Best 5-String Basses 2025

Top-rated 5-string basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Extended Range For Unique Designs For Experimental Music For Custom Features For Alternative Styles For Professional Use

BRANDS: Sadowsky Ibanez Warwick Marcus Miller Yamaha Harley Benton Sterling by Music Man Spector Lakland Music Man Sandberg Cort Fodera Marleaux

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Custom Features Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• 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:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585164

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK

by Sterling by Music Man

Unique Designs Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• May need specialized strings and setup

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK5 String Electric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585179

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 Dorado Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 Dorado Green

by Sterling by Music Man

Alternative Styles Experimental Music Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• 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...

⭐ 4.9/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585184

$1,297

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Skyburst Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Skyburst Sparkle

by Marcus Miller

Extended Range Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range with low B string
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Skyburst Sparkle5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610505

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint

by Marcus Miller

Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• String spacing may feel cramped

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint5-String Electric BassNew Z Series with J and humbucker pickups and premium hardwareBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 586971

$675

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL

by Marcus Miller

Professional Use Alternative Styles Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range with low B string
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 495971

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT

by Marcus Miller

Custom Features Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 495972

$762

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS

by Sterling by Music Man

Professional Use Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Extended low-end range with low B string

✗ CONS

• Higher learning curve vs 4-string
• More complex muting techniques required

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 435219

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT

by Harley Benton

Custom Features Extended Range Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range with low B string
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• Higher learning curve vs 4-string
• String spacing may feel cramped

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: Mahogany / Ash / Mahogany / AshTop: AAA flamed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 521703

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue

by Marcus Miller

Extended Range Alternative Styles Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• 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...

⭐ 5.0/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 600592

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ulrich Bass Saulus Duo 5 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Ulrich Bass Saulus Duo 5 Black

by Ulrich Bass

Extended Range Custom Features Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• String spacing may feel cramped

Ulrich Bass Saulus Duo 5 Black5-String Electric BassChambered body: AshTop: AlderThree-pieceset-in maple...

⭐ 4.9/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 590349

$5,279

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black

by Sterling by Music Man

Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• 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:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 612237

$2,463

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp Ash - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp Ash

by Marcus Miller

Professional Use Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp AshElectric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584230

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 5st BRS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M7 5st BRS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Custom Features Alternative Styles Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• May need specialized strings and setup

Marcus Miller M7 5st BRS 2nd Gen.5-String electric bassBody: alderTop: flamed mapleNeck: mapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446235

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black

by Marcus Miller

Custom Features Experimental Music Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• Higher learning curve vs 4-string
• May need specialized strings and setup

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black5-String Electric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584183

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

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 5-string basses 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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Best 5-String Basses 2025

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35 Dorado Green

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Skyburst Sparkle

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue

Ulrich Bass Saulus Duo 5 Black

Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp Ash

Marcus Miller M7 5st BRS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black

How to Choose the Best 5-String Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 5-string basses?

How much should I spend on 5-string basses?

Are expensive 5-string basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 5-string basses?

Should I buy 5-string basses online or in-store?

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