13 Best 5-String Bass Guitars To Elevate Your Sound (2024)

Bass guitar players, have you ever felt like your instrument just isn’t cutting it?

You’re putting in all the effort and practicing for hours, but you still feel like something’s missing.

The solution to this problem could be as simple as upgrading your bass guitar to a 5-string bass guitar.

In this post, we’ll be talking about the best 5-string bass guitars that you can get to elavate your sound and add something new to your playing.

From vintage-style models to high-tech, modern designs, we’ll provide any helpful information you need to make an informed decision and feel confident in your purchase.

So, without further ado, let’s get started!

Top 13 Best 5-string Bass Guitars

Ibanez is a well-respected brand in the world of bass guitars, known for delivering top-performing instruments across a range of categories and price points.

The Ibanez SR405EQM is a member of the company’s long-running SR family of electric bass guitars and is a popular choice among players of all levels.

This model boasts powerful humbuckers and a well-rounded EQ cluster that delivers a rich, dynamic sound.

In addition, its sleek and stylish design is sure to turn heads, with a quality finish that speaks to the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Ibanez is known for.

For the price point, the Ibanez SR405EQM is a top choice on the market, offering a combination of great sound, playability, and style.

• Pros:
  • Powerful humbuckers.
  • Well-rounded EQ.
  • Stylish design.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez SR405EQM is an excellent choice for any bass guitar player, regardless of skill level.

It offers a powerful sound, thanks to its humbuckers and EQ cluster, and a sleek design that is sure to make an impression.

Furthermore, its quality finish is a testament to Ibanez’s craftsmanship and attention to detail, making it an excellent value for its price point.

The Yamaha BB435 TBS is an exceptionally well-crafted and versatile five-string bass guitar that offers excellent value for money. Its alder body resonates with warm, bold tones, while the bolt-on three-ply maple/mahogany/maple neck ensures excellent playability.

The 34″ scale rosewood or maple fingerboard features 21 medium frets that allow you to show off your technique comfortably and efficiently.

This bass is also equipped with two YGD V5 pickups in P/J configuration – perfect for taking on vintage and more contemporary tones.

Each pickup has its volume knob, with one master tone knob allowing you to tweak both pickups.

The Vintage Plus Light steel saddled bridge gives excellent intonation and stability, while the 45-degree string break angle ensures reliable tuning over lengthy performances.

The Yamaha BB435 TBS will make a good choice if you’re looking to get your hands on a high-quality 5-string bass guitar without breaking the bank.

With its excellent build quality, reliable hardware, wide tonal range, and decent sound definition, this instrument can tackle just about any musical style without missing a beat.

• Pros:
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Reliable hardware.
  • Wide tonal range.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Yamaha BB435 TBS is an excellent and versatile 5-string bass guitar that offers great value for money.

It has a high-quality build with reliable hardware, wide tonal range and great sound definition, making it suitable for any musical style.

While we all love Yamaha’s BB Series, the brand’s new TRBX 600 Series demands a lot of attention – and for a good reason.

The TRBX605 is the 5-string part of this collection, offering tremendous power, an endless tonal range, and gorgeous looks that make it an absolute steal.

It features a highly sculpted double-cutaway alder/maple body with no end to the smooth contours and sleek feel.

This is the same feeling in the neck: a laminated five-piece maple/mahogany build with a 24-fret rosewood fretboard.

Musicians have been raving about the TRBX605’s playability, versatility, and build quality, praising its solid and comfortable feel, making it a top choice for gigging and recording.

• Pros:
  • Powerful sound.
  • Wide tonal range.
  • Attractive design.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Yamaha TRBX605 is a great choice for musicians looking for a powerful, endlessly tonal range, and well-built bass guitar.

Its solid and comfortable feel makes it perfect for both gigging and recording.

The Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Bass is a premium 5-string bass with a sleek and sophisticated design.

Its double-cutaway body, crafted from a blend of mahogany and bubinga wood, is beautifully contoured and finished in see-through black or satin honey, giving the bass a refined look that is sure to turn heads.

The neck, made from a combination of maple and walnut, is another standout feature, with a thin C-shape, deep Ultra Access design, fast satin finish, and rosewood fretboard, complete with 24 extra-jumbo frets.

Such neck design offers players a comfortable and fast playing experience, allowing for effortless and accurate playing.

The Stiletto Studio-5 Bass is powered by two passive EMG 40HZ humbuckers, and features a 3-band active EQ.

I think this setup provides a powerful and versatile sound that is perfect for gigging and recording.

• Pros:
  • Premium design.
  • Thin neck.
  • Versatile sound.

• Cons:
  • A bit heavy.

My final verdict is that the Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Bass is a high-quality 5-string bass with an impressive design and outstanding features.

Its combination of mahogany and bubinga wood body, maple and walnut neck, rosewood fretboard, and EMG humbuckers provide a powerful and versatile sound that is perfect for gigging and recording.

ESP LTD has been dominant in the metal and hard rock guitar scene for many years.

So with their reputation for crafting powerful and versatile instruments, it’s no surprise that their 5-string B-205SM bass has made its way onto our list of top-rated basses.

The ESP LTD B-205SM 5-String Bass Guitar is an ideal choice for experienced bassists looking for a modern, powerful sound.

Its neck is made from maple wood with a bolt-on design and a smooth, fast feel.

Such features make this instrument perfect for a range of playing styles and genres since it provides a light, ergonomic body with perfectly matched electronics.

It has two pickups (the PowerSpan Neck and Bridge) which offer great tone and dynamics, plus, the 3-way Power Tap switch allows you to switch between two distinct sound styles.

The body, on the other hand, is crafted from mahogany and topped with beautiful quilted maple for a stunning visual as well as sonic appeal.

And, thanks to its lightweight construction, this bass is comfortable to play for hours on end.

I would say it’s not too heavy that it’ll weigh you down, but not too light that it will feel flimsy.

• Pros:
  • Powerful & Versatile.
  • Light & Ergonomic.
  • Two Pickups.

• Cons:
  • None mentioned.

My final verdict is that the ESP LTD B-205SM 5-String Bass Guitar is an excellent choice for experienced bassists looking for a modern, powerful sound.

Its combination of lightweight construction, ergonomic body, and perfectly matched electronics offer a great sound with a stunning visual appeal.

The Squier Affinity Series 5-String Jazz Bass V is a budget-friendly yet high-performing electric bass guitar designed for both beginner and experienced players.

It offers excellent value for its price. It is a solid choice for those looking to upgrade from their beginner bass or those seeking an affordable alternative to more expensive models.

Starting with its body and neck, the Affinity Series Jazz Bass V boasts an Alder body with a maple neck and rosewood fretboard, providing a classic look and feel familiar to many bassists.

On the other hand, the neck profile is comfortable and fast, making it easy for players to navigate the frets and produce accurate notes.

Regarding electronics, the Affinity Series Jazz Bass V has two standard single-coil pickups that provide a bright, punchy, clear tone.

In addition, the tone controls, including volume and tone knobs, allow players to shape their sound to their desired style, while the five-string design gives players a broader range of notes to work with.

One of the standout features of this bass guitar is its versatility, making it suitable for various playing styles, from blues to rock and even metal.

In addition, the combination of its body, neck, and electronics offers a tonal range that is diverse and responsive.

In terms of build quality, the Squier Affinity Series 5-String Jazz Bass V is well-constructed and durable.

It has a glossy finish that is resistant to wear and tear, and its hardware is solid and reliable, providing the stability needed for a great playing experience.

The Squier Affinity Series 5-String Jazz Bass V is an excellent option for players who want a high-performing bass guitar without breaking the bank.

• Pros:
  • Classic look and feel.
  • Comfortable neck profile.
  • Bright tone.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Squier Affinity Series 5-String Jazz Bass V is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality electric bass guitar.

It has a classic look and feel, with a comfortable neck profile and two single-coil pickups.

Its five-string design and versatile tone make it suitable for a variety of playing styles.

In addition, it is well-built and reliable, providing a great playing experience.

Dean has cemented their position in the beginner-level bass guitar world, delivering an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance.

All the while with a stylish design that’s sure to draw the attention of plenty of new players in search of a first instrument.

The Dean Edge 1 is one of the market’s most competitively priced five-string bass guitars, offering customers various pluses and some minuses.

Regardless, it could be better when you’re on a budget since it’s fairly low cost.

It features a typical construction comprising a basswood body with a top and a six bolt maple neck sporting a slim shape profile.

The fretboard adopted is also maple with pearl dot inlays which adds to the discreet look.

Plus, despite being an affordable model, it’s pleasantly surprising to note its notably solid craftsmanship.

Moving on to its hardware section, we find that it holds to the entry-level components standard as it has a vintage-style tailpiece containing five individually adjustable saddles and chrome die-cast tuning machines.

Though not remarkable, they perform adequately considering the price range.

• Pros:
  • Affordable price.
  • Stylish design.
  • Solid craftsmanship.

• Cons:
  • Entry-level components.
  • No remarkable features.

My final verdict is that the Dean Edge 1 is an excellent choice for beginner-level bass guitar players, as it provides a combination of affordability and performance with an eye-catching design.

Its solid craftsmanship and entry-level components make it a great choice for those on a budget.

The Ibanez GSR205BWK is a reliable and again affordable 5-string bass guitar, crafted with great style and sound that is worth its spot in the list of best basses.

Crafted from solid nato with a distinct curvaceous double-cutaway body and fabulous finishes such as Weathered Black and Walnut, it’s sure to impress.

The slim maple neck provides a 34″ scale length securely bolted to the body and offers 22 medium frets on an fretboard that’s very smooth to play.

This instrument’s easy playability is ideal for both beginners and experienced players.

Hardware on the GSR205BWK is pretty reliable despite being basic: two Ibanez-designed Dynamix passive humbuckers at bridge and neck positions located next to four controls for individual volume.

Also, Chrome 3+2 tuners sit atop the headstock along with a stable B15 Bridge, offering excellent tuning stability.

Soundwise, this budget model delivers great clarity with plenty of power from stock pickups, performing well across different genres, from heavy rock to jazz.

The Phat IEQ also comes in handy for boosting bass levels, although some users have complained lack of responsiveness compared to more expensive models.

It might be simple, but sometimes you need something that lets you play!

• Pros:
  • Solid Nato build.
  • Impressive finishes.
  • Easy playability.

• Cons:
  • Basic hardware.
  • Lack of responsiveness.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez GSR205BWK is a great value for money bass guitar, with a lovely design, great playability and solid sound.

It is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced players, and provides a great performance across different genres.

The Sterling by Music Man 5 String Bass Guitar is a top-performing instrument designed by some of the industry’s leading engineers.

With its timeless classic design, top-quality hardware, and exceptional sound, it’s no wonder this bass has become popular among players.

This one is a bit expensive, and definitely stands on the higher end of bass guitars.

With that being said, it’s a well-made instrument with features that offer incredible versatility, making it a solid investment for both beginner and experienced players.

Music Man’s expertise in hardware design is evident in this bass, with the brand’s signature high-quality construction and attention to detail clear in every aspect of the instrument.

It has an impressive combination of tonewoods, including a Mahogany body, Roasted Hard Maple neck and Roasted Hard Maple fretboard for a bold feel and smooth playability.

Additionally, there is a Sterling by Music Man designed bridge and two Alnico humbuckers coupled with a 3-band preamp and 5-way switch.

Every Sterling by Music Man instrument receives a final set-up and inspection in California, ensuring the highest levels of quality.

• Pros:
  • High-quality hardware.
  • Timeless classic design.
  • Exceptional sound.

• Cons:
  • Expensive.

My final verdict is that the Sterling by Music Man 5 String Bass Guitar is a great option for both beginner and experienced players, offering incredible versatility and top-quality construction at a higher price point.

It is a solid investment, and with Music Man’s expertise in hardware design, you can be sure you’re getting a well-made instrument.

The Schecter Omen Extreme 5 is a remarkable piece of machinery. It boasts impressive build quality, stylish and attractive aesthetics, and, most importantly- a great tone.

This five-string bass has a set of active pickups, a volume knob, a tone knob, and an EQ section.

The body design consists of a mahogany base with an arched framed maple top covered in a creme multi-ply binding that emphasizes the beauty of the wood grain.

The neck is made from a single piece of Canadian maple wood which features a thin C profile for easy access to all notes on the fretboard.

The fretboard is constructed out of rosewood with abalone and pearloid vector inlays for additional visual appeal. The hardware on this model includes a Diamond Bass bridge that provides reliable stability and good sustain.

At the same time, the tuners are specially designed Schecter units with chrome or black chrome finish available, depending on your taste.

But what stands out here are the pickups – Schecter’s Diamond Bass pups bring plenty of power while keeping it balanced enough so its sounds stay consistent across all genres.

And since they are active pups, you have complete control over them using knobs and EQ section available in most bass rigs today.

This instrument would serve inexperienced players looking to purchase their first-ever bass guitar and more advanced musicians seeking an upgrade from their current model.

The Schecter Omen Extreme 5 can deliver thunderous tones that can fit any style, whether you decide to go for metal or something more mellow – this bad boy does it all!

• Pros:
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Stylish & attractive.
  • Great tone.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Schecter Omen Extreme 5 is an exceptional bass guitar.

It offers top-notch build quality, a great tone, and a range of features that make it suitable for both beginners and experienced players alike.

The active pickups, EQ section, and hardware are all of the highest quality and ensure that this instrument can produce thunderous tones that can fit any style or genre.

Crafted with a basswood body left hollow for improved tone projection, the Ibanez EHB1005SMS 5-String Bass is an innovative instrument that offers boutique-style features and premier playability at an affordable price.

The Emerald Green Metallic Matte finish visually gives this electric bass guitar a stunning look.

The toasted maple/walnut neck has a medium-jumbo frets on a toasted birdseye maple fingerboard.

At the same time, the powerful electronics consist of two Bartolini BH2 humbuckers and active Vari-mid 3-band EQ with an EQ bypass switch so you can go passive anytime.

Plus, a comfortable 30″ -32″ scale neck gives you both superb feel and fantastic intonation.

The EHB1005SMS is ideal for people who want amplified versatility but don’t want to sacrifice performance or comfort.

Its super playable neck helps players of any skill level fly through songs without slipping up, while its powerful electronics are sure to provide the sound you desire.

On the downside, multi-scale may take some getting used to, and the eye-catching look may not be for everyone.

• Pros:
  • Affordable boutique-style.
  • Powerful electronics.
  • Comfortable neck.

• Cons:
  • Multi-scale tricky.

My final verdict is that the Ibanez EHB1005SMS 5-String Bass is an excellent electric bass guitar that offers exceptional playability, tone projection, and powerful electronics at an affordable price.

While the multi-scale may take some getting used to and the eye-catching look may not be for everyone, the overall quality of this bass makes it a great choice for any bass player.

The Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass V is a fantastic 5-string bass guitar for a budget player with a vintage Fender tone.

Featuring two single-coil Alnico pickups in the classic Jazz Bass configuration, this instrument delivers a rich and growling sound with excellent articulation and individual volume control for each pickup.

The neck is glossy yet plays comfortably, while it’s Poplar or Soft body and Vintage Plus Light steel-saddled bridge provide reliable performance and durability.

Available in Teal Blue, Black, or Tobacco Brown Sunburst finish, this instrument offers outstanding value compared to its expensive counterparts.

• Pros:
  • Vintage Fender tone.
  • Two single-coil Alnico pickups.
  • Reliable performance.

• Cons:
  • 5-string for budget.
  • Glossy neck.
  • Limited finishes.

My final verdict is that the Squier Classic Vibe ’70s Jazz Bass V is a great bass guitar for budget players looking for a vintage Fender sound, with excellent playability and reliable performance.

The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V is a five-string bass guitar ideal for professional musicians.

It features an alder or roasted pine body, with a maple or rosewood bolt-on neck and 34″ scale length.

The 20 narrow tall frets of the rosewood fingerboard ensure easy playing, and the V-Mod II single-coil pickups provide plenty of boost and clarity.

The sleek hardware includes 5-String High Mass Vintage (HMV), Strings-Through-Body or Topload, and Fender Lightweight Vintage-Style Keys with Tapered Shafts ensuring hassle-free setup and tuning.

This great-looking instrument with left-handed versions available in Mystic Surf Green, Roasted Pine, Olympic White, and 3-Color Sunburst finish.

The powerful V-Mod II pickups are perfect for those who want to explore their low B string.

The Super playable neck allows comfortable playing higher up the fretboard, while the HiMass Vintage bridge gives you enhanced sustain and stability.

While this may not have active electronics, it’s still sure to be an excellent investment for any serious bassist.

• Pros:
  • Variety of body/neck options.
  • V-Mod II pickups.
  • Super playable neck.

• Cons:
  • None.

My final verdict is that the Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V is an excellent choice for professional musicians.

It features great hardware and pickups, and comes in a variety of colors and finishes.

It has a great Super playable neck and HiMass Vintage bridge providing enhanced sustain and stability.

This is a great investment for any serious bassist.

What are some factors to consider when choosing a 5-string bass guitar?

When choosing a 5-string bass guitar, there are many factors to consider to find the right instrument for your needs.

Some of the most important factors include the type of music you play, your skill level, the size and weight of the instrument, and your budget.

It is also essential to consider the materials and construction quality of the bass, as well as the sound and playability.

Let’s take a closer look at them one by one:

Type of music you want to play

The type of music you play will determine the best kind of 5-string bass guitar for your needs.

If you are playing styles such as rock, metal, or jazz, a solid body electric is probably best for you since it produces rounder tones.

On the other hand, if you’re playing funk or slap bass, then a semi-hollow body is probably better as it helps to create more distinct and percussive sounds.

I would say that if you are a beginner, most instruments should be suitable as long as you are comfortable with them and find them easy to play.

Skill level that you currently have

Another important factor to consider is your current level of skill when selecting a 5-string bass guitar.

If you are a beginner just starting out, then it’s important that you get an easy-to-play instrument with good intonation and playability.

It should have enough features that will help you grow as a musician, and it should be comfortable to hold.

On the other hand, if you are already an experienced player, then you may want to look for a more robust instrument with more features that offer greater tonal flexibility.

For example, you might consider a 5-string bass guitar with active pickups or an extended range of tones.

Size and weight of the instrument

This is in my opinion one of the most important features to consider when choosing a 5-string bass guitar.

Its size and weight will determine how comfortable it is to play, as well as how easy it is to transport.

You want the bass to be light enough for you to lug around without too much effort but not so light that it feels flimsy or lacks in tone.

It also needs to fit comfortably on your body when playing standing up or sitting down.

This is due to the fact that you don’t want it too heavy or bulky as it will be difficult to maneuver while playing.

The budget that you have for the instrument

Last, but definitely not least…

The budget that you have for the instrument.

This is something you’ll need to consider when choosing a 5-string bass guitar as there are many models and prices on the market.

Ensure that the instrument fits your budget and offers a good combination of quality and value for money.

You don’t have to break the bank to find an instrument that you like, but don’t be tempted to buy a cheap, low-quality bass guitar.

In the end, the cheaper you go, the more you’ll have to make sacrifices in terms of sound, playability, and build quality.

Even more, if it breaks, you might end up spending more money to repair it than you would have originally spent on a better-quality instrument.

What makes a 5-string bass guitar different from a 4-string bass?

A 5-string bass guitar has an extra lower-pitched string, usually a “B” string, which extends the range of notes you can play on the instrument.

This additional string opens up new possibilities for bass players, allowing them to reach lower frequencies and add more depth and complexity to their playing.

As a result, the 5-string bass has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among musicians who play in genres like metal, jazz, and fusion, where a more comprehensive range of notes is often desirable.

How do I know if you need a 5 or 4-string bass? Don’t worry, take a look at this video, and you’ll know:

5 String vs 4 String Bass: Breaking Down the Key Differences

Is there any benefit of playing a 5-string bass guitar?

The main benefit of playing a 5-string bass guitar is the increased range of notes you can play.

For example, with an extra low “B” string, bass players can play notes that would be impossible to reach on a 4-string bass.

This expanded range can be handy for playing in certain musical styles, such as heavy metal, where a deep, driving bass line is a vital component of the sound.

In addition, the extra string can allow for more intricate and complex playing and greater musical expression.

In addition to what we have told you, here you will be able to directly appreciate some of the benefits that a 5-string bass offers you:

Advantages Of A 5 string Bass (you can't do these on a 4 string)

What are some of the best 5-string bass guitar brands?

Many great 5-string bass guitar brands are on the market, each offering unique features and benefits.

Some of the most highly regarded brands include Fender, Ibanez, Music Man, and Warwick.

Fender is known for their classic and versatile instruments, while Ibanez is known for their more modern and innovative designs.

Music Man is known for their high-quality craftsmanship and premium materials, while Warwick is known for their strong and punchy sound.

These are just a few examples, and there are many other great brands to choose from, depending on your specific needs and preferences.

However, when deciding who is ‘the best,’ there’s no clear winner as many other brands, over decent quality as well.

With so much variety from the different makers, I would say the best thing would be to go out and try a few of them to see which one feels better in your hand.

What is the average price range for a 5-string bass guitar?

The price of a 5-string bass guitar can vary widely, depending on several factors such as the brand, model, materials, and features.

Entry-level models can be found for around $300 to $500, while high-end models can cost several thousand dollars.

You can generally expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a good quality 5-string bass guitar.

However, it is worth noting that the price of an instrument is not necessarily an indicator of its quality or suitability for your needs.

If I were you, and this was my first bass guitar, I wouldn’t spend more than $500 on it.

Then once you reach an intermediate level, then you can upgrade your gear accordingly.