Best 5-String J-Basses for Contemporary Jazz 2025

Perfect 5-string j-basses for contemporary-jazz - easy to play and learn on

Last updated: October 22, 2025 • Next update: October 29, 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL

by Sadowsky

Fusion Progressive Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599275

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT

by Lakland

Metal Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More complex fingering patterns

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT5 String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack block...

⭐ 4.5/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 575684

$2,199

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH

by Sadowsky

Progressive Modern Rock Session Work

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599164

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V EB UBST - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V EB UBST

by Fender

Metal Contemporary Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V EB UBST5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite Pearloid...

⭐ 4.4/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 596128

$2,914

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD

by Fender

Session Work Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596131

$2,823

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL

by Sadowsky

Metal Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599282

$1,099

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

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT

by Squier

Modern Rock Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT5-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard...

⭐ 4.6/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 619755

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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 CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO

by Sadowsky

Session Work Progressive Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599211

$1,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky

Contemporary Jazz Metal Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599178

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH

by Sadowsky

Contemporary Jazz Fusion Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• Higher string tension

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599279

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBL

by FGN

Contemporary Jazz Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

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

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBL5 String Electric BassBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MapleFingerboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 591638

$1,704

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB

by Fender

Fusion Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodWhite dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609189

$1,269

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 for Contemporary Jazz 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V EB UBST

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH

FGN J-Standard Mighty Jazz OPBL

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB

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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