AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String P-Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Sadowsky MetroLine 21 5 Vintage PJ BK ($4,682). Yamaha BB435-BL 5-String Black gives you the most for the money at $880. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 29 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- Weight3.8 kg
This MetroLine 21 is a seriously well-built bass, blending vintage aesthetics with modern functionality. The split-coil P pickup and active EQ give it a unique voice—a little more bite than a traditional P-bass, but still plenty of that classic warmth. It's perfect for players who want a versatile 5-string with a premium feel and a distinctive sonic signature.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers excellent resonance and balanced tonal character.
- Sadowsky’s split-coil P pickup provides a warm, vintage growl with added punch.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy, responsive feel and fast action.
Cons
- The maple fretboard might feel a little less 'vintage' to some players’ preference.
- At a premium price point, it’s a significant investment for most bassists.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,682 now$4,682€4,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
This bass sounds thick and warm thanks to its swamp ash body and active electronics. The wide nut makes bending notes feel easy for players who want smooth action. It suits musicians needing extra low-end power without sacrificing playability.
Pros
- Solid swamp ash body gives a warm, thick low-end foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck ensures stable tuning and easy setup.
- Active electronics with push/pull bypass let you switch to raw tone instantly.
Cons
- 5-string setup adds noticeable neck thickness for smaller hands.
- Active electronics require batteries and add weight to the instrument.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,459 now$4,459€3,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
This California II is a serious contender for players seeking a refined, German-built 5-string. The combination of the alder body, birdseye maple, and carefully selected pickups delivers a versatile sound, equally at home in funk, rock, or jazz. It’s a high-end instrument geared towards experienced players who appreciate quality and craftsmanship.
Pros
- Thermo-treated alder body delivers exceptional resonance and sustain.
- Birdseye maple fretboard offers a unique feel and visual appeal.
- Sandberg Precision/humbucker combo provides versatile tonal options.
Cons
- Virgin White finish, while striking, may be prone to scratches and wear.
- The 14in radius can feel less familiar to players accustomed to flatter boards.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,678 now$3,678€3,299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
This MetroLine 21-5 Hyb is a seriously refined instrument. The hybrid pickup configuration and VTC give you a ton of tonal options, while the bolt-on neck keeps things lively. It's a premium-priced bass perfect for players who want a modern feel with vintage character and don’t mind a little extra weight.
Pros
- Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, balanced tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel and quick adjustment.
- Sadowsky P/J pickup combo offers versatility from growl to clarity.
Cons
- The matte black finish, while stylish, can show fingerprints easily.
- The active electronics add complexity; some prefer passive simplicity.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,677 now$3,677€3,298 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This German-made bass uses a solid alder body and maple neck for a strong, connected feel. The active splitcoil pickup handles low notes well, and the aged finish gives it a warm vibe. It works great for players who want a thick, vintage sound without extra electronics.
Pros
- Solid German-made alder body for reliable tone
- Maple bolt-on neck offers strong connection
- Active splitcoil pickup handles thick low ends
Cons
- No specific string gauge listed in details
- Active electronics require battery power
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,009 now$3,009€2,699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets21 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 is a seriously well-built instrument. The hybrid pickup setup gives you a huge tonal palette, and the roasted maple neck feels fantastic. It’s a great choice for gigging musicians needing versatility and a premium feel without the ultra-high-end price tag.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a balanced, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Roasted maple neck and fingerboard provide exceptional stability and smooth playability.
- Hybrid PJ pickup configuration delivers a wide range of tones, from growl to clarity.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- Bolt-on neck, while stable, isn't preferred by players seeking maximum sustain.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 is a serious contender for players wanting a versatile, well-built 5-string. The hybrid pickup setup provides a surprising amount of tonal range, and the roasted maple neck is a joy to play. It's perfect for session players or anyone needing a bass that can cover a lot of ground, from funk to rock.
Pros
- Okoume body offers excellent resonance and a balanced tone.
- Roasted maple neck provides stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- HybPJ pickup configuration delivers versatility – P-bass thump meets J-bass clarity.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard, while beautiful, can be slightly harder than rosewood.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while reliable, isn't favored by some for sustain.
59AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,225 · Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
- Weight4.3 kg
This bass feels fast thanks to its roasted maple neck and extra frets. The single coil pickups give a bright, classic 60s tone but can be noisy. It suits players who want a simple, high-end feel without extra complexity.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck ensures stable intonation and fast string action.
Cons
- Single coil pickups can sound thin and noisy without shielding.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously well-built hybrid bass, offering a great blend of P-bass thump and J-bass bite. The roasted maple neck and comfortable radius make it a joy to play, and the active/passive switching gives you a ton of tonal options. It's a premium-priced instrument ideal for gigging musicians wanting a versatile and reliable 5-string.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Hybrid PJ pickup configuration delivers versatility from growl to clarity.
- Sadowsky's 2-way electronics provide active punch with easy passive bypass.
Cons
- Okoume can be a bit plain aesthetically compared to more figured woods.
- Bolt-on neck, while stable, doesn't offer the sustain of a neck-through design.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 8.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,192 · Aug 17$1,092 now$1,092€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
The BB435 TBS is a seriously well-built 5-string P-Bass with a modern edge. The neck profile is fantastic for comfortable playing, and the pickup combination gives you a surprisingly wide palette of tones – from growly vintage to tighter, modern sounds. This is an excellent choice for players wanting a versatile, professional-feeling bass without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Maple/Mahogany neck offers a warm, comfortable feel and stability
- Split single coil/bar single coil combo delivers a versatile range of tones
Cons
- Tobacco brown sunburst finish might not appeal to all players
- Long scale (864mm) can be a stretch for smaller hands
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$880 now$880€789 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 29 5-String P-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado OWSadowsky · 2 finishes51↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 12
Fender Am Pro P-Bass V RW DKNFender · 3 finishes48Stable$2,508€2,249$2,508€2,249Check ↗
- 13
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado BKSadowsky45↓ 4.8%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 14
Sandberg California II VT 5 Red BurstSandberg45Stable$2,229€1,999$2,229€1,999Check ↗
- 15
Sandberg California II VS 5 PF SA CWSandberg45Stable$2,508€2,249$2,508€2,249Check ↗
- 16
Sadowsky MetroExpress 20-Fret RM 5 SBLSadowsky48↓ 7.2%$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller P7 5 New Gen Tobacco SunburstMarcus Miller · 4 finishes55Stable$835€749$835€749Check ↗
- 18
Sadowsky MetroExpress 20-Fret MO 5 CARSadowsky46↓ 7.0%$1,036€929$1,036€929Check ↗
- 19
Sandberg California II VT 5 Black MattSandberg43Stable$2,396€2,149$2,396€2,149Check ↗
- 20
Schecter Stiletto Stealth 5 String Satin BlackStiletto Stealth-5 SBK · Schecter49Stable$886€795$886€795Check ↗
- 21
Sandberg California II VM5 NighthawkSandberg37Stable$2,229€1,999$2,229€1,999Check ↗
- 22
Marcus Miller P8-5 TSMarcus Miller43Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 23
Marcus Miller P7-5 Sandblasted CAR TEMarcus Miller50↓ 7.1%$724€649$724€649Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWHMarcus Miller · 3 finishes53↓ 4.0%$534€479$534€479Check ↗
- 25
Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted ButterscotchMarcus Miller48Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB Creme BundleHarley Benton · 5 finishes32Stable$411€369$411€369Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton MV-5PJ Burgundy MistHarley Benton · 8 finishes62Stable$278€249$278€249Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 6 finishes56Stable$166€149$166€149Check ↗
- 29
Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes55Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
5-String P-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 72 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,092 — half of all 5-String P-Basses here cost less.
median of 65 models · 43 mm (1.69")–47.5 mm (1.87")
median of 68 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 16 models
median of 70 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String P-Basses
Neck Profile & Playability
Pro players need a neck that feels comfortable and familiar, even after hours on stage. We're looking for consistent grain, minimal fret buzz, and a profile that allows for fast, accurate playing without fatigue - a chunky C or a comfortable U are common choices, but it's personal preference.
Pickup Voicing & Clarity
The B string can get muddy fast on a P-Bass. We assess how well the pickups handle the low end without losing articulation or creating a boomy, undefined mess. A good pickup will still retain that P-Bass punch and clarity, even down in the sub-bass region.
Bridge & Hardware Stability
Gigs are brutal on gear. We're judging the bridge's ability to stay in tune under tension and the overall hardware's robustness. A cheap pot or a poorly-machined bridge will fail you onstage, plain and simple.
Body Wood & Resonance
While a P-Bass is known for its focused tone, body wood still matters. Alder is the standard for a reason - it provides a balanced foundation. Ash can add more bite and sustain, but it can also be prone to feedback at higher volumes. It's about finding the right balance for your style.
String Spacing & Intonation
Wider string spacing is almost a necessity on a 5-string P to allow for clean fretting, especially with thicker gauge strings. Accurate intonation across all six strings is non-negotiable for a professional - sloppy intonation is immediately noticeable in a band setting.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up to a 5-string P-Bass. Smart move - that extra low B string opens up a world of possibilities. But a pro 5-string isn't just about having the notes; it's about how they feel and how they sound under pressure, whether you're laying down a groove in a packed club or tracking a complex line in a studio. Let's cut through the marketing and talk about basses that actually deliver for working musicians.
Don't chase aesthetics; chase feel and function. Cheap 5-string P-Basses often compromise on fretwork, pickup quality, and hardware. Paying extra for a bass with a well-dressed neck, quality pickups, and a solid bridge is an investment in your playing and your sanity.
Watch out for inconsistent string spacing - it can make playing a chore.
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 72 5-String P-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
Is a 5-string P-Bass hard to learn?
It's not inherently harder, but the B string requires a different technique. You'll need to adjust your finger strength and potentially your string gauge. Expect a learning curve, especially if you're used to a 4-string.
What string gauge should I use on a 5-string P?
Generally, you'll want to go up a gauge compared to your 4-string setup. Something in the range of 50-60 for the B string is a good starting point. Experiment to find what feels comfortable and maintains good tension.
Will a 5-string P-Bass cut through the mix better than a 4-string?
It can, but it's not automatic. The low B string can easily get lost if your amp and EQ aren't dialed in correctly. Careful EQ and a well-defined pickup voicing are crucial.
Are all 5-string P-Basses heavy?
Many are, yes. The extra string and hardware add weight. Look for models with neck-through construction or chambered bodies if weight is a concern. A good strap is essential.
What's the difference between a Fender American Professional II and a Fender American Original 50s P-Bass 5-string?
The American Professional II is modern, with improved pickups and a narrower neck profile for faster playing. The Original 50s is a vintage-inspired recreation, with a thicker neck and a more traditional tone - both are excellent, but cater to different preferences.
