Best 5-String J-Basses 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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 V8-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V8-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V8-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite abalone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 553401

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Modern Rock Fusion

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 AWH 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleNeck profile: CFretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445971

$653

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446037

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Modern Rock Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue*5-String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 468356

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 460013

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckFretboard: Roasted mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 492595

$498

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 V10-5 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Modern Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK5 String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: solid poplar burlBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 584413

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH5-String Electric BassAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 537379

$578

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 NT5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckFretboard: Roasted mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 492594

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Solid burl poplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584410

$1,429

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW

by Sadowsky

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598462

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL

by Sadowsky

Metal Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599281

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Metal Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleNeck profile: CFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 562300

$659

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 V8-5 TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 NT

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS

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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