Best Pickups for 5-String J-Bass Under $300 2025

Affordable pickups for 5-string j-bass under $300 - great value without compromising quality

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

Seymour Duncan SJ5-3S J-Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Seymour Duncan SJ5-3S J-Set

Modern Bass Tones 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Tonal Versatility
Key Feature:
• Balanced output across all strings
✓ PROS
  • • Improved tonal versatility
  • • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
  • • Permanent instrument modification
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups

Seymour Duncan SJ5-3S J-SetPickup SetQuarter pound for 5-string J-style bass®SJ5-3 High-output true single-coilPerfect...

4.5/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini 5-string J-Bass Set Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Bartolini 5-string J-Bass Set Black

Modern Bass Tones 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced low B string response
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • Requires technical installation knowledge

Bartolini 5-string J-Bass Set BlackSet of Pickups for 5-String Electric BassNeck position: 57J-S1 (neckshort...

4.5/5 (55 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini 5-Str Classic J-Bass Set Black - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Bartolini 5-Str Classic J-Bass Set Black

Tonal Versatility Enhanced Output 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Improved tonal versatility
✓ PROS
  • • Improved tonal versatility
  • • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • May need electronics modifications

Bartolini 5-Str Classic J-Bass Set BlackSet of Pickups for 5-String Electric BassTwo J-Style single coilsFulldeepwarm...

4.9/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Set BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Set BK

Extended Range Enhanced Output Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Balanced output across all strings
✓ PROS
  • • Balanced output across all strings
  • • Professional upgrade option
✗ CONS
  • • Installation voids warranty
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups

Bartolini 5-Str Original J-Bass Set BKSet of Pickups for 5-String Electric BassFullwarm and hum-free vintage...

4.7/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
DiMarzio DP549 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

DiMarzio DP549

Modern Bass Tones Enhanced Output 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Enhanced low B string response
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Enhanced low B string response
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string pickups
  • • Requires technical installation knowledge

DiMarzio DP549, Ultra J-Style Pickup SetDiMarzio was the first company to produce replacement pickups for electric...

4.8/5 (31 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Fender Ultra Noiseless J-Bass V Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Fender Ultra Noiseless J-Bass V Set

Modern Bass Tones Extended Range 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade
Key Feature:
• Enhanced low B string response
✓ PROS
  • • Professional upgrade option
  • • Improved tonal versatility
✗ CONS
  • • May need electronics modifications
  • • Installation voids warranty

Fender Ultra Noiseless J-Bass V SetPickup Set for 5-String Electric Bass2 Noiseless Single CoilsFor Jazz Bass modelsFor...

4.6/5 (26 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best Pickups for 5-String J-Bass

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 pickups for 5-string j-bass 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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