Best 5-String Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $500 - 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

Marcus Miller M2 5 WHP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller M2 5 WHP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Unique Designs Extended Range Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller M2 5 WHP 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Swietenia)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood (Dalbergia...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446385

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Extended Range Unique Designs Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBL 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Swietenia)Neck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446435

$472

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

Ibanez SR305E-MSS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SR305E-MSS

by Ibanez

Extended Range Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Ibanez SR305E-MSS5-String Electric BassSoundgear SeriesBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-piece neck: Maple/WalnutNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 518056

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Blue

by Cort

Professional Use Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Blue5 String Electric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: JatobaFingerboard radius:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 587152

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR205SM-NGT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez GSR205SM-NGT

by Ibanez

Experimental Music Unique Designs Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Ibanez GSR205SM-NGTElectric BassBody: PoplarTop: Spalted MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: JatobaWhite dot fretboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 481764

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 2 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 2

by Harley Benton

Extended Range Professional Use Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 2*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series*5 String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 519755

$347

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Red - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Red

by Cort

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

• String spacing may feel cramped
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Red5 String Electric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: JatobaFingerboard radius: 400...

⭐ 4.8/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 587154

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR305E-PW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Ibanez SR305E-PW

by Ibanez

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez SR305E-PW5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-piece neck: Maple/WalnutNeck profile: SR4Fingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (53 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 520399

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR305EB-WK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SR305EB-WK

by Ibanez

Extended Range Professional Use Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Perfect for contemporary music styles
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez SR305EB-WK5-String Electric BassSoundgear seriesBody: Mahogany5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFretboard: JatobaPearl...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 379837

$428

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson JS3Q V Spectra Bass Prpl.Phaze - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson JS3Q V Spectra Bass Prpl.Phaze

by Jackson

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Jackson JS3Q V Spectra Bass Prpl.Phaze5-String Electric BassJS seriesBody: PoplarTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 485563

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

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
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.9/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446383

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez GSR205PC-TMU Gio - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez GSR205PC-TMU Gio

by Ibanez

Unique Designs Professional Use Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez GSR205PC-TMU Gio5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeTop: Okoume with PB Canvas Art GrainBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 620881

$417

Buy at Thomann View Details

Cort C5 Deluxe Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Cort C5 Deluxe Black

by Cort

Experimental Music Unique Designs Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Cort C5 Deluxe Black5 String Electric BassBody: PoplarNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: JatobaFingerboard radius: 400 mm...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 587144

$461

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 $500 2025

Marcus Miller M2 5 WHP 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBL 2nd Gen

Ibanez SR305E-DOT

Ibanez SR305E-MSS

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Blue

Ibanez GSR205SM-NGT

Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 2

Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Red

Ibanez SR305E-PW

Ibanez SR305EB-WK

Jackson JS3Q V Spectra Bass Prpl.Phaze

Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen

Ibanez GSR205PC-TMU Gio

Cort C5 Deluxe Black

Ibanez SR305EB-WNF

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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