AudioFu

Best 5-String J-Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 5-string j-basses under $300 - 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
Harley Benton MV-5JB Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton MV-5JB Black

by Harley Benton
Fusion Session Work Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment
  • • String spacing differences

Harley Benton MV-5JB Black5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore...

⭐ 4.5/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 570616
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue

by Harley Benton
Metal Fusion Session Work
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
  • • Professional studio sound
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue5 String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian maple...

⭐ 4.5/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570608
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural

by Harley Benton
Fusion Metal Contemporary Jazz
Key Feature:
• Versatile pickup combinations
✓ PROS
  • • Bright Jazz Bass character
  • • Great for modern playing styles
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton MV-5JB Natural5 String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian sycamore...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570603
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist

by Harley Benton
Modern Rock Fusion Session Work
Key Feature:
• Great for modern playing styles
✓ PROS
  • • Great for modern playing styles
  • • Versatile pickup combinations
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian...

⭐ 4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 570613
$274
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage Series

by Harley Benton
Contemporary Jazz Fusion Progressive
Key Feature:
• Extended low-end range
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low-end range
  • • Great for modern playing styles
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingering patterns
  • • Higher string tension

Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage Series5 String Electric BassVintage SeriesBody: American ashBolt-on neck: Canadian...

⭐ 4.4/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 559126
$219
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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more