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Best 4-String J-Basses Under $1,000 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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 V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW AQB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW AQB

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

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW AQBElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595172
$988
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller V8-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW 3TS

by Fender
Funk Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • String spacing may not suit all players

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW 3TSElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595171
$988
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller V8-4 WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM TSB

by Sadowsky
Rock Funk Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598495
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN PWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN PWT

by Fender
Jazz Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN PWTElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: Black...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595187
$968
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN BLK

by Fender
Funk Jazz Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN BLKElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: Black...

⭐ 4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595183
$989
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN CRR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN CRR

by Fender
Pop Funk Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Fender Player II Jazz Bass MN CRRElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: Black...

⭐ 4.6/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595189
$978
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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

by Marcus Miller
Session Work Funk R&B
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Marcus Miller V7 Vint. Swamp Ash-4 2 Gen NTElectric BassTuned to sound like the original bass from the 70s favoured by...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 572513
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller V8-4 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW BCG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW BCG

by Fender
Rock Jazz Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • String spacing may not suit all players

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW BCGElectric BassColour: Birch GreenBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 595179
$988
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW HLY - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW HLY

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

Fender Player II Jazz Bass RW HLYElectric BassNickel/Chrome hardwareBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodFingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 595177
$988
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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