Best Marcus Miller 4-String J-Basses 2026

Premium Marcus Miller 4-string j-basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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 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 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 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 V3P-4 BKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V3P-4 BKS

by Marcus Miller

Funk Session Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536924

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Swamp Ash-4 BMR 2nd - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Swamp Ash-4 BMR 2nd

by Marcus Miller

Session Work R&B Funk

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Swamp Ash-4 BMR 2ndElectric BassBody: Swamp ashOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 446323

$725

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Pop Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NTElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: RosewoodNeck profile: CFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562293

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Pop R&B

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V8-4 WBElectric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: roasted mapleNeck profile: C-shapeFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553394

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 MA 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3 MA 2nd GenElectric BassMahogany bodyBolt-on maple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CBone nut20...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446376

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NT

by Marcus Miller

Pop Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584270

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553392

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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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Best Marcus Miller 4-String J-Basses 2026

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 MLG

Marcus Miller V8-4 TS

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 VWH

Marcus Miller V3P-4 BKS

Marcus Miller V3 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Swamp Ash-4 BMR 2nd

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 NT

Marcus Miller V8-4 WB

Marcus Miller V3 MA 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-4 Reissue NT

Marcus Miller V3 BKS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V8-4 NT

Marcus Miller V10-4 TGR

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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