Best 5-String J-Basses 2026

Top-rated 5-string j-basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026

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

⭐ 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

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 V3 5 BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Session Work Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446371

$472

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 V5R Alder-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Metal Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 NT5-String Electric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.8/5 (13 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536823

$589

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445973

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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 V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Modern Rock Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodFretboard inlays: White...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446369

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446373

$431

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo Candy - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo Candy

by Sadowsky

Progressive Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo Candy5-String Electric BassAmerican alder bodyBolt-on maple neckMorado...

⭐ 4.9/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 518435

$4,399

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin ´59 Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin ´59 Burst

by Sadowsky

Modern Rock Progressive Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Higher string tension

Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin ´59 Burst5-String Electric BassAmerican swamp ash bodyBolt-on maple neckMaple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 515947

$3,904

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM

by Sadowsky

Session Work Contemporary Jazz Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM5-String Electric Bass34" (864 mm) ScaleSlightly reduced J-style body made...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 526142

$3,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR

by Sadowsky

Contemporary Jazz Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599272

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TGR

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Metal Session Work

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TGR5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Burl poplar veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584321

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#15

⭐ 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

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 2026

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen

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

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 NT

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 NT

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo Candy

Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin ´59 Burst

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TGR

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH

How to Choose the Best 5-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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