AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Lefthanded Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 BUR 2nd Gen LH ($668). Harley Benton MB-5LH SBK gives you the most for the money at $166. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- 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 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 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")
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
5-String Lefthanded Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 12 models we track, not a sample.
Median $534 — half of all 5-String lefthanded basses here cost less.
median of 12 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 8 models
median of 11 models · 45 mm (1.77")–46 mm (1.81")
median of 10 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
How to choose the best 5-String lefthanded basses
Pickups
At this price, expect compromises. We're looking for pickups that offer decent articulation and a usable frequency response, avoiding the overly muddy or brittle tones that plague cheaper instruments. A little EQ can go a long way, but starting with decent pickups helps.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is everything. A neck that's too thick will fight you, a neck that's too thin can feel unstable. We're prioritizing necks that are easy to play for a range of hand sizes and playing styles, and that stay in tune under gigging conditions.
Hardware Quality
Cheap hardware means tuning instability and premature wear. We're looking for solid tuners that hold pitch, and a bridge that transfers string vibrations effectively - a poorly designed bridge will kill sustain.
Construction & Finish
Don't expect flawless finishes or figured maple tops. But we do expect decent construction - solid wood bodies (not just cheap veneer), well-aligned frets, and a neck joint that doesn't rattle. These things impact tone and longevity.
Overall Tone & Versatility
A good bass shouldn't be limited to one genre. We're looking for instruments that can handle everything from Motown grooves to modern metal, even if it requires some tweaking with EQ. That 'fat midrange honk' isn't always possible, but we're chasing a usable, adaptable tone.
Buying guide
Alright, lefty 5-string players on a budget - I get it. Finding a solid instrument that doesn't drain your bank account is a mission. You want that extended range for slapping, walking basslines, or just adding some low-end rumble, but you're not dropping a grand. Here's a look at the best 5-string left-handed basses you can realistically snag for under $800, focusing on bang-for-your-buck.
Under $800, you're making trade-offs. Expect simpler electronics, potentially less impressive hardware, and a more basic finish. The biggest corner cut is usually in the pickups - they're often serviceable but won't blow you away.
Prioritize playability and neck comfort above all else; a bass you enjoy playing feels more expensive, even if it isn't. Don't be afraid to buy used - you can often score a much better instrument for your money.
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 12 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
Are the pickups replaceable?
Absolutely. Pickup swaps are the easiest and cheapest way to improve a bass's tone. Even a modest upgrade can make a huge difference, especially if the stock pickups are muddy or lack articulation.
What about the finish? Will it chip easily?
Finishes on budget basses are often thinner and more susceptible to chipping. It's not a dealbreaker, but handle it with care and consider a clear vinyl wrap for extra protection if you gig a lot.
What's the deal with the neck relief?
Most new basses need a quick neck adjustment. Check the relief - a slight bow is normal - and adjust the truss rod if needed. A properly adjusted neck makes a massive difference in playability.
Can I realistically expect a 'studio-quality' sound for under $800?
Not exactly. You'll get a usable tone, but you'll likely need to work with EQ and effects to get that polished studio sound. The bass itself is only one piece of the puzzle.
Is it worth buying used?
Almost always. You can often find a bass in much better condition, or even a higher-end model, within your budget by buying used. Just be sure to inspect it thoroughly before committing.
