AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Pickups for 5-String P-Bass Under $200 2026
The top pick is Seymour Duncan SJ5-3s Quarter Pound 5-String Jazz Bass Pickup Set ($200). Sadowsky P-Style Bass Pickup 5 Neck gives you the most for the money at $77. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Seymour Duncan SJ5-3s Quarter Pound 5-String Jazz Bass Pickup Set
Quarter Pound 5 BK · Seymour Duncan
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings5-string
If you play a 5-string P-Bass and want a passive pickup, this one is worth a look. It is a split coil with Alnico V rod magnets, handmade in the USA, and it comes with a shielded cable. Register it on the Seymour Duncan site to extend the warranty to 4 years.
Pros
- Passive split coil design built for the 5-string precision bass
- Alnico V rod magnets, 0.25 inch diameter, a classic vintage magnet type
- Handmade in the USA with a Forbon bobbin and wax-sealed airtight construction
Cons
- Installation into your P-Bass is up to you, so plan for that job
80AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
If you play a 5-string P-style bass, this pickup fits in any position. It is active, so you will need a battery, and it comes with the cables and parts to hook it up without soldering. Its stated sound is brilliant treble, warmth and a powerful, tight bass, so it suits you if you want a wide range of classic and modern bass sounds.
Pros
- Ceramic magnets, a stated magnet material for this pickup.
- Active design with a 25k volume and a 25k tone potentiometer for direct control.
- Solderless Installation System with battery bus and cables, so fitting needs no soldering.
Cons
- Active pickup, so it needs a battery and the included battery cable to run.
69AudioFu
Index↓ 3.2%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$106 · Aug 17$103 now$103€92 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a passive split coil pickup for the neck spot on a 5-string P-style bass. It uses Alnico V magnets and open pole pieces, and it needs no battery or power supply. If you want a P-style pickup for the neck position on a 5-string bass, this one suits you, but measure the 65.8 x 27.6 mm size first.
Pros
- Split coil design gives each string its own pickup section
- Alnico V magnets are the magnet material used in this pickup
- Open pole pieces are part of the build
Cons
- Neck position only, so it does not cover the bridge spot
- Installation size is 65.8 x 27.6 mm, so check fit before you buy
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EMG 40P5-B 5-String Offset Dual Coil Soapbar Pickup
40P5 Bass Pickup · EMG
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings5-string
This is an active humbucker pickup made for 5-string P-style basses. It works in any position and comes with EMG's solderless installation system, so you can fit it without soldering. If you want a P-style bass with a wide range of classic and modern bass sounds, this is a good match for you.
Pros
- Ceramic magnets are used in this humbucker pickup
- Extended housing puts the tweeter magnet closer to the neck
- Solderless installation system makes it easier to fit without soldering
Cons
- Requires a battery compartment and battery cable to run
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$116 now$116€104 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
If you play a 5-string Fender-style P-Bass and want a pickup that kills hum, this Bartolini is made for that job. You get a split-P coil with ferrite blade magnets, a shielded coaxial cable, and a black cover. It is a passive pickup, so you can drop it into a matching bass without extra gear.
Pros
- Split-P coil design for the 5-string version of the P-Bass
- Ceramic blade magnets (ferrite) with carbon steel magnet configuration
- Hum-killing, reverse wound and reverse polarity construction
Cons
- Built to suit Fender P-Basses, so confirm your bass matches before buying
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$200 now$200€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Pickups for 5-String P-Bass by the numbers
Measured across all 6 models we track, not a sample.
median of 6 models · 5-string–5-string
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 6 pickups for 5-String P-Bass from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What should I look for when buying pickups for 5-string p-bass?
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.
How much should I spend on pickups for 5-string p-bass?
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.
Are expensive pickups for 5-string p-bass worth the investment?
Higher-priced pickups for 5-string p-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.
What are the best brands for pickups for 5-string p-bass?
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.
Should I buy pickups for 5-string p-bass online or in-store?
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.
