Best 5-String Basses Under $5,000 2026
Affordable 5-string basses under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
Sterling by Music Man DarkRay 5 Black
- • Professional versatility
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • 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:...
Franz Bassguitars Merak 5 Spalted Alder LTD 2024
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • 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:...
Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • String spacing may feel cramped
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Music Man Stingray 5 Special HH Burnt5-String Electric BassBody: Ash5-bolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Burnt Ends
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • 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:...
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO LPBL
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • String spacing may feel cramped
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO LPBL5-String Electric BassType: Slightly reduced J-style bodyBody: American...
Spector Euro Classic 5 SMGG
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • 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...
Sandberg Panther Special 5 Thuya
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • 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...
Ibanez SR4505-DST Prestige
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • May need specialized strings and setup
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Ibanez SR4505-DST Prestige5-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: Roasted...
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Deluxe 5 NG
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • 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:...
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green
- • Professional versatility
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • May need specialized strings and setup
Music Man Stingray 5 Sp H MN Frost Green5-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwood5-Bolt neck: Roasted...
Warwick Pro S. Corvette $$ 5 NBTS BLK
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Professional versatility
- • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Warwick Pro S. Corvette $$ 5 NBTS BLK5-String Electric BassBody: US swamp ashBolt-on neck: 4-Piece laminated...
Spector NS Ethos HP 5 Plum Crazy
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • 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:...
Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 5
- • Professional versatility
- • Perfect for contemporary music styles
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • Wider neck requires adjustment
Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 55-String Electric BassBody: OvangkolBolt-on neck: OvangkolFretboard: WengeScale: 864 mm...
Lakland Skyline 55-02 Custom 5 BKS
- • Modern extended range capabilities
- • Extended low-end range with low B string
- • 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...
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry
- • Professional versatility
- • Versatile pickup configurations available
- • More complex muting techniques required
- • String spacing may feel cramped
Music Man Stingray 5 Special Raspberry5-String Electric BassBody: selected hardwoodBolt-on neck: Roasted...
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