Best 5-String P-Basses Under $300 2025

Affordable 5-string p-basses under $300 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 2025

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Black

Rock Funk Modern Music
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✗ CONS
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Black5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Caramelised Canadian maple with...

5.0/5 (38 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series w/Bag

Modern Music Metal R&B
Key Feature:
• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series*5-String...

4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue

Gospel R&B Funk
Key Feature:
• Extended low B string range
✓ PROS
  • • Great for drop tunings
  • • Extended low B string range
✗ CONS
  • • Higher string tension than 4-string
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Harley Benton MV-5PJ Daphne Blue5-String Electric BassDeluxe SeriesBody: AlderBolt-on neck: caramelised Canadian...

4.8/5 (39 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series Bundle

Modern Music Metal Gospel
Key Feature:
• Great for drop tunings
✓ PROS
  • • Thick, powerful low-end foundation
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series*5-String...

4.4/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series

Modern Music Rock Metal
Key Feature:
• Versatile across multiple genres
✓ PROS
  • • Classic P-Bass punch and growl
  • • Versatile across multiple genres
✗ CONS
  • • May overpower in some musical contexts
  • • Wider neck requires hand adjustment

Harley Benton PJ-75 VW Vintage Series5-String Electric BassVintage SeriesBody: PoplarBolt-on neck: Canadian maple with...

4.5/5 (5 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10

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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