AudioFu

Best 6-String Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable 6-string basses under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $500 Under $800 Under $2,000 Under $5,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For Extended Range For Solo Bass For Jazz Fusion For Progressive Rock For Advanced Techniques For Professional Recording
BRANDS: Ibanez Squier
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 Black BR PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 Black BR PF

by Dingwall
Solo Bass Professional Recording Progressive Rock
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 Black BR PF6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: Swamp AshTop: quilted mapleBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 496074
$3,408
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT

by Warwick
Progressive Rock Solo Bass Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Complex string spacing considerations

Warwick GPS Thumb BO 6 NT6-String Electric BassBody: OvangkolNeck: OvangkolFretboard: WengeScale: 34" (Long...

⭐ 4.7/5 (53 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 364230
$3,629
Buy at Thomann View Details
Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom

by Torillo
Solo Bass Professional Recording Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Professional versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Torillo Shevette 6 Double Cut Pom6-String Electric BassBody: Sapele PomeleBolt-on 3-piece neck: Maple/Amaranth with...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 557782
$4,179
Buy at Thomann View Details
Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black

by Music Man
Advanced Techniques Extended Range Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Music Man Bongo 6 HH Stealth Black6-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodBolt-on neck (5-bolt): MapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 589749
$3,684
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II TM6 BKB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Sandberg California II TM6 BKB

by Sandberg
Solo Bass Professional Recording Advanced Techniques
Key Feature:
• Solo bass performance capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
  • • Professional versatility
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Sandberg California II TM6 BKB6-String Electric BassAsh bodyMaple neckEbony fretboard34" Scale (long)22 Frets1...

⭐ 4.6/5 (4 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 376702
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Duc Pearl WH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Duc Pearl WH

by Dingwall
Professional Recording Extended Range Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Complex string spacing considerations

Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Duc Pearl WH6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (21 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 497216
$3,464
Buy at Thomann View Details
Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF

by Dingwall
Solo Bass Extended Range Jazz Fusion
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Complex string spacing considerations
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Dingwall CB3 Combustion 6 NAT PF6-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: Swamp AshBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...

⭐ 4.7/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 532781
$3,133
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige

by Ibanez
Extended Range Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment

Ibanez SR5506-MHF Prestige6-String Electric bassBody: MahoganyTop: Ovangkol5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606706
$3,079
Buy at Thomann View Details
Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige

by Ibanez
Extended Range Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Guitar-like chord possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Professional versatility
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string

Ibanez SR3506-BK Prestige6-String Electric BassBody: AshBolt-on 5-Piece neck: Maple/WalnutFingerboard: RosewoodMother...

⭐ 4.4/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606718
$2,749
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 6

by Warwick
Advanced Techniques Jazz Fusion Professional Recording
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Maximum extended range with high C string
  • • Guitar-like chord possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Steep learning curve from 4-string
  • • Limited availability compared to 4/5-string

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bubinga 66-String Electric BassBody: BubingaNeck: Bolt-on ovangkolFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 489044
$3,739
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN

by Sandberg
Progressive Rock Jazz Fusion Solo Bass
Key Feature:
• Maximum extended range with high C string
✓ PROS
  • • Solo bass performance capabilities
  • • Advanced tapping and chording techniques
✗ CONS
  • • Very wide neck requires significant adjustment
  • • Specialized setup and maintenance needed

Sandberg California II SL TT 6 BK MN6-String Bass GuitarThe SL series features a very light bodyPaulownia bodyMaple...

⭐ 4.4/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 477480
$2,969
Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best 6-String 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 6-string 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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