Best 5-String J-Basses Under $2,000 2025

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

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

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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 OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

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 Vintage JJ5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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

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 CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAO

by Sadowsky

Fusion Progressive Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• String spacing differences

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAO5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599215

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN DSK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN DSK

by Fender

Progressive Session Work Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN DSK5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlack dot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (40 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 609193

$1,273

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

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

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN OLP - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN OLP

by Fender

Contemporary Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN OLP5-String Electric bassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlakc dot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (21 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 609195

$1,273

Buy at Thomann View Details

Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSN - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSN

by Jackson

Progressive Session Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSN5 String Electric BassAdam Blackstone Signature ModelBody: PoplarNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584219

$1,143

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

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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Best 5-String J-Basses Under $2,000 2025

Marcus Miller V10-5 TBK

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 NT

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado OBL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM CH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAR

Marcus Miller V10-5 NT

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado CAO

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado SIL

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN DSK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado WHM

Fender Player II Mod J Bass V MN OLP

Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSN

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM SIL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado TSB

Marcus Miller V10DX-5 TS

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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