AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String P-Basses Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue ($278). Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe Series gives you the most for the money at $166. Sadowsky MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 Morado SGR leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 19 models across 5 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 width43 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This Harley Benton MV-5PJ is a seriously impressive value. It nails that classic P-Bass vibe with a comfortable neck and surprisingly articulate pickups. Perfect for players wanting that vintage thump without spending a fortune - especially great for Motown, blues, and classic rock styles.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant foundation for the tone.
- Caramelized sycamore neck offers a surprisingly smooth, fast playing experience.
- Custom-wound AlNiCo 5 pickups deliver a warm, vintage-inspired growl.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction can limit high-end sustain compared to neck-through designs.
- Limited tonal versatility; excels in P-Bass territory, less suited for extreme genres.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$278 now$278€249 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 ↗ -
- 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
The MetroExp 21 HybPJ 5 is a seriously well-built instrument. The hybrid pickup setup gives you a huge range of tones, from classic P-bass thump to more aggressive, modern sounds. It's a great choice for gigging musicians who want a premium-priced, versatile 5-string bass without the extreme expense of a top-tier custom shop model.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a warm, resonant foundation.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and feel.
- HybPJ pickup configuration offers versatile tonal options.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard can be a bit harder than rosewood for some players.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
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 ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyPoplar body
This Harley Benton PJ-5 HTR Deluxe is a seriously impressive value. It's a fantastic option for gigging musicians or beginners wanting a versatile 5-string with a modern feel and a classic P/J tone. The build quality is surprisingly solid for the price point, making it a great all-around workhorse bass.
Pros
- Poplar body provides a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
- Modern C neck profile offers comfortable playability for a wide range of hand sizes.
- PJ pickup configuration delivers both punchy P-bass lows and bright J-bass highs.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction can limit sustain compared to neck-through designs.
- Roseacer fretboard might require a bit of initial fretwork for optimal playability.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$166 now$166€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
This PJ-75 is a serious contender for bassists on a budget. The Roswell pickups give it a surprisingly warm and growly tone, perfect for Motown, funk, and classic rock. It’s a great platform to build on and a fantastic value for the money.
Pros
- Roswell pickups deliver surprisingly punchy, vintage-voiced tones.
- Canadian maple neck provides a comfortable, stable playing experience.
- Amaranth fingerboard offers a smooth, durable playing surface.
Cons
- Poplar body, while resonant, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or alder.
- Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to set-neck designs.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$222 now$222€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
The Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 is a seriously well-equipped bass. It’s got that classic P-Bass vibe, but with modern upgrades like the fantastic preamp and versatile pickup combination. This is a great choice for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a premium-feeling 5-string without the high-end price tag.
Pros
- Alder body delivers a warm, punchy low-end response.
- Super-J/Super-P combo provides versatile tonal options, from clean to growly.
- Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers exceptional EQ shaping and clarity.
Cons
- Alder body can make it feel a bit weighty for some players.
- The Dark Navy finish, while striking, might not appeal to all tastes.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 1.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$768 · Aug 17$757 now$757€679 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width48 mm (1.89")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
This Marcus Miller P5R is a seriously impressive instrument for the money. It nails that vintage P-Bass vibe with a modern twist thanks to the roasted maple neck and powerful pickups. It's perfect for players who want a workhorse 5-string for funk, blues, and classic rock without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers exceptional stability and a smooth, fast feel.
- Vintage-Fat Precision pickups deliver a warm, punchy, and articulate tone.
- Alder body provides a balanced resonance with a pleasing mid-range presence.
Cons
- Rosewood fingerboard might feel a bit dry to some players; consider oiling.
- Alder body can be slightly susceptible to dents and scratches without protection.
53AudioFu
Index↓ 4.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$556 · Aug 17$534 now$534€479 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
- 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 ↗
All 19 5-String P-Basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Enhanced MP-5EB CremeHarley Benton · 5 finishes51Stable$389€349$389€349Check ↗
- 12
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Hyb PJ 5 Morado OWSadowsky · 2 finishes51↓ 9.1%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 13
Marcus Miller P7-5 Sandblasted CAR TEMarcus Miller50↓ 7.1%$724€649$724€649Check ↗
- 14
Schecter Stiletto Stealth 5 String Satin BlackStiletto Stealth-5 SBK · Schecter49Stable$886€795$886€795Check ↗
- 15
Marcus Miller P6-5 Sandblasted ButterscotchMarcus Miller48Stable$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 16
Sadowsky MetroExpress 20-Fret RM 5 SBLSadowsky48↓ 7.2%$1,002€899$1,002€899Check ↗
- 17
Sadowsky MetroExpress 20-Fret MO 5 CARSadowsky46↓ 7.0%$1,036€929$1,036€929Check ↗
- 18
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado BKSadowsky45↓ 4.8%$1,114€999$1,114€999Check ↗
- 19
Marcus Miller P8-5 TSMarcus Miller43Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
5-String P-Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 55 models we track, not a sample.
Median $757 — half of all 5-String P-Basses here cost less.
median of 50 models · 43 mm (1.69")–47.5 mm (1.87")
median of 52 models · 864 mm (34.02")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 16 models
median of 54 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String P-Basses
Neck Profile
This is critical. A thick, unwieldy neck is going to fight you, especially when wrestling with that low B. We're looking for something comfortable and repeatable, even after hours of playing.
Pickup Voicing
P-Bass pickups are known for that fundamental, woody tone. However, some cheaper versions can be muddy or lack articulation. We're prioritizing pickups that retain that classic character but still cut through a dense mix.
Hardware Quality
Cheap tuners will kill your intonation, and a flimsy bridge will buzz. We're evaluating the overall build quality - are the pots scratchy? Does the bridge feel solid? These small details make a big difference in playability and reliability.
Low-End Response
That B string needs to thump, not just rattle. We're listening for a solid, defined low-end that doesn't get lost in the mud, and that has enough headroom to handle distortion without completely falling apart.
Finish and Aesthetics
Look, tone is king, but a bass you like looking at is one you'll actually play. We're considering the overall finish quality, the neck binding (if present), and whether the aesthetics align with that classic P-Bass vibe.
Buying guide
Alright, so you want a 5-string P-Bass but you're not looking to remortgage the house. It's a totally reasonable desire - that extra low B string opens up a world of possibilities, but they can get pricey fast. We've hunted down five options under $2000 that actually deliver respectable tone and feel, without completely falling apart after a few gigs. Let's dive in and see what's realistically available for your money.
At this price point, expect some trade-offs. You won't get boutique-level fretwork or premium hardware, but you can find a bass that's playable and sounds decent. Pay close attention to the neck profile - that's the biggest comfort factor.
Don't be afraid to negotiate; retailers are often willing to work with you, especially on less popular models. And seriously, get it set up professionally - a good setup can elevate a decent bass to something truly playable.
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 55 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
Are the pickups replaceable if I want a different tone?
Absolutely. Most of these basses use standard P-Bass pickup routings, so aftermarket upgrades are readily available. It's a common mod to tailor the tone to your specific needs.
What about the finish? Is it going to chip easily?
Generally, the finishes on basses in this price range are decent but not bulletproof. Protect it with a good case or gig bag, and be mindful of bumps and scratches. A little care goes a long way.
Can I realistically use this for recording?
Definitely! As long as you have a decent preamp and DI box, you can get a usable tone. Just be mindful of the pickup voicing - a little EQ can go a long way in cleaning up any muddiness.
What's the difference between a roasted maple neck and a standard maple neck?
Roasted maple is kiln-dried at high temperatures, which stabilizes the wood and makes it more resistant to changes in humidity. It generally results in a smoother feel and more stable action, but it's a pricier feature.
Is it worth spending more for a bass with active electronics?
Active electronics offer more tonal flexibility with onboard EQ, but they require a battery and can sometimes sound sterile. For a classic P-Bass tone, passive electronics are usually the better choice, but if you like experimenting, active electronics can be a cool option.
