Best Sadowsky 5-String Basses 2025

Premium Sadowsky 5-string basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado CH

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599522

$1,264

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CH

by Sadowsky

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598338

$1,275

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

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 MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SIL

by Sadowsky

Extended Range Unique Designs Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598350

$1,275

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM TSB

by Sadowsky

Alternative Styles Extended Range Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598295

$1,275

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado CH

by Sadowsky

Extended Range Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598339

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Unique Designs Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598710

$1,286

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CAO

by Sadowsky

Professional Use Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CAO5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598300

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA CAR

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Custom Features Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598296

$1,275

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado OBL

by Sadowsky

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598324

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 Sadowsky 5-String Basses 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado CH

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM WH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CH

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA OW

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM SIL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado CH

Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Modern MA SS

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage M5 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado OBL

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL

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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