Best 4-String J-Basses Under $800 2026

Affordable 4-string j-basses under $800 - 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 V5 Alder-4 Tidepool - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 Tidepool

by Marcus Miller

Rock Funk Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TidepoolElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610799

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Pop Rock Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen.Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 460015

$548

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Rock Session Work Pop

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWHElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleNeck profile: CFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 562297

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Redburst SP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

R&B Funk Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Redburst SP 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610544

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted AWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted AWH

by Marcus Miller

R&B Jazz Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup blending

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Versatile pickup blending

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V6 Sandblasted 4 AWElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodDot...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610782

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR

by Marcus Miller

R&B Session Work Rock

Key Feature:

• Excellent note definition

✓ PROS

• Classic Jazz Bass sound
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CARElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock fingerboard inlaysNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610764

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CGM

by Marcus Miller

Funk R&B Pop

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CGMElectric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: roasted mapleNeck profile: CFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 555225

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Standard J-Bass LRL WPG OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Standard J-Bass LRL WPG OWT

by Fender

R&B Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Excellent note definition
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Fender Standard J-Bass LRL WPG OWTElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: LaurelDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 608530

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL BGM

by Squier

Jazz R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL BGMElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian laurelPearloid Dot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 615267

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Excellent note definition

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen.Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445968

$541

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLK

by Fender

R&B Funk Rock

Key Feature:

• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

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

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLKElectric BassBody: PoplarNeck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot fingerboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 608536

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Funk R&B

Key Feature:

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup blending
• Classic Jazz Bass sound

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK 2nd Gen.Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445912

$530

Buy at Thomann View Details

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN PPG OCT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN PPG OCT

by Squier

Funk Session Work R&B

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Bright, punchy single-coil tone
• Great for slap bass techniques

✗ CONS

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

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN PPG OCTElectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619752

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS

by Marcus Miller

R&B Pop Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

• Great for slap bass techniques
• Bright, punchy single-coil tone

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TSElectric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536816

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cort B4 Element Open Pore Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Cort B4 Element Open Pore Black

by Cort

R&B Jazz Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for slap bass techniques

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Cort B4 Element Open Pore BlackElectric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on 5-piece neck: Panga panga / walnutFretboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 513932

$582

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 Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4-String J-Basses Under $800 2026

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 Tidepool

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 LPB 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 24-4 VWH

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V6-4 Sandblasted AWH

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CAR

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 CGM

Fender Standard J-Bass LRL WPG OWT

Squier CV 60s Jazz Bass LRL BGM

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 TS 2nd Gen

Fender Standard J-Bass MN BPG BLK

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 BK 2nd Gen

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass MN PPG OCT

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-4 TS

Cort B4 Element Open Pore Black

How to Choose the Best 4-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies