Best 5-String Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $800 - 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 Z7-5 3-Tone Sunburst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 3-Tone Sunburst

by Marcus Miller

Unique Designs Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z7-5 3-Tone Sunburst5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584238

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Alternative Styles Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue5-String Electric BassBody: JabonBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 585176

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK

by Sterling by Music Man

Experimental Music Extended Range Professional Use

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Maple21 FretsNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 435208

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS

by Sterling by Music Man

Professional Use Experimental Music Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFretboard: Jatoba21 FretsNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 435219

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BK

by Steinberger Guitars

Professional Use Custom Features Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Versatile pickup configurations available

✗ CONS

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

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BKHeadless BassDesign: 5-StringBody: Maple3-Piece maple...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 261855

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy

by Marcus Miller

Alternative Styles Custom Features Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range with low B string

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• String spacing may feel cramped

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyEdgeless fingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 602786

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue

by Sterling by Music Man

Custom Features Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Modern extended range capabilities

✗ CONS

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

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue5 String Electric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 585164

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Antique White

by Marcus Miller

Custom Features Unique Designs Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May need specialized strings and setup
• Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Antique White5-String Electric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 584185

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle

by Marcus Miller

Extended Range Professional Use Experimental Music

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex muting techniques required

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610515

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha BB235 VW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha BB235 VW

by Yamaha

Experimental Music Unique Designs Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

• More complex muting techniques required
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Yamaha BB235 VW5-String Electric BassAlder bodyBolted maple neckRosewood fretboard (Dalbergia latifolia)Scale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 450339

$538

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Experimental Music Extended Range Alternative Styles

Key Feature:

• Professional versatility

✓ PROS

• Professional versatility
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT*5-String Electric Bass*Deluxe...

⭐ 4.7/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 581010

$567

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Rosegold - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Rosegold

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Music Alternative Styles Professional Use

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Rosegold5-String Electric BassZ SeriesBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleEdgeless...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 589164

$512

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Skyburst Sparkle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Skyburst Sparkle

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Music Unique Designs Custom Features

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup configurations available

✓ PROS

• Modern extended range capabilities
• Perfect for contemporary music styles

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Skyburst Sparkle5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleEdgeless fingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (42 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610520

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Spector Performer 5 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Spector Performer 5 BK

by Spector

Alternative Styles Professional Use Custom Features

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

Spector Performer 5 BK5-String electric bassNato body3-Piece bolted maple neckAmara fretboard24 FretsScale: 889...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 474764

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Yamaha TRBX 305 BL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha TRBX 305 BL

by Yamaha

Extended Range Alternative Styles Unique Designs

Key Feature:

• Modern extended range capabilities

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup configurations available
• Professional versatility

✗ CONS

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

Yamaha TRBX 305 BL5-String Electric BassMahogany body5 Piece maple/mahogany bolt-on neckFretboard: Rosewood864 mm scale...

⭐ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 312997

$549

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 5-String Basses Under $800 2025

Marcus Miller Z7-5 3-Tone Sunburst

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS

Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BK

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 Chopper Blue

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Antique White

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Silver Sparkle

Yamaha BB235 VW

Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Rosegold

Marcus Miller Z3-5 Skyburst Sparkle

Spector Performer 5 BK

Yamaha TRBX 305 BL

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies