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Best Sadowsky 5-String J-Basses 2025

Premium Sadowsky 5-string j-basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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 SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL

by Sadowsky
Metal Fusion Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
• Professional studio sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599281
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR

by Sadowsky
Contemporary Jazz Session Work Progressive
Key Feature:
• Bright Jazz Bass character
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio sound
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing differences
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SGR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599272
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MN

by Sadowsky
Fusion Metal Session Work
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range
✓ PROS
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
  • • Professional studio sound
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MN5-String Electric Bass34" (864 mm) Scale lengthBolt-on neck (bolt-on...

⭐ 4.9/5 (40 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 510722
$3,628
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM

by Sadowsky
Session Work Contemporary Jazz Progressive
Key Feature:
• Professional studio sound
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range
  • • Great for modern playing styles
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO SGM5-String Electric Bass34" (864 mm) ScaleSlightly reduced J-style body made...

⭐ 4.8/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 526142
$3,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MN BKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MN BKS

by Sadowsky
Progressive Modern Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio sound
  • • Extended low-end range
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MN BKS5-String Electric BassBody: American swamp ashNeck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 493536
$3,739
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst

by Sadowsky
Fusion Progressive Modern Rock
Key Feature:
• Bright Jazz Bass character
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension
  • • String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM 59´Burst5-String Electric BassScale: 34" (864 mm)Bolt-on neckSlightly scaled down...

⭐ 5.0/5 (18 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 526123
$4,069
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado OBL

by Sadowsky
Modern Rock Fusion Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for modern playing styles
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing differences
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 599273
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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 CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO BK

by Sadowsky
Fusion Contemporary Jazz Metal
Key Feature:
• Great for modern playing styles
✓ PROS
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
  • • Extended low-end range
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing differences
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM MO BK5-String Electric BassScale: 864 mm (34")Slightly reduced J-style body made...

⭐ 4.9/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 526144
$3,849
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado BK

by Sadowsky
Modern Rock Session Work Metal
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
  • • Professional studio sound
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension
  • • String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado BK5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 599162
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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