Best 5-String J-Basses for Metal 2026

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

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow

by Markbass

Modern Rock Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Higher string tension

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodBlock fingerboard...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 611642

$755

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 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

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural w/Case

by Harley Benton

Progressive Fusion Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural*5 String Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 597048

$325

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

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 LPB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 LPB

by Lakland

Metal Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• Higher string tension

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 LPB5-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodPearl Block...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575681

$2,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR

by Sadowsky

Progressive Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599276

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR

by Sadowsky

Progressive Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Higher string tension

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599170

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 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

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural

by Harley Benton

Fusion Metal Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural5 String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 570603

$274

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM

by Sadowsky

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599280

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM BK

by Sadowsky

Modern Rock Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM BK5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599068

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 Metal 2026

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural w/Case

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 LPB

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM BK

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NAT

How to Choose the Best 5-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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