AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS LH ($846). Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted BK LH gives you the most for the money at $668. Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint MJ5 Mora LH BK 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 width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This V7 is a fantastic left-handed option for players seeking a versatile, vintage-inspired 5-string. The swamp ash body gives it a warm, woody tone, while the Super J pickups deliver plenty of punch. It's a solid choice for funk, blues, and classic rock players wanting a quality instrument without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers resonant, warm, and articulate low-end response.
- Marcus Super J Revolution pickups offer a balanced, vintage-inspired tone.
- Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile tonal shaping with the Blender control.
Cons
- Swamp ash construction can make it slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- Edgeless fingerboard might not appeal to players preferring sharper fret edges.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$846 now$846€759 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 Active
RB Corvette $$ LH 5 NB TS · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale866 mm (34.09")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius660 mm (25.98")
- Strings5-string
This left-handed Warwick Corvette $$ is a solid choice for players wanting a punchy, aggressive 5-string tone without the premium price tag. The bolt-on neck gives it a lively feel, and the MEC pickups provide plenty of growl for rock, metal, and heavier genres. It's a great all-rounder for gigging musicians.
Pros
- Ash body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the tone
- Bolt-on neck offers a snappy, responsive feel and bright attack
- MEC humbuckers deliver a powerful, aggressive tone with excellent clarity
Cons
- The bolt-on neck, while responsive, lacks the seamless integration of a neck-through design
- Transparent Matt finish can be a fingerprint magnet and require careful cleaning
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,058 now$1,058€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This lefty bass has a solid feel thanks to the roasted maple neck and thick Bartolini humbuckers. The active electronics give you great control over the sound, though the Okoume body might feel light compared to real wood. It's a practical choice for left-handed players who want a modern, punchy tone without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Bartolini humbuckers deliver thick, powerful low-end output
- Active electronics let you shape tone precisely
- Roasted maple neck offers smooth playability
Cons
- Okoume wood is less durable than traditional tonewoods
- Plastic nut can cause fret buzz over time
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$835 now$835€749 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 width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This left-handed Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously refined instrument. The vintage-inspired tones are beautifully versatile thanks to the active/passive switching, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. It's a premium-priced option perfect for the discerning bassist seeking a reliable, great-sounding workhorse.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck and fretboard offer exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Sadowsky’s stacked hum-free pickups deliver clarity and a balanced vintage tone.
- Active/passive switching provides tonal flexibility for various musical styles.
Cons
- Okoume body, while resonant, might be a bit too light for some players’ preference.
- The 12” radius fingerboard isn’t ideal for extreme bending or complex slapping techniques.
56AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This lefty Marcus Miller P6-5 is a solid, versatile bass with a great feel and a surprisingly modern voice. The combination of mahogany and ash gives it warmth and clarity, and the Super-PJ pickups are a real workhorse for funk, rock, and practically anything else you throw at it. It's an excellent choice for intermediate to advanced players seeking a quality instrument without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Mahogany/Ash combo delivers a warm, resonant, and articulate tone.
- Marcus Super-PJ Revolution pickups offer a versatile, modern sound.
- Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel ideal for fast playing.
Cons
- The sandblasted finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be a fingerprint magnet.
- Single volume/tone control limits tonal sculpting compared to more complex layouts.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$835 · Aug 17$824 now$824€739 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius406 mm (15.98")
- Strings5-string
- BodyMahogany body
This left-handed bass uses mahogany and maple to build a solid, warm tone. The multi-scale neck helps you play all strings cleanly. It comes with two humbuckers for a full sound. Great for players who want a simple, reliable instrument without extra knobs.
Pros
- True headless design for instant string tension
- Multi-scale length helps intonation across strings
- Dual humbuckers provide thick, warm tone
Cons
- No string gauge options listed in specs
- Heavy hardware adds to total weight
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,002 now$1,002€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously versatile left-handed 5-string, blending vintage vibe with modern electronics. The combination of the J-style pickup and Quad Coil humbucker provides a huge range of tones, and the roasted maple neck makes it a joy to play. Ideal for players wanting a premium instrument with a broad sonic palette and a comfortable feel.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a resonant, lively, and balanced tonal foundation.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Sadowsky J-Style pickup offers a focused, articulate vintage tone.
Cons
- Okoume can be somewhat prone to dents and scratches with regular use.
- Active electronics introduce potential for battery replacement or failure.
54AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$1,114 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This bass fits left-handed players who want a five-string without breaking the bank. The solid mahogany body feels warm, while the ash top keeps it light. You get crisp stainless steel frets and modern pickups that cut through the mix. It is a solid choice for players needing a reliable, affordable five-string.
Pros
- Affordable left-handed option for modern five-string players.
- Solid mahogany body paired with lightweight ash top.
- High-quality stainless steel frets on a C profile neck.
Cons
- No weight rating provided for potential handling issues.
- Lack of specific string gauge details in the text.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$857 now$857€769 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This lefty bass sounds different thanks to its two special pickups and five strings. The maple neck feels smooth, but you need to check the weight before buying. It fits left-handed players who want a modern sound without extra cost.
Pros
- Tobacco sunburst finish looks classic on the body
- Super-J and Super-P Revolution pickups sound distinct
- C neck profile offers comfortable playing for many
Cons
- Active/passive toggle requires battery power in active mode
- Five-string scale length is longer than standard four-strings
51AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$947 now$947€849 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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM LH BKSadowsky51↓ 8.4%$1,092€979$1,092€979Check ↗
- 12
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Mor LH WHSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 13
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Vint 5 OW LHSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 14
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb 5 SBHP LHSadowsky48↓ 7.4%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 15
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Antique White LHMarcus Miller51Stable$619€555$619€555Check ↗
- 16
Warwick RB Star Bass 5 SBHP LHWarwick46Stable$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black LHMarcus Miller53Stable$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 18
Warwick RB Corvette Classic LH 5 AS THWarwick41Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 19
Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen LHMarcus Miller46Stable$601€539$601€539Check ↗
- 20
Ibanez SR305EBL Standard Soundgear BassSR305EBL-WK · Ibanez58Stable$461€413$461€413Check ↗
- 21
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 CH Blue LHSterling by Music Man40Stable$601€539$601€539Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez EHB1005MS Bass WorkshopEHB1005MSL-SFM · Ibanez68Stable$1,471€1,319$1,471€1,319Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive w/BagHarley Benton · 3 finishes55Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez SRMS805L-DTW SR Bass Workshop Multi-Scale Left-Handed Deep…SRMS805L-DTW · Ibanez58Stable$1,393€1,249$1,393€1,249Check ↗
- 25
Tobias Growler IVGrowler V LH · Tobias53Stable$1,560€1,399$1,560€1,399Check ↗
- 26
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural LHMarcus Miller52↓ 2.8%$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton MB-5LH SBK w/BagHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$188€169$188€169Check ↗
- 28
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-5 Fret MA LH BSadowsky50↓ 6.1%$1,203€1,079$1,203€1,079Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExp24 Mod 5 Morado LH BKSadowsky49↓ 8.3%$1,225€1,099$1,225€1,099Check ↗
- 30
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin MA BK LHSadowsky47↑ 5.0%$1,170€1,049$1,170€1,049Check ↗
- 31
Sandberg California VM2 5 GB LHSandberg44Stable$2,418€2,169$2,418€2,169Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez SR2605L-CBB PremiumIbanez42Stable$1,950€1,749$1,950€1,749Check ↗
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 is key. As a lefty, finding a comfortable neck shape - whether it's a slim C, a chunky D, or something in between - will make a huge difference in your hand fatigue and overall enjoyment. A wider string spacing is also a given with 5-strings, so make sure your fingers can handle it.
Pickup Voicing
That low B can get muddy fast. You need pickups that offer clarity and articulation, especially in a band setting. A scooped midrange can sound cool, but it'll disappear in a mix unless you're really careful with your EQ. Balanced output is vital.
Hardware & Tuning Stability
Cheap hardware equals tuning headaches. Period. A solid bridge, quality tuners, and a stable neck are non-negotiable if you want to spend your time playing, not wrestling with your bass. Locking tuners are a huge plus, especially when dropping the low B.
Neck Construction
Bolt-on necks are generally more affordable and easier to adjust, but a set-neck or neck-through construction often provides better sustain and a smoother feel. For an intermediate player, a well-built bolt-on is perfectly fine; just make sure it's done right.
Overall Ergonomics
Weight matters, especially if you're gigging regularly. A bass that's uncomfortable to hold or strap on will negatively impact your playing. Consider the body shape, finish, and strap button placement - little things can make a big difference.
Buying guide
So, you're a lefty looking to step up to a 5-string? Smart move - that extra low B string opens up a whole new world of sonic possibilities. But jumping to a 5-string as an intermediate player isn't just about adding notes; it's about handling the increased neck width, string tension, and the need for a more robust setup. This list isn't about the top-tier dream basses; it's about finding something that'll actually help you grow as a player without breaking the bank or fighting the instrument every step of the way.
Don't chase the 'look' - chase the feel. A 5-string is a bigger commitment than a 4-string, so try before you buy if possible. Be realistic about your budget; corners are always cut somewhere, and the biggest ones are usually in hardware and wood quality.
A good setup from a reputable tech is worth the investment - a poorly set up 5-string is far worse than a well-set-up 4-string.
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
Will a 5-string be too hard to play?
It's a step up, definitely. The wider neck and heavier strings require more finger strength and dexterity. Start slow, focus on technique, and don't get discouraged - it's worth the effort.
What about string spacing? Is it a dealbreaker?
String spacing varies. Wider spacing can be challenging at first, but it generally improves accuracy. Try a few different basses to see what feels comfortable.
Do I need a different amp for a 5-string?
Not necessarily, but a higher wattage amp with a good low-end response will be beneficial, especially if you're playing with a loud band. More headroom is always good.
What's the deal with intonation on a 5-string?
Intonation is critical on a 5-string. The low B string is a long stretch, so it's more prone to intonation issues. Get it professionally set up, and check it regularly.
Is it worth it to get a 5-string if I mostly play funk?
Absolutely! That low B adds a whole new dimension to funk grooves. Just be mindful of pickup selection and EQ to avoid muddiness - you want that low-end thump, not a sonic swamp.
