Best 5-String Heavy Basses 2025

Top-rated 5-string heavy basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

GENRES & STYLES: For Low Tunings

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 5

by Warwick

Progressive Low Tunings Aggressive Styles

Key Feature:

• Great for drop tunings

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Modern metal construction

✗ CONS

• Requires specific amplification
• Higher string tension

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 55-String Electric BassRobert Trujillo (Metallica) signature modelAlder bodyArched...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 411257

$1,924

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson David Ellefson CBX V SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Jackson David Ellefson CBX V SBK

by Jackson

Low Tunings Aggressive Styles Extended Range

Key Feature:

• Great for drop tunings

✓ PROS

• Modern metal construction
• Professional heavy sound

✗ CONS

• Very specialized for heavy genres
• Higher string tension

Jackson David Ellefson CBX V SBK5-string Electric bassDavid Ellefson (Megadeth) signature modelBody:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 378550

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD AP-5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD AP-5

by ESP

Extended Range Progressive Heavy Rock

Key Feature:

• Professional heavy sound

✓ PROS

• Modern metal construction
• Professional heavy sound

✗ CONS

• Limited mainstream appeal
• Higher string tension

ESP LTD AP-55-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: ebonyNeck profile: Thin UScale: 864 mm...

⭐ 4.8/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 548234

$1,484

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 STBLS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 STBLS

by Schecter

Aggressive Styles Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Modern metal construction

✓ PROS

• Professional heavy sound
• Modern metal construction

✗ CONS

• May lack versatility for other styles
• Requires specific amplification

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 STBLS5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: Flamed mapleNeck through: Maple /...

⭐ 4.4/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 508837

$1,539

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD F-205 BLKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD F-205 BLKS

by ESP

Extended Range Heavy Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional heavy sound

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Extended low-end range for heavy music

✗ CONS

• May lack versatility for other styles
• Higher string tension

ESP LTD F-205 BLKS5-String Electric BassMahogany bodyBolt-on 5-ply maple/jatoba neckRoasted jatoba fretboardFretbard...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 483940

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 5-String Heavy 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 heavy 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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Best 5-String Heavy Basses 2025

Warwick Artist Line Robert Trujillo 5

Jackson David Ellefson CBX V SBK

ESP LTD AP-5

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 STBLS

ESP LTD F-205 BLKS

How to Choose the Best 5-String Heavy Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 5-string heavy basses?

How much should I spend on 5-string heavy basses?

Are expensive 5-string heavy basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 5-string heavy basses?

Should I buy 5-string heavy basses online or in-store?

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