Best 5-String P-Basses Under $1,000 2025

Affordable 5-string p-basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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 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

Yamaha BB435 TBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK

by Marcus Miller

Metal Gospel R&B

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 5 BK5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

⭐ 4.9/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610827

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted SGM - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted SGM

by Marcus Miller

Gospel R&B Metal

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 5 SGM5-String Electric BassBody: MahogamyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleDot...

⭐ 4.6/5 (31 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 610829

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P8-5 WB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P8-5 WB

by Marcus Miller

Funk Rock R&B

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P8-5 WB5-String Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 553658

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted Butterscotch - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted Butterscotch

by Marcus Miller

Metal Funk Modern Music

Key Feature:

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P6 Sandblasted 5 BB5-String Electric BassBody: MahoganyTop: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 610826

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-5 SBK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-5 SBK

by Schecter

Gospel Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Great for drop tunings
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

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

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-5 SBK5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodGrey Pearloid...

⭐ 4.5/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 502748

$875

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 Under $1,000 2025

Marcus Miller P8-5 TS

Yamaha BB435 TBS

Marcus Miller P8-5 NT

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted BK

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted SGM

Marcus Miller P8-5 WB

Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted Butterscotch

Schecter Stiletto Stealth-5 SBK

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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