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Best 5-String Basses Under $2,000 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

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
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH BOB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH BOB

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Designs Experimental Music Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • 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:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 585174
$1,594
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH Charc Frost - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH Charc Frost

by Sterling by Music Man
Alternative Styles Professional Use Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY35HH Charc Frost5 String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585180
$1,528
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM SIL

by Sadowsky
Professional Use Custom Features Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 597257
$1,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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 MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SGR

by Sadowsky
Extended Range Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598333
$1,308
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SIL

by Sadowsky
Unique Designs Alternative Styles Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint M5 Morado SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 598353
$1,308
Buy at Thomann View Details
Hagstrom Nekromant 5 Tobacco Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Hagstrom Nekromant 5 Tobacco Sunburst

by Hagstrom
Professional Use Alternative Styles Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Hagstrom Nekromant 5 Tobacco Sunburst5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganySet-in neck: MahoganyTruss rod:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600994
$1,297
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller F10-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Marcus Miller F10-5 NT

by Marcus Miller
Custom Features Alternative Styles Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller F10-5 NT5-String Electric BassNew high-end bass model from Sireusing only high-quality woods and parts...

⭐ 4.6/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584432
$1,759
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky
Alternative Styles Unique Designs Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Morado CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 597227
$1,352
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado OBL

by Sadowsky
Extended Range Professional Use Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599585
$1,319
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM TSB

by Sadowsky
Professional Use Custom Features Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ 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 MetroExp21 Vintage MJ5 RM TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 597228
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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 MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO BL

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

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MO BL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 598289
$1,308
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM TSB

by Sadowsky
Unique Designs Alternative Styles Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599735
$1,286
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Modern 5 RM SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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