Best 4-String J-Basses Under $500 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $500 - 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 V3 BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Funk Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V3 BK 2nd GenElectric BassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fingerboard (Dalbergia Latifolia)Neck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446375

$406

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 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 V3P-4 SNB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNB

by Marcus Miller

Funk R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• String spacing may not suit all players

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNBElectric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536932

$384

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

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT

by Squier

Jazz Session Work Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• String spacing may not suit all players

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NATElectric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 457323

$444

Buy at Thomann View Details

Flight Mini JB Bass Moonburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Flight Mini JB Bass Moonburst

by Flight

Session Work Funk Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• String spacing may not suit all players

Flight Mini JB Bass MoonburstElectric Bass UkuleleBody: Roasted poplarTop: Roasted mapleNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 604447

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL 3TS

by Squier

Session Work Funk Pop

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL 3TSElectric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Indian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457311

$430

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series Set 3 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series Set 3

by Harley Benton

Pop Jazz Funk

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series Set 3*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series*Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 315435

$406

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Session Work Jazz Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe SeriesElectric BassDeluxe SeriesSides: OvangkolContinuous 7-piece mahogany/maple/nato...

⭐ 4.5/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 264956

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black w/Case

by Harley Benton

Session Work R&B Jazz

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4JB Black*Electric Bass*Deluxe SeriesBody:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597075

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN 3TS

by Squier

Session Work Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing may not suit all players
• May lack warmth for some styles

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN 3TSElectric BassClassic Vibe SeriesBody: PoplarNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 457320

$444

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB Lake Bl w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB Lake Bl w/Case

by Harley Benton

Session Work Rock Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB Lake Bl w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB Lake Blue*Electric...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 558013

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist w/Case

by Harley Benton

R&B Funk Jazz

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

• May lack warmth for some styles
• Requires EQ adjustment for optimal tone

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist*Electric...

⭐ 5.0/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 597077

$303

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Pop Session Work Funk

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural*Electric...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 538007

$347

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 $500 2026

Marcus Miller V3 BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 VWH

Marcus Miller V3 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V3P-4 SNB

Marcus Miller V3P-4 TS

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN NAT

Flight Mini JB Bass Moonburst

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL 3TS

Harley Benton JB-75 SB Vintage Series Set 3

Harley Benton HBZ-2004 Deluxe Series

Harley Benton MV-4JB Black w/Case

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass MN 3TS

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4EB Lake Bl w/Case

Harley Benton MV-4JB Burgundy Mist w/Case

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-4MN Natural w/Bag

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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