Best 5-String P-Basses for Beginner 2025

Perfect 5-string p-basses for beginner - easy to play and learn on

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

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Funk Modern Music Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
• Higher string tension than 4-string

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT5 String Electric BassAlder bodyNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536838

$594

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Music Funk Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension than 4-string
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassAlder bodyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446195

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

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

⭐ 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 MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM TSB

by Sadowsky

R&B Gospel Funk

Key Feature:

• Great for drop tunings

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May overpower in some musical contexts
• Heavier instrument overall

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM TSB5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596817

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAO - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAO

by Sadowsky

Metal Modern Music Gospel

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• Higher string tension than 4-string
• Heavier instrument overall

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAO5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.5/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 596875

$1,077

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P8-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Modern Music Gospel Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May overpower in some musical contexts
• Heavier instrument overall

Marcus Miller P8-5 NT5 String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on roasted maple neckFingerboard: MapleWhite Perloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 553657

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5MN Natural w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5MN Natural w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Funk R&B Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• May overpower in some musical contexts
• Heavier instrument overall

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

⭐ 4.9/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 468352

$402

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM OBL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

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

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

#11

⭐ 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 HybPJ 5 Morado CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado CAR

by Sadowsky

Funk Modern Music Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• Higher string tension than 4-string

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado...

⭐ 4.9/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 596856

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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 MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 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

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

#15

⭐ 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

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 5-String P-Basses for Beginner 2025

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CH

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAO

Marcus Miller P8-5 NT

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5MN Natural w/Bag

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM OBL

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado TSB

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado CAR

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado CH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 RM OWH

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies