Best 5-String P-Basses for Intermediate 2025

Perfect 5-string p-basses for intermediate - 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

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

⭐ 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

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

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

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 HybPJ 5 Morado SIL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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 MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAR

by Sadowsky

Rock Gospel R&B

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

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

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAR5-String Electric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 596814

$1,176

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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 P5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

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

#13

⭐ 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

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

#14

⭐ 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

Yamaha BB435 TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Yamaha BB435 TBS

by Yamaha

Metal Funk Rock

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Yamaha BB435 TBS5-String Electric BassBody: Alder5-Piece neck: Maple / MahoganyFretboard: Rosewood21 Medium fretsScale:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 462989

$868

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 for Intermediate 2025

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Hyb Solid Black

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAO

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CH

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM TSB

Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5MN Natural w/Bag

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado SIL

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado CH

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 RM CAR

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin P/J MO BK

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado OBL

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS

Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado CAR

Yamaha BB435 TBS

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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