10 Best 5 String Basses 2025 in the United States

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay Ray5 Bass Guitar in Walnut Satin is a solid choice for bass players looking for the iconic Stingray sound and feel. The basswood body and maple neck make it a lightweight option, weighing only 9 pounds, which is great for long playing sessions. The Jatoba fretboard offers a smooth playing experience. Its scale length is standard for a 5-string bass, ensuring enough tension and clarity on the low B string.

The neck profile is comfortable for most players, allowing easy access across the fretboard. The string spacing is standard, providing enough room for intricate finger work without feeling cramped. The bass is equipped with a Sterling by Music Man designed ceramic pickup, which delivers a punchy and clear tone. The 2-band active preamp with volume, treble, and bass controls allows for a good range of tonal adjustments, suitable for various playing styles and genres.

The hardtail bridge ensures stable tuning and reliable performance. However, the electronics being active means you'll need to keep an eye on the battery level, which can be a minor inconvenience. The basswood body might not have the same resonance and sustain as some higher-end woods, but it still offers good balance and comfort. The walnut satin finish gives it an appealing look, but it might show wear more quickly than a gloss finish. This bass is ideal for intermediate to advanced players who want a reliable, versatile instrument without breaking the bank.

The Fender American Professional II 5-String Precision Bass in Dark Night with a Maple Fingerboard is a solid choice for bass players looking for a high-quality instrument. This bass has a 34-inch scale length, which is standard and comfortable for most players. The neck profile is described as 'Modern C,' offering a smooth and comfortable feel for fast playing. String spacing is standard, allowing for precise finger placement and ease of playability, making it suitable for various playing styles.

The combination of maple and basswood in the body material ensures a balance of brightness and warmth in tone. The maple fingerboard adds to the crispness and clarity of the notes. The bass features V-Mod II Precision Bass pickups, known for their vintage-inspired tone with modern enhancements for a broader range of sounds. This model is equipped with active electronics, giving you more control over your sound and the ability to shape your tone more precisely. However, it also means you will need to manage battery changes regularly.

At 10 pounds, the bass is on the heavier side, which might be a drawback for some players during long performances. The finish, described as 'Dark Night,' provides an elegant, sleek appearance. With high customer ratings, it is evident that users appreciate its performance and build quality. This Fender bass is best suited for intermediate to professional players who are looking for a versatile and reliable instrument that can handle various genres and playing techniques.

The Yamaha TRBX305 5-string bass is a solid choice for bass players looking for a comfortable and versatile instrument with active electronics. Its solid mahogany body and five-piece maple/mahogany neck provide a good balance of warmth and stability, which helps deliver a rich tone. The rosewood fretboard adds smooth playability and Yamaha generally designs these instruments for comfortable handling, which should suit most players well. Active electronics with a Performance EQ switch let you easily tailor your sound for different playing styles like slap, pick, or finger, adding flexibility without needing extra gear. The inclusion of the Player Port app for tuning and tips is a nice bonus for beginners.

Weighing about 12 pounds, it’s fairly standard for a 5-string bass, so it might feel a bit heavy during long sessions. It uses a single humbucker pickup, which may limit tonal variety compared to models with multiple pickups. Although this bass is not the most affordable option, its solid build quality and versatility make it a good fit for intermediate players or anyone wanting a reliable 5-string that performs well in various musical styles.