Best 5-String P-Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable 5-string p-basses under $800 - 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 P5R Alder-5 VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH

by Marcus Miller

Funk Gospel Metal

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Thick, powerful low-end foundation
• Extended low B string range

✗ CONS

• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass
• Heavier instrument overall

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH5 String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 536836

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT

by Marcus Miller

Funk Modern Music Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT5 String Electric BassAlder bodyNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (46 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 536838

$594

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG

by Marcus Miller

Metal Gospel Modern Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG5 String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece neck: roasted mapleFingerboard: roasted...

⭐ 4.7/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 527817

$508

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Music Funk Metal

Key Feature:

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl

✓ PROS

• Extended low B string range
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassAlder bodyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyWhite pearloid...

⭐ 4.9/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446195

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Modern Music R&B Rock

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

• Versatile across multiple genres
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

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

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen5 String Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleRounded...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 610577

$769

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Rock Gospel Funk

Key Feature:

• Extended low B string range

✓ PROS

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

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassAlder bodyBolt-on maple neckNeck profile: "C"Ebony...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446193

$691

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS

by Marcus Miller

Funk Metal Modern Music

Key Feature:

• Versatile across multiple genres

✓ PROS

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
• Great for drop tunings

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• May overpower in some musical contexts

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS5 String Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: roasted mapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (16 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 536839

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD

by Marcus Miller

Gospel Metal Rock

Key Feature:

• Great for drop tunings

✓ PROS

• Classic P-Bass punch and growl
• Versatile across multiple genres

✗ CONS

• Heavier instrument overall
• More expensive than 4-string P-Bass

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD5-String Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece roasted maple neckFingerboard: roasted mapleNeck...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 516445

$549

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 $800 2025

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 VWH

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 NT

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 MLG

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Black 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 Dark Navy 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 5 AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-5 TS

Marcus Miller P5 Alder-5 DRD

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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