AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive Series ($211). Harley Benton MB-5LH SBK gives you the most for the money at $166. Ibanez EHB1005MS Bass Workshop leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 32 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
This lefty Harley Benton B-550LH Progressive is a solid, affordable 5-string option for players wanting a punchy, modern tone. The long scale really tightens up the low B, and the alder body gives it a surprisingly full sound. It's a great choice for rock, metal, or anything needing some serious low-end grunt.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Modern D-neck profile offers comfortable playability for various hand sizes.
- Long scale (864mm) delivers tight low-end and improved clarity.
Cons
- Black walnut fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- Humbucker pickups, while powerful, limit versatility for cleaner, more nuanced tones.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$211 now$211€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This lefty MB-5LH is a solid entry point into 5-string bass playing, especially for those on a budget. The coil-split humbucker is a clever touch, giving you more tonal options than you'd expect at this price. It's ideal for beginners or players wanting a versatile, budget-friendly bass for rock, pop, or even some funk.
Pros
- Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and comfortable, familiar feel.
- Humbucker with coil split offers versatility – from thick lows to brighter tones.
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; an immediate upgrade will significantly improve playability.
- Roseacer fretboard might exhibit minor fret sprout – a common budget bass issue.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
The SR305EBL-WK is a seriously capable 5-string bass, especially for the price. It’s a great entry point into the Ibanez world, offering a modern sound and comfortable feel. Perfect for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile and affordable instrument.
Pros
- Nyatoh body provides a balanced, warm tone with good sustain.
- Maple/walnut SR5 neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable playing feel.
- PowerSpan Dual Coil pickups deliver a thick, modern low-end with clarity.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while good, isn’t as premium feeling as more expensive woods.
- Jatoba fretboard can feel a little harder than rosewood or ebony.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$461 now$461€413 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The Z3-5 Sparkle Black LH is a seriously fun bass for lefties looking for a versatile and affordable instrument. The Heritage-3 preamp gives you a surprising amount of tonal control, and the Sire pickup delivers a modern, punchy tone that cuts through a mix. It's a great choice for gigging musicians and students alike who want a 5-string without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant foundation for a full sound.
- Marcus Heritage-3 preamp delivers versatile tonal shaping options.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers snappy response and comfortable playability.
Cons
- Open-gear tuners might not offer the absolute finest tuning stability.
- Sparkle Black finish, while striking, can be prone to fingerprints.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$534 now$534€479 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
This lefty bass has a solid maple neck and a deep body cut for easy playing. The two bright single-coil pickups give a crisp, clean tone that stands out in a mix. It is a great choice for a left-handed player who wants a reliable, high-quality instrument without extra complexity.
Pros
- Solid one-piece maple neck for stable tuning
- Two distinct single coil pickups for bright tone
- Deep cutaway design for easier finger access
Cons
- Left-handed configuration limits resale value
- No listed weight makes total mass uncertain
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$668 now$668€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Strings5-string
This lefty bass has a solid mahogany body and a comfortable maple neck with twenty frets. It uses two single coil pickups and Marcus electronics with a push-pull bass switch. Great for players who want a clear, punchy sound without too many knobs.
Pros
- Solid mahogany body with swamp ash top for resonance
- Comfortable maple C-neck profile with 20 frets
- Two Marcus Super-J Revolution single coil pickups
Cons
- No string gauge options listed in the description
- Single volume and tone control limits tone shaping
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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This Z7-5 is a serious contender for the left-handed bassist seeking a versatile and well-equipped instrument. The roasted maple neck and Sire pickups offer a modern feel and a wide range of tones, making it great for funk, fusion, and beyond. It's a really solid package for the price.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, resonant feel.
- Sire pickups deliver a balanced tone – punchy bridge, warm neck.
- Marcus Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile EQ shaping and tonal options.
Cons
- Alder body might feel a touch lightweight for some players' preference.
- The 'Blender' control can be tricky to dial in for subtle tone shaping.
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$619 now$619€555 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale889 mm (35")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This left-handed bass uses a mahogany body for warmth and Marcus Blue pickups for punch. It sits on a maple neck with rosewood fingerboard and offers great EQ control. It suits lefty players who want a solid, modern sound without extra setup costs.
Pros
- Left-handed design fits musicians who play backwards
- Mahogany body offers warm, resonant fundamental tones
- Marcus Blue Humbuckers deliver thick, high-output sound
Cons
- Transparent Black finish may show scratches easily
- No string gauge options listed in the specs
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$601 now$601€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 CH Blue LH
Not on Reverb yet1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Sterling StingRay5 is a seriously good deal for a lefty. You're getting a lot of Music Man DNA – that aggressive StingRay tone and solid build – at a surprisingly affordable price. It’s a great workhorse bass for rock, funk, and heavier genres where you need that articulate, punchy low-end.
Pros
- Jabon body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Maple neck provides excellent clarity and a comfortable, familiar feel.
- H-1 humbuckers deliver a powerful, aggressive low-end punch.
Cons
- Jabon can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more premium woods.
- Open gear tuners aren't *quite* as precise as sealed gear alternatives.
40AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$601 now$601€539 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Strings5-string
- BodyBasswood body
The EHB1005MSL-SFM is a serious instrument for the left-handed bassist who wants a modern edge. That multiscale design really opens up extended range playing, and the Bartolini pickups provide a focused, powerful tone perfect for modern genres and progressive styles. It’s a premium-priced bass that offers a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
- Bartolini pickups deliver a punchy, articulate low-end with excellent clarity.
- Multiscale design enhances playability and intonation across all five strings.
- Toasted birdseye maple fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
Cons
- Plastic nut feels like a cost-saving measure compared to graphite or bone.
- Sea Foam Green Matte finish, while striking, might not appeal to all tastes.
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,471 now$1,471€1,319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 32 5-String lefthanded basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 ActiveRB Corvette $$ LH 5 NB TS · Warwick63Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez SR505A SoundgearSR505AL-MHL · Ibanez62Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez SRMS805L-DTW SR Bass Workshop Multi-Scale Left-Handed Deep…SRMS805L-DTW · Ibanez58Stable$1,393€1,249$1,393€1,249Check ↗
- 14
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 RM LH BKSadowsky · 3 finishes57Stable$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 15
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ5 RM LH BKSadowsky · 2 finishes56↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 16
Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK LHMarcus Miller54↓ 1.3%$824€739$824€739Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 BK LHMarcus Miller · 2 finishes54Stable$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 18
Marcus Miller P7-5 Sandblasted CAR TE LHMarcus Miller53Stable$857€769$857€769Check ↗
- 19
Tobias Growler IVGrowler V LH · Tobias53Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 20
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural LHMarcus Miller52↓ 2.8%$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller P7 5 New Gen TS LHMarcus Miller51Stable$947€849$947€849Check ↗
- 22
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM LH BKSadowsky51↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 23
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA LH BSadowsky50↓ 6.1%$1,203€1,079$1,203€1,079Check ↗
- 24
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Mor LH WHSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 OW LHSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado LH BKSadowsky49↓ 8.3%$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 27
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 5 SBHP LHSadowsky48↓ 7.4%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 28
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA BK LHSadowsky47↑ 5.0%$1,170€1,049$1,170€1,049Check ↗
- 29
Warwick RB Star Bass 5 SBHP LHWarwick46Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 30
Sandberg California VM2 5 GB LHSandberg44Stable$2,418€2,169$2,418€2,169Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez SR2605L-CBB PremiumIbanez42Stable$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
- 32
Warwick RB Corvette Classic LH 5 AS THWarwick41Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 42 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,002 — half of all 5-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 42 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 36 models
median of 39 models · 44.5 mm (1.75")–47.5 mm (1.87")
median of 35 models · 864 mm (34.02")–866 mm (34.09")
How to choose the best 5-String lefthanded basses
Playability
Neck profile, string spacing, and action are everything for a beginner. A thick, unwieldy neck or strings too close together will make learning a nightmare. We're looking for something comfortable to hold and relatively easy to fret.
Pickup Voicing
That extra low B string can quickly turn muddy if your pickups aren't up to the task. We're prioritizing pickups that offer clarity and definition, even when digging into the low end - you want a thump, not a swamp.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners and a flimsy bridge will kill your intonation and make playing gigs a pain. You don't need boutique hardware, but it needs to hold a tune and stay in place without constant tweaking.
Overall Build Quality
A bass that rattles or has obvious finish flaws isn't inspiring. We're looking for something reasonably well-built that will withstand the rigors of practice and the occasional gig.
Value for Money
Let's be honest, 5-string basses are inherently more expensive. We're balancing features and performance against the price point, looking for the best bang for your buck without sacrificing playability.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're left-handed and want to dive into the world of 5-string bass? That's awesome, but it's a bigger jump than going from a 4-string to a 5-string right-handed. The extra string adds complexity, and finding a lefty 5-string that's actually playable and sounds decent can be a real challenge. This list isn't about the flashiest basses; it's about finding something that'll actually help you learn and won't leave you frustrated before you've even learned your first scale.
Don't chase the 'cool' factor. A 5-string is more demanding than a 4-string, so prioritize playability above all else. Cheaper basses often cut corners on the bridge and tuners - those are the first things to upgrade if you're on a tight budget.
Seriously consider getting a professional setup - it'll make even a decent bass play like a dream. And remember, a good bass doesn't need a ton of knobs or fancy finishes; it needs to feel good and sound decent.
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 42 5-String lefthanded 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
Is a 5-string really worth it for a beginner?
It's a bigger commitment. The learning curve is steeper, and you'll be reaching for notes that are further apart. If you're serious about expanding your range and exploring different genres, it can be amazing. But if you're just starting out, a 4-string is a perfectly valid choice.
What about active vs. passive pickups?
For a beginner, passive is generally easier. Active pickups need a power source, and the added complexity can be distracting when you're just trying to learn the basics. Passive pickups give you a more straightforward, natural tone.
What's a 'setup' and why do I need one?
A setup is when a tech adjusts the bass's action, intonation, and other factors to optimize playability. Most new basses need a setup to play their best - it's like getting your car aligned.
I'm on a budget - where can I save money?
Focus on the core components: neck, bridge, and pickups. You can always upgrade the hardware later. Don't be swayed by fancy finishes or extra features you won't use.
What should I look for in the neck profile?
That's super personal, but generally, a C or D shape is a good starting point. It's comfortable for most players. Go to a store and feel a few different necks - what feels good in your hand is what matters.
