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Best 4-String J-Basses Under $2,000 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $2,000 - 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 V10-4 TGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CAO

by Sadowsky
Jazz Session Work Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Single-coils can be noisy
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 598994
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II SL TM 4 BK MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sandberg California II SL TM 4 BK MN

by Sandberg
Jazz R&B Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Sandberg California II SL TM 4 BK MNElectric BassBody: PaulowniaBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Maple22 FretsNut width:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 477436
$1,979
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TM4 RW BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BKB

by Sandberg
Funk Rock Session Work
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Sandberg California II TM4 RW BKBElectric BassBody: AshNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodScale: 34" (long scale)22...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 363348
$1,924
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg Electra TT4 RW CR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW CR

by Sandberg
Rock R&B Pop
Key Feature:
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✓ PROS
  • • Excellent note definition
  • • Versatile pickup blending
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Sandberg Electra TT4 RW CRElectric BassBasswood bodyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodScale: Long scale22...

⭐ 4.8/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 301714
$1,033
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Player II Mod J Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Fender Player II Mod J Bass RW DSK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass BK

by Fender
Session Work Funk R&B
Key Feature:
• Excellent note definition
✓ PROS
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
  • • Classic Jazz Bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Bass BK, Electric BassIt's high time that bass legend Geddy Lee gets his own signature...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 136171
$1,429
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller V10-4 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBK

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

Marcus Miller V10-4 TBKElectric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Solid poplar burlBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleAbalone...

⭐ 4.6/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584328
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBK

by FGN
Session Work Jazz Funk
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Bright, punchy single-coil tone
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • May lack warmth for some styles

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBKElectric BassBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays: black...

⭐ 4.4/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 591652
$1,649
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender Hybrid II Jazz Bass PJ MN MDR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Fender Hybrid II Jazz Bass PJ MN MDR

by Fender
Session Work R&B Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
  • • Less output than humbucker basses

Fender Hybrid II Jazz Bass PJ MN MDRElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 598062
$1,539
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado BK

by Sadowsky
Jazz R&B Funk
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup blending
✓ PROS
  • • Great for slap bass techniques
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may not suit all players
  • • Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 598469
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ4 RM SGR

by Sadowsky
Jazz Pop Session Work
Key Feature:
• Great for slap bass techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup blending
  • • Excellent note definition
✗ CONS
  • • May lack warmth for some styles
  • • Single-coils can be noisy

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599035
$1,066
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado CH

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

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599066
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Morado SIL

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

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599065
$1,044
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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