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Best 5-String Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $5,000 - 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
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Sandberg California Central 5 PF TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sandberg California Central 5 PF TSB

by Sandberg
Experimental Music Extended Range Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Sandberg California Central 5 PF TSB5-String Electric BassBody: European ashNeck: MapleFingerboard: Pao FerroWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 563077
$2,639
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California Central 5 Black PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sandberg California Central 5 Black PF

by Sandberg
Extended Range Custom Features Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Sandberg California Central 5 Black PF5-String Electric BassBody: AshNeck: MapleNeck attachment: Bolt-onFretboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 540206
$2,309
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage SA BB TS 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage SA BB TS 5

by Sadowsky
Custom Features Experimental Music Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage SA BB TS 55-String Electric BassSlimslightly reduced body: American swamp ashBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 554739
$3,519
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar

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

Music Man Dark Ray 5 Gold Bar5 String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 595488
$3,464
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MN ATB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MN ATB

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

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MN ATB5-String Electric BassType: Slightly reduced J-style bodyBody: American swamp...

⭐ 4.9/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 527709
$3,298
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG

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

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG5-String Electric BassBody: AshTop: Quilted mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 602288
$2,409
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM

by Lakland
Professional Use Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 IBM5-String Electric BassBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MaplePearl block...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 574855
$2,309
Buy at Thomann View Details
Human Base Max 5 Quilted EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Human Base Max 5 Quilted EB

by Human Base
Professional Use Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing may feel cramped
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Human Base Max 5 Quilted EB5-String Electric BassAsh bodyQuilted maple top3-Piece through-body maple neckEbony...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 502043
$3,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR6605-GFB Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Ibanez SR6605-GFB Prestige

by Ibanez
Custom Features Unique Designs Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Ibanez SR6605-GFB Prestige5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Burled mapleNekc-thru-body: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606648
$3,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg Panther Special 5 Thuya - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sandberg Panther Special 5 Thuya

by Sandberg
Unique Designs Professional Use Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Sandberg Panther Special 5 Thuya5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: ThujaBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 558953
$3,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector Euro 5 CST Natural Gloss - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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
Spector Euro Classic 5 SMGG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Spector Euro Classic 5 SMGG

by Spector
Extended Range Alternative Styles Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ 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

Spector Euro Classic 5 SMGG5 String Electric BassBody: Maple3 Piece maple neckFingerboard: RosewoodPickups: EMG...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 577373
$3,289
Buy at Thomann View Details
Spector Euro LX 5 BSM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Spector Euro LX 5 BSM

by Spector
Professional Use Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • More complex muting techniques required

Spector Euro LX 5 BSM5-String Electric BassBody: AlderTop: flamed maple3-Piece maple neckFingerboard: RosewoodFrets:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 473383
$3,189
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California Central 5 RW RB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sandberg California Central 5 RW RB

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

Sandberg California Central 5 RW RB5-String Electric BassBody: European ashNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodAbalone dot...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 563104
$2,639
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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