AudioFu

Best Pickups for 5-String J-Bass Under $500 2025

Affordable pickups for 5-string j-bass under $500 - great value without compromising quality

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

PRICE RANGES: Under $200 Under $300 Under $500
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
GENRES & STYLES: For 5-String Jazz Bass Upgrade For Extended Range For Modern Bass Tones For Professional Performance For Enhanced Output For Tonal Versatility
BRANDS: Sadowsky Seymour Duncan
Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass 5 67/70 Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Seymour Duncan Apollo J-Bass 5 67/70 Set

by Seymour Duncan
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASAB Steve Bailey J-Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Seymour Duncan AJB-2ASAB Steve Bailey J-Set

by Seymour Duncan
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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky J/J-Style Bass Pickup Set N/B5 - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky J/J Pickup Set 5 NC - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Buy at Thomann View Details
Lollar J-Bass 5S Set - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Buy at Thomann View Details

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best ST Style Guitars

TOP

Best Humbucker Pickups

POPULAR

Best Distortion Pedals

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

RELATED

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more