Table of Contents
The Top 10 5 String Bass Guitars
With 5-string bass guitars, bassists have a lot of variety because the extra low string makes the overall sound much more dynamic.
After expert reviews and market research, we have listed five-string bass guitars, from absolutely delicate boutique models to more budget-friendly options. This guide also includes supporting ideas and suggestions about the benefits of five-string bass guitars, tunings, and maintenance.
Learn why you should invest in a cleaning kit here.
Best Budget: Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar Walnut (GSR205BWNF)

The Ibanez GSR205BWNF is a testament to Ibanez’s commitment to providing quality instruments for bassists of all levels. Weighing 10 pounds, this 5-string bass guitar perfectly blends elegance and performance.
Reasons to buy
Its sleek walnut finish looks stunning and complements the mahogany body, contributing to its warm, resonant tone. The rosewood fretboard with white dot inlay adds to its playability, making it an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned players seeking a reliable, affordable option.
Specs
- Weight: 10 pounds, offering a balanced feel for extended playing sessions.
- Body Material: Mahogany, known for its rich, warm tones.
- Guitar Bridge System: Tune-O-Matic, ensuring stable tuning and easy adjustability.
Most Expensive: Yin Yang Fodera Yin Yang 5 Standard Mahogany Bass Guitar – $6550

The Yin Yang Standard Mahogany bass guitar may be a bit pricy, but it is famously associated with the legendary Victor Wooten, particularly its 4-string version. This bass features a chambered mahogany body, a 3-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard. The distinctive mahogany top, with a black painted Yin Yang design, symbolizes balance and finesse.
Reasons to buy
Geared with EMG P/J pickups (with an optional dual coil upgrade), it delivers a wide range of tones suitable for various styles. Its scale length is 34 inches, and 24 large frets ensure comfortable playability, making it a preferred choice for aspiring and professional bassists.
Specs
- Body Material: Chambered Mahogany, offering a warm and resonant tone.
- Neck Material: 3-piece Maple with Ebony Fingerboard, ensuring smooth playability and durability.
- Preamp: Fodera / Pope 3-Band Standard, providing versatile tone-shaping capabilities.
Best Overall: Yamaha TRB1005J CRB – $1179

The Yamaha TRB1005J in Caramel Brown elegantly fuses classic design and modern functionality. This 5-string bass features an alder body with a striking quilted maple top, enhancing its aesthetic appeal and tonal richness. The maple neck with a rosewood fretboard ensures smooth playability and mother-of-pearl inlays add a touch of sophistication.
Reasons to buy
Equipped with two custom alnico pickups and an active 3-band EQ, this bass offers many tonal possibilities, from deep, growling lows to crisp, articulate highs. The black hardware contrasts beautifully with the caramel brown finish, making this bass a visually and sonically captivating instrument.
Specs
- Body Material: Alder with a quilted maple top, providing a balanced tonal foundation.
- Pickups: 2 Custom alnico pickups, offering clarity and versatility in sound.
- EQ: Active 3-band, allowing for precise tonal adjustments.
Squier Affinity Jazz Bass V

The Squier Affinity Series 5-String Jazz Bass is an exceptional choice for those seeking the classic Jazz Bass sound with an added low B-string. This model, weighing 10 pounds, is renowned for its comfortable playability and versatile tone.
Reasons to buy
The poplar body, finished in a striking Olympic White, is complemented by the bright, clear tones of the maple wood construction. It’s an ideal bass for players at any skill level who desire the distinctive Jazz Bass feel and Squier classic vibe without breaking the bank.
Specs
- Weight: 10 pounds, providing a solid yet manageable feel.
- Body Material: Poplar, offering a balanced tone with a slight emphasis on mids.
- Guitar Bridge System: Fixed, contributing to its sustain and tuning stability.
Yamaha BB435 Bass Guitar

The Yamaha BB435, a right-handed 5-string bass guitar, offers a unique combination of traditional style and modern performance. Its solid alder body, finished in a rich Tobacco Brown Sunburst, provides a balanced and warm tone, making it suitable for various musical genres.
Reasons to buy
The guitar features a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck with a thinner BB profile, enhancing playability and comfort. Its versatile sound range, supported by Alnico V pickups, is perfect for stage performances and studio recordings, appealing to many bassists.
Specs
- Body Material: Solid Alder, known for its clear, full-bodied tone.
- Neck Material: 5-piece Maple/Mahogany, offering stability and smooth playability.
- Bridge/Tailpiece: Vintage Plus Light Bridge with Steel Saddles, providing enhanced sustain and tuning accuracy.
Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 HSN – $999

The Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 in Honey Satin is a visually and sonically captivating bass guitar. It features a warm, resonant mahogany body with a striking Bubinga top and a through-neck construction combining maple and walnut for unparalleled sustain and stability. The thin “C” neck profile and rosewood fretboard with 24 X-Jumbo frets ensure exceptional playability.
Reasons to buy
This bass offers many tonal possibilities, equipped with two EMG 40HZ Humbuckers and a versatile 3-band active EQ. The satin gold hardware adds a touch of elegance, making this model a top choice for studio and stage performances.
Specs
- Body Material: Mahogany with Bubinga top, providing depth and clarity in tone.
- Neck Construction: Through-neck design with maple and walnut, enhancing sustain and stability.
- Bridge: Diamond Custom Bass Bridge, ensuring reliable intonation and string stability.
Fender AM Pro II Jazz Bass V RW 3TSB – $1869

The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V in 3-Tone Sunburst blends classic aesthetics with modern functionality. This 5-string bass features an alder body known for its balanced sound and a slim “C” maple neck with a rosewood fretboard for comfortable playability. The two V-Mod II Jazz Bass single coils deliver a versatile tone suitable for various music genres.
Reason to buy
The bass’s iconic 3-tone sunburst finish and nickel/chrome hardware add timeless elegance. With a hi-mass bridge for enhanced sustain and stability, it is a top choice for professional and aspiring bassists.
Specs
- Body Material: Alder, offering a rich, balanced tone.
- Neck Profile: Slim “C” shape, designed for easy play and comfort.
- Bridge: Hi-Mass enhances sustain and provides better intonation.
Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V – $1899

The Fender American Professional II Jazz Bass V in Olympic White is a striking embodiment of Fender’s legacy and contemporary innovation. It features an alder body known for its balanced and resonant tone, a slim “C” maple neck, and a rosewood fretboard for a smooth playing experience.
Reasons to buy
This 5-string bass guitar has the V-Mod II Jazz Bass single coils, which offer a rich, nuanced sound suitable for diverse musical styles. With its elegant Olympic White finish and high-quality nickel/chrome hardware, this bass stands out in appearance and performance, making it a top choice for professional bassists.
Check out another related beginner’s Guide to Guitar Fingerstyle.
Specs
- Body Material: Alder, ensuring a rich and balanced tone.
- Neck Profile: Slim “C” shape, designed for comfort and ease of play.
- Bridge: Hi-Mass bridge, offering enhanced sustain and stability.
Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH Harvest – $2914

The Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay 5 Special HH in Harvest Orange is a stunning representation of craftsmanship and innovation. It features a select hardwood body with a high gloss polyester finish, offering unparalleled resonance and durability. The roasted maple neck, finished with gunstock oil and hand-rubbed wax, provides a smooth, comfortable playing experience.
Reasons to buy
This bass has dual humbucking pickups with neodymium magnets, delivering a powerful and versatile sound. The 5-way lever pickup selector and 3-band active preamp allow for extensive tonal shaping, making this bass a favorite among players seeking aesthetic appeal and sonic versatility.
Specs
- Body Wood: Select Hardwoods, ensuring robust sound and durability.
- Neck Wood: Select roasted maple, which offers stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Bridge: Vintage Music Man® top loaded chrome plated, providing reliable tuning stability and enhanced sustain.
Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 5 – $3780

The Warwick Pro Series Thumb BO 5 is a testament to Warwick’s renowned craftsmanship and innovative design. With its body and neck made of Ovangkol, this bass offers a unique combination of warmth and clarity in its tone. The Wenge fretboard complements the overall sound with added brightness and sustain.
Reasons to buy
The bass features 2 active MEC J/J single coils and active MEC 2-way electronics, allowing for a wide tonal range. Finished in Natural Transparent Satin and weighing approximately 4.4 kg, this bass is a visual delight and a powerhouse in performance, perfect for studio recordings and live gigs.
Specs
- Body Material: Ovangkol is known for its rich, warm tone.
- Weight: Approximately 4.4 kg, providing a substantial feel and balance.
- Electronics: Active MEC 2-way, offering versatile tone-shaping capabilities.
Have you selected the bass you are looking for? Let’s learn some songs that have cool basslines here!
Are 5 string bass worth it?
5 string bass guitars are worth it if you want to explore a more versatile sound, extended range, aesthetics, and sound impact.
Extended Range
The additional low string significantly extends the bass’s bottom range, allowing for deeper, more impactful notes. This is particularly useful in band settings, where the extra depth can add a new dimension to the music.
Playability
While a 5-string bass’s wider neck and closer string spacing require some adjustment, they also offer a new realm of playing techniques and styles. The expanded fretboard allows for more note options and less shifting, which can be advantageous in complex musical pieces.
Weight Considerations
Generally, 5-string basses are heavier than their 4-string counterparts. This can be a significant factor for gigging musicians who play for extended periods. The additional weight might affect comfort and endurance during performances.
Aesthetic and Sound Impact
A 5-string bass often has a distinct look and sound that can set a musician apart. The additional string adds more frequencies to the bass sound, which can be both a challenge and an opportunity in music production. The rich, full tone of a 5-string bass can be a key element in creating a unique sound signature.
Honorable Mentions
While our main list highlights the crème de la crème of 5-string bass guitars, several other models deserve a nod for their exceptional qualities, innovative designs, and outstanding performance. These include Schecter Stiletto Studio 5, ESP LTD B-205SM, Ibanez SR305E, and Yamaha TRBX305.
How to Tune a 5 String Bass guitars: 4 Tunings You Should Know
Standard Bass Tuning (B-E-A-D-G)
This is the most common tuning for 5-string basses. It adds a low B string to the standard 4-string tuning, offering a wider range and more profound bass notes.
Drop A-Tuning (A-E-A-D-G)
The lowest string is tuned down from B to A in this tuning, providing a heavier and deeper sound. It’s often used in metal and hard rock genres.

Drop C Tuning (C-G-C-F-A)
This tuning drops each string by a whole step or more, providing a unique tonal quality popular in progressive and experimental music styles.
Tenor Tuning (E-A-D-G-C)
Unlike the standard tuning, which extends the range lower, tenor tuning adds a high C string. This tuning is beneficial for playing higher-register melodies and solos, adding versatility to the bass guitar.
Learn more about guitar tuning by clicking here!
The Problem with 5-String Bass Guitars
Handling the Extra String
One of the main challenges with 5-string bass guitars is managing the additional string. This includes dealing with increased string tension and ensuring tuning stability. The lower B string on 5-string bass guitars often requires a thicker gauge to maintain a firm tension, affecting the instrument’s overall feel and playability.
The increased tension can also lead to setup complexities, as the neck may require adjustments to accommodate the extra force.
Instrument Setup and Maintenance
Proper setup is crucial for optimal performance of a 5-string bass. This includes choosing the right string size – thicker strings for the lower notes are generally recommended. The action, or the strings’ height above the fretboard, needs careful adjustment to balance playability with fret buzz.
The truss rod may require tweaking to counteract the additional tension of the thicker strings.

Attention should also be given to the nut and bridge, ensuring they are appropriately sized for the string gauges. Lastly, pickup height is vital for ensuring even sound across all strings.
The pickups should not be too close to the strings, especially the lower B string, to prevent unwanted magnetic pull or interference.
Practical Tips for Players
For players transitioning to a 5-string bass, getting accustomed to the wider neck and different string spacing is essential. Practicing scales and familiar patterns can help in adapting to the extended range.
Also, experimenting with different plucking and fingering techniques can be beneficial to maximize the additional low B string. Regular maintenance, including neck adjustments and string changes, will keep the bass in optimal playing condition and help it handle the unique challenges these instruments pose.
5 string Bass Guitars FAQs
The primary purpose of a 5 string bass guitar is to provide a wider range of notes, particularly lower notes that are not available on a standard 4-string bass. This extended range allows for greater musical flexibility and depth in various genres.
Yes, 5 string bass guitars are quite common and popular among bassists who seek an extended lower range beyond the traditional 4-string bass.
Yes, 6-string bass guitars exist. They typically add an additional higher string (C) to the standard 5-string layout, further extending the range and versatility of the instrument.
Playing a 5-string bass can be more challenging than a 4-string due to the wider neck and the added complexity of an extra string. However, with practice, many players adapt to these differences and appreciate the expanded musical possibilities.
- The Best 8 Cheap Bass Guitars - February 6, 2025
- Top 10 Best Budget Bass Guitars for Beginners - February 6, 2025
- Best 5 String Bass Guitars For Every Price Point - February 6, 2025