AudioFu

Best 4-String J-Basses for Funk 2026

Perfect 4-string j-basses for funk - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado SOB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado SOB

by Sadowsky
Rock Funk Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599011
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mod J Bass RW DSK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender Player II Mod J Bass RW DSK

by Fender
R&B Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Fender Player II Mod J Bass RW DSKElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 609114
$1,196
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM SIL

by Sadowsky
Session Work Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599037
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN BPG MOC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN BPG MOC

by Squier
Rock Session Work Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN BPG MOCElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 619750
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Flight Mini JB Bass Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Flight Mini JB Bass Blue

by Flight
Jazz Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Flight Mini JB Bass BlueMini Electric BassBody: Roasted poplarTop: Roasted mapleNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 604456
$439
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 64 Jazz Bass RW 3-TSB CC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender 64 Jazz Bass RW 3-TSB CC

by Fender
Pop Funk Session Work
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Fender 64 Jazz Bass RW 3-TSB CCElectric BassFender 1964 Jazz BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 620209
$5,939
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLK

by Fender
R&B Funk Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLKElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 608536
$714
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN 3TS

by Fender
Session Work Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 609153
$1,196
Buy at Thomann View Details
Maybach Motone J Candy Apple Red Metal - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Maybach Motone J Candy Apple Red Metal

by Maybach
Rock R&B Funk
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Maybach Motone J Candy Apple Red MetalElectric BassBody: Moon spruceBolt-on neck: Solid mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 602680
$2,199
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN ELB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN ELB

by Fender
Pop R&B Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN ELBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609167
$1,192
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH J Bass 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH J Bass 3TS

by Fender
Pop Jazz Session Work
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Fender Hybrid II RAW ASH J Bass 3TSElectric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 620117
$1,759
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado TSB

by Sadowsky
Rock R&B Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598995
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Maybach Motone J Sonic Blue Aged - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Maybach Motone J Sonic Blue Aged

by Maybach
Jazz Session Work Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Maybach Motone J Sonic Blue AgedElectric BassBody: Moon spruceBolt-on neck: Solid mapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 615282
$2,309
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender 64 J-Bass SG Journeyman Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender 64 J-Bass SG Journeyman Relic

by Fender
Pop R&B Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Fender 64 J-Bass SG Journeyman RelicElectric BassCustom Shop modelTwo-piece body: AlderNeck "Quartersawm"...

⭐ 4.4/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 598709
$6,379
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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