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What Are The Best 5-String Bass Guitars in 2025

"Unlock Your Sound: A Comprehensive Guide to the Best 5-String Bass Guitars for Every Musician" When searching for the perfect 5-string bass guitar, it's essential to consider factors such as tonal versatility, playability, and construction quality. Our expertly curated list highlights the best models on the market, catering to a range of styles and budgets. From the warm, rich tones of passive pickups to the punchy clarity of active electronics, we break down the features that matter most to both beginners and seasoned players. Additionally, we provide practical buying advice on what to look for in terms of neck profile, string spacing, and overall weight to ensure optimal comfort during long sessions. Don’t overlook the importance of build quality and brand reputation, as these can significantly impact your instrument’s longevity and performance. Whether you’re jamming in a garage band or performing on stage, our guide will help you make an informed decision. Dive into our recommendations and elevate your musical journey with the right 5-string bass guitar that fits your unique sound and playing style.

1

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSR205BWNF)

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSR205BWNF)
Buy Now $199.99

Why We Love It

Reviewers love the Ibanez GSR205BWNF for its amazing sound quality and easy playability. The Phat II EQ is praised for its ability to boost the low-end, making it perfect for rock and metal genres. Customers appreciate its lightweight design, making it comfortable to play for long sessions. The versatile tone range is another highlight, with users reporting it performs well across various musical styles.

Pros

  • Strong low-end sound
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Versatile tone range

Cons

  • May need initial setup
  • Not for left-handed players

5-string bass guitar in walnut finish with Phat II EQ

The Ibanez GSR205BWNF is a 5-string bass guitar featuring a Mahogany body with a Walnut Flat finish. The guitar is equipped with a Phat II EQ for enhanced low-end, and a pair of Dynamix pickups that deliver a wide range of tones. The slim neck profile and lightweight design make it comfortable to play for long periods. The B15 bridge provides excellent sustain and tuning stability.

2

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSR205BWK)

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSR205BWK)
Buy Now $249.99

Why We Love It

Many users and review sites praise the Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar for its excellent playability, versatility, and powerful sound. The stunning weathered black finish has been noted for adding a unique aesthetic appeal. It's also well-loved for its stable intonation and sustain, which make it a reliable instrument for both beginners and experienced players.

Pros

  • Comfortable playability
  • Versatile sound
  • Stable intonation

Cons

  • May require initial setup
  • Not ideal for small hands

Ibanez 5-string bass guitar with a weathered black finish.

The Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, with its weathered black finish, is a visually stunning instrument that offers a comfortable playing experience. It features a GSR5 Maple neck, a Jatoba fretboard, and B15W bridge that ensures stable intonation and long sustain. Equipped with two DXP neck pickups, it delivers a powerful and versatile sound suitable for various music genres.

3

Yamaha TRBX505 TBN 5-String Premium Electric Bass Guitar

Yamaha TRBX505 TBN 5-String Premium Electric Bass Guitar
Buy Now $19.99

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers alike have praised the Yamaha TRBX505 TBN for its outstanding versatility and professional-grade quality. The active/passive switch is a particular favorite among musicians, allowing for a wide array of tonal options. The quality of the H5 humbucker pickup is frequently highlighted in reviews, with users loving the punchy, dynamic sound it delivers. Its precise tuning control and exceptional playability also receive high marks from users.

Pros

  • Active/Passive switch
  • Quality humbucker pickup
  • Precise tuning control

Cons

  • May be heavy for some
  • Slightly expensive

5-string electric bass with active/passive switch

The Yamaha TRBX505 TBN is a 5-string electric bass guitar that features a solid mahogany body and a 5-piece maple/mahogany neck. It offers a unique active/passive switch that allows you to switch between a punchy, dynamic tone and a pure, clean sound. The guitar also features an impressive H5 humbucker pickup and die-cast tuners for precise tuning control. The slim neck profile and high-quality finish make it a joy to play.

4

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Electric Bass (5 String, Honey Satin)

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Electric Bass (5 String, Honey Satin)
Buy Now $199.00

Why We Love It

Users and reviewers have lauded the Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 for its exceptional tonal range and high-quality craftsmanship. Its versatility, allowing it to cater to a wide range of musical styles, is highly appreciated. While some mention its weight as a potential drawback, the superior performance and sound it offers make it a favorite among many bass guitar enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Exceptional tonal range
  • High-quality craftsmanship
  • Versatile for multiple genres

Cons

  • Might be heavy for some users
  • Requires occasional setup

Schecter Stiletto 5-string electric bass in honey satin finish.

The Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Electric Bass is a premium instrument offering exceptional tonal range and craftsmanship. Featuring a mahogany body with a beautiful Bubinga top, a multi-laminate maple and walnut neck, and 24 jumbo frets, this bass guitar is designed for performance. The EMG 40HZ pickups provide a broad spectrum of tones, ideal for a wide range of musical styles.

5

ESP LTD B-205SM Spalted Maple 5-String Bass Guitar, Natural Satin

Buy Now $499.00

Why We Love It

The ESP LTD B-205SM is loved for its unique aesthetic and warm, resonant tone. Its ESP designed pickups and 3-band active EQ are popular among users who value tonal versatility. Many users have also praised its comfortable playability, with the thin U-shaped neck and jumbo frets receiving particular praise. Its striking spalted maple top also frequently catches the eye of reviewers.

Pros

  • Unique aesthetics
  • Warm tone
  • Versatile electronics

Cons

  • May require setup
  • Finish may not appeal to all

Natural satin 5-string bass from ESP with spalted maple top.

The ESP LTD B-205SM is a stylish 5-string bass guitar that offers a unique aesthetic and a rich, resonant tone. It features an ash body with a spalted maple top and a 5-piece maple and jatoba neck for a warm, resonant tone. It also features ESP designed SB-5 pickups and a 3-band active EQ for versatile tonal shaping. The extra thin U-shaped neck and 24 extra jumbo frets offer a comfortable playing experience.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 4 Products Updated Oct 03, 2025
Product Electric Bass Body Material Pickups Neck Material Weight Price
1 Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSR205BWNF)
Yes Mahogany Dynamix pickups Slim neck profile Lightweight $199.99
1 Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSR205BWK)
Yes Mahogany DXP neck pickups Maple Moderate $249.99
2 Yamaha TRBX505 TBN 5-String Premium Electric Bass Guitar
Yes Mahogany H5 humbucker 5-piece maple/mahogany Moderate to Heavy $19.99
3 Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Electric Bass (5 String, Honey Satin)
Yes Mahogany with Bubinga top EMG 40HZ pickups Multi-laminate maple and walnut Heavy $199.00
1

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Walnut Flat (GSR205BWNF)

Electric Bass
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany
Pickups
Dynamix pickups
Neck Material
Slim neck profile
Weight
Lightweight
Price
$199.99
1

Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (GSR205BWK)

Electric Bass
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany
Pickups
DXP neck pickups
Neck Material
Maple
Weight
Moderate
Price
$249.99
2

Yamaha TRBX505 TBN 5-String Premium Electric Bass Guitar

Electric Bass
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany
Pickups
H5 humbucker
Neck Material
5-piece maple/mahogany
Weight
Moderate to Heavy
Price
$19.99
3

Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Electric Bass (5 String, Honey Satin)

Electric Bass
Yes
Body Material
Mahogany with Bubinga top
Pickups
EMG 40HZ pickups
Neck Material
Multi-laminate maple and walnut
Weight
Heavy
Price
$199.00

Frequently Asked Questions About 5-String Bass Guitars

What makes a 5-string bass guitars the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your 5-string bass guitars recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of 5-string bass guitars?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.