10 Best 5 String Bass

I’ve tested dozens of five-string basses, and my top picks include the Ibanez GSR205 with its versatile Phat II EQ and mahogany body, the complete Ktaxon starter package featuring a 20-watt amplifier, and the premium Yamaha BB235 with custom V3 ceramic pickups. The Squier Classic Vibe 70s offers authentic Jazz Bass tones, while budget options like the headless IYV multi-scale provide surprising quality under $200. Each instrument requires proper setup for peak playability, and pairing with quality Ernie Ball strings enhances performance greatly across all price ranges.

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Notable Insights

• Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO offers affordable entry-level quality with mahogany body, Dynamix H pickups, and versatile Phat II EQ system.
• Yamaha BB235 features solid alder construction, custom V3 ceramic pickups, and excellent sustain with 4.6-star customer rating.
• Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass provides authentic vintage tone with Fender-designed alnico pickups and comfortable slim C-shaped neck.
• IYV IBW-550 delivers premium walnut body, neck-through design, and active 18V preamp with 3-band EQ controls for advanced sound shaping.
• Ktaxon complete starter packages include bass, 20-watt amplifier, and accessories, making them ideal budget-friendly beginner options under $100.

Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO – Walnut Flat

When you’re searching for an affordable entry point into five-string territory without compromising on essential features, the Ibanez GSR205BWNF GIO emerges as a compelling workhorse that punches well above its weight class. This mahogany-bodied instrument features Dynamix H passive pickups paired with Phat II EQ, delivering versatile tones across genres while maintaining the rigorous inspection standards of higher-end Ibanez models. The maple neck and jatoba fretboard provide comfortable playability, though you’ll likely need initial setup work including string replacement and basic adjustments. At 4.6 stars from 324 reviews, it’s earned its #28 ranking in electric bass guitars through consistent performance and exceptional value.

Best For: Beginning to intermediate bassists seeking an affordable entry into 5-string bass playing without sacrificing essential features and sound quality.

Pros:

• Versatile Dynamix H pickups with Phat II EQ deliver quality tones across multiple genres
• Exceptional value with rigorous Ibanez quality standards and 4.6-star rating from 324 reviews
• Comfortable maple neck and jatoba fretboard provide smooth playability for extended sessions

Cons:

• Requires initial setup work including string replacement and basic adjustments out of the box
• Some users report minor aesthetic flaws and finish imperfections
• Passive pickup configuration may limit tonal shaping compared to active systems

Ktaxon Electric Bass Guitar 5 String with 20 Watt Amplifier (Black)

The Ktaxon Electric Bass Guitar stands out as an exceptional complete starter package that delivers remarkable value for beginners and budget-conscious players, combining a full-size 5-string bass with a matching 20-watt amplifier and essential accessories in one convenient bundle.

You’ll appreciate the thoughtful construction featuring a naturally air-dried maple neck paired with a rosewood fretboard, while the basswood body maintains lightweight playability without sacrificing resonance. The dual single pickups work alongside two volume and two tone controls, giving you considerable tonal flexibility for exploring different musical styles. I’m particularly impressed by the included amplifier’s mesh design, which produces surprisingly clear sound reproduction for practice sessions. The complete accessory package eliminates additional purchases, including cables, strap, case, and picks, making this an immediate play-ready solution that’s earned impressive customer ratings.

Best For: Beginners and budget-conscious players looking for a complete 5-string bass guitar starter package with amplifier and all essential accessories included.

Pros:

• Complete ready-to-play package includes 20-watt amplifier, cables, strap, case, and picks with no assembly required
• Quality construction with maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and dual pickup system offering good tonal flexibility
• Excellent value with #1 ranking in Electric Bass Guitars and 4.4/5 star rating from nearly 400 customers

Cons:

• Some customer feedback indicates sound quality limitations, though acceptable for the price point
• At 16.32 pounds, it’s relatively heavy for extended playing sessions
• As a budget instrument, may require upgrades for more serious or advanced players

Ibanez Gio SR 5 String Electric Bass – Roadster Orange Metallic

Budget-conscious bassists searching for their first five-string instrument will find exceptional value in the Ibanez Gio SR 5 String Electric Bass in Roadster Orange Metallic, a lightweight powerhouse that weighs just eight pounds and delivers professional features at an entry-level price point. You’ll appreciate the fast maple neck’s playability, though you’ll likely need a proper setup out of the box. The dynamic P and J pickups, paired with active Phat II EQ, provide surprisingly versatile tones for the price range. While some users recommend upgrading strings and pickups eventually, this compact bass offers solid fundamentals through its fixed bridge system and 34-inch scale length.

Best For: Budget-conscious beginners and intermediate players looking for an affordable 5-string bass with professional features and excellent playability.

Pros:

• Lightweight 8-pound design with fast maple neck for comfortable playing
• Dynamic P and J pickups with active Phat II EQ provide versatile tonal options
• Excellent value with solid construction including fixed bridge system and 34-inch scale length

Cons:

• Requires proper setup out of the box to achieve optimal playability
• May need string and pickup upgrades for enhanced sound quality
• Some users report receiving used or defective products

Ktaxon 5 String Electric Bass Guitar with Gig Bag Kit (Black)

Aspiring bassists who want professional sound quality without the premium price tag will find exceptional value in the Ktaxon 5 String Electric Bass Guitar, a remarkably well-constructed instrument that delivers impressive performance for under $100. You’ll appreciate the basswood body’s glossy finish and maple neck construction, which creates a surprisingly stable platform for the rosewood fretboard’s 24 smooth frets. The dual single-coil pickups offer versatile tonal options through separate volume and tone controls, though you’ll want to use them together to minimize the humming that occurs when operating individually. At 6.5 pounds, this lightweight bass includes essential accessories like a gig bag, strap, and cable.

Best For: Beginner and intermediate bassists seeking a quality 5-string electric bass with professional sound at an affordable price point under $100.

Pros:

• Exceptional value with solid basswood body, maple neck, and rosewood fretboard construction that feels more expensive than its sub-$100 price
• Complete starter kit includes essential accessories like gig bag, strap, cable, and wrench tool for immediate playability
• Lightweight 6.5-pound design with 24 smooth frets and dual single-coil pickups offering versatile tonal options

Cons:

• Single-coil pickups produce humming when used individually, requiring both pickups to be engaged for optimal performance
• Some users experience minor tuning accuracy and bridge alignment issues that may require adjustments
• Neck positioning can cause discomfort for some players despite the lightweight body design

IYV, 5-String IBHLFF5-400 Multi-Scale Headless Bass, Sunburst

The IYV 5-String IBHLFF5-400 Multi-Scale Headless Bass represents an intriguing entry point for players curious about headless design and multi-scale technology, combining a 33-35 inch scale length with Vietnamese craftsmanship that delivers surprising value at its price point.

You’ll find the basswood body topped with burl maple veneer provides decent aesthetics, though I’d recommend budgeting for immediate string replacement since the included nickel strings feel subpar. The walnut neck and rosewood fretboard offer smooth playability with low action, while the CNC construction guarantees consistent fret work that won’t require major leveling.

Best For: Budget-conscious musicians and beginners wanting to explore multi-scale headless bass design without a major investment, especially those comfortable with basic setup adjustments.

Pros:

• Multi-scale (33-35″) design provides excellent balance of clarity and response with smooth, fast playability
• CNC construction ensures consistent fret work with smooth edges and low action straight from the factory
• Affordable price point allows room for component upgrades while delivering solid foundational construction

Cons:

• Included nickel strings are of inferior quality and require immediate replacement for optimal performance
• Tuners may be difficult to turn initially and some units arrive with loose frets or finish imperfections
• Most users need to perform a basic setup after purchase to achieve optimal playability

IYV 5 String IBW-550 Bass Solid-Body Electric Guitar, Natural, Right

For players seeking professional features without the premium price tag, IYV’s 5 String IBW-550 Bass delivers impressive craftsmanship that’ll surprise you with its attention to detail. The walnut body construction, combined with a 5-ply nato maple neck and jatoba fretboard, creates a solid foundation that rivals instruments costing four times more. You’ll appreciate the active 18V preamp system with 3-band EQ controls, though you’ll need to keep spare 9V batteries handy since this setup requires two. The 34-inch scale length provides comfortable playability, while the neck-through design guarantees excellent sustain and stability for both practice sessions and live performances.

Best For: Budget-conscious players and beginners who want professional-grade features like active electronics and premium wood construction without paying premium prices.

Pros:

• High-quality walnut body with 5-ply nato maple neck and jatoba fretboard rivals instruments costing four times more
• Active 18V preamp system with 3-band EQ controls provides professional sound shaping capabilities
• Neck-through design ensures excellent sustain and stability for both practice and live performances

Cons:

• Requires two 9V batteries for the active electronics, meaning ongoing battery replacement costs
• Initial setup may need adjustments as action can be low with potential rattling issues
• Battery compartment has reported fragility concerns that could affect long-term reliability

Ibanez Gio SR 5 String Electric Bass – Black

Newcomers to the five-string bass world will find their perfect entry point in the Ibanez Gio SR 5 String Electric Bass, which combines the brand’s signature fast, slim maple neck with an impressively lightweight poplar body that won’t strain your shoulder during extended practice sessions. The rosewood fretboard provides smooth playability across its 34-inch scale length, while the single humbucker pickup configuration keeps things intriguingly simple for beginners who don’t need overwhelming electronics. At 8.4 pounds, this Indonesian-made instrument delivers solid construction without breaking your budget, though I’d recommend handling it carefully since some customers mentioned shipping durability concerns that could affect long-term reliability.

Best For: Beginners and newcomers to five-string bass who want an affordable, lightweight instrument with simple electronics and fast playability for learning fundamentals.

Pros:

• Lightweight 8.4-pound poplar body reduces shoulder strain during extended playing sessions
• Fast, slim maple neck with rosewood fretboard provides smooth playability across 34-inch scale
• Simple single humbucker pickup configuration makes it ideal for beginners without overwhelming electronics

Cons:

• Some customers reported pickup sensitivity issues affecting sound consistency
• Durability concerns noted during shipping that may impact long-term reliability
• Basic construction and materials may limit appeal for intermediate or advanced players

Squier Classic Vibe 70s 5-String Jazz Bass, Natural, Maple Fingerboard

Musicians seeking an authentic vintage Jazz Bass experience without breaking the bank will find their answer in the Squier Classic Vibe 70s 5-String Jazz Bass, a meticulously crafted instrument that captures the essence of Fender’s legendary 1970s designs. You’ll appreciate the slim C-shaped neck profile with its comfortable 9.5-inch radius fingerboard, which makes those extended playing sessions considerably more manageable than I initially expected from an Indonesian-made instrument. The Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups deliver versatile tones ranging from round, warm bass frequencies to sharp slap sounds, though you might notice some clarity limitations and occasional humming when the tone knob’s fully open.

Best For: Budget-conscious musicians who want an authentic vintage Jazz Bass experience with 5-string versatility for extended playing sessions and diverse musical styles.

Pros:

• Comfortable slim C-shaped neck with 9.5-inch radius fingerboard makes extended playing sessions manageable
• Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups provide versatile tones from warm bass frequencies to sharp slap sounds
• Excellent value proposition with 100% Fender design and solid build quality at an affordable price point

Cons:

• Pickups lack clarity compared to higher-end models and may produce humming when tone knob is fully open
• May require professional setup adjustments out of the box for optimal playability
• Some users report inconsistent fit and finish issues including fret alignment problems

Yamaha BB235 BB-Series 5-String Bass Guitar, Vintage White small

The Yamaha BB235’s solid alder body construction and custom V3 ceramic pickups deliver exceptional tonal versatility that makes it an ideal choice for bassists who need a reliable workhorse instrument without breaking the bank. You’ll appreciate the maple neck’s comfortable playability, which accommodates both beginners and experienced players seeking vintage-style bass tones. The fixed bridge design guarantees excellent sustain, while lightweight open gear tuners provide smooth, precise tuning stability. At 13.2 pounds, it’s manageable for extended playing sessions, and the 4.6-star rating from 166 customers speaks to its consistent quality and value proposition in today’s competitive market.

Best For: Bassists seeking a versatile, high-quality 5-string instrument that delivers vintage-style tones at an affordable price point, suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Pros:

• Exceptional tonal versatility with custom V3 ceramic pickups that produce wide range from smooth to growly sounds
• Solid construction with alder body and maple neck offering excellent durability and comfortable playability
• Outstanding value proposition with 4.6-star rating and quality comparable to higher-priced models like Fender

Cons:

• Some users report quality control issues including sharp fret edges and potential neck bowing problems
• At 13.2 pounds, it may feel heavy for some players during extended sessions
• Limited availability of specific finish options compared to other bass guitar lines

Factors to Consider When Choosing a 5 String Bass

When I’m helping you choose the perfect 5-string bass, I’ve learned that five critical factors will make or break your playing experience and determine whether you’ll love or regret your purchase. The body material affects your tone’s warmth and sustain, the neck profile determines comfort during those marathon practice sessions, pickup configurations shape your sonic versatility, scale length impacts string tension and playability, and bridge systems influence tuning stability and intonation accuracy. I’ll walk you through each element so you can make an informed decision that matches your playing style, budget constraints, and musical goals without getting overwhelmed by technical jargon.

Body Material Selection

Five distinct wood types dominate today’s bass construction, and I’ve found that each material dramatically shapes how your instrument will sound, feel, and perform over years of playing. Mahogany delivers warm, woody tones with impressive depth, while alder strikes a balanced middle ground with excellent mid-range clarity that cuts through dense mixes. I particularly appreciate basswood’s lightweight comfort during marathon sessions, though maple’s extra heft rewards you with enhanced sustain and natural resonance. Beyond sonic characteristics, your material choice affects long-term durability and environmental resistance—crucial factors I’ve learned to evaluate after dealing with humidity-warped necks. Spalted maple adds stunning visual appeal through distinctive grain patterns, proving that aesthetics and acoustics can complement each other beautifully.

Neck Profile Comfort

Nothing frustrates me more than picking up a beautiful 5-string bass only to discover that the neck profile makes extended playing feel like wrestling a telephone pole, which is why I’ve learned that comfort should rank equally with tone when evaluating potential instruments. I’ve found that C-shaped profiles offer the most natural hand position, particularly during those marathon practice sessions where my technique starts falling apart after hour three. The standard 34-inch scale length affects string tension considerably, which changes how the neck feels under your fretting hand. I always check the fretboard material too, since rosewood and jatoba provide different levels of smoothness that directly impact playability and comfort during quick passages.

Pickup Configuration Options

Three primary pickup configurations dominate the 5-string bass market, and I’ve discovered that each one delivers distinctly different tonal characteristics that can make or break your sound in specific musical contexts. Single-coil pickups offer bright, articulate tones that cut through dense mixes, though they’re susceptible to electromagnetic interference that’ll drive you crazy in certain venues. Humbucking pickups provide fuller, warmer sounds with impressive noise rejection, making them ideal for high-gain situations where clarity matters most. The P-J configuration combines precision and jazz pickup types, delivering exceptional versatility that covers everything from punchy rock tones to smooth jazz articulation. Active pickups boost output levels considerably while passive configurations maintain natural dynamics, and I’ve found that dual pickup systems with independent volume controls offer the most extensive tonal palette.

Scale Length Considerations

Beyond pickup selection, scale length represents one of the most fundamental yet overlooked specifications that’ll dramatically impact your playing experience and sound quality with a 5-string bass. I’ve found that the typical 34-35 inch range creates distinct tonal and playability characteristics worth comprehending before purchasing. Longer scales, around 35 inches, deliver increased string tension that produces tighter, more sustained notes with brighter fundamental frequencies—particularly valuable for metal and progressive genres where clarity matters. However, shorter 34-inch scales offer enhanced comfort for smaller hands, making complex fingerings more accessible while generating warmer, mellower tones. You’ll also need to contemplate string gauge implications, as longer scales often require thicker strings to maintain proper tension, directly affecting both tone quality and overall playability comfort.

Bridge System Types

When I break down bridge systems on 5-string basses, I’ve discovered that this component serves as the critical foundation for string stability, intonation accuracy, and overall tonal character—making it far more influential than most players initially realize. Fixed bridges deliver enhanced resonance and sustain while offering straightforward setup procedures, which I personally appreciate for their hassle-free maintenance. Through-body designs transfer string vibrations more effectively, creating fuller sonic output, though top-load configurations simplify string changes considerably. I’ve found adjustable bridges particularly valuable since they allow precise string height and intonation modifications, accommodating different playing styles and preferences. The aesthetic choice between vintage-style and modern bridge designs affects both visual appeal and playability, with vintage options providing classic looks that many traditionalists favor.

Electronics and Controls

Moving from the mechanical foundation to the electrical heart of your instrument, I’ve learned that pickup configuration stands as the single most influential factor in determining your 5-string bass’s tonal personality and versatility across different musical contexts. Active pickups paired with built-in 3-band EQ systems give you surgical precision over your sound, allowing real-time tone shaping during performances that passive systems simply can’t match. I always check the quality of volume and tone controls, since these components directly affect your ability to adapt dynamically across various musical styles and venues. Multi-scale designs offer additional tonal benefits by optimizing string lengths for each tuning, while higher-grade electronic components guarantee consistent performance and longevity that cheaper alternatives often lack.

On a final note

I’ve spent considerable time evaluating these five-string basses, and honestly, each serves different players’ needs effectively. Whether you’re choosing the budget-friendly Ibanez GIO series for practice sessions, the extensive Ktaxon kits for beginners, or the premium Squier Classic Vibe for professional gigs, your selection should align with your skill level, musical style, and available budget. Consider your long-term goals carefully, because the right five-string bass will enhance your musical journey considerably.