Best Miscellaneous 5-String Basses Under $1,000 2026
Affordable miscellaneous 5-string basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: August 27, 2026
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Skyburst Sparkle
- • Mahogany body provides a warm, resonant low-end foundation.
- • Sire MM humbucker delivers a punchy, articulate tone ideal for funk and slap.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile EQ shaping for various genres.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides snappy response and comfortable playability.
- • Open-gear tuners might not offer the absolute finest tuning stability.
- • Mahogany body can make the bass feel a little heavier than some players prefer.
- • Edgeless fingerboard, while comfortable, lacks the defined edges of a traditional board.
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Sparkle Black
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant tones with excellent sustain.
- • Sire Standard MM humbucker provides a powerful, articulate low-end presence.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile tonal shaping and easy adjustments.
- • Edgeless fingerboard enhances playing comfort, especially for extended sessions.
- • Open-gear tuners aren't as precise or stable as sealed locking tuners.
- • Mahogany body contributes to a relatively heavy feel; may be tiring for some.
- • While versatile, the pickup leans towards modern funk/slap, less suited for vintage tones.
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Rosegold
- • Mahogany body delivers warm, resonant low-end tones.
- • Maple neck and fingerboard offer snappy attack and clarity.
- • Sire MM humbucker provides aggressive, punchy bridge tone.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp adds versatile tonal shaping options.
- • Rosegold finish may not appeal to all aesthetic preferences.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits high-end sustain compared to neck-through.
- • Mahogany body can make it feel slightly heavier than some basses.
Marcus Miller Z3-5 Blue
- • Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant low-end foundation.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile tonal shaping options.
- • Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile promotes effortless playability.
- • Sire Standard MM humbucker provides a punchy, defined bridge tone.
- • Open-gear tuners might not offer the absolute finest tuning stability.
- • Mahogany body can make the bass feel slightly heavier than some alternatives.
- • Edgeless fingerboard, while comfortable, lacks a distinct feel for some players.
Harley Benton MB-5 SB Deluxe Series w/Bag
- • Poplar body offers a surprisingly balanced and resonant tone for the price.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel with good attack.
- • Humbucker with coil-split adds versatility – from growl to a brighter tone.
- • Die-cast bridge and vintage-style tuners contribute to stable tuning and sustain.
- • Maple fretboard can feel a little dry; consider a lemon oil treatment.
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the warmth and complexity of a set-neck.
- • The .045-.130 strings are a bit heavy; lighter strings may improve playability.
Harley Benton MB-5 SB Deluxe Series
- • Solid poplar body delivers surprisingly resonant and warm low-end response.
- • Bolt-on maple neck with a comfortable D profile plays easily and quickly.
- • Humbucker with coil-split offers versatile tonal options, from growl to clarity.
- • Die-cast bridge provides stable tuning and decent sustain for the price point.
- • Poplar body, while decent, lacks the premium feel of mahogany or ash.
- • Hardware, while functional, feels budget-oriented and may require upgrades later.
- • 864mm scale length feels a little long; may be less comfortable for smaller hands.
Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 NBT
- • Carolina arched body offers exceptional aesthetics and comfortable ergonomics
- • MEC pickups deliver a surprisingly articulate and punchy vintage tone
- • Bolt-on neck construction provides a responsive and snappy feel
- • Wenge fretboard contributes to a warm, dark, and resonant character
- • The long scale (34 in) might feel unwieldy for smaller players
- • The 2-band active EQ is relatively basic, limiting tonal sculpting options
- • Weight (approx. 4.0 kg) can be fatiguing during long gigs
Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT w/Bag
- • Mahogany/Ash body provides warmth and clarity.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers smooth, fast playing experience.
- • Tesla pickups deliver punchy, articulate low-end response.
- • Graphite nut enhances tuning stability and sustain.
- • Mahogany construction may result in a heavier instrument overall.
- • Active EQ requires a power source; battery dependency.
- • Flamed maple top, while visually appealing, is a veneer.
Harley Benton BZ-5000 II NT
- • Mahogany/Ash body provides a warm, resonant, and articulate tonal foundation.
- • Tesla pickups deliver a surprisingly powerful and defined low-end response.
- • Ebony fingerboard offers a slick, fast playing experience and excellent note clarity.
- • Graphite nut improves tuning stability and minimizes string friction for smoother action.
- • Mahogany body construction can make it a bit heavier than some players prefer.
- • Active EQ requires a power source, potentially limiting battery life.
- • Flamed maple top, while beautiful, may exhibit slight finish imperfections.
Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 2
- • Poplar body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tone.
- • Bolt-on neck provides a snappy, responsive feel ideal for faster playing.
- • Coil-split humbucker adds versatility – cleans to gritty overdrive.
- • HB-40B amp delivers surprisingly decent sound for practice and small gigs.
- • Poplar body can be a bit plain aesthetically; lacks premium wood grain.
- • Factory strings are a bit light; upgrading is highly recommended.
- • The D-profile neck might not suit players preferring a thinner profile.
Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series Set 1
- • Poplar body offers a balanced, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- • Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel ideal for quicker playing.
- • Humbucker with coil split offers versatile tonal options, from growl to clarity.
- • HB-20B amp delivers decent power and a usable TEC circuit for basic tone shaping.
- • Roseacer fingerboard may feel slightly less refined than ebony or maple.
- • Hardware, while functional, is basic and might benefit from an upgrade later.
- • 8-inch speaker limits the amp's low-end extension and overall headroom.
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Natural Swamp Ash
- • Swamp ash body delivers a resonant, articulate low-end tone.
- • Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a smooth playing feel.
- • Sire pickups offer a balanced blend of clarity and growl.
- • Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile tonal shaping with the blend function.
- • Swamp ash can make the bass feel a bit on the heavier side.
- • The edgeless fingerboard, while comfortable, might not suit all players’ preferences.
- • The single-coil pickup can be a bit noisy under high gain.
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Skyburst Sparkle
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- • Sire pickups offer a surprisingly articulate and punchy sound
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp provides versatile tonal shaping options
- • Maple neck with a comfortable 'C' profile feels smooth and fast
- • Skyburst Sparkle finish might not appeal to all tastes; somewhat flashy
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of a set-neck
- • Alder body can be a bit susceptible to feedback at high volumes
Cort GB-Fusion 5 ABB
- • Solid alder body delivers a focused, punchy low-end response.
- • Maple top adds clarity and brightness to the overall tone.
- • Voiced Tone JJ single coils provide a versatile, modern sound.
- • Hipshot Ultralite tuners ensure stable tuning and easy string changes.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • Active EQ requires a power source, potentially limiting battery life.
- • Maple fretboard may be a bit sharp for some players’ preference.
Marcus Miller Z7-5 Burgundy
- • Alder body delivers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile tonal shaping and active boost.
- • Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience with excellent note definition.
- • Sire pickups combine clarity and punch, suitable for various genres.
- • Bolt-on neck construction can lack the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • Burgundy finish might not appeal to all players’ aesthetic preferences.
- • Weight, typical for alder bodies, may be tiring for extended playing sessions.
Every miscellaneous 5-string basses that matches
80 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Marcus Miller Z7-5 3-Tone Sunburst | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $617 |
| 17 | Ibanez BTB605-TGF | Nut width 47 mm (1.85") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $932 |
| 18 | Warwick RockBass Infinity 5 SBLHP | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Wenge fingerboard · Weight 3.8 kg | $932 |
| 19 | Warwick RockBass Infinity 5 VSTHP | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Wenge fingerboard · Weight 3.88 kg | $897 |
| 20 | Sterling by Music Man StingRay RAY25CA Olympic White | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Nyatoh body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $851 |
| 21 | Ibanez SR305EDX-WZM | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $617 |
| 22 | Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 BK | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Basswood body · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $571 |
| 23 | Sterling by Music Man S.U.B. Sting Ray5 WS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Basswood body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $571 |
| 24 | Ibanez SR305EDX-BZM | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Nyatoh body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $557 |
| 25 | Ibanez SR305EB-WNF | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $512 |
| 26 | Cort C5 Deluxe Black | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $466 |
| 27 | Cort C5 Deluxe Candy Blue | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $466 |
| 28 | Ibanez GSR205PC-TMU Gio | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Purpleheart fingerboard | $442 |
| 29 | Ibanez GSR205-BMT | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Purpleheart fingerboard | $407 |
| 30 | Ibanez GSR205B-WK | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Nyatoh body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $364 |
| 31 | Ibanez GSR185-JB | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Purpleheart fingerboard | $309 |
| 32 | Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Bundle | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $244 |
| 33 | Harley Benton B-550 Black Progressive Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $221 |
| 34 | Harley Benton B-550 White Progressive Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $221 |
| 35 | Harley Benton MB-5 SBK Deluxe Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 21 frets · Neck profile D-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body | $174 |
| 36 | Warwick RB Fortress 5 BRTS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body · Weight 4.5 kg | $932 |
| 37 | Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP V | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body | $909 |
| 38 | Warwick RB Basic 5 NTS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 863.6 mm (34") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Weight 3.8 kg | $874 |
| 39 | Warwick RB Corvette Basic 5 BLK | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 863.6 mm (34") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Weight 3.8 kg | $874 |
| 40 | Yamaha TRBX 505 TBN | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $792 |
| 41 | Yamaha TRBX 505 BRB | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $786 |
| 42 | Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH Cobra Blue | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Maple fingerboard | $664 |
| 43 | Sterling by Music Man S.U.B Sting Ray5 HH ST BLK | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $664 |
| 44 | Yamaha TRBX 305 CAR | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $582 |
| 45 | Yamaha TRBX 305 FBL | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $582 |
| 46 | Jackson JS3Q V Spectra Bass Prpl.Phaze | Nut width 44.5 mm (1.75") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body | $536 |
| 47 | Ibanez TMB35-MGR Talman Short Scale | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 762 mm (30") · Frets 20 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Poplar body | $319 |
| 48 | Yamaha TRBX 605FM Caramel Brown | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $967 |
| 49 | Marcus Miller M7 5st TBL 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body | $920 |
| 50 | Ibanez SR505N-MAM | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $909 |
| 51 | Marcus Miller M7 5st BRS 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body | $907 |
| 52 | Yamaha TRBX 605FM Indigo Blue | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $897 |
| 53 | Ibanez SR505A-MHL | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Rosewood fingerboard | $862 |
| 54 | Sterling by Music Man StingRay 5 HH Ruby Red Burst | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Basswood body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $664 |
| 55 | Ibanez SR305EDX-FDM | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $617 |
| 56 | Ibanez SR305EDX-CZM | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 305 mm (12.01") · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $582 |
| 57 | Ibanez SR305E-PW | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $489 |
| 58 | Ibanez SR305E-DOT | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $456 |
| 59 | Yamaha TRBX 505 TBL | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string | $792 |
| 60 | Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 NTS | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Weight 4 kg | $757 |
| 61 | Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 BRT | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Weight 4 kg | $757 |
| 62 | Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 OB | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Weight 4 kg | $757 |
| 63 | Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series w/Bag | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string | $244 |
| 64 | Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series Bundle | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string | $244 |
| 65 | Harley Benton MM-85A SB Deluxe Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string | $232 |
| 66 | Ibanez SR605E-BKT | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body | $979 |
| 67 | Cort A5 Plus SC Amber Open Pore | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body | $978 |
| 68 | Warwick RB Corvette Classic 5 ASTHP | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body | $932 |
| 69 | Yamaha TRBX 505 TWH | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $792 |
| 70 | ESP LTD B205SM Natural Satin | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Ash body | $781 |
| 71 | Ibanez TMB425B-BKF | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Fingerboard radius 240 mm (9.45") · Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $524 |
| 72 | Marcus Miller M2 5 TBK 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $501 |
| 73 | Marcus Miller M2 5 WHP 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $489 |
| 74 | Marcus Miller M2 5 TBL 2nd Gen | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 889 mm (35") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Strings 5-string | $431 |
| 75 | Yamaha TRBX 305 BL | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string | $582 |
| 76 | Yamaha BB235 VW | Nut width 43 mm (1.69") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string | $571 |
| 77 | Steinberger Guitars Spirit XT-25 Standard Bass BK | Frets 24 frets · Strings 5-string · Body Maple body | $582 |
| 78 | Ibanez GSR205SM-NGT | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Body Poplar body | $419 |
| 79 | Ibanez SR305EB-WK | Strings 5-string · Body Mahogany body | $454 |
| 80 | Ibanez GSR205B-WNF | Strings 5-string · Body Okoume body | $361 |
Miscellaneous 5-String Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 80 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 80 miscellaneous 5-string basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
How to Choose the Best Miscellaneous 5-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