often outperform a poorly set-up expensive one.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 264 4-String J-Basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a Fender American Professional II and an American Original II?
The Pro II is geared towards modern players with a brighter, more scooped tone and narrower neck. The Original II aims for a vintage vibe with a warmer, rounder tone and a more traditional neck profile. It's mostly about preference.
Are aftermarket pickups worth it?
Absolutely. The stock pickups on many J-Basses are...fine. But a good set of aftermarket pickups can completely transform the instrument's voice. Just be prepared to spend some money and potentially get a setup after the swap.
What about active electronics?
Active electronics give you more headroom and a more consistent output, which can be great for recording. However, they require a battery, and some players find the tone a bit sterile compared to the warmth of passive electronics.
Should I worry about the finish?
Not really. A thick poly finish is durable and easy to clean, but a nitro finish is often considered to 'breathe' better and sound more resonant. The difference is subtle and probably not worth the extra cost for most players.
Is a short scale J-Bass any good?
Short scale basses (30.5" scale) are easier to play, especially for smaller hands or beginners. They have a slinkier feel and a slightly warmer tone, but the shorter scale length can result in a bit less clarity and definition at the higher frets.
