AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 5-String J-Basses for Metal 2026
The top pick is Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster ($1,288). Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case gives you the most for the money at $312. Sandberg California II TM5 Ida Nielsen leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 50 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster
Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB · Fender
175 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 seriously capable instrument. The active EQ gives you a ton of tonal shaping options, and the noiseless pickups make it stage-ready. It's a great choice for gigging musicians who want versatility and modern features without the premium price tag.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Player II Noiseless pickups deliver clean, articulate sound with minimal hum.
- Modern 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.
Cons
- Rosewood fingerboard may feel dry to some players, requiring occasional conditioning.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck.
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,288 now$1,288€1,154 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Fender American Ultra II Telecaster
Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD · Fender
194 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann
- Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- Strings5-string
This five-string bass suits you if you want a Jazz Bass style build with an extra low string. It has two noiseless single coil pickups, a pan pot to blend them, and mid and treble controls so you can shape your tone. It comes with a Deluxe shaped case, so it is ready to take with you.
Pros
- Body is made of alder, a popular bass wood
- Maple neck and maple fingerboard with black pearloid dot inlays
- Two Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass single coil pickups with a pan pot selector
Cons
- Five-string 34 inch scale with a 47.6 mm nut may feel wide for small hands
79AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,768 now$2,768€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$2,511 now$2,511€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This is a 5-string bass with a Swamp Ash body and a maple neck. It has two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups, a Heritage-3 preamp, and a mini-switch so you can pick active or passive mode. It suits you if you want a J-style 5-string with a few extra controls to shape your tone.
Pros
- Swamp Ash body with a burl poplar veneer top
- Two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups
- Marcus Heritage-3 preamp with Blender and Middle/Freq controls
Cons
- Bolt-on maple neck rather than a set neck
68AudioFu
Index↓ 9.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$836 · Aug 17$758 now$758€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a vintage-inspired J-bass tone with modern refinements. The roasted maple neck and comfortable radius make it a joy to play, and the active/passive electronics give you a lot of tonal flexibility. It's a fantastic choice for players seeking a versatile, high-quality 5-string with a classic vibe.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer incredible stability and a smooth feel.
- Sadowsky J-style pickups provide a focused, articulate, and punchy vintage tone.
Cons
- Okoume can be somewhat prone to dents and scratches without careful handling.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the seamlessness of a neck-through design.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,194 · Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Strings5-string
This bass sounds bright and clear thanks to its single coil pickups and active electronics. The maple neck feels smooth under your fingers for long practice sessions. It suits players who want a punchy tone but may lack some modern control options.
Pros
- Mahogany body paired with swamp ash top for solid resonance
- Two single coil pickups deliver a bright, cutting tone
- C-shaped neck profile offers comfortable playability for all hand sizes
Cons
- Only two controls limit basic tone shaping options
- No pickup blend switch is available for mixing signals
59AudioFu
Index↓ 16.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$669 · Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- Strings5-string
You get a 5-string J-bass with an alder body, a sycamore neck, and a laurel fingerboard, plus two single coil pickups and a case in the box. It has a 34-inch scale and nickel silver frets, so it suits you if you want a complete bass you can play right away. The gig-style case is light and easy to carry, which helps if you move your bass often.
Pros
- Alder body with a bolt-on caramelised Canadian sycamore neck and laurel fingerboard
- Two HBZ-Custom Wound VJB AlNiCo 5 single coil pickups, one bridge and one middle
- Included LightCase-El-Bass gig-style case with velvet interior and neck holder
Cons
- Only two volume controls and one tone control, with no other controls
58AudioFu
Index↓ 5.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$329 · Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously well-built instrument, offering a fantastic blend of vintage vibe and modern features. The JJ#5 pickups are a sweet spot for punch and clarity, and the roasted maple neck just begs to be played. It’s a premium-priced option that’s ideal for players wanting a versatile, professional-grade 5-string with a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- Sadowsky JJ#5 pickups deliver articulate lows and clear, defined highs.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard can be slightly harder than rosewood, requiring a short adjustment period.
- Bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the inherent resonance of a neck-through design.
58AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,227 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
You get a five-string J-style bass with an alder body and a maple neck. It has two Marcus Vintage-J Revolution single coil pickups and a Marcus Miller Vintage-S bridge, all in a Candy Apple Red finish. It suits you if you want a familiar J-bass layout with five strings and a 34 inch scale.
Pros
- Alder body gives this bass a lightweight, traditional build
- Maple neck and maple fingerboard with block inlays
- Two Marcus Vintage-J Revolution single coil pickups for two pickup positions
Cons
- Only one tone control, so tone shaping is limited to a single knob
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 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$3,237 now$3,237€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 50 5-String J-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin M OWSadowsky · 7 finishes55Stable$4,353€3,899$4,353€3,899Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Tobacco SunburstMarcus Miller · 5 finishes54↓ 3.8%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 13
Sire Marcus Miller V10 5-StringV10-5 TGR · Marcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez MDM1605 ModeMDM1605-DTW · Ibanez · 2 finishes54↓ 5.7%$1,473€1,319$1,473€1,319Check ↗
- 15
Sandberg California II TM 5 MN RBSandberg · 5 finishes54Stable$2,176€1,949$2,176€1,949Check ↗
- 16
Sandberg California II TT 5 MN NT LHSandberg · 3 finishes53Stable$2,344€2,099$2,344€2,099Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TEMarcus Miller50Stable$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake BlueHarley Benton · 4 finishes49Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 19
Cort B5 Element Open Pore NaturalCort · 3 finishes49↓ 7.3%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 20
Fender MonoNeon Signature Jazz Bass VMonoNeon Jazz Bass V NY · Fender49Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller V8-5 TSMarcus Miller48Stable$959€859$959€859Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez MDM1005-MAMIbanez · 2 finishes48↓ 11.7%$1,182€1,059$1,182€1,059Check ↗
- 23
Sandberg California TM 5California TM 5 NT · Sandberg48Stable$2,222€1,990$2,222€1,990Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton47↓ 11.8%$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton45Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OWSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 27
Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NATLakland · 3 finishes45Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 28
Sandberg California II SLm TM 5 MN BKSandberg45Stable$2,232€1,999$2,232€1,999Check ↗
- 29
Sandberg California II TT 5 BK 35"Sandberg45Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 30
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin J/J ´59 BRSadowsky44Stable$4,688€4,199$4,688€4,199Check ↗
- 31
Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SBSquier43Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 32
Lakland Skyline 55-60 5-String 3TSBLakland · 2 finishes43Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 33
Sandberg Electra TM5EF MH SBSandberg43Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez MDM1305-NABIbanez43↓ 6.2%$1,361€1,219$1,361€1,219Check ↗
- 35
Sandberg California II SLm TT5 MN BKBSandberg43Stable$2,198€1,969$2,198€1,969Check ↗
- 36
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Modern 59`BurstSadowsky · 2 finishes43↑ 10.3%$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 37
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo CandySadowsky42Stable$4,465€3,999$4,465€3,999Check ↗
- 38
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin Olympic WHSadowsky42Stable$4,465€3,999$4,465€3,999Check ↗
- 39
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 59 BurstSadowsky42Stable$4,967€4,449$4,967€4,449Check ↗
- 40
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vintage BKSadowsky41Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 41
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKMSquier40↑ 6.0%$354€317$354€317Check ↗
- 42
Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NATSquier · 2 finishes40Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 43
Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSNJackson40Stable$1,216€1,089$1,216€1,089Check ↗
- 44
Sandberg California II TT5 CR HCAMSandberg40Stable$4,130€3,699$4,130€3,699Check ↗
- 45
Sandberg California II SLm TM5 BKBSandberg38Stable$2,623€2,349$2,623€2,349Check ↗
- 46
Ibanez IV2RG VisionsIV2MDM Visions Mode · Ibanez38Stable$7,256€6,499$7,256€6,499Check ↗
- 47
Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val CreamMarkbass37Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 48
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MNSadowsky37Stable$4,074€3,649$4,074€3,649Check ↗
- 49
Markbass MB 5 Yellow JBMarkbass36Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 50
Marleaux Votan 5 HoneyMarleaux36Stable$4,465€3,999$4,465€3,999Check ↗
5-String J-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 128 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,115 — 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 106 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 61 models · 20–24
median of 128 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String J-Basses
Pickup Voicing
Metal demands aggression. We're looking for pickups that deliver a thick, saturated low-end with plenty of upper-midrange bite, not just a muddy thump. Think aggressive articulation, not just low-end rumble.
Bridge and Hardware
A cheap bridge will kill your sustain and tuning stability. A solid, well-anchored bridge, preferably with through-body mounting, is crucial for transferring string vibrations and preventing unwanted resonances.
Neck Profile & Playability
Metal playing often involves fast, intricate lines. A comfortable neck profile (C, D, or even a more modern slim taper) that allows for effortless access to those high notes is essential. Low action without fret buzz is non-negotiable.
Electronics & Noise Floor
Metal amps are loud, and noise is the enemy. Clean preamps and well-shielded cavities are vital to minimizing hum and interference, especially when using high-gain pickups.
Body Wood & Construction
Alder is a safe bet for a balanced tone, but ash can add more bite and clarity. Solid body construction is a must; no pancake basses here - that cheap construction just won't handle the vibrations.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're diving into the 5-string J-Bass world for metal? Smart move. That extra low B string opens up a whole new level of sonic mayhem, but you need a bass that can handle it - not just rumble, but articulation and punch to cut through a wall of guitars and double bass. This isn't your dad's jazz bass, so let's find you something that'll actually record and gig well.
Don't be fooled by flashy finishes or celebrity endorsements. A 5-string J-Bass for metal is an investment. Cheap basses often cut corners on hardware and electronics, leading to tuning instability and a noisy signal.
Paying a bit more for quality hardware and a solid construction will save you headaches down the road - and make your life significantly easier in the studio and on stage.
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
Do I need active pickups?
Not necessarily, but active pickups often provide a hotter, more consistent signal with a lower noise floor - a big plus for high-gain metal. Passive pickups can still be great, but you'll need a good preamp to boost the signal and shape the tone.
What about string spacing? Is it a problem?
5-string J-Basses generally have tighter string spacing than 4-strings, which can take some getting used to. If you have big hands or play with a pick, you might want to consider a bass with slightly wider spacing.
What gauge strings should I use?
For a B string that actually sounds good and doesn't flap around, you'll likely want to go with heavier gauge strings - .045-.130 is a good starting point. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and sounds best with your tuning and playing style.
Can I use a 4-string amp with a 5-string bass?
Technically, yes, but you'll be missing out on the full low-end response. A 5-string bass needs an amp that can handle those lower frequencies without distorting or sounding weak. It's an investment, but it's worth it.
What's the deal with 'extended range' basses?
'Extended range' often just means a 6-string, but some 5-string basses use different scale lengths (like 35") to get that extra low note. It can change the feel and tension, so try before you buy if possible.
