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
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,288 now$1,288€1,154 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,768 now$2,768€2,479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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
IndexStableno change since Oct 14Oct 14$2,511 now$2,511€2,249 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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↓ 9.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$836 · Aug 17$758 now$758€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,194 · Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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↓ 16.7%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$669 · Aug 17$557 now$557€499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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↓ 5.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$329 · Aug 17$312 now$312€279 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,171 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$535 now$535€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- 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
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,237 now$3,237€2,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck 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.
- 11
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin M OWSadowsky · 7 finishes55Stable$4,353€3,899$4,353€3,899Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller V3 5 New Gen Tobacco SunburstMarcus Miller · 5 finishes54↓ 3.8%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 13
Sire Marcus Miller V10 5-StringV10-5 TGR · Marcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez MDM1605 ModeMDM1605-DTW · Ibanez · 2 finishes54↓ 5.7%$1,473€1,319$1,473€1,319Check ↗
- 15
Sandberg California II TM 5 MN RBSandberg · 5 finishes54Stable$2,176€1,949$2,176€1,949Check ↗
- 16
Sandberg California II TT 5 MN NT LHSandberg · 3 finishes53Stable$2,344€2,099$2,344€2,099Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TEMarcus Miller50Stable$769€689$769€689Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton Enhanced MJ-5EB Lake BlueHarley Benton · 4 finishes49Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 19
Cort B5 Element Open Pore NaturalCort · 3 finishes49↓ 7.3%$568€509$568€509Check ↗
- 20
Fender MonoNeon Signature Jazz Bass VMonoNeon Jazz Bass V NY · Fender49Stable$1,785€1,599$1,785€1,599Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller V8-5 TSMarcus Miller48Stable$959€859$959€859Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez MDM1005-MAMIbanez · 2 finishes48↓ 11.7%$1,182€1,059$1,182€1,059Check ↗
- 23
Sandberg California TM 5California TM 5 NT · Sandberg48Stable$2,222€1,990$2,222€1,990Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HBZ-2005 Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton47↓ 11.8%$334€299$334€299Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton JB-75-5MN NA Vintage SeriesHarley Benton45Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 MO OWSadowsky45↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 27
Lakland Skyline Darryl Jones 5 NATLakland · 3 finishes45Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 28
Sandberg California II SLm TM 5 MN BKSandberg45Stable$2,232€1,999$2,232€1,999Check ↗
- 29
Sandberg California II TT 5 BK 35"Sandberg45Stable$3,237€2,899$3,237€2,899Check ↗
- 30
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin J/J ´59 BRSadowsky44Stable$4,688€4,199$4,688€4,199Check ↗
- 31
Squier Aff. Jazz Bass V 3-SBSquier43Stable$323€289$323€289Check ↗
- 32
Sandberg Electra TM5EF MH SBSandberg43Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 33
Lakland Skyline 55-60 5-String 3TSBLakland · 2 finishes43Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez MDM1305-NABIbanez43↓ 6.2%$1,361€1,219$1,361€1,219Check ↗
- 35
Sandberg California II SLm TT5 MN BKBSandberg43Stable$2,198€1,969$2,198€1,969Check ↗
- 36
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Modern 59`BurstSadowsky · 2 finishes43↑ 10.3%$4,800€4,299$4,800€4,299Check ↗
- 37
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vin Olympic WHSadowsky42Stable$4,465€3,999$4,465€3,999Check ↗
- 38
Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin Mo CandySadowsky42Stable$4,465€3,999$4,465€3,999Check ↗
- 39
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 59 BurstSadowsky42Stable$4,967€4,449$4,967€4,449Check ↗
- 40
Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Vintage BKSadowsky41Stable$3,907€3,499$3,907€3,499Check ↗
- 41
Squier Affinity ACT Jazz Bass V BKMSquier40↑ 6.0%$354€317$354€317Check ↗
- 42
Squier CV 70s Jazz Bass V MN NATSquier · 2 finishes40Stable$508€455$508€455Check ↗
- 43
Jackson A Blackstone Pro Gladys BLKSNJackson40Stable$1,216€1,089$1,216€1,089Check ↗
- 44
Sandberg California II TT5 CR HCAMSandberg40Stable$4,130€3,699$4,130€3,699Check ↗
- 45
Sandberg California II SLm TM5 BKBSandberg38Stable$2,623€2,349$2,623€2,349Check ↗
- 46
Markbass MB GV5 Gloxy Val CreamMarkbass37Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 47
Sadowsky MetroLine 22 Will Lee 5 NT MNSadowsky37Stable$4,074€3,649$4,074€3,649Check ↗
- 48
Markbass MB 5 Yellow JBMarkbass36Stable$445€399$445€399Check ↗
- 49
Marleaux Votan 5 HoneyMarleaux36Stable$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.
Median $1,115 — half of all 5-String J-Basses here cost less.
median of 98 models · 43 mm (1.69")–47.6 mm (1.87")
median of 105 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
median of 61 models · 20–24
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.





