AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String J-Basses for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Fender American Ultra II Telecaster ($2,790). Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster gives you the most for the money at $1,302. Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin M OW leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 51 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fender American Ultra II Telecaster
Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD · Fender
204 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- Strings5-string
The Am Ultra II J Bass V is a seriously refined instrument. The combination of the alder body, modern neck profile, and those incredible noiseless pickups make it a versatile workhorse – great for modern funk, rock, and even more subtle genres where clarity is key. It’s a fantastic upgrade for the gigging musician who wants professional-grade performance.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, articulate tone with good sustain.
- Ultra II Noiseless pickups deliver a clean, powerful sound with minimal hum.
- Compound radius fingerboard enhances playability, comfortable for both chords and solos.
Cons
- Maple fretboard might feel a little too bright for some players' preferences.
- The Modern 'D' neck profile isn't universally loved; a matter of personal feel.
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,790 now$2,790€2,479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass
AM Pro Jazz Bass V MN OB · Fender
141 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Strings5-string
This bass brings the classic Jazz Bass feel with a five-string extension for more range. The alder body and maple neck give it a solid, traditional tone that works well in any band. It suits players who want extra low-end power without needing complex electronics.
Pros
- Solid alder body offers reliable sustain and clear tone
- Maple bolt-on neck ensures strong connection and stability
- Oxblood finish looks striking and professional on stage
Cons
- Limited to just two volume and one tone control
- No active electronics or built-in preamp for boosting
76AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$2,531 now$2,531€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This bass uses Ida Nielsen's classic J-style pickups with an active EQ switch. The alder body and maple neck feel solid under your fingers. It suits players who want that familiar New Power Generation tone without extra cost.
Pros
- Ida Nielsen signature model for familiar tone
- Alder body paired with maple neck
- Birdseye maple fingerboard for stability
Cons
- No string gauge options listed
- Weight not specified in text
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,262 now$3,262€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight3.5 kg
This bass brings a warm, thick sound thanks to its swamp ash body and Alnico V magnets. The maple neck feels solid, and the push-pull switch lets you instantly switch to vintage tone. It suits players who want a punchy, mid-heavy voice without complex electronics.
Pros
- American swamp ash body offers rich, warm tone
- Maple bolt-on neck provides strong connection
- Alnico V magnets drive powerful output
Cons
- Heavy 5-string adds carrying burden
- No active preamp power supply listed
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,388 now$4,388€3,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
The California II TM 5 HCA Orange is a seriously classy bass. The aged aesthetic and superb build quality scream German craftsmanship, and the pickup combination gives you a wide range of tones, from aggressive to smooth. It's ideal for players who want a premium, versatile 5-string with a vintage vibe and aren’t afraid to invest in quality.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a balanced tone.
- JMVC/MC4 pickup pairing delivers versatility – growl to smooth single-coil clarity.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy feel and excellent note definition.
Cons
- The 14in radius fingerboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
- Being a German-made instrument, it’s positioned at a premium-priced tier.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,262 now$3,262€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This bass sounds great and looks cool with its sparkle blue finish. The active EQ helps you get exactly the tone you want without needing extra pedals. It fits well under your hand thanks to the bolt-on neck. Perfect for players who want a solid, high-end tool for gigs.
Pros
- Solid bolt-on maple neck for easy setup and playability
- High-gloss sparkle blue finish looks stunning under stage lights
- Active 2-band EQ lets you shape tone precisely
Cons
- Missing built-in active boost for heavy distortion needs
- No onboard effects loop for signal processing
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 18Sep 18$4,275 now$4,275€3,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster
Player II Mod J Bass V MN OLP · Fender
180 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Strings5-string
This Player II J Bass V is a serious step up from entry-level instruments. The active/passive electronics and noiseless pickups offer a wide range of tones, making it a fantastic choice for gigging musicians and those wanting a versatile, modern 5-string. It’s a well-built, reliable instrument offering a lot of value.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Player II Noiseless Jazz Bass V pickups offer clean, articulate sound with minimal hum.
- Modern 'C' neck profile provides a comfortable and fast playing experience.
Cons
- Maple fretboard can feel a little slick for some players; consider a different finish.
- Active/passive switch offers tonal flexibility but adds complexity for beginners.
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,302 now$1,302€1,157 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale889 mm (35")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
The California II TT 5 BK is a seriously well-made bass. The extended scale and German craftsmanship combine for a tight, punchy tone with impressive clarity – it’s a fantastic choice for players seeking a modern, articulate 5-string J-Bass sound with a touch of vintage vibe. Ideal for funk, slap, and rock players who want a refined, professional instrument.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a slick, fast playing experience and articulate note response.
- Sandberg single-coil pickups offer a clear, defined sound with a vintage J-Bass character.
Cons
- 35-inch scale might feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- High-gloss finish, while beautiful, can be a fingerprint magnet and requires diligent care.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,262 now$3,262€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- Weight4 kg
This bass sounds like a classic '59 model with modern control. The swamp ash body gives it a warm punch that cuts through a mix, while the active electronics let you dial in that vintage tone exactly how you like it. It's perfect for players who want a solid, reliable instrument without the hassle of hunting for strings thanks to the quick release bridge.
Pros
- Swamp ash body adds warm, punchy low-end response
- Active electronics offer precise vintage tone control
- Just-A-Nut III nut ensures accurate intonation
Cons
- No specific weight listed for player comfort
- Single coil pickups may hum in noisy rooms
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,725 now$4,725€4,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Sadowsky MetroLine is a seriously well-built instrument. The combination of swamp ash and those Sadowsky pickups delivers a fantastic vintage vibe with modern clarity and punch, while the active electronics provide a surprising amount of tonal versatility. It's perfect for players seeking a high-end 5-string with a refined, classic tone.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, articulate low-end with excellent sustain.
- Sadowsky Soapbar pickups offer a vintage-inspired tone with surprising clarity and punch.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a comfortable feel and quick response for effortless playing.
Cons
- The 864 mm scale might feel long for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- High-gloss finish, while beautiful, can be a fingerprint magnet and requires careful maintenance.
43AudioFu
Index↑ 10.3%since Aug 17$4,388 · Aug 17$4,838 now$4,838€4,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 51 5-String J-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo CandySadowsky42Stable$4,500€3,999$4,500€3,999Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin Olympic WHSadowsky42Stable$4,500€3,999$4,500€3,999Check ↗
- 13
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 59 BurstSadowsky42Stable$5,006€4,449$5,006€4,449Check ↗
- 14
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vintage BKSadowsky41Stable$3,937€3,499$3,937€3,499Check ↗
- 15
Sandberg California II TT5 CR HCAMSandberg40Stable$4,162€3,699$4,162€3,699Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez IV2RG VisionsIV2MDM Visions Mode · Ibanez38Stable$7,313€6,499$7,313€6,499Check ↗
- 17
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MNSadowsky37Stable$4,106€3,649$4,106€3,649Check ↗
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Sandberg California II TM 5 EB NT 35"Sandberg43Stable$2,812€2,499$2,812€2,499Check ↗
- 19
Marleaux Votan 5 HoneyMarleaux36Stable$4,500€3,999$4,500€3,999Check ↗
- 20
Sandberg California TM 5California TM 5 NT · Sandberg48Stable$2,239€1,990$2,239€1,990Check ↗
- 21
Sandberg California II SLm TM 5 MN BKSandberg45Stable$2,249€1,999$2,249€1,999Check ↗
- 22
Sandberg California II SLm TM5 BKBSandberg38Stable$2,643€2,349$2,643€2,349Check ↗
- 23
Sandberg California II SLm TT5 MN BKBSandberg43Stable$2,216€1,969$2,216€1,969Check ↗
- 24
Fender MonoNeon Signature Jazz Bass VMonoNeon Jazz Bass V NY · Fender48Stable$1,799€1,599$1,799€1,599Check ↗
- 25
Sire Marcus Miller V10 5-StringV10-5 TBK · Marcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$1,406€1,249$1,406€1,249Check ↗
- 26
Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 WHPLakland · 3 finishes44Stable$2,014€1,790$2,014€1,790Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez MDM1605 ModeMDM1605-DTW · Ibanez · 2 finishes50Stable$1,574€1,399$1,574€1,399Check ↗
- 28
Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TSMarcus Miller47↓ 3.6%$1,518€1,349$1,518€1,349Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez MDM1005-MAMIbanez · 2 finishes44↓ 2.5%$1,315€1,169$1,315€1,169Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez MDM1305-NABIbanez41↓ 1.5%$1,439€1,279$1,439€1,279Check ↗
- 31
Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TSMarcus Miller · 12 finishes68↓ 9.4%$764€679$764€679Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CHSadowsky · 8 finishes62↓ 8.4%$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
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Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/CaseHarley Benton · 6 finishes58↓ 5.4%$314€279$314€279Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGRSadowsky · 8 finishes58↓ 9.1%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CARMarcus Miller · 4 finishes55Stable$539€479$539€479Check ↗
- 36
Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted ButterscotchMarcus Miller · 3 finishes55↓ 8.4%$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 37
Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Midnight BluebursMarcus Miller · 5 finishes53Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
- 38
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TEMarcus Miller50Stable$775€689$775€689Check ↗
- 39
Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake BlueHarley Benton · 4 finishes49Stable$393€349$393€349Check ↗
- 40
Cort B5 Element Open Pore NaturalCort · 3 finishes49↓ 7.3%$573€509$573€509Check ↗
- 41
Marcus Miller V8-5 TSMarcus Miller48Stable$967€859$967€859Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes45Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 44
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OWSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 45
Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SBSquier43Stable$325€289$325€289Check ↗
- 46
Sandberg Electra TM5EF MH SBSandberg43Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 47
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKMSquier40↑ 6.0%$357€317$357€317Check ↗
- 48
Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NATSquier · 2 finishes40Stable$512€455$512€455Check ↗
- 49
Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSNJackson40Stable$1,225€1,089$1,225€1,089Check ↗
- 50
Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val CreamMarkbass37Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
5-String J-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 128 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,124 — half of all 5-String J-Basses here cost less.
median of 99 models · 43 mm (1.69")–47.6 mm (1.87")
median of 107 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 60 models · 20–24
median of 128 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String J-Basses
Neck Profile & Width
Advanced players need a neck that feels comfortable and inspires fast playing. A thinner C or D profile is common, but the width at the nut (typically 45-50mm) is critical for accurate low B string muting and avoiding sloppy notes. Too narrow, and you'll be fighting the low B; too wide, and your hand gets cramped.
Pickup Voicing & Balance
A standard J-Bass tone can be scooped and a bit lacking in warmth. For a 5-string, you need pickups that retain clarity and punch in the low B range without getting muddy. Look for pickups with a slightly more robust low-midrange - that fat midrange honk is essential for cutting through the mix.
Hardware Quality (Bridge & Tuning Stability)
A cheap bridge will kill your sustain and intonation, especially on the low B. Locking tuners are almost mandatory to handle the increased tension of the 5th string and maintain tuning stability under gigging conditions. Anything less feels like a compromise.
Body Wood & Construction
While body wood impacts the overall tone, construction quality is paramount. A well-built bass with tight neck joint and solid hardware will simply feel better and resonate more efficiently. Consider weight - a 5-string J can get heavy, and comfort is key for long gigs.
String Spacing & Action Adjustability
The wider string spacing of a 5-string J requires a comfortable playing action. Look for a bass with enough clearance to allow for a low action without fret buzz, and a bridge that allows for precise intonation adjustments across all six strings.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're stepping up to a 5-string J-Bass. It's not just about the extra low B; it's about the demands that low end puts on your technique, your amp, and the instrument itself. We're not talking about beginner models here - this is for players who understand the nuances of string tension, neck profiles, and how pickup voicing affects articulation. Let's find you a 5-string J that can handle your serious playing.
Don't chase the flashy finishes. Focus on the neck feel and pickup voicing. The low B string is a beast - it demands a well-built instrument and a good amp to make it sing.
Be prepared to spend a little more on a quality bridge and tuners; those corners cut on budget models will be painfully obvious when you're trying to dial in a tight, articulate low end. A good setup from a qualified tech is non-negotiable.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 128 5-String J-Basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is a higher output pickup necessary for a 5-string?
Not necessarily, but it can help. A hotter pickup can provide more headroom and sustain, especially when playing with a band. However, prioritize clarity and articulation over sheer volume; a muddy, high-output signal is worse than a clean, articulate one.
What amp is best for a 5-string J-Bass?
You need an amp with plenty of clean headroom and a responsive low end. Think Ampeg SVT, Aguilar Tone Hammer, or even a high-end Gallien-Krueger. A solid state amp can work, but a tube amp will generally provide a warmer, more dynamic tone.
Should I replace the strings immediately?
Probably. Factory strings are often a cost-saving measure. A fresh set of high-quality strings (DR, D'Addario, Ernie Ball) will instantly improve the tone and feel.
What about active electronics?
Active electronics can offer more tonal flexibility, but they also introduce another layer of complexity. For a J-Bass, the inherent character of the passive electronics is often preferred. If you do go active, make sure the preamp is transparent and doesn't color the tone excessively.
Is a shorter scale length 5-string J-Bass viable?
It's a compromise. A shorter scale (34" or less) will make the low B easier to play, but it will also compromise the string tension and potentially result in a looser, less defined low end. Not ideal for serious players.
