AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses Under $1,000 2026
The top pick is Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS LH ($846). Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive Series gives you the most for the money at $211. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models across 5 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 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")
- 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 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 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")
- 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 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 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 14 5-String lefthanded basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton MB-5LH SBKHarley Benton · 2 finishes49Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen LHMarcus Miller46Stable$601€539$601€539Check ↗
- 13
Warwick RB Corvette Classic LH 5 AS THWarwick41Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 14
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 CH Blue LHSterling by Music Man40Stable$601€539$601€539Check ↗
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 20 models we track, not a sample.
Median $668 — half of all 5-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 20 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 15 models
median of 18 models · 45 mm (1.77")–46 mm (1.81")
median of 17 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
How to choose the best 5-String lefthanded basses
Pickup Voicing
This is where budget basses often fall short. Expect a more generic, less nuanced tone - maybe a little boxy, or lacking that focused low-midrange punch. We're looking for something that at least cuts through a mix without sounding brittle.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is everything. Chunky necks can be a workout, while thin necks might feel lifeless. We prioritized necks that are playable and relatively consistent, even if they aren't the 'perfect' shape for everyone.
Hardware Quality
Cheap hardware means tuning instability and potential breakages. We looked for basses with decent tuners (locking tuners are a bonus, but rare at this price) and a bridge that holds intonation well - crucial for those low B strings.
Body Wood & Construction
Don't expect premium tonewoods like alder or ash. Most of these will be basswood or nato - perfectly serviceable, just don't expect the same resonance or character. Solid body construction is a plus; laminate bodies can feel a little 'dead'.
Electronics Noise & Headroom
Lower-end electronics often mean more hum and less headroom. We assessed how well each bass handles gain and distortion without becoming a noisy mess - important for rock and metal players.
Buying guide
Alright lefty bassists, let's be real - finding a decent 5-string that won't drain your gigging budget can be a challenge. You want that extended range, that extra low-end thump for the funk or the drop tunings for the metal gig, but $1000 isn't exactly unlimited. This list isn't about the dream basses; it's about getting the most usable, reliable 5-string for your money without sacrificing too much in tone or playability.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. The biggest corner cut will almost always be in the pickups - expect to potentially upgrade them down the line if you're a tone fanatic. Don't sweat the finish; it's purely cosmetic.
Prioritize a comfortable neck and decent hardware over flashy aesthetics. A good setup from a tech is essential to make any of these basses play their best.
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 20 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 these basses sound as good as a $2000+ instrument?
No, obviously not. But they can get you 80% of the way there for a fraction of the cost. The biggest difference will be in the nuances of the tone and the overall feel of the instrument.
Are these basses gig-worthy?
Absolutely. As long as you're diligent about maintenance (string changes, intonation checks, hardware tightening), these basses can handle the rigors of regular gigging. Just don't expect them to last forever.
Can I record with these basses?
Yes, but you might want to consider a DI box or preamp to clean up the signal and add some extra warmth. Direct recording can expose the limitations of the pickups.
What about upgrading the pickups?
It's a common and relatively inexpensive upgrade. Swapping out the pickups can dramatically improve the tone, but factor that into your overall budget.
What's the deal with fret buzz?
Fret buzz is common on budget instruments. A proper setup by a qualified technician can often resolve it. Don't be afraid to pay for that - it's worth it.
