Best 5-String P-Basses 2025

Top-rated 5-string p-basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

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

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL

by Sadowsky

R&B Rock Gospel

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension than 4-string
• Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado...

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596863

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P8-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Gospel Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension than 4-string
• May overpower in some musical contexts

Marcus Miller P8-5 TS5 String Electric BassSwamp ash bodyBolt-on roasted maple neckFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553656

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Gospel Funk

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassAlder bodyBolt-on maple neckNeck profile: "C"Ebony...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446193

$691

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK

by Sadowsky

Funk Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
• Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 4 Vintage MO BK5-String Electric BassBody: American swamp ashBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 511222

$3,959

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW

by Sandberg

Gospel Funk R&B

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• May overpower in some musical contexts

Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VWElectric bass5-StringBody: Alder (thermo-treated)Neck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 439982

$3,629

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado CH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado CH

by Sadowsky

Modern Music Rock Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires hand adjustment
• May overpower in some musical contexts

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596883

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin P/J MO BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin P/J MO BK

by Sadowsky

Rock Gospel Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin P/J MO BK5-String Electric BassBody: american red alderBolt-on neck: mapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 516049

$3,409

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg California II VM 5 PF MR HG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sandberg California II VM 5 PF MR HG

by Sandberg

Modern Music Gospel Funk

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
• May overpower in some musical contexts

Sandberg California II VM 5 PF MR HG5-String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 559567

$2,254

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH

by Sadowsky

Gospel Modern Music Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires hand adjustment
• Heavier instrument overall

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.4/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596276

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Music R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

• Wider neck requires hand adjustment
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen5 String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610577

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

Sandberg California II VM 5 EB BLB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

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 MetroLine 21-5 Hyb Solid Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Hyb Solid Black

by Sadowsky

Rock Modern Music R&B

Key Feature:

• Great for drop tunings

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

• May overpower in some musical contexts
• Heavier instrument overall

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Hyb Solid Black5-String Electric BassAmerican swamp ash bodyBolt-on maple neckMaple...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 515941

$3,739

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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Best 5-String P-Basses 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL

Marcus Miller P8-5 TS

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK

Sandberg California II VM 5 BM HCAR VW

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado CH

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin P/J MO BK

Sandberg California II VM 5 PF MR HG

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG

Sandberg California II VM 5 EB BLB

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Hyb Solid Black

How to Choose the Best 5-String P-Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying 5-string p-basses?

How much should I spend on 5-string p-basses?

Are expensive 5-string p-basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for 5-string p-basses?

Should I buy 5-string p-basses online or in-store?

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