Best Multi-scale Basses Under $5,000 2026
Affordable multi-scale basses under $5,000 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: February 4, 2026 • Next update: February 11, 2026
#1
⭐
4.5/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Ferrari Green
by
Dingwall
Professional Use
Technical Performance
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
• Enhanced ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Great for extended range basses
- • Modern innovative construction
✗ CONS
- • Requires adjustment period
- • May feel unusual initially
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Ferrari Green6-String Multi-Scale Electric BassAdam "Nolly" Getgood (Periphery)...
⭐
4.5/5
(12 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609585
$3,519
#2
⭐
5.0/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly 4 Pegasus Red Ltd
by
Dingwall
Extended Range
Modern Design
Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Enhanced ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Improved string tension balance
- • Great for extended range basses
✗ CONS
- • Not traditional bass design
- • More expensive than traditional basses
Dingwall NG3 Nolly 4 Pegasus Red LtdMulti-Scale Electric BassAdam "Nolly" Getgood (Periphery) Signature...
⭐
5.0/5
(48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 613927
$3,189
#3
⭐
4.5/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall SP1 4 Bass DCG
by
Dingwall
Professional Use
Extended Range
Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Improved string tension balance
✓ PROS
- • Improved string tension balance
- • Great for extended range basses
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than traditional basses
- • May feel unusual initially
Dingwall SP1 4 Bass DCGMulti-Scale Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile:...
⭐
4.5/5
(17 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 606017
$2,694
#4
⭐
4.6/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall D-Roc Standard Vintage Burst
by
Dingwall
Technical Performance
Modern Design
Extended Range
Key Feature:
• Better intonation across all strings
✓ PROS
- • Modern innovative construction
- • Improved string tension balance
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than traditional basses
- • Limited availability
Dingwall D-Roc Standard Vintage BurstMulti-Scale Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau FerroNeck...
⭐
4.6/5
(7 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 485332
$2,474
#5
⭐
4.9/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Dingwall D-Roc Standard AM Metalflake
by
Dingwall
Technical Performance
Extended Range
Progressive Music
Key Feature:
• Modern innovative construction
✓ PROS
- • Better intonation across all strings
- • Improved string tension balance
✗ CONS
- • May feel unusual initially
- • More expensive than traditional basses
Dingwall D-Roc Standard AM MetalflakeMulti-Scale Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau FerroNeck...
⭐
4.9/5
(53 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 485337
$2,584
#6
⭐
4.7/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Vintage Burst
by
Dingwall
Technical Performance
Extended Range
Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Modern innovative construction
✓ PROS
- • Improved string tension balance
- • Great for extended range basses
✗ CONS
- • Limited availability
- • Requires adjustment period
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Vintage Burst5-String Multiscale Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: Pau...
⭐
4.7/5
(22 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 523054
$2,584
#7
⭐
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.5 Ferrari Green
by
Dingwall
Modern Design
Extended Range
Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Enhanced ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Great for extended range basses
- • Modern innovative construction
✗ CONS
- • Limited availability
- • Requires adjustment period
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.5 Ferrari Green5-String Multi-Scale Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
⭐
4.5/5
(54 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 609584
$3,409
#8
⭐
5.0/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Strandberg Boden Bass Standard 5 NA
by
Strandberg
Progressive Music
Ergonomic Playing
Technical Performance
Key Feature:
• Better intonation across all strings
✓ PROS
- • Great for extended range basses
- • Better intonation across all strings
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than traditional basses
- • Requires adjustment period
Strandberg Boden Bass Standard 5 NA5-String Electric BassBody: BasswoodTop: Flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck:...
⭐
5.0/5
(14 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 605783
$3,057
#9
⭐
4.9/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Blue to Purple
by
Dingwall
Extended Range
Ergonomic Playing
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Improved string tension balance
✓ PROS
- • Enhanced ergonomics
- • Improved string tension balance
✗ CONS
- • Limited availability
- • Not traditional bass design
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Blue to Purple5-String Multi-Scale Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: Pau...
⭐
4.9/5
(16 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 523053
$2,694
#10
⭐
4.5/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall John Taylor Signature 4 BK
by
Dingwall
Modern Design
Professional Use
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
• Better intonation across all strings
✓ PROS
- • Enhanced ergonomics
- • Great for extended range basses
✗ CONS
- • May feel unusual initially
- • Limited availability
Dingwall John Taylor Signature 4 BKElectric BassJohn Taylor (Duran Duran) Signature BassPreamplifier developed and...
⭐
4.5/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 586483
$3,574
#11
⭐
4.6/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Strandberg Boden Bass Standard 4 CH
by
Strandberg
Professional Use
Extended Range
Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
• Modern innovative construction
✓ PROS
- • Improved string tension balance
- • Modern innovative construction
✗ CONS
- • May feel unusual initially
- • More expensive than traditional basses
Strandberg Boden Bass Standard 4 CHHeadless Electric BassBody: BasswoodTop: Flamed maple veneerBolt-on neck:...
⭐
4.6/5
(34 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 609739
$2,837
#12
⭐
5.0/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Dingwall D-Roc Standard 5 Ducati White
by
Dingwall
Progressive Music
Modern Design
Technical Performance
Key Feature:
• Improved string tension balance
✓ PROS
- • Modern innovative construction
- • Better intonation across all strings
✗ CONS
- • Requires adjustment period
- • May feel unusual initially
Dingwall D-Roc Standard 5 Ducati White5-String Multi-Scale Electric BassBody: MahoganyBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard:...
⭐
5.0/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 590653
$2,584
#13
⭐
4.8/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.4 Gold Matte MN
by
Dingwall
Progressive Music
Professional Use
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Improved string tension balance
✓ PROS
- • Enhanced ergonomics
- • Better intonation across all strings
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than traditional basses
- • Requires adjustment period
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.4 Gold Matte MNMulti-Scale Electric BassAdam "Nolly" Getgood (Periphery) signature...
⭐
4.8/5
(30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 600758
$3,354
#14
⭐
4.8/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Metallic Black
by
Dingwall
Ergonomic Playing
Extended Range
Professional Use
Key Feature:
• Enhanced ergonomics
✓ PROS
- • Improved string tension balance
- • Modern innovative construction
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than traditional basses
- • May feel unusual initially
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Metallic Black6-String Multi-Scale Electric BassBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: MapleNeck...
⭐
4.8/5
(44 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 485240
$3,519
#15
⭐
5.0/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.4 Fiesta Red
by
Dingwall
Technical Performance
Progressive Music
Modern Design
Key Feature:
• Improved string tension balance
✓ PROS
- • Great for extended range basses
- • Modern innovative construction
✗ CONS
- • May feel unusual initially
- • More expensive than traditional basses
Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.4 Fiesta RedMultiscale Electric BassBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: MapleNeck...
⭐
5.0/5
(15 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 561409
$3,354
How to Choose the Best Multi-scale 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 multi-scale 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.
