Best Pickups for 5-String J-Bass Under $500 2026
Affordable pickups for 5-string j-bass under $500 - great value without compromising quality
Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 2026
#1
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sadowsky J/J Pickup Set 5 NC
by
Sadowsky
Enhanced Output
Tonal Versatility
Modern Bass Tones
Key Feature:
• Improved tonal versatility
✓ PROS
- • Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
- • Enhanced low B string response
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than 4-string pickups
- • Permanent instrument modification
Sadowsky J/J Pickup Set 5 NCSet of Pickups for 5-String Electric Bass2 Passive stacked coil pickupsFor neck (SAC PU J5...
⭐
4.9/5
(47 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 551862
$428
#2
⭐
4.4/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup Set N/B5
by
Sadowsky
Tonal Versatility
Modern Bass Tones
Enhanced Output
Key Feature:
• Enhanced low B string response
✓ PROS
- • Balanced output across all strings
- • Enhanced low B string response
✗ CONS
- • Permanent instrument modification
- • May need electronics modifications
Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup Set N/B5J-Style Pickup Set for 5-String Electric BassFor neck (SAC PU J5 N) and bridge...
⭐
4.4/5
(50 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 529839
$373
#3
⭐
4.4/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASAB Steve Bailey J-Set
Extended Range
5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Professional upgrade option
✓ PROS
- • Improved tonal versatility
- • Designed specifically for 5-string Jazz Bass
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than 4-string pickups
- • Installation voids warranty
Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASAB Steve Bailey J-SetPickup Set for 5-String Electric BassSteve Bailey Signature SetConsists of 2...
⭐
4.4/5
(19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 554084
$457
#4
⭐
4.4/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass 5 67/70 Set
Modern Bass Tones
Extended Range
Tonal Versatility
Key Feature:
• Improved tonal versatility
✓ PROS
- • Balanced output across all strings
- • Improved tonal versatility
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than 4-string pickups
- • Installation voids warranty
Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass 5 67/70 SetPickup-setPassive humbucking pickup set for 5-string jazz bassSplit coil design...
⭐
4.4/5
(6 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 386285
$384
#5
⭐
4.5/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Lollar J-Bass 5S Set
by
Lollar
Extended Range
Tonal Versatility
Professional Performance
Key Feature:
• Improved tonal versatility
✓ PROS
- • Enhanced low B string response
- • Balanced output across all strings
✗ CONS
- • More expensive than 4-string pickups
- • Installation voids warranty
Lollar J-Bass 5S SetPickup Set for 5-String J-Style Electric Bass2 Single coilsOutput: VintageFullclear...
⭐
4.5/5
(24 reviews)
Sound:
7/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 440016
$307
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.
