AudioFu

Best 5-String Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $5,000 - 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
Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 2024 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 2024

by Franz Bassguitars
Unique Designs Experimental Music Professional Use
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

Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 20245-String Electric Bass2024 Limited RunBody: European alderTop:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609758
$4,114
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends

by Music Man
Experimental Music Professional Use Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-Bolt bolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 513774
$3,959
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black

by Sterling by Music Man
Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 612237
$2,463
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry

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

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Raspberry5-String Electric BassBody: Selected hardwood5-bolt neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 513795
$4,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ulrich Bass Retro57 M 5 Black Relic - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ulrich Bass Retro57 M 5 Black Relic

by Ulrich Bass
Professional Use Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Ulrich Bass Retro57 M 5 Black Relic5 String Electric BassBody: WalnutNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 590355
$3,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG

by Lakland
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
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 HBG5-String Electric BassBody: AshTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 602290
$2,409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green

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

Music Man Stingray 5 Sp HH Frost Green5-String Electric BassSelected hardwood body5-Piece bolt-on maple neckMaple...

⭐ 5.0/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 531835
$4,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector Euro 5 CST Natural Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Spector Euro 5 CST Natural Gloss

by Spector
Unique Designs Extended Range Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Spector Euro 5 CST Natural Gloss5-String Electric BassBody: European ash with a walnut stripeTop: European poplar...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 603229
$3,409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO Bur - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO Bur

by Sadowsky
Extended Range Unique Designs 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

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO Bur5-String Electric BassBody: American alderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 557020
$3,739
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector Euro 5 CST Nat Violet Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Spector Euro 5 CST Nat Violet Burst

by Spector
Unique Designs Extended Range Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Spector Euro 5 CST Nat Violet Burst5-String Electric BassBody: European ash with a walnut stripeTop: European poplar...

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 603231
$3,409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector NS Ethos HP 5 Plum Crazy - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Spector NS Ethos HP 5 Plum Crazy

by Spector
Unique Designs Extended Range Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Spector NS Ethos HP 5 Plum Crazy5-String Electric BassBody: Alder3-Piece neck-thru-body: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 575217
$2,199
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 5

by Sandberg
Professional Use Alternative Styles Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Sandberg California Supreme 35th RDB 55-String Electric Bass35th Anniversary ModelChambered body: AlderTop: Quilted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 512386
$4,399
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Pro Series Corvette $$ 5 ATTS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Warwick Pro Series Corvette $$ 5 ATTS

by Warwick
Unique Designs Experimental Music Custom Features
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Warwick Pro Series Corvette $$ 5 ATTS5-String Electric BassBody: US swamp ashBolt-on neck: 4-piece laminated...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 489067
$3,299
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 SMT VIB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 SMT VIB

by Lakland
Extended Range Alternative Styles Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 SMT VIB5-String Electric BassTop: Spalted mapleBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599542
$2,408
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 BKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 BKS

by Lakland
Professional Use Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 BKS5-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyPearl block...

⭐ 4.9/5 (45 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574856
$2,199
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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