Best 4-String J-Basses Under $300 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $300 - 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

Markbass MB Yellow LITTLE - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Markbass MB Yellow LITTLE

by Markbass

Funk Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• Single-coils can be noisy

Markbass MB YELLOW LITTLEElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelDot fingerboard inlaysScale: 762 mm...

⭐ 4.9/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596851

$297

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Daphne Blue

by Harley Benton

Funk Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone
• Less output than humbucker basses

Harley Benton MV-4JB Daphne BlueElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore maple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570587

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Natural

by Harley Benton

Rock Funk Session Work

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

Harley Benton MV-4JB NaturalELectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore maple with...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570468

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black V. Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black V. Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Funk Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black V. Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-75MN Black Vintage...

⭐ 4.4/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 540192

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-62CC OW Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JB-62CC OW Bundle

by Harley Benton

Session Work Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-62CC OW Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-62CC OW*Electric Bass*Classic SeriesComfort...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 565880

$206

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Shell Pink - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Shell Pink

by Harley Benton

Jazz R&B Funk

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

• Single-coils can be noisy
• String spacing may not suit all players

Harley Benton MV-4JB Shell PinkElectric GuitarDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570475

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist

by Harley Benton

R&B Jazz Pop

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy MistElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570593

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Rock Session Work Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536805

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black

by Harley Benton

Pop Rock Session Work

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4JB BlackElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore maple with...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570599

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-62CC SP Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JB-62CC SP Bundle

by Harley Benton

Jazz Session Work Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-62CC SP Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-62CC SP*Electric Bass*Classic SeriesComfort...

⭐ 4.7/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570673

$206

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-62 SB Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton JB-62 SB Bundle

by Harley Benton

Session Work R&B Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-62 SB Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-62SB*Electric Bass*Classic SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557104

$204

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Seri Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Seri Bundle

by Harley Benton

Session Work Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Seri Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 544082

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG Bundle

by Harley Benton

Pop R&B Session Work

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG*Electric Bass*Classic...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 557108

$204

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Seafoam Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Seafoam Green

by Harley Benton

R&B Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4JB Seafoam GreenElectric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian sycamore with...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570560

$252

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vint. Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vint. Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Session Work Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• Single-coils can be noisy

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vint. Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 536807

$208

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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TOP

Best 4-String J-Basses Under $300 2026

Markbass MB Yellow LITTLE

Harley Benton MV-4JB Daphne Blue

Harley Benton MV-4JB Natural

Harley Benton JB-75MN Black V. Series Bundle

Harley Benton JB-62CC OW Bundle

Harley Benton MV-4JB Shell Pink

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series w/Bag

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black

Harley Benton JB-62CC SP Bundle

Harley Benton JB-62 SB Bundle

Harley Benton JB-75MN NA Vintage Seri Bundle

Harley Benton JB-62CC SFG Bundle

Harley Benton MV-4JB Seafoam Green

Harley Benton JB-75MN SB Vint. Series w/Bag

How to Choose the Best 4-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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