Best 5-String J-Basses for Professional 2025

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

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 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 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 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

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

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 CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB

by Sadowsky

Fusion Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599212

$1,099

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

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 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

Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM

by Squier

Contemporary Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Higher string tension

Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM5-String ELectric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack...

⭐ 4.7/5 (20 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 594281

$306

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

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 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 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 WHP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 WHP

by Lakland

Fusion Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 WHP5 String Electric BassBody: AshNeck: Bolt-on mapleFingerboard: MaplePearl Block...

⭐ 4.6/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 575686

$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 Professional 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL

Fender Am Ultra II J Bass V EB UBST

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 LPB

Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Met Yellow

Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM OWH

Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 WHP

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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