Best Pickups for 4-String J-Bass Under $100 2026
Affordable pickups for 4-string j-bass under $100 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
DiMarzio DP148 BK
by
DiMarzio
Professional Performance
Studio Recording
Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
- • Can dramatically change bass sound
- • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for premium pickups
- • Installation voids warranty
DiMarzio DP148 BK, Ultra J-Style PickupDiMarzio was first to offer replacement pickups for electric-guitars and -basses...
⭐
4.9/5
(29 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 152386
$98
#2
⭐
5.0/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Short 4
by
Sadowsky
Tone Enhancement
Studio Recording
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
- • Many vintage and modern options
- • Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✗ CONS
- • May change original vintage value
- • Requires technical installation
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Short 4Pickup for Electric BassJ-style single coilShielded2-wire connection cablePassiveDC...
⭐
5.0/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 610277
$76
#3
⭐
4.7/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Tesla VR-B1 Bridge BK
by
Tesla
Studio Recording
Tone Enhancement
Modern Sound
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
- • Improves tone and output
- • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
- • May change original vintage value
- • May need additional electronics work
Tesla VR-B1 Bridge BKPickup for Electric BassJ-style single coilString spacing: 59.1 mmConnections: 2-wireDC...
⭐
4.7/5
(35 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 611391
$54
#4
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Tesla Opus-JB Bridge BK
by
Tesla
Tone Enhancement
Studio Recording
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
- • Professional upgrade option
- • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
- • May change original vintage value
- • Requires technical installation
Tesla Opus-JB Bridge BKPickup for Electric BassJ-style single coilPassiveConnections: 2-wireString spacing: 59.1 mmDC...
⭐
4.9/5
(43 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 611403
$83
#5
⭐
4.9/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Long 4
by
Sadowsky
Vintage Restoration
Professional Performance
Modern Sound
Key Feature:
• Many vintage and modern options
✓ PROS
- • Professional upgrade option
- • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
- • Can be expensive for premium pickups
- • Installation voids warranty
Sadowsky J-Style Bass Pickup Long 4Pickup for Electric BassJ-StyleShielded2-conductor connection cablePassiveDC...
⭐
4.9/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
5/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610282
$76
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
DiMarzio DP148 CR
by
DiMarzio
Professional Performance
Vintage Restoration
Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
- • Many vintage and modern options
- • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
- • Requires technical installation
- • May change original vintage value
DiMarzio DP148 CR, Ultra J-Style Pickup, More output then Model J, Bridge position, Colour: Creme
⭐
4.7/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
6/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 175552
$98
#7
⭐
4.5/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
DiMarzio DP147
by
DiMarzio
Vintage Restoration
Studio Recording
Modern Sound
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
- • Professional upgrade option
- • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
- • May change original vintage value
- • Can be expensive for premium pickups
DiMarzio DP147, Pickups For 4-String Electric Bass, Ultra J-Style, For neck position
⭐
4.5/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
10/10
Art. 113146
$98
#8
⭐
4.8/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
DiMarzio DP147 Creme
by
DiMarzio
Jazz Bass Upgrade
Modern Sound
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Many vintage and modern options
✓ PROS
- • Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
- • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
- • Requires technical installation
- • May change original vintage value
DiMarzio DP147 Creme, Pickups For Electric Bass, Ultra J-style pickup, For 4-string, Position: Neck, Colour: Cream
⭐
4.8/5
(26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
6/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 265149
$98
How to Choose the Best Pickups for 4-String J-Bass
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 pickups for 4-string j-bass 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.
