AudioFu

Best 4-String J-Basses Under $200 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $200 - great value without compromising quality

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
Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Series

by Harley Benton
Jazz R&B Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage SeriesElectric BassVintage seriesBody: American ashBolt-on neck: Canadian Hard Rock...

⭐ 4.8/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 351690
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-20 CA Standard Serie Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton JB-20 CA Standard Serie Bundle

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

Harley Benton JB-20 CA Standard Serie Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-20 CA Standard Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 559372
$149
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series

by Harley Benton
R&B Jazz Session Work
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage SeriesElectric BassVintage SeriesBody: American ashNeck: Canadian Hard Rock maple with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 224321
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series

by Harley Benton
R&B Session Work Rock
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Harley Benton JB-75 SunburstElectric BassVintage SeriesBody: American ashNeck: Canadian Hard Rock MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 304930
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-20 SB Standard Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton JB-20 SB Standard Series

by Harley Benton
Rock Jazz R&B
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Harley Benton JB-20 SB E-Bass, Electric BassThe MB22 is a jazz-style bass that offers all the typical features of the...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 140442
$120
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-62CC SP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton JB-62CC SP

by Harley Benton
R&B Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Harley Benton JB-62CC SPElectric BassClassic SeriesComfort body: BasswoodBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 523524
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-Style

by Harley Benton
Rock Session Work R&B
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton Bass Guitar Kit J-StyleKit for JB-Style Electric BassComplete DIY (do it yourself) kitBolt-on neck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 280893
$109
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG

by Harley Benton
Rock Session Work Funk
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFGElectric BassClassic SeriesComfort body: PoplarBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.6/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 523526
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series

by Harley Benton
Session Work R&B Funk
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Harley Benton JB-20 Standard BM SeriesElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 460178
$131
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series Bundle

by Harley Benton
Jazz Pop Session Work
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 541437
$153
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-75MN Black Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black Vintage Series

by Harley Benton
Rock Pop Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • String spacing may not suit all players

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black Vintage SeriesElectric BassVintage SeriesBody: American ashBolt-on neck: Canadian Hard Rock...

⭐ 4.6/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 355902
$197
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Funk R&B Pop
Key Feature:
• Classic Jazz Bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-20 BM St. Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-20 BM Standard Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 541435
$153
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-62CC OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton JB-62CC OW

by Harley Benton
R&B Rock Pop
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-62CC OWElectric BassClassic SeriesComfort body: BasswoodBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.5/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 523536
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-62SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Harley Benton JB-62SB

by Harley Benton
Session Work Pop Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Less output than humbucker basses
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-62SBElectric BassClassic SeriesBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 523546
$175
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-62CC LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton JB-62CC LPB

by Harley Benton
Jazz Pop Funk
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Harley Benton JB-62CC LPBElectric BassClassic SeriesComfort body: BasswoodBolt-on neck: vintage caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.7/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 523522
$175
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more