Best 5-String J-Basses Under $500 2025

Affordable 5-string j-basses under $500 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 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 V3 5 MA 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen5-String electric bassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: CScale: 864...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446372

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Session Work Contemporary Jazz Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural*5-String...

⭐ 4.8/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 468355

$395

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Modern Rock Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue*5-String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 468356

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.6/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446373

$431

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 570669

$396

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural

by Harley Benton

Metal Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural5-String Electric BassStyle: JBErgonomically shaped body made of swamp ashMatching...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 443528

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Session Work Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: Mahogany (Toona sureni)Neck: MapleFretboard: Rosewood...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 446371

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Modern Rock Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodFretboard inlays: White...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446369

$488

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V3P-5 BKS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V3P-5 BKS

by Marcus Miller

Metal Session Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V3P-5 BKS5-String Electric BassMahogany bodyMaple neckRosewood fingerboardNeck profile: CScale: 864 mmNut...

⭐ 4.9/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536936

$439

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NAT

by Squier

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

Art. 457329

$476

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue

by Harley Benton

Modern Rock Metal Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Extended low-end range
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires adjustment
• More complex fingering patterns

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue5-String Electric BassStyle: JB styleErgonomically shaped alder bodyMatching...

⭐ 4.4/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 443527

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Metal Fusion

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckFretboard: Roasted mapleNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 492595

$498

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case

by Harley Benton

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• String spacing differences

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist*5-String...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 596996

$325

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Progressive Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More expensive than 4-string

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series5-String Electric BassSides: Ovangkol7-Piece neck-thru-body: Mahogany / maple /...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 264960

$373

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue w/Case

by Harley Benton

Session Work Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue*5 String Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 597005

$325

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 Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 5-String J-Basses Under $500 2025

Marcus Miller V3 5 MA 2nd Gen

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural w/Bag

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Bl w/Bag

Marcus Miller V3 5 TS 2nd Gen

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series Bundle

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5MN Natural

Marcus Miller V3 5 BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V3 5 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V3P-5 BKS

Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NAT

Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake Blue

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 TS

Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case

Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe Series

Harley Benton MV-5JB Daphne Blue w/Case

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies