Best 5-String J-Basses Under $1,000 2026
Alright, so you want a 5-string Jazz Bass, but you're not looking to remortgage the house. Believe me, I get it. Getting that extra low B string without breaking the bank is totally doable - you just need to know what to look for. We've hunted down five basses that deliver solid performance and that signature J-Bass thump without sending you into debt.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
⚡ The best 5-string j-basses in 2026 are Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TGR (top pick), Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5 New Gen Natural for tighter budgets, and Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE for pros — selected from 15 options across 3 brands, priced $289–$998, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TGR
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Fusion
Metal
Session Work
Key Feature:
The V7 is a seriously well-built 5-string with a fantastic feel and a voice that’s both vintage and modern. It's a great choice for players needing a versatile bass for funk, soul, and rock – the Super J pickups give you a great, defined tone, and the Heritage-3 preamp adds a ton of flexibility.
PROS
- • Swamp ash body delivers resonant, warm low-end tones.
- • Marcus Super J Revolution pickups offer clarity and articulation.
- • Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile tonal shaping options.
- • Edgeless fingerboard enhances playing comfort and speed.
CONS
- • Swamp ash construction can make it a bit weighty for some players.
- • Burl poplar top is visually striking but potentially prone to minor cosmetic imperfections.
- • While versatile, the single-coil pickups might lack extreme high-gain distortion.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584321
$882
Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5 New Gen Natural
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
184 mm (7.24")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Metal
Contemporary Jazz
Modern Rock
Key Feature:
This bass feels great with its smooth maple neck and rounded edges. The single coils give a clear, punchy sound that cuts through a mix. It suits players who want a classic feel without too many knobs to twist. Perfect for gigs where clarity matters more than complex sound shaping.
PROS
- • New generation C neck profile fits many hands well
- • Alder body paired with maple neck for solid resonance
- • Two Marcus Vintage-J Revolution single coils offer punch
- • Edgeless rounded edges feel comfortable for long playing
CONS
- • No active electronics means limited output volume
- • Only two controls restrict tone shaping options
- • Scale length is long at 34 inches for some players
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635241
$870
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Modern Rock
Fusion
Metal
Key Feature:
This bass has a warm mahogany body topped with swamp ash for a rich sound. The maple neck and ebony fingerboard feel smooth under your fingers. It uses high-end single coil pickups that cut through the mix well. The push-pull switch is a great feature for changing modes on the fly. It's perfect for players who want a solid, modern tone without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with swamp ash top for balanced tone
- • Stainless steel frets ensure lasting brightness and smooth playability
- • Marcus Super-J Revolution pickups deliver tight, focused low end
- • Push-pull switch lets you easily switch between active and passive modes
CONS
- • No string gauge information provided in the description
- • Scale length is long at 34 inches, which may be tough on smaller hands
- • Weight is not specified, so it could be heavy for all-day playing
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 615143
$801
Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Modern Rock
Fusion
Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
The V7 is a fantastic all-around 5-string – it nails that modern, yet slightly vintage, vibe. The Super J pickups provide a surprising amount of warmth and clarity, and the Heritage-3 preamp gives you plenty of tonal options. It's a great choice for gigging musicians who need a versatile and reliable bass without breaking the bank.
PROS
- • Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, articulate low-end with great sustain.
- • Marcus Super J Revolution pickups offer a surprisingly vintage, clear tone.
- • Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile tonal shaping with the useful 'Blender' control.
- • Bolt-on maple neck ensures a snappy, responsive feel with comfortable playability.
CONS
- • Swamp ash can make the bass feel somewhat weighty, especially for smaller players.
- • Burl poplar veneer, while attractive, can be prone to minor finish imperfections.
- • The Edgeless fingerboard, while comfortable, may not appeal to players preferring a more defined edge.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584309
$789
Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted OTB
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Fusion
Session Work
Metal
Key Feature:
This Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted is a seriously versatile instrument. The combination of mahogany and swamp ash gives it a great foundation, and the Super-J pickups offer a surprisingly warm, vintage vibe with plenty of punch. It's a great choice for players wanting a 5-string with a comfortable feel and a wide range of tones without a premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Mahogany/Swamp Ash combo delivers a warm, resonant, and articulate tone.
- • Marcus Super-J Revolution pickups offer a surprisingly vintage, scooped mid-range character.
- • Heritage-3 electronics provide versatile tonal shaping with passive switching option.
- • Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy feel and excellent upper-midrange clarity.
CONS
- • Swamp ash body might make it slightly less dense than some prefer.
- • Rosewood fingerboard can feel a bit 'slick' for players who prefer a more textured surface.
- • Blend control's effectiveness is somewhat limited compared to more complex active systems.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610793
$754
Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted BK
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Progressive
Session Work
Fusion
Key Feature:
This bass feels solid with a warm mahogany body and a smooth maple neck. The rosewood fretboard and single-coil pickups give it a clear, direct tone. It works well for players who want a simple, reliable instrument without too many extra knobs.
PROS
- • Solid mahogany body with swamp ash top for warm tone
- • Maple bolt-on neck ensures strong connection and stability
- • Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability across 20 frets
- • Marcus Super-J Revolution pickups deliver clear, defined sound
CONS
- • Single volume and tone controls lack modern mixing options
- • Only one blend control limits tone shaping flexibility
- • No string gauge options listed for custom setup needs
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610783
$743
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKM
by
Squier
Nut width
47.6 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Contemporary Jazz
Fusion
Progressive
Key Feature:
This Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V is a seriously solid option for beginner to intermediate players looking for a 5-string sound. The active EQ is a real bonus for sculpting your tone, and the noiseless pickups keep things clean. It's a workhorse bass, ready for practice, gigging, or recording without a huge investment.
PROS
- • The noiseless ceramic pickups deliver a surprisingly punchy, modern tone.
- • Maple fingerboard and neck provide a snappy, responsive playing feel.
- • The active EQ offers welcome tonal shaping for versatility.
- • Solid poplar body provides decent resonance for its price point.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
- • Synthetic bone nut is a cost-saving measure; genuine bone is preferable.
- • The lighter weight poplar body might feel a bit 'floaty' for some players.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 594281
$348
Marcus Miller V8-5 TS
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Progressive
Metal
Fusion
Key Feature:
The V8-5 TS is a seriously capable 5-string bass, offering a fantastic blend of vintage vibe and modern versatility. It's a great choice for players looking for a workhorse instrument suitable for funk, soul, and rock, with a comfortable neck and a punchy, responsive feel. This bass is ideal for gigging musicians who want a premium instrument without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, articulate tone with excellent sustain
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel
- • Marcus Super J Revolution pickups offer a surprisingly balanced, vintage-inspired growl
- • Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile tonal shaping with a useful mid-frequency control
CONS
- • Swamp ash can make the bass feel a little weighty, especially for smaller players
- • The bolt-on neck, while stable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck design
- • The pickup blend control can be a bit fiddly to dial in a truly balanced tone
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 553401
$998
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Tide Pool
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Contemporary Jazz
Session Work
Fusion
Key Feature:
This bass has a roasted maple neck and body that feels solid and stays in tune well. The two single-coil pickups give it a clear, bright sound that cuts through the mix. It's a great choice for players who want a responsive feel and a versatile active preamp without extra buttons.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck and fingerboard for stable tuning
- • Two single-coil pickups for bright, punchy tone
- • Alder body for a balanced, mid-focused sound
- • Active/passive switchable preamp for tone shaping
CONS
- • No weight specification listed in the description
- • Only volume/tone/balance controls, no EQ
- • Single-coil pickups can be susceptible to noise
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 647290
$812
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Metal
Modern Rock
Progressive
Key Feature:
The V5 Alder-5 CAR is a seriously solid 5-string option for players wanting vintage tones on a budget. The pickups have a nice warmth and clarity, and the maple neck is a joy to play. It's perfect for gigging musicians and studio players who need a reliable and versatile workhorse bass.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with strong low-mids.
- • Marcus Vintage-J Revolution pickups deliver a clear, articulate vintage-inspired sound.
- • Maple neck with a comfortable C-shape profile facilitates fast, fluid playing.
- • Bone nut improves tuning stability and enhances sustain compared to plastic.
CONS
- • Alder body can make it slightly heavier than basses with lighter woods.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • Single-coil pickups can be susceptible to hum in noisy environments.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 610803
$557
Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SB
by
Squier
Nut width
47.6 mm (1.87")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Poplar body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Modern Rock
Contemporary Jazz
Progressive
Key Feature:
This Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V is a solid choice for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile 5-string. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price, and those ceramic pickups give you a really defined low-end. It's a workhorse bass – reliable and ready to lay down a groove.
PROS
- • Poplar body offers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile promotes easy playability
- • Ceramic pickups deliver a punchy, articulate sound suitable for diverse genres
- • Laurel fingerboard provides a smoother feel compared to rosewood alternatives
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits upper fret access and sustain compared to set-neck designs
- • Synthetic bone nut can feel less premium and may affect sustain slightly
- • 3-color sunburst finish is a common aesthetic; lacks unique character
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 516678
$336
Harley Benton MV-5JB Black w/Bag
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Modern Rock
Fusion
Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton MV-5JB is a serious contender for the budget-conscious bassist. The VJB pickups give it a surprisingly vintage-inspired tone with modern clarity, and the caramelized maple neck is a joy to play. It's an excellent choice for players wanting a versatile 5-string J-bass without the premium price tag.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Caramelized maple neck offers smooth playability and a unique visual flair
- • Custom-wound VJB pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles improves tuning stability and note definition
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction may lack the sustain of a set-neck design
- • Roseacer skunkstripe can be visually polarizing, not to everyone's taste
- • The 'D' profile neck might feel thick for players preferring thinner profiles
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 596986
$324
Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue w/Case
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Session Work
Progressive
Fusion
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton MV-5JB is a seriously impressive value. The Daphne Blue finish looks fantastic, and the VJB pickups deliver a versatile sound suitable for funk, rock, and even some jazz. It's a great choice for gigging musicians or anyone looking for a quality 5-string without spending a fortune.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Caramelized maple neck offers a smooth, fast feel and improved stability.
- • Custom-wound VJB pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound.
- • Deluxe case provides excellent protection and makes transport easy.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set-neck.
- • Roseacer skunk stripe can feel slightly less premium than all-rosewood.
- • Sung Il bridge, while functional, might be a future upgrade for serious players.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597005
$324
Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural w/Case
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Progressive
Fusion
Modern Rock
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton MV-5JB is a fantastic value for players seeking a classic 5-string J-Bass vibe. The caramelized neck feels great, and the pickups offer a surprisingly authentic vintage tone. It’s an excellent choice for beginners or experienced players wanting a versatile, affordable workhorse bass.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Caramelized sycamore neck offers a smooth, fast feel and bright upper harmonics.
- • Custom VJB pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy vintage J-Bass tone.
- • Deluxe case provides excellent protection and makes transport convenient.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the resonance of a set-neck design.
- • Roseacer skunk stripe may not appeal to players preferring a uniform neck appearance.
- • Sung Il bridge, while functional, isn't quite on par with higher-end hardware.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597048
$324
Harley Benton MV-5JB Black
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Fusion
Session Work
Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton MV-5JB is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic J-Bass vibe, offering a surprisingly refined feel and those VJB pickups give it a real vintage growl. It's perfect for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a quality 5-string without the premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Caramelized maple neck offers a surprisingly smooth, fast feel for the price.
- • HBZ VJB pickups deliver a punchy, vintage-inspired single-coil tone.
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles enhances sustain and tuning stability.
CONS
- • Caramelization process can lead to inconsistencies in neck finish and feel.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to neck-through designs.
- • 305 mm radius fingerboard might feel less familiar to players used to flatter profiles.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570616
$289
Every 5-string j-basses that matches
49 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $289 |
| 17 | Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $289 |
| 18 | Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage Series | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $231 |
| 19 | Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted Butterscotch | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 20 frets · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $696 |
| 20 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $812 |
| 21 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Tobacco Sunburst | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $812 |
| 22 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Mercury | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $812 |
| 23 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Dark Forest | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $812 |
| 24 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Natural | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $812 |
| 25 | Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Candy Apple Red | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $812 |
| 26 | Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CGM | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $610 |
| 27 | Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5 New Gen TS | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 184 mm (7.24") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body | $870 |
| 28 | Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Tobacco Sunburst | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $615 |
| 29 | Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Antique White | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $615 |
| 30 | Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Black Satin | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $615 |
| 31 | Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Midnight Blueburs | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $615 |
| 32 | Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $417 |
| 33 | Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $417 |
| 34 | Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $406 |
| 35 | Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $394 |
| 36 | Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val Cream | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Basswood body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $870 |
| 37 | Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural w/Bag | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 5-string | $417 |
| 38 | Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Strings 5-string | $406 |
| 39 | Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Ash-5 New Gen NT | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Fingerboard radius 184 mm (7.24") · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body | $987 |
| 40 | Cort B5 Element Open Pore Black | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $602 |
| 41 | Cort B5 Element Open Pore Natural | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $592 |
| 42 | Cort B5 Element Open Pore Red | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $592 |
| 43 | Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $499 |
| 44 | Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN BLK | Nut width 47.6 mm (1.87") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body | $580 |
| 45 | Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body | $552 |
| 46 | Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NAT | Nut width 47.6 mm (1.87") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Maple body | $529 |
| 47 | Markbass MB 5 Yellow JB | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $464 |
| 48 | Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH | Nut width 46 mm (1.81") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $580 |
| 49 | Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $487 |
5-String J-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 49 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $592
from $289 to $870
Nut width
median 46 mm (1.81")
from 43 mm (1.69") to 47.6 mm (1.87") · 45 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 864 mm (34.02") to 864 mm (34.02") · 42 models
Fingerboard radius
median 241 mm (9.49")
from 184 mm (7.24") to 350 mm (13.78") · 35 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 24 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 49 models
Body
alder, mahogany, ash
most common · 40 models
Fingerboard
maple, laurel, ebony
most common · 31 models
Frets
median 20
from 20 to 24 · 14 models
How to Choose the Best 5-String J-Basses
1
Neck Profile
The neck is your handshake with the bass. A comfortable, consistent profile (C or D shapes are common) will make long gigs way more enjoyable. Watch out for necks that feel too thick or too thin - it's a personal thing, but a bad neck profile will kill your playing.
2
Pickup Voicing
J-Basses are known for their clarity and articulation, but 'clarity' can easily tip into harshness. We looked for pickups that offer a balanced tone with a good low-end presence without being overly brittle or ice-picky. That sweet spot between growl and definition is what we're after.
3
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners are a nightmare. They'll drift, making your bass go out of tune mid-song, and that's just unprofessional. Bridges and strap buttons are similar - flimsy hardware will fail eventually. Solid, dependable hardware is a must for gigging.
4
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany, Alder, and Ash are common choices. Body wood impacts sustain and tonal color. Bolt-on necks are more common at this price point, which isn't inherently bad, but check for a solid, tight fit to minimize neck movement and improve sustain. Set-neck construction is rare under $1000.
5
Low-B String Performance
A 5-string's low B is only as good as its construction and pickups. We tested each bass's ability to handle the B string - clarity, sustain, and minimal muddiness are key. A weak low B makes the whole 5-string thing pointless.
Buying Guide
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect premium materials or flawless finishes. Focus on the neck - a comfortable neck is worth more than a fancy top coat. Cheaper basses often use lower-end hardware, so factor in a potential upgrade down the line if you're a serious player. And listen closely for fret buzz; a quick setup by a tech can often fix this, but it's something to be aware of.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 49 5-string j-basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You'll need decent preamps and mics, of course, but a well-chosen bass in this range can deliver plenty of usable tones for rock, funk, and even some jazz. Don't expect boutique warmth, but it'll record just fine.
Not necessarily. Bolt-on necks are more common and easier to manufacture, keeping prices down. A well-made bolt-on neck can feel and play just as well as a set-neck, but the sustain might be slightly reduced. It's more about the quality of the joint than the construction type itself.
Active pickups offer higher output and sometimes a more sculpted tone, but they require a battery. While some basses in this range have them, passive J-Basses are generally more versatile and don't need extra power. It's a matter of preference.
Lower action means easier playing, but too low can lead to fret buzz. Find a balance that's comfortable for you. A good setup can optimize the action for both playability and clean tone.
You can! A good EQ and playing dynamics are more important than the bass itself. A well-chosen bass with decent pickups and a solid low-end can absolutely hold its own in a band setting.
