AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Acoustic Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton B-35NT Acoustic Bass w/Bag ($212). Ortega KTSM2-5 Ken Taylor Signature leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 4 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 4
Full detail for the 4 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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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- 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 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $224 — half of all 5-String acoustic basses here cost less.
median of 7 models · 44 mm (1.73")–47 mm (1.85")
median of 7 models · 812 mm (31.97")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 9 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 8 models
How to choose the best 5-String acoustic basses
Tone & Voicing
This isn't about 'warmth' or 'brightness' - it's about articulation. Can you hear individual notes in a chord? Does the low B string have a usable, defined thump without just being a muddy rumble? That's what we're listening for.
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your speed and comfort. We're looking for something that feels good in the hand, and an action that's low enough to be playable without excessive fret buzz - a huge deal for live performance.
Construction & Hardware
Solid wood tops are ideal, but at this price point, laminate is common. We're assessing the overall build quality - are the tuners stable? Does the bridge feel secure? Cheap hardware will be the first thing to fail.
Pickup Quality (If Equipped)
Many acoustic-electric basses in this range have pickups. We're judging them on their naturalness - do they amplify the acoustic tone faithfully, or introduce unwanted harshness or muddiness? Headroom is key; you need it to cut through a mix.
Overall Value
Let's be real, we're looking for the most instrument for the money. That means balancing compromises - sometimes you'll get a killer neck but a so-so top, or vice versa. It's about finding the best overall package.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking for a 5-string acoustic bass without breaking the bank? It's a tricky hunt - that extra string adds complexity and cost. But it's doable.
Don't expect miracles. At this price point, compromises are inevitable. The biggest trade-off will be in the tonewoods - laminate tops will sound less resonant than solid wood, but they're more stable.
Watch out for overly high action, which can be adjusted, but indicates a lack of attention to detail. Prioritize a comfortable neck profile over fancy inlays - you'll be playing more with your hands than your eyes.
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 9 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
Will a 5-string acoustic bass be loud enough for a gig?
An acoustic bass will never be as loud as an electric. You'll likely need to mic it up for larger venues, but for smaller clubs and intimate settings, it can work. A decent acoustic-electric pickup helps, but don't expect stage-filling volume.
What's the difference between laminate and solid wood?
Solid wood generally resonates better and ages more gracefully, developing a richer tone over time. Laminate is more stable and less prone to cracking, but it lacks the same tonal complexity. It's a common compromise in this price range.
Can I easily adjust the action on these basses?
Most likely, yes. The truss rod allows for adjustments to neck relief, and saddle height adjustments can lower the action. However, some cheaper basses might have limited adjustment range.
Are the pickups any good?
It's a mixed bag. Many are serviceable, but don't expect premium piezo clarity. They're often a bit 'honky' in the midrange. Experiment with EQ to find a usable tone. Some models offer better pickups than others, so do your research.
What about the low B string - is it usable?
That's the critical question. Many cheaper 5-strings struggle with the low B. It often sounds muddy or lifeless. Listen carefully for clarity and definition when evaluating a bass. If the B string is a disaster, the whole instrument is compromised.
