Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses Under $1,000 2026
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.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
⚡ The best 5-string lefthanded basses in 2026 are Marcus Miller P7-5 Sandblasted CAR TE LH (top pick), Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS LH for tighter budgets, and Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK LH for pros — selected from 15 options across 3 brands, priced $219–$928, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Marcus Miller P7-5 Sandblasted CAR TE LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Extended Range
Professional Performance
Proper Ergonomics
Key Feature:
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.
- • Modern-S bridge with Super-PJ Revolution pickups for clear tone.
CONS
- • No weight rating provided for potential handling issues.
- • Lack of specific string gauge details in the text.
- • Blender control function not clearly explained in description.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 615138
$894
Marcus Miller V7 Swamp Ash-5 Reissue TS LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Professional Performance
Natural Playing
Proper Ergonomics
Key Feature:
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.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel favored by many.
CONS
- • Swamp ash construction can make it slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- • Edgeless fingerboard might not appeal to players preferring sharper fret edges.
- • Limited pickup options; not ideal for extreme, modern high-gain sounds.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584323
$882
Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Proper Ergonomics
Natural Playing
Key Feature:
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.
- • Heritage-3 electronics offer surprisingly deep control over the bass's voice.
CONS
- • The sandblasted finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be a fingerprint magnet.
- • Single volume/tone control limits tonal sculpting compared to more complex layouts.
- • Mahogany body might make it a bit heavier for some players.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610831
$870
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black LH
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
22 frets
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Left-Handed Bass Players
Professional Performance
Extended Range
Key Feature:
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.
- • Sire Standard MM humbucker delivers a punchy, modern low-end presence.
CONS
- • Open-gear tuners might not offer the absolute finest tuning stability.
- • Sparkle Black finish, while striking, can be prone to fingerprints.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to neck-through designs.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 586977
$557
Marcus Miller V6-5 Sandblasted BK LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
20 frets
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Rosewood fingerboard
Advanced Techniques
Professional Performance
Natural Playing
Key Feature:
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
- • Marcus Heritage-3 electronics with push-pull bass switch
CONS
- • No string gauge options listed in the description
- • Single volume and tone control limits tone shaping
- • Lefthanded models often cost more than right-handed ones
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 610811
$801
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Antique White LH
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Advanced Techniques
Proper Ergonomics
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
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.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a fast, slick playing surface with excellent note definition.
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.
- • Scale length might feel long for players accustomed to shorter scale basses.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 584255
$645
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen TS LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Advanced Techniques
Left-Handed Bass Players
Proper Ergonomics
Key Feature:
This lefty bass feels great because the maple neck fits a natural playing hand. The active/passive switch lets you dial in either punch or clarity. It suits anyone who needs a solid instrument without the right-handed setup.
PROS
- • Left-handed specific design for comfortable playing style
- • Alder body paired with maple bolt-on neck
- • Modern-S bridge offers solid tuning stability
- • Active/passive switch changes tone options easily
CONS
- • No weight information listed in description
- • Only two single-coil pickups available
- • Missing standard bass string gauge options
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635364
$929
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Proper Ergonomics
Advanced Techniques
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This left-handed bass flips the standard layout for anyone who plays backwards. The roasted maple neck feels solid and stable, while the dual pickups let you toggle between active and passive modes. It suits players who want a classic, punchy tone without needing extra knobs.
PROS
- • Left-handed playability for right-handed players who need a mirror image.
- • Roasted maple neck offers a stable, resonant feel.
- • Dual active/passive pickups let you switch modes instantly.
- • Alder body provides a balanced, punchy low-end response.
CONS
- • Antique White finish may show wear more than darker colors.
- • Missing specific weight data makes carrying plans uncertain.
- • Only two controls per side limits complex tone shaping.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635393
$929
Harley Benton MV-5PJ LH Black w/Case
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Advanced Techniques
Natural Playing
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
This left-handed Harley Benton MV-5PJ is a seriously impressive value. The caramelized neck is a real highlight, offering a comfortable feel and a touch of sweetness to the tone. It’s perfect for players wanting a versatile 5-string with a vintage vibe and modern playability, especially those on a budget.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Caramelized sycamore neck offers a smooth, fast feel and unique character
- • Custom-wound VJB pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound
- • Sung Il bridge with brass saddles enhances clarity and tuning stability
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction can limit high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs
- • Roseacer skunk stripe may not appeal to all players aesthetically
- • Budget-friendly components might require occasional setup adjustments
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597069
$301
Harley Benton MV-5PJ LH Black
Nut width
43 mm (1.69")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Proper Ergonomics
Left-Handed Bass Players
Natural Playing
Key Feature:
This left-handed five-string fits well in a small shop or on a tour bus. The Canadian sycamore neck feels solid under your fingers while the custom pickups keep the low end tight. It suits left-handed players who need five strings but don't want to overspend.
PROS
- • Left-handed 5-string design fits smaller frames well
- • Alder body offers bright, punchy bass response
- • Canadian sycamore neck provides solid resonance
- • Custom wound AlNiCo pickups deliver tight low end
CONS
- • No weight is listed, likely heavy for lefties
- • Single volume control limits volume balancing options
- • Sung Il bridge is standard, not a premium unit
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 571188
$266
Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive w/Bag
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Natural Playing
Professional Performance
Extended Range
Key Feature:
This lefty Harley Benton B-550 is a surprisingly solid package. The long scale and alder body give it a punchy, defined low end, perfect for rock, metal, or funk. It's a great entry point for 5-string bass players wanting a versatile and affordable instrument.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the sound.
- • Modern D neck profile is comfortable and fast for most players.
- • Die-cast tuners offer reliable tuning stability and easy adjustments.
- • Long scale (864mm) delivers tighter low-end response and improved clarity.
CONS
- • Black walnut fretboards can show wear more easily than rosewood or ebony.
- • Humbucker pickups might be a bit too aggressive for some genres like jazz.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539266
$231
Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive Bundle
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Natural Playing
Left-Handed Bass Players
Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
This lefty Harley Benton B-550LH is a seriously impressive package for the price. The long scale and humbuckers give it a powerful, modern tone perfect for rock, metal, and funk. It's a great entry point for new 5-string players or a solid backup bass for more experienced musicians.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Modern D-neck profile is comfortable and fast for a wide range of playing styles.
- • Long scale (864mm) delivers tighter low-end response and improved clarity.
- • Die-cast tuners offer reliable tuning stability and precise adjustments.
CONS
- • Black walnut fretboard can feel a bit harder than rosewood or ebony.
- • Humbucker pickups might lack the nuance needed for more delicate playing styles.
- • Gig bag is functional but basic; a hard case would offer better protection.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539267
$231
Harley Benton B-550LH BK Progressive Series
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Frets
24 frets
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Extended Range
Advanced Techniques
Left-Handed Bass Players
Key Feature:
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.
- • Die-cast tuners ensure stable tuning and reliable performance.
CONS
- • Black walnut fretboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- • Humbucker pickups, while powerful, limit versatility for cleaner, more nuanced tones.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while cost-effective, lacks the warmth of a set-neck.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 317318
$220
Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen LH
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Extended Range
Natural Playing
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
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
- • High-quality bone nut for smooth fretboard feel
CONS
- • Left-handed configuration limits resale value
- • No listed weight makes total mass uncertain
- • Active/passive toggle requires battery maintenance
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 625138
$696
Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 CH Blue LH
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Maple fingerboard
Extended Range
Left-Handed Bass Players
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
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.
- • Active preamp allows for significant tonal shaping and output boost.
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.
- • 34” scale might feel long for players with smaller hands.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 585171
$626
Every 5-string lefthanded basses that matches
21 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton MB-5LH SBK w/Bag | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 21 frets · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $196 |
| 17 | Harley Benton MB-5LH SBK | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 21 frets · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $173 |
| 18 | Ibanez SR505AL-MHL | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $870 |
| 19 | Warwick RB Corvette Classic LH 5 AS TH | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Wenge fingerboard · Weight 4 kg | $929 |
| 20 | Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen LH | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $626 |
| 21 | Ibanez SR305EBL-WK | Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $480 |
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 21 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $626
from $196 to $929
Nut width
median 45 mm (1.77")
from 43 mm (1.69") to 46 mm (1.81") · 19 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 864 mm (34.02") to 864 mm (34.02") · 18 models
Frets
median 21
from 20 to 24 · 10 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 9 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 21 models
Body
alder, mahogany, okoume
most common · 16 models
Fingerboard
maple, ebony, jatoba
most common · 17 models
Fingerboard radius
median 241 mm (9.49")
from 241 mm (9.49") to 305 mm (12.01") · 13 models
How to Choose the Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses
1
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.
2
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.
3
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.
4
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'.
5
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
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 This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 21 5-string lefthanded basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
It's a common and relatively inexpensive upgrade. Swapping out the pickups can dramatically improve the tone, but factor that into your overall budget.
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.
