Best Pickups for 4-String J-Bass Under $500 2025

Affordable pickups for 4-string j-bass under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass, 4 Str, Set

Professional Performance Modern Sound Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Improves tone and output
✓ PROS
  • • Improves tone and output
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass4 StrPickup Set for Electric BassPassive humbucker pickups for 4-string jazz bass...

4.9/5 (54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Lollar PJ-Bass DC Noiseless 4S Set BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Lollar PJ-Bass DC Noiseless 4S Set BK

Tone Enhancement Modern Sound Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Many vintage and modern options
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • May need additional electronics work
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

Lollar PJ-Bass DC Noiseless 4S Set BKSet of Pickups for Electric BassJ-Style single coil and P-Style split coilThe...

4.4/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Lollar BS J-Style Bass Set BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Lollar BS J-Style Bass Set BK

Studio Recording Professional Performance Modern Sound
Key Feature:
• Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
✓ PROS
  • • Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
  • • Improves tone and output
✗ CONS
  • • Requires technical installation
  • • May need additional electronics work

Lollar BS J-Style Bass Set BKPickup Set For J-Style Electric BassHand-woundConstruction: Single CoilsOutput:...

4.6/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup Set

Jazz Bass Upgrade Studio Recording Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Can dramatically change bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Designed specifically for Jazz Bass
  • • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
  • • May change original vintage value
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup SetPickup Set for Electric BassStacked coil pickupFor the neck position and bridge...

4.9/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Kloppmann JB 61 J-Bass Set BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Kloppmann JB 61 J-Bass Set BK

Jazz Bass Upgrade Studio Recording Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Can dramatically change bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
  • • Many vintage and modern options
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • May change original vintage value

Kloppmann JB 61 J-Bass Set BKSet of Pickups for J-Style Electric BassHand-woundPickup type: Single CoilsOutput: Vintage...

4.5/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Lollar PJ-Bass Set HW bridge 4S Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Lollar PJ-Bass Set HW bridge 4S Black

Professional Performance Tone Enhancement Vintage Restoration
Key Feature:
• Can dramatically change bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • May change original vintage value
  • • May need additional electronics work

Lollar PJ-Bass Set HW bridge 4S BlackPickup Set for Electric Bass1 Single coil and 1 split coilFor PJ-Style...

4.9/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Aguilar AG 4J-HC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Aguilar AG 4J-HC

Tone Enhancement Modern Sound Studio Recording
Key Feature:
• Can dramatically change bass sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Can dramatically change bass sound
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • Can be expensive for premium pickups

Aguilar AG 4J-HCSet of Pickups for Electric BassTwo hum-canceling single coilsFor J-Style modelsFor bridge and neck...

4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

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.

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