Best Squier 5-String J-Basses 2025

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

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

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN BLK

Session Work Metal Modern Rock
Key Feature:
• Professional studio sound
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • String spacing differences

Squier CV 70s Jazz bass V MN BLK5-String Electric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

5.0/5 (20 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V LRL SSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V LRL SSB

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Modern Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for modern playing styles
✓ PROS
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
  • • Extended low-end range
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V LRL SSB5-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Indian...

4.8/5 (14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Squier CV Act 70s J Bass V MN PPG OCT

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
Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NAT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NAT

Fusion Session Work Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio sound
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Squier CV 70s Jazz bass V MN NAT5-String Electric BassClassic Vibe seriesBody: MapleBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

4.5/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SB

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

Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SB5-String electric bassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: LaurelPearloid dot...

4.7/5 (25 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM

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

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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