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AudioFu Chart · November 2026

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

The top pick is Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster ($1,288). Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case gives you the most for the money at $312. Sandberg California II TM5 Ida Nielsen leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 49 models across 12 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

49models in this chart
12brands
$1,115median price
25price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All 5-String J-Basses Showing: Under $5,000 · clear

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Fender Player II Modified Stratocaster

    Player II Mod J Bass V RW ELB · Fender

    175 for sale on Reverb4 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
    • Strings5-string

    This Player II J Bass V is a seriously capable instrument. The active EQ gives you a ton of tonal shaping options, and the noiseless pickups make it stage-ready. It's a great choice for gigging musicians who want versatility and modern features without the premium price tag.

    Pros

    • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
    • Player II Noiseless pickups deliver clean, articulate sound with minimal hum.
    • Modern 'C' neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of players.

    Cons

    • Rosewood fingerboard may feel dry to some players, requiring occasional conditioning.
    • Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, lacks the inherent warmth of a set-neck.
    80AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand98
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs88
    • Maker71
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$1,288 now
    $1,288€1,154 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. Fender American Ultra II Telecaster

    Am Ultra II J Bass V MN SRD · Fender

    194 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets21 frets
    • Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
    • Strings5-string

    This five-string bass suits you if you want a Jazz Bass style build with an extra low string. It has two noiseless single coil pickups, a pan pot to blend them, and mid and treble controls so you can shape your tone. It comes with a Deluxe shaped case, so it is ready to take with you.

    Pros

    • Body is made of alder, a popular bass wood
    • Maple neck and maple fingerboard with black pearloid dot inlays
    • Two Ultra II Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass single coil pickups with a pan pot selector

    Cons

    • Five-string 34 inch scale with a 47.6 mm nut may feel wide for small hands
    79AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup54
    • Price50
    • Specs88
    • Maker71
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$2,768 now
    $2,768€2,479 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass

    AM Pro Jazz Bass V RW 3TSB · Fender

    141 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
    • Strings5-string

    This is a five-string Jazz Bass made in the USA, with an alder body and a maple neck and fingerboard. It has passive electronics with two volume knobs and one tone knob, and it comes with a case. It suits you if you want a classic Jazz Bass layout with a 34-inch scale and a case in the box.

    Pros

    • Made in USA with an alder body and a bolt-on maple neck
    • Maple fingerboard with a 241 mm (9.5") radius and a bone nut
    • Passive electronics with 2 volume and 1 tone control

    Cons

    • Only 2 volume and 1 tone control, so tone shaping is limited
    76AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand94
    • Lineup54
    • Price50
    • Specs88
    • Maker71
    Stableno change since Oct 14
    Oct 14$2,511 now
    $2,511€2,249 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

    Marcus Miller

    Not on Reverb yet12 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width38 mm (1.5")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
    • Neck profileC-shape neck

    This is a 5-string bass with a Swamp Ash body and a maple neck. It has two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups, a Heritage-3 preamp, and a mini-switch so you can pick active or passive mode. It suits you if you want a J-style 5-string with a few extra controls to shape your tone.

    Pros

    • Swamp Ash body with a burl poplar veneer top
    • Two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups
    • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp with Blender and Middle/Freq controls

    Cons

    • Bolt-on maple neck rather than a set neck
    68AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup100
    • Price78
    • Specs100
    • Maker96
    ↓ 9.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $836 · Aug 17$758 now
    $758€679 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vintage JJ5 RM TSB

    Sadowsky

    Not on Reverb yet8 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets21 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • BodyOkoume body

    This is a 5-string J-style bass with an okoume body and a roasted maple neck. It has two hum-free pickups and active controls, so it suits you if you want a classic J-bass layout with control over your tone. It comes with a bag, fretboard protector and hex keys, which makes it a handy pick if you want to start playing without buying extras.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple neck and fingerboard give this bass a solid, stable build
    • Two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups with hum-free passive design
    • Active 2-way electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls plus preamp bypass
    62AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup86
    • Price75
    • Specs75
    • Maker100
    ↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $1,194 · Aug 17$1,093 now
    $1,093€979 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted Butterscotch

    Marcus Miller

    Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width46 mm (1.81")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets20 frets
    • Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
    • Strings5-string

    This bass sounds bright and clear thanks to its single coil pickups and active electronics. The maple neck feels smooth under your fingers for long practice sessions. It suits players who want a punchy tone but may lack some modern control options.

    Pros

    • Mahogany body paired with swamp ash top for solid resonance
    • Two single coil pickups deliver a bright, cutting tone
    • C-shaped neck profile offers comfortable playability for all hand sizes

    Cons

    • Only two controls limit basic tone shaping options
    • No pickup blend switch is available for mixing signals
    59AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup54
    • Price100
    • Specs75
    • Maker96
    ↓ 16.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $669 · Aug 17$557 now
    $557€499 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. Harley Benton MV-5JB Burgundy Mist w/Case

    Harley Benton

    Not on Reverb yet6 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width43 mm (1.69")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
    • Neck profileD-shape neck
    • Strings5-string

    You get a 5-string J-bass with an alder body, a sycamore neck, and a laurel fingerboard, plus two single coil pickups and a case in the box. It has a 34-inch scale and nickel silver frets, so it suits you if you want a complete bass you can play right away. The gig-style case is light and easy to carry, which helps if you move your bass often.

    Pros

    • Alder body with a bolt-on caramelised Canadian sycamore neck and laurel fingerboard
    • Two HBZ-Custom Wound VJB AlNiCo 5 single coil pickups, one bridge and one middle
    • Included LightCase-El-Bass gig-style case with velvet interior and neck holder

    Cons

    • Only two volume controls and one tone control, with no other controls
    58AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup76
    • Price66
    • Specs88
    • Maker73
    ↓ 5.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $329 · Aug 17$312 now
    $312€279 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 Morado BK

    Sadowsky

    Not on Reverb yet8 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets21 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • BodyOkoume body

    You get a five-string J-style bass with an okoume body, roasted maple bolt-on neck and morado fingerboard, plus a 34-inch scale and 21 frets. The two stacked pickups are passive and hum-free, and the active electronics give you volume, balance, treble and bass controls with a push/pull preamp bypass. It suits you if you want a five-string with a glossy black look, chrome hardware and useful accessories in the box.

    Pros

    • Solid Black high-gloss finish with chrome hardware
    • Two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups, passive and hum-free
    • Active Sadowsky 2-way electronics with push/pull preamp bypass

    Cons

    • Weighs up to 4.8 kg, so it is a heavy five-string bass
    58AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup86
    • Price64
    • Specs63
    • Maker100
    ↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $1,171 · Aug 17$1,115 now
    $1,115€999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR

    Marcus Miller

    Not on Reverb yet4 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width38 mm (1.5")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
    • Neck profileC-shape neck
    • Strings5-string

    You get a five-string J-style bass with an alder body and a maple neck. It has two Marcus Vintage-J Revolution single coil pickups and a Marcus Miller Vintage-S bridge, all in a Candy Apple Red finish. It suits you if you want a familiar J-bass layout with five strings and a 34 inch scale.

    Pros

    • Alder body gives this bass a lightweight, traditional build
    • Maple neck and maple fingerboard with block inlays
    • Two Marcus Vintage-J Revolution single coil pickups for two pickup positions

    Cons

    • Only one tone control, so tone shaping is limited to a single knob
    55AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup63
    • Price50
    • Specs88
    • Maker96
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$535 now
    $535€479 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Sandberg California II TM5 Ida Nielsen

    Sandberg

    Not on Reverb yet8 finishes at Thomann

    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • BodyAlder body
    • FingerboardMaple fingerboard

    This bass uses Ida Nielsen's classic J-style pickups with an active EQ switch. The alder body and maple neck feel solid under your fingers. It suits players who want that familiar New Power Generation tone without extra cost.

    Pros

    • Ida Nielsen signature model for familiar tone
    • Alder body paired with maple neck
    • Birdseye maple fingerboard for stability

    Cons

    • No string gauge options listed
    • Weight not specified in text
    55AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup86
    • Price50
    • Specs63
    • Maker91
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,237 now
    $3,237€2,899 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 49 5-String J-Basses

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin M OWSadowsky · 7 finishes
    Index 55Stable
    55
    Stable$4,353€3,899
    $4,353€3,899Check ↗
  2. 12
    Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Tobacco SunburstMarcus Miller · 5 finishes
    Index 54↓ 3.8%
    54
    ↓ 3.8%$568€509
    $568€509Check ↗
  3. 13
    Sire Marcus Miller V10 5-StringV10-5 TGR · Marcus Miller · 2 finishes
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$1,339€1,199
    $1,339€1,199Check ↗
  4. 14
    Ibanez MDM1605 ModeMDM1605-DTW · Ibanez · 2 finishes
    Index 54↓ 5.7%
    54
    ↓ 5.7%$1,473€1,319
    $1,473€1,319Check ↗
  5. 15
    Sandberg California II TM 5 MN RBSandberg · 5 finishes
    Index 54Stable
    54
    Stable$2,176€1,949
    $2,176€1,949Check ↗
  6. 16
    Sandberg California II TT 5 MN NT LHSandberg · 3 finishes
    Index 53Stable
    53
    Stable$2,344€2,099
    $2,344€2,099Check ↗
  7. 17
    Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TEMarcus Miller
    Index 50Stable
    50
    Stable$769€689
    $769€689Check ↗
  8. 18
    Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake BlueHarley Benton · 4 finishes
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$390€349
    $390€349Check ↗
  9. 19
    Cort B5 Element Open Pore NaturalCort · 3 finishes
    Index 49↓ 7.3%
    49
    ↓ 7.3%$568€509
    $568€509Check ↗
  10. 20
    Fender MonoNeon Signature Jazz Bass VMonoNeon Jazz Bass V NY · Fender
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$1,785€1,599
    $1,785€1,599Check ↗
  11. 21
    Marcus Miller V8-5 TSMarcus Miller
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$959€859
    $959€859Check ↗
  12. 22
    Ibanez MDM1005-MAMIbanez · 2 finishes
    Index 48↓ 11.7%
    48
    ↓ 11.7%$1,182€1,059
    $1,182€1,059Check ↗
  13. 23
    Sandberg California TM 5California TM 5 NT · Sandberg
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$2,222€1,990
    $2,222€1,990Check ↗
  14. 24
    Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton
    Index 47↓ 11.8%
    47
    ↓ 11.8%$334€299
    $334€299Check ↗
  15. 25
    Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$222€199
    $222€199Check ↗
  16. 26
    Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OWSadowsky
    Index 45↓ 9.1%
    45
    ↓ 9.1%$1,115€999
    $1,115€999Check ↗
  17. 27
    Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NATLakland · 3 finishes
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$1,897€1,699
    $1,897€1,699Check ↗
  18. 28
    Sandberg California II SLm TM 5 MN BKSandberg
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$2,232€1,999
    $2,232€1,999Check ↗
  19. 29
    Sandberg California II TT 5 BK 35"Sandberg
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$3,237€2,899
    $3,237€2,899Check ↗
  20. 30
    Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin J/J ´59 BRSadowsky
    Index 44Stable
    44
    Stable$4,688€4,199
    $4,688€4,199Check ↗
  21. 31
    Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SBSquier
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$323€289
    $323€289Check ↗
  22. 32
    Sandberg Electra TM5EF MH SBSandberg
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,115€999
    $1,115€999Check ↗
  23. 33
    Lakland Skyline 55-60 5-String 3TSBLakland · 2 finishes
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$1,115€999
    $1,115€999Check ↗
  24. 34
    Ibanez MDM1305-NABIbanez
    Index 43↓ 6.2%
    43
    ↓ 6.2%$1,361€1,219
    $1,361€1,219Check ↗
  25. 35
    Sandberg California II SLm TT5 MN BKBSandberg
    Index 43Stable
    43
    Stable$2,198€1,969
    $2,198€1,969Check ↗
  26. 36
    Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Modern 59`BurstSadowsky · 2 finishes
    Index 43↑ 10.3%
    43
    ↑ 10.3%$4,800€4,299
    $4,800€4,299Check ↗
  27. 37
    Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin Olympic WHSadowsky
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$4,465€3,999
    $4,465€3,999Check ↗
  28. 38
    Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo CandySadowsky
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$4,465€3,999
    $4,465€3,999Check ↗
  29. 39
    Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 59 BurstSadowsky
    Index 42Stable
    42
    Stable$4,967€4,449
    $4,967€4,449Check ↗
  30. 40
    Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vintage BKSadowsky
    Index 41Stable
    41
    Stable$3,907€3,499
    $3,907€3,499Check ↗
  31. 41
    Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKMSquier
    Index 40↑ 6.0%
    40
    ↑ 6.0%$354€317
    $354€317Check ↗
  32. 42
    Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NATSquier · 2 finishes
    Index 40Stable
    40
    Stable$508€455
    $508€455Check ↗
  33. 43
    Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSNJackson
    Index 40Stable
    40
    Stable$1,216€1,089
    $1,216€1,089Check ↗
  34. 44
    Sandberg California II TT5 CR HCAMSandberg
    Index 40Stable
    40
    Stable$4,130€3,699
    $4,130€3,699Check ↗
  35. 45
    Sandberg California II SLm TM5 BKBSandberg
    Index 38Stable
    38
    Stable$2,623€2,349
    $2,623€2,349Check ↗
  36. 46
    Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val CreamMarkbass
    Index 37Stable
    37
    Stable$836€749
    $836€749Check ↗
  37. 47
    Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MNSadowsky
    Index 37Stable
    37
    Stable$4,074€3,649
    $4,074€3,649Check ↗
  38. 48
    Markbass MB 5 Yellow JBMarkbass
    Index 36Stable
    36
    Stable$445€399
    $445€399Check ↗
  39. 49
    Marleaux Votan 5 HoneyMarleaux
    Index 36Stable
    36
    Stable$4,465€3,999
    $4,465€3,999Check ↗

5-String J-Basses by the numbers

Measured across all 127 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $1,115 — half of all 5-String J-Basses here cost less.

4
12
31
36
44
<$300$300–500$500–1k$1k–2k$2k+
Nut width46 mm (1.81")

median of 98 models · 43 mm (1.69")–47.6 mm (1.87")

Scale864 mm (34.02")

median of 105 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")

Frets21

median of 61 models · 20–24

Strings5-string

median of 127 models · 5-string–5-string

How to choose the best 5-String J-Basses

Neck Profile

This is HUGE. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your playing speed and comfort. Look for something that feels good in your hand - modern C profiles are generally player-friendly, but personal preference rules.

Pickup Voicing

J-Bass pickups are known for clarity and articulation, but 'clarity' can easily slide into 'ice-picky' territory. You want a pickup that delivers that punch and definition without sounding brittle or harsh, especially when playing that low B.

Hardware Quality

Cheap tuners and a flimsy bridge are a recipe for frustration. They'll affect tuning stability, sustain, and overall feel. Solid, reliable hardware isn't a luxury; it's essential for a gig-ready bass.

Body Wood & Construction

Mahogany tends to deliver warmth and sustain, ash offers a more scooped, articulate tone, and alder is a good all-rounder. Bolt-on necks are common at this price point, and while they're perfectly functional, a set-neck construction (though rare under $5000) will generally offer more resonance and sustain.

String Spacing & Scale Length

The wider string spacing on a 5-string can be a challenge for smaller hands. Make sure it's comfortable for you. Also, a 35" scale length is almost mandatory to keep that low B string from turning into a muddy mess - shorter scales just won't do.

Buying guide

So, you need a 5-string J-Bass but don't want to drop five grand? Smart move. They're fantastic instruments - that extra low B string adds a serious thump for funk, rock, and just generally fattening up your sound. Let's be honest, finding a killer 5-string J-Bass under $5000 is totally doable, but you gotta know what to look for to avoid some serious compromises.

At this budget, you're likely to find bolt-on necks and hardware that's good, but not top-tier. Don't expect exotic woods or flawless finishes - focus on the feel and tone. A well-set-up bass, even a 'budget' one, will always sound and play better than a poorly set-up expensive bass.

Seriously, get it professionally set up - it's worth every penny.

How the AudioFu Index works

Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.

This chart covers 127 5-String J-Basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.

  • Demand40%

    How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.

  • Lineup20%

    How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.

  • Price15%

    Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.

  • Specs15%

    How completely the maker documents it.

  • Maker10%

    How deep the brand’s range is in this category.

Questions

Are imported 5-string J-Basses worth considering?

Absolutely. Many excellent basses come from factories in Indonesia and China, often offering incredible value. Just be mindful of quality control - check the neck angle, fretwork, and overall build quality carefully.

What about active electronics?

Active electronics can boost headroom and provide more tonal flexibility, but they also require batteries and can sometimes introduce a 'sterile' sound. Passive electronics are generally considered more 'organic' and are a safe bet if you're unsure.

Is a roasted maple neck a must-have?

Roasting maple stabilizes the wood, making it less susceptible to changes in humidity and improving its resonance. It's a nice upgrade, but not a deal-breaker. A well-built traditional maple neck can still be fantastic.

Can I realistically expect boutique-level tone under $5000?

No. You'll get a very good bass, but it won't match the nuance and complexity of a custom shop instrument. Focus on finding a bass that inspires you to play and sounds great in your band's context.

What's the deal with the low B string - do I need to change strings?

Almost certainly, yes. Factory-installed strings on 5-string basses are often a compromise to keep costs down. Upgrading to a set of quality stainless steel or nickel strings will drastically improve the low B's definition and reduce fret buzz.

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