AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Acoustic Basses 2026
The top pick is Warwick Rockbass Alien Deluxe Hybrid Thinline 4 ($1,066). Harley Benton B-35NT Acoustic Bass w/Bag gives you the most for the money at $212. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models across 3 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
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All 5-String Acoustic BassesTop 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Warwick Rockbass Alien Deluxe Hybrid Thinline 4
RockBass Alien Deluxe Hybrid B · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Weight3.2 kg
This bass mixes a solid spruce top for acoustic punch with electric pickups for studio use. The titanium frets keep the sound bright, while the long scale stretches your range. It fits players who want both acoustic warmth and modern tone without guessing at the sound.
Pros
- Solid spruce top drives a strong acoustic response
- Titanium brass frets stay bright for long shows
- Hybrid pickups blend acoustic and electric tones
Cons
- No listed specs for wood construction quality
- Fingerboard radius is wide at 26 inches
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,066 now$1,066€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Alien Deluxe Hybrid Thinline 5
RockBass Alien Deluxe 5 NTS · Warwick
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Fingerboard radius660 mm (25.98")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Weight3.35 kg
This bass plays like an acoustic guitar but works plugged in too. The solid spruce top sounds bright and loud, while the titanium frets feel smooth under your fingers. It's a great choice if you need one instrument that covers both acoustic gigs and studio recording. Smaller players might find the long scale and wide nut a bit tough.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers strong acoustic projection
- Titanium brass alloy frets stay tight for years
- Fishman Sonicore piezo handles acoustic and electric
Cons
- No weight listed so it may feel heavy
- Long scale can be hard on smaller hands
73AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,066 now$1,066€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Alien Deluxe Hybrid Thinline 5
RockBass Alien Deluxe 5 Hybrid · Warwick
6 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Weight2.9 kg
This hybrid bass sounds great in both acoustic and electric settings thanks to its spruce top and dual pickups. The heavy walnut body and titanium frets make it feel solid but require a bit more strength to lift. It is perfect for players who want a bright, punchy tone without needing a full electric bass setup.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a bright, punchy acoustic tone.
- Titanium-brass alloy frets offer extra durability and smooth play.
- Dual Shadow NanoMag and NanoFlex pickups blend acoustic and electric tones.
Cons
- Heavy laminated walnut back and sides add significant weight.
- Lacks dedicated volume knob for the Shadow E-Sonic preamp.
70AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 16Oct 16$1,066 now$1,066€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47 mm (1.85")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This 5-string bass packs a solid build with spruce top and mahogany neck. It comes with a gig bag and has a built-in pickup so you can play anywhere. Perfect for players who want extra strings without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Includes gig bag with backpack straps and padding
- Built-in pickup with four-band equalizer and tuner
- Uses durable Jatoba wood for fretboard and bridge
Cons
- Weight is not specified in the description
- No mention of string tension or playability feel
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Warwick Rockbass Alien Standard 5
RockBass Alien Standard 5 NTS · Warwick
3 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Weight3.35 kg
This bass uses a solid spruce top for a bright sound, but the laminate back and sides limit depth. The long 34-inch scale and extra-high jumbo frets make it feel different than a standard bass. It fits players who want clear output and easy fret access without needing deep resonance.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers bright, punchy acoustic tone
- Titanium-brass jumbo frets stay smooth for long play
- Fishman Sonicore piezo offers clean, consistent output
Cons
- Laminate back and sides lack deep resonance of solid wood
- 34-inch scale is longer than standard 30-inch scales
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$898 now$898€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Weight3.3 kg
The Alien 5 NT is a seriously impressive acoustic bass. The spruce top really sings, and the Fishman electronics capture a remarkably natural amplified tone. It's ideal for fingerstyle players or anyone wanting a stage-ready acoustic bass with a powerful low-end and a touch of sophistication.
Pros
- AAAA Sitka spruce top delivers exceptional clarity and projection.
- Fishman Prefix Plus T electronics offer a natural, amplified acoustic tone.
- Long 34in scale provides a tight, defined low-end response.
Cons
- Ovangkol back and sides can sometimes exhibit a slightly boxy tone.
- 3.3 kg weight makes it a bit hefty for extended playing sessions.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,796 now$1,796€1,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
The Ortega D7CE-5 Deep is a surprisingly good value for a 5-string acoustic bass. It offers a pleasant acoustic voice with a decent amplified tone, making it a solid choice for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a versatile, affordable stage-ready bass. This is perfect for folk, blues, and roots music where a natural, woody tone is desired.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and responsive acoustic tone.
- Mahogany back and sides contribute a warm, woody resonance and sustain.
- Ortega MagusPro/G pickup system provides a usable amplified signal with decent clarity.
Cons
- Mahogany neck can be prone to movement with humidity changes; requires attentive care.
- Walnut fingerboard might feel slightly harder than rosewood for some players.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$368 now$368€328 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
The Ortega D8CE-5 Deep is a solid choice for acoustic bass players wanting a rich, warm tone with decent amplification. It's a surprisingly affordable instrument offering a good balance of features and build quality, perfect for folk, blues, or Americana styles where a natural acoustic bass sound is paramount.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a bright, responsive tone with good projection.
- Mahogany back and sides contribute a warm, woody resonance and sustain.
- Ortega MagusPro/G pickup system provides a surprisingly clean amplified sound.
Cons
- Mahogany neck might be a bit thick for players preferring a thinner profile.
- Walnut fingerboard can feel slightly harder than rosewood, impacting feel.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$370 now$370€329 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44 mm (1.73")
- Scale812 mm (31.97")
- Strings5-string
The Ortega KTSM2-5 is a seriously cool acoustic bass, especially if you're into a slightly more compact instrument. Ken Taylor’s signature really shines through in the ergonomics and aesthetic. This is a great choice for gigging musicians needing an amplified acoustic bass that's easy to transport and delivers a surprisingly robust sound.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly articulate and resonant acoustic tone.
- Ken Taylor’s reversed headstock improves string angle and aesthetic appeal.
- Ortega MagusX/B pickup system offers a clean, usable amplified signal with onboard controls.
Cons
- The thinner body, while comfortable, might lack the projection of a full-sized acoustic bass.
- Nato neck, while stable, isn't as premium feeling as mahogany or maple.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
5-String Acoustic Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 14 models we track, not a sample.
Median $370 — half of all 5-String acoustic basses here cost less.
median of 12 models · 44 mm (1.73")–47 mm (1.85")
median of 7 models · 812 mm (31.97")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 14 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 13 models
How to choose the best 5-String acoustic basses
Scale Length
Most 5-string acoustics stick with a 27.5" scale, but a longer scale (30" or more) can help tighten up that low B and prevent it from getting muddy. The shorter scale is easier to play, but you'll feel the string tension more.
Bracing Pattern
Acoustic bass bracing is critical. Look for designs that balance projection with resonance - too much bracing and you'll strangle the low end, too little and you'll have a floppy, undefined sound. X-bracing is common, but scalloped bracing can really open up the sound.
Tonewoods
Mahogany generally delivers a warm, woody tone with a pronounced midrange - great for rootsy styles. Spruce tops offer more clarity and projection, a good choice if you need to cut through a band. Rosewood back and sides add complexity and sustain.
Neck Profile & Action
That B string adds a lot of tension, so a comfortable neck profile is essential. A thinner 'C' shape is often preferred for ease of playing, but it's a personal preference. Action will be higher than on a 4-string - expect it, and be prepared to have it adjusted.
Pickup Voicing (if equipped)
Many 5-string acoustics come with pickups for amplification. The voicing here is crucial - a brittle, ice-picky pickup will ruin an otherwise great acoustic tone. Look for pickups that emphasize warmth and natural response, not harsh highs.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to add a 5-string acoustic bass to your arsenal? Smart move. That extra low B string opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities, from laying down a serious low-end thump in a bluegrass band to adding some serious growl to your jazz ensemble. But choosing the right one? That's where things get interesting - it's not just about slapping on another string, it's about finding an instrument that handles the added tension and still delivers a playable, resonant sound. Let's break down what you need to know.
Don't be fooled by low prices - a 5-string acoustic bass takes a beating structurally. Cheap ones often use flimsy construction and low-grade materials, leading to intonation problems and a dull, lifeless sound. Spending a little more on a well-built instrument with a solid top and a comfortable neck will pay off in the long run.
And seriously, have a luthier check the action and intonation before you commit - that low B needs to be singing, not buzzing.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 14 5-String acoustic basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a 5-string acoustic bass hard to play?
It's more demanding than a 4-string, definitely. The extra string tension requires more finger strength and a willingness to adjust your technique. The wider neck can also take some getting used to.
Can I use standard 5-string electric bass strings on an acoustic?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. Acoustic bass strings are designed for the higher string tension and different tonal characteristics. Electric strings can overstress the instrument and negatively affect the sound.
How loud is a 5-string acoustic bass?
It's louder than a 4-string, but still not as loud as an electric bass. It's best suited for smaller ensembles or unplugged settings. If you need serious volume, amplification is almost a necessity.
What's the deal with the low B string - is it always muddy?
It can be, especially on cheaper instruments. A longer scale length, good bracing, and careful string selection are key to keeping that B string articulate and defined. It's not just about low end, it's about usable low end.
Are 5-string acoustic basses worth the extra money?
If you genuinely need that extended range and the unique tonal color it provides, then absolutely. But be realistic about your playing style and budget - don't buy one just because it looks cool.
