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Best 5-String P-Basses Under $200 2025

Affordable 5-string p-basses under $200 - 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
Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton
Funk Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 5.0/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 546588
$186
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton
Gospel Funk R&B
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series5-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neckNeck: MapleNeck profile: Modern...

⭐ 5.0/5 (22 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 229113
$164
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series Bundle

by Harley Benton
Rock Funk R&B
Key Feature:
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low B string range
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 541389
$182
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Gospel Funk Rock
Key Feature:
• Extended low B string range
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string

Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.4/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 541388
$186
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Modern Music Metal Rock
Key Feature:
• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low B string range
  • • Great for drop tunings
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.6/5 (56 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 546587
$186
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton
Modern Music R&B Gospel
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Great for drop tunings
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts

Harley Benton PJ-5 SBK Deluxe Series5-String Electric BassBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RoseacerDot...

⭐ 5.0/5 (34 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 518504
$164
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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