AudioFu

Best 5-String Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 5-string basses under $800 - 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
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK

by Sterling by Music Man
Unique Designs Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ 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 ST BLK5 String Electric BassBody: JabonNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 585179
$692
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Antique White

by Marcus Miller
Professional Use Custom Features Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Modern extended range capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Antique White5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 584248
$659
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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 Z3-5 Rosegold - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray 5 WS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL

by Marcus Miller
Professional Use Alternative Styles Experimental Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup configurations available
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Modern extended range capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Higher learning curve vs 4-string

Marcus Miller M5 5st TBL5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 495971
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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
Spector Performer 5 BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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 Z7-5 Mint - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint

by Marcus Miller
Unique Designs Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • String spacing may feel cramped

Marcus Miller Z7-5 Mint5-String Electric BassNew Z Series with J and humbucker pickups and premium hardwareBody:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 586971
$675
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR305EDX-WZM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Ibanez SR305EDX-WZM

by Ibanez
Experimental Music Extended Range Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range with low B string
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • More complex muting techniques required
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Ibanez SR305EDX-WZM5-String Electric BassBody: NyatohBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: JatobaWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606646
$582
Buy at Thomann View Details
Yamaha TRBX 305 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Yamaha TRBX 305 CAR

by Yamaha
Custom Features Professional Use 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

Yamaha TRBX 305 CAR5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany5-String bolt-on maple / mahogany neckFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 312996
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP V - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP V

by Jackson
Alternative Styles Custom Features Unique Designs
Key Feature:
• Perfect for contemporary music styles
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Perfect for contemporary music styles
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • May need specialized strings and setup

Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP V5-String Electric BassBody: PoplarTop: Burl poplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 511852
$769
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller M5 5st NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT

by Marcus Miller
Custom Features Experimental Music Alternative Styles
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range with low B string
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Versatile pickup configurations available
✗ CONS
  • • May need specialized strings and setup
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller M5 5st NT5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 495972
$762
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 ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more