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Best 5-String Basses Under $1,000 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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 StingRay RAY25CA Olympic White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY25CA Olympic White

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Designs Professional Use Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY25CA Olympic White5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585270
$824
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller M7 5st TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Marcus Miller M7 5st TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller
Custom Features Professional Use Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 446241
$867
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez BTB605-TGF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Ibanez BTB605-TGF

by Ibanez
Experimental Music Unique Designs Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Ibanez BTB605-TGF5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Poplar burl5-Piece neck-thru-body with graphite reinforcement...

⭐ 4.7/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 606736
$934
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 NBT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 NBT

by Warwick
Professional Use Unique Designs Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 NBT5-String Electric BassArched body: CarolinaBolt-on 4-piece neck: Maple with Ekanga...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 452133
$912
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha TRBX 605FM Indigo Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Yamaha TRBX 605FM Indigo Blue

by Yamaha
Unique Designs Experimental Music Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Yamaha TRBX 605FM Indigo Blue5-String Electric BassBody: AlderTop: Flamed maple5-Piece neck: maple/mahoganyFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 605630
$912
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR505E-BM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez SR505E-BM

by Ibanez
Professional Use Experimental Music Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Ibanez SR505E-BM5-String Electric BassFive-part neck: Jatoba / walnutBody: OkuméFingerboard: JatobaOval abalone...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 457238
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR505E-BAB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Ibanez SR505E-BAB

by Ibanez
Alternative Styles Custom Features Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Ibanez SR505E-BAB5-String Electric BassBody: Okoume5-Piece bolt-on neck: Jatoba / walnutFingerboard: RosewoodAbalone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 557347
$879
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR605E-CTF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ibanez SR605E-CTF

by Ibanez
Custom Features Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Ibanez SR605E-CTF5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-Piece neck: jatoba/walnutFretboard: Rosewood24 Medium fretsFretboard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 510171
$978
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp Ash - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Cort A5 Plus SC Amber Open Pore - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Cort A5 Plus SC Amber Open Pore

by Cort
Extended Range Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Cort A5 Plus SC Amber Open Pore5-String BassBody: Swamp ashTop: Poplar burl5-Piece neck-thru-body: Maple / Panga...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 484247
$952
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR605E-BKT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Ibanez SR605E-BKT

by Ibanez
Professional Use Unique Designs Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Ibanez SR605E-BKT5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-Piece neck: Jatoba/walnutFretboard: Rosewood24 Medium fretsFretboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 510172
$923
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha TRBX 605FM Caramel Brown - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Yamaha TRBX 605FM Caramel Brown

by Yamaha
Custom Features Extended Range Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Yamaha TRBX 605FM Caramel Brown5-String Electric BassBody: AlderTop: flamed maple5-Piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 605627
$912
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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