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Best 5-String P-Basses 2026

Top-rated 5-string p-basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Rock For Metal For Funk For R&B For Gospel For Modern Music
BRANDS: Sadowsky Harley Benton Marcus Miller Sandberg
Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD

by Marcus Miller
Gospel Metal Rock
Key Feature:
• Great for drop tunings
✓ PROS
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece roasted maple neckFingerboard: roasted mapleNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 516445
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH

by Marcus Miller
Funk Gospel Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH5 String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 536836
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB

by Sadowsky
Metal Funk Rock
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 596864
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CH

by Sadowsky
R&B Funk Gospel
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM WH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596882
$1,176
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme Bundle

by Harley Benton
Metal Gospel Funk
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme*5-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539091
$428
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller
Funk Metal Modern Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
  • • Great for drop tunings
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS5 String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 536839
$549
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme

by Harley Benton
Metal R&B Gospel
Key Feature:
• Extended low B string range
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Cream5-String Electric BassConstruction: PB-StyleErgonomically shaped alder bodyMatching...

⭐ 5.0/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 443502
$384
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fender AM Pro II P Bass V RW OWT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Fender AM Pro II P Bass V RW OWT

by Fender
R&B Modern Music Gospel
Key Feature:
• Great for drop tunings
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low B string range
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Fender AM Pro II P Bass V RW OWT5-String Electric BassAlder bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: 1963 CScale:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (35 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 501194
$2,386
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Metal Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Great for drop tunings
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low B string range
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme*5-String...

⭐ 4.7/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 539089
$413
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II VM 5 EB BLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sandberg California II VM 5 EB BLB

by Sandberg
Metal Rock Funk
Key Feature:
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Great for drop tunings
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Sandberg California II VM 5 EB BLB5-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyFretboard inlays:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 439978
$2,474
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado SIL

by Sadowsky
Modern Music R&B Metal
Key Feature:
• Extended low B string range
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado SIL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596988
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG

by Marcus Miller
Metal Gospel Modern Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG5 String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 527817
$508
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue w/Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue w/Case

by Harley Benton
Funk Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low B string range
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue w/Case*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue*5-String Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 597064
$325
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM OBL

by Sadowsky
Gospel Rock R&B
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 596876
$1,044
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II VM5 RW CR HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Sandberg California II VM5 RW CR HG

by Sandberg
Funk R&B Rock
Key Feature:
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts

Sandberg California II VM5 RW CR HG5-String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodScale: 34" (long...

⭐ 4.6/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 363201
$2,199
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 5-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 5-string p-basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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