AudioFu

Best 5-String J-Basses Under $2,000 2026

Affordable 5-string j-basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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 V8-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Marcus Miller V8-5 TS

by Marcus Miller
Progressive Metal Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional studio sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional studio sound
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V8-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite abalone...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 553401
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Marcus Miller V10DX-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 NT

by Marcus Miller
Fusion Progressive Session Work
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 NT5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashTop: solidflamed mapleBolt-on neck: roasted mapleNeck...

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 553489
$1,539
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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 Vintage JJ5 RM OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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
Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR

by Marcus Miller
Fusion Session Work Progressive
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range
  • • Great for modern playing styles
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V10-5 TGR5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Solid burl poplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 584410
$1,429
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599282
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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
#12

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 SGR - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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 MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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
Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS

by Marcus Miller
Progressive Metal Fusion
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
  • • Extended low-end range
✗ CONS
  • • String spacing differences
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp ashTop: solid flamed mapleBolt-on neck: roasted mapleNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 553490
$1,759
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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