Best 5-String Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $300 - 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

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Unique Designs Custom Features Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 541451

$240

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Custom Features Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesPoplar bodyFlamed maple topCanadian maple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 361465

$219

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Bundle

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Experimental Music Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 570661

$237

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Experimental Music Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck from Canadian mapleNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 317316

$208

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR185-JB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez GSR185-JB

by Ibanez

Experimental Music Unique Designs Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Ibanez GSR185-JB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeNeck: MapleFingerboard: PurpleheartNeck profile: GSR5Fingerboard...

⭐ 5.0/5 (30 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620893

$296

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Bundle

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Extended Range Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive...

⭐ 5.0/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570667

$237

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 1 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 1

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 1*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series*5 String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 519753

$273

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Custom Features Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 541452

$237

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Series

by Harley Benton

Alternative Styles Experimental Music Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Series5-String Electric BassAlder bodyCanadian maple neckBolt-on neck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 317315

$208

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 Under $300 2025

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series w/Bag

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Bundle

Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series

Ibanez GSR185-JB

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Bundle

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 1

Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series Bundle

Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Series

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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