Best 5-String Basses 2026
Top-rated 5-string basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black
- • Professional versatility
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 Dorado Green
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 Dorado Green5 String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted...
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Professional versatility
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Maple21 FretsNut...
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue
- • Professional versatility
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue5 String Electric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Professional versatility
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • May need specialized strings and setup
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck profile: CEdgeless...
Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • Professional versatility
- • String spacing may feel cramped
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...
Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 2024
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • String spacing may feel cramped
Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 20245-String Electric Bass2024 Limited RunBody: European alderTop:...
Ulrich Bass Retro57 M 5 Black Relic
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Professional versatility
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
- • String spacing may feel cramped
Ulrich Bass Retro57 M 5 Black Relic5 String Electric BassBody: WalnutNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...
Human Base BaseX.oc5 OPNT
- • Professional versatility
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
Human Base BaseX.oc5 OPNTElectric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-onn: MpaleeckFingerboard: RosewoodGraphite nut with zero...
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
- • More complex muting techniques required
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard:...
Marleaux Contra 5
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Professional versatility
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
- • More complex muting techniques required
Marleaux Contra 55-String Electric BassFlamed maple bodyMountain spruce top3-Piece continuous (neck-thru-body) flamed...
Marleaux Consat 33-5 Buckeyeburl
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • String spacing may feel cramped
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
Marleaux Consat 33-5 Buckeyeburl5-String Electric BassBody: AlderPremium Signature top: Buckeye BurlBolt-on neck:...
Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 5
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 55-String Electric Bass35th Anniversary ModelChambered body: AlderTop: Quilted...
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • More complex muting techniques required
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green5-String Electric BassSelected hardwood body5-Piece bolt-on maple neckMaple...
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH BOB
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
- • May need specialized strings and setup
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH BOB5 String Electric BassBody: NyatohTop: spalted maple veneerBolt-on neck:...
How to Choose the Best 5-String 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