Best 5-String Basses for Alternative Styles 2025

Perfect 5-string basses for alternative-styles - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: November 19, 2025 • Next update: November 26, 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

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG

by Lakland

Professional Use Custom Features Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• More complex muting techniques required

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG5-String Electric BassBody: AshTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 602290

$2,409

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez BTB945-COL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez BTB945-COL

by Ibanez

Professional Use Alternative Styles Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Ibanez BTB945-COL5-String Electric BassBody: Okoume/ AshTop: Poplar burl5-Piece neck-thru-body with graphite...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606697

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH

by Sadowsky

Custom Features Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• More complex muting techniques required

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599584

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SRD905-CTL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SRD905-CTL

by Ibanez

Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez SRD905-CTL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Exotic mapleBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 606604

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR

by Sadowsky

Alternative Styles Extended Range Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599737

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK

by Sadowsky

Unique Designs Custom Features Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599521

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR

by Sadowsky

Professional Use Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599529

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF

by Ibanez

Extended Range Custom Features Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: JatobaWhite dot...

⭐ 4.4/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606656

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR305E-DOT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SR305E-DOT

by Ibanez

Professional Use Unique Designs Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• May need specialized strings and setup

Ibanez SR305E-DOT5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: JatobaWhite dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 606651

$483

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado BK

by Sadowsky

Professional Use Alternative Styles Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado BK5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599733

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Custom Features Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599528

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR

by Sadowsky

Professional Use Unique Designs Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599530

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW

by Sadowsky

Alternative Styles Professional Use Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599445

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Styles Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• String spacing may feel cramped

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyEdgeless fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602786

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Unique Designs Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599739

$1,319

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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TOP

Best 5-String Basses for Alternative Styles 2025

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG

Ibanez BTB945-COL

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH

Ibanez SRD905-CTL

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF

Ibanez SR305E-DOT

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado BK

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR

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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