Best 5-String J-Basses 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 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 Modern Rock For Metal For Progressive For Fusion For Contemporary Jazz For Session Work

BRANDS: Marcus Miller Sadowsky Sandberg Harley Benton Fender Squier

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Metal Session Work

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleNeck profile: CFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 555224

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 Tidepool - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 Tidepool

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 Tidepool5-String Electric BasssBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610800

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG5-String Electric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536821

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• Higher string tension

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: solid poplar burlBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584406

$1,319

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR

by Marcus Miller

Metal Modern Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610803

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural

by Harley Benton

Metal Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural5-String Electric BassStyle: JBErgonomically shaped body made of swamp ashMatching...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 443528

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Modern Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS5-String Electric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536825

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFigerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610566

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570669

$396

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst

by Sadowsky

Fusion Progressive Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst5-String Electric BassScale: 34" (864 mm)Bolt-on neckSlightly scaled down...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 526123

$4,069

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB

by Sadowsky

Session Work Modern Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599214

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen5-String electric bassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: CScale: 864...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446372

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val Surf Green - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val Surf Green

by Markbass

Contemporary Jazz Modern Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More complex fingering patterns

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val Surf Green5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleNeck profile: CFretboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 535685

$759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Burl poplar veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584309

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue

by Harley Benton

Modern Rock Metal Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue5-String Electric BassStyle: JB styleErgonomically shaped alder bodyMatching...

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 443527

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 5-String J-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 j-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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TOP

Best 5-String J-Basses 2025

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 Tidepool

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val Surf Green

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue

How to Choose the Best 5-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Are expensive 5-string j-basses worth the investment?

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

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

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