Best 5-String J-Basses Under $800 2026

Affordable 5-string j-basses under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

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 V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Fusion Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: Burl poplar veneerBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 584309

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Tide Pool 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Tide Pool 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Metal Session Work Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Tide Pool 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.7/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610562

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Metal Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446037

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 LPB 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 LPB 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 LPB 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 460014

$649

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Great for modern playing styles
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH5-String Electric BassAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 537379

$578

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Alder-5 BMR 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Alder-5 BMR 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Metal Fusion

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

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Alder-5 BMR 2nd Gen.Electric BassMade by SireAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446320

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 DRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 DRD

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Professional studio sound

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More complex fingering patterns

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 DRD5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on Neck: Roasted MapleNeck profile: CFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 562305

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz

Key Feature:

• Extended low-end range

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension
• More expensive than 4-string

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG5-String Electric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536821

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Professional studio sound
• Bright Jazz Bass character

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd GenElectric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFigerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.7/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610566

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR

by Marcus Miller

Metal Modern Rock Progressive

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleBlock fingerboard...

⭐ 4.8/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610803

$615

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile pickup combinations

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• More complex fingering patterns
• String spacing differences

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen.5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 4.9/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 460013

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Rock Session Work Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Versatile pickup combinations

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445973

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Modern Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Professional studio sound

✓ PROS

• Bright Jazz Bass character
• Extended low-end range

✗ CONS

• String spacing differences
• Wider neck requires adjustment

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS5-String Electric BassAlder bodyRoasted maple neckRosewood fingerboardWhite Perloid Blocks...

⭐ 4.9/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536825

$527

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Contemporary Jazz Metal

Key Feature:

• Bright Jazz Bass character

✓ PROS

• Versatile pickup combinations
• Great for modern playing styles

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string
• Higher string tension

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL TS 2nd GenElectric GuitarFretlessAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckEbony fingerboardNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 445985

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Contemporary Jazz Metal Modern Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for modern playing styles

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleNeck profile: CFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 562300

$659

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 $800 2026

Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Tide Pool 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 LPB 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 VWH

Marcus Miller V7 Vintage Alder-5 BMR 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 DRD

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 MLG

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 Redburst SP 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-5 CAR

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5R Alder-5 TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS

How to Choose the Best 5-String J-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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