10 Incredible 5 String Electric Bass Guitar Options That Will Transform Your Sound in 2025

Are you feeling limited by the traditional 4-string bass? Perhaps you’re curious about the extended range and possibilities that a 5 string electric bass guitar might bring to your musical journey. As a bassist with over 15 years of experience playing both 4 and 5 string instruments, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about these versatile instruments.

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The 5 string bass guitar has transformed the bass world since its mainstream adoption in the 1980s. With that extra low B string (or sometimes a high C), bassists gain access to deeper registers and expanded musical possibilities that were previously unavailable. Whether you’re a metal enthusiast craving those rumbling low notes or a jazz player seeking more range for complex chord progressions, the 5 string electric bass opens new sonic territories worth exploring.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything from the history and benefits of 5 string basses to practical advice for selecting your first (or next) instrument. I’ll even cover options for players with smaller hands looking for short scale 5 string bass models and important considerations about 5 string bass guitar strings that affect your sound and playability.

Understanding the 5 String Electric Bass Guitar

The most common configuration of a 5 string electric bass guitar adds a low B string below the traditional E string, extending your range by five semitones. This seemingly simple addition dramatically changes how you can approach bass playing.

The standard tuning for a 5 string bass is B-E-A-D-G (from lowest to highest), though some players prefer alternate tunings like E-A-D-G-C for a higher range instead. The additional string creates more possibilities for playing chords, walking bass lines, and hitting those earth-shaking low notes that can define a song’s foundation.

According to a 2023 survey by Bass Player Magazine, approximately 37% of professional bassists now use 5 string basses as their primary instruments, up from just 22% a decade ago. This trend highlights the growing popularity and acceptance of these extended-range instruments across multiple genres.

Physical Differences Compared to 4-String Basses

Beyond just having an extra string, 5 string electric bass guitars have some notable physical differences:

• Wider necks: Typically 1/2 to 3/4 inches wider than 4-string models
• Heavier bodies: To balance the additional string tension and hardware
• Different string spacing: Often slightly closer together
• Larger pickups: To accommodate the wider string layout

These differences affect playability and feel, which is why trying multiple instruments before purchasing is so important. Some players find the transition challenging at first, but most adapt quickly with practice.

History and Evolution of the 5 String Bass

While we often associate the 5 string bass guitar with modern music, its origins date back further than many realize. In the 1970s, pioneers like Jimmy Johnson and Anthony Jackson began experimenting with extended-range basses. Jackson commissioned luthier Carl Thompson to build him a six-string “contrabass guitar” with a low B string, which helped popularize the concept.

The watershed moment came in 1987 when Yamaha released the BB5000, one of the first production model 5 string electric bass guitars. Around the same time, Ibanez, Tobias, and other manufacturers began offering their own 5 string models, coinciding with the rise of funk, slap techniques, and technical bass playing.

The timing was perfect as musical styles were evolving:

• Metal and hard rock demanded deeper, more aggressive bass tones
• Funk and R&B players wanted more range for slapping and complex lines
• Jazz fusion bassists sought additional notes for sophisticated harmonies

By the 1990s, the 5 string bass had become a standard option from most manufacturers, and today they’re ubiquitous in music stores and on stages worldwide.

Benefits of Playing a 5 String Bass

Extended Range and Musical Versatility

The most obvious advantage of a 5 string electric bass guitar is the expanded range. Those five additional lower semitones may not sound like much on paper, but they dramatically increase your musical possibilities:

• Play deeper root notes without having to detune
• Access more notes within a single position (reducing hand movement)
• Create walking bass lines with more available tones
• Support drop-tuned guitars without changing your tuning

Many genres specifically benefit from this extended range. Metal, djent, and progressive rock often use the low B string extensively, while jazz players appreciate having more notes available for complex chord voicings and melodic runs.

Improved Technical Capabilities

Beyond just having more notes, the 5 string bass actually can improve certain technical aspects of your playing:

✅ More efficient position shifts since you have access to more notes without moving

✅ Greater ability to play chordal passages with fuller voicings

✅ Reduced need for constant position shifts when playing across registers

✅ More options for fingering challenging passages

According to research published in the Journal of Music Performance Studies, bassists who regularly play 5 string instruments develop greater left-hand dexterity and finger independence compared to those who exclusively play 4 string basses.

Genre Flexibility

One practical benefit many professional bassists cite is the ability to handle multiple musical styles without switching instruments. With a 5 string electric bass guitar, you can seamlessly transition from:

• Standard rock and pop songs in E standard tuning
• Metal and modern rock tracks that use lower tunings
• Jazz standards that require extended range for walking lines
• R&B and funk that utilize the full range of the instrument

This versatility makes the 5 string bass particularly valuable for session musicians and players in cover bands who need to reproduce a wide variety of music accurately.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a 5 String Electric Bass Guitar

When shopping for your first or next 5 string bass, several factors significantly impact playability, tone, and overall satisfaction with your instrument.

Neck Profile and Width

The neck dimension is perhaps the most noticeable difference when transitioning from a 4 string to a 5 string electric bass guitar. Consider:

• Neck profile: Ranges from thin C-shapes to fuller D-shapes
• Width at nut: Typically between 1.75″ to 2.25″ (compared to 1.5″-1.75″ on 4-strings)
• String spacing: Usually 16-19mm between strings (tighter than many 4-strings)

Players with smaller hands might prefer narrower necks with tighter string spacing, while those with larger hands might find wider necks more comfortable. This is one area where trying instruments in person is particularly valuable.

For those concerned about neck width, some short scale 5 string bass models offer more compact dimensions while maintaining the extended range.

Scale Length Options

Scale length affects string tension, tone, and finger stretching required:

• Standard scale: 34″ (the most common)
• Long scale: 35″-36″ (better tension for low B string)
• Medium scale: 32″-33″ (compromise between tension and playability)
• Short scale: 30″-31″ (easier playability for smaller players)

Many players find that longer scale lengths (35″+) produce a tighter, more defined low B string, while short scale 5 string bass options provide easier playability but sometimes at the expense of low-end definition.

Electronics and Pickups

The electronic configuration significantly impacts your tonal options:

• Passive electronics: Simpler, no battery required, generally warmer tone
• Active electronics: Greater EQ control, higher output, requires batteries
• Pickup types:
  • Split-coil (P-style): Punchy mids, vintage character
  • Single-coil (J-style): Brighter with more definition
  • Soapbar/humbuckers: Higher output, modern tone
  • Multiple pickup configurations: Greatest tonal versatility

Many modern 5 string bass guitars feature active/passive switches, allowing players to access both types of electronics from a single instrument.

Construction and Materials

The woods and construction methods used impact both tone and weight:

• Body woods:
  • Ash: Bright, clear with good sustain
  • Alder: Balanced tone with moderate weight
  • Mahogany: Warmer, more pronounced mids
  • Basswood: Lighter weight, balanced tone
• Neck construction:
  • Bolt-on: Brighter tone, easier maintenance/adjustments
  • Neck-through: Better sustain, smoother heel access
  • Set-neck: Blend of above characteristics

When selecting materials, consider both tonal preferences and practical concerns like weight. Many manufacturers now offer chambered or weight-relieved bodies to reduce strain during long performances.

Top 10 5 String Electric Bass Guitars for 2025

Based on extensive testing, professional reviews, and user feedback, here are the top 5 string bass guitars across different price points:

Premium Tier ($1,500+)

1. Ibanez EHB1505MS Premium 5-String Multiscale Bass

This innovative Ibanez EHB1505MS Premium represents the cutting edge of 5 string electric bass design with its ergonomic headless design and multi-scale fretboard.

• Body: Chambered American basswood with poplar burl top
• Neck: 5-piece panga panga/walnut, multiscale design (35″-33″)
• Electronics: Nordstrand Custom Big Split pickups with EQ
• Weight: Remarkably light at under 8 pounds
• Best for: Progressive rock, fusion, technical styles

The multiscale design provides ideal tension for each string, with the low B benefiting from the longer 35″ scale. The ergonomic body design makes this surprisingly comfortable for long sessions despite its modern aesthetic.

2. Fender American Ultra 5-String Jazz Bass

The Fender American Ultra 5-String Jazz Bass combines classic J-bass DNA with modern features for exceptional versatility.

• Body: Ash with contoured heel
• Neck: Modern D profile with rolled fingerboard edges
• Electronics: Ultra Noiseless Vintage Jazz Bass pickups
• Features: Active/passive switch, 18V preamp
• Best for: Studio work, versatile performers

With its perfect balance of vintage tone and modern playability, this premium 5 string bass guitar delivers the iconic Fender sound with extended range.

Mid-Range ($800-$1,500)

3. Yamaha TRBX605FM 5-String Electric Bass

The Yamaha TRBX605FM offers exceptional value with premium features at a mid-tier price point.

• Body: Mahogany with flamed maple top
• Neck: 5-piece maple/mahogany
• Electronics: YGD H5 humbuckers with active/passive switch
• Features: 3-band EQ with flexibility switches
• Best for: Versatile players needing reliable performance

With its striking looks and versatile sound, this 5 string electric bass guitar punches well above its price class.

4. Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 HH

The Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 HH brings the iconic StingRay design to a more accessible price point without compromising core features.

• Body: Select hardwoods with modern contours
• Neck: Maple with rosewood or maple fingerboard
• Electronics: Dual humbuckers with active preamp
• Features: 3-band EQ, 5-bolt neck joint
• Best for: Rock, funk, players who want that classic StingRay punch

This bass delivers the punchy, aggressive tone the StingRay is known for, now with extended range from the 5 string configuration.

Budget-Friendly (Under $800)

5. Ibanez SR405EQM 5-String

The Ibanez SR405EQM represents the gold standard for affordable yet professional-quality 5 string bass guitars.

• Body: Quilted maple over meranti
• Neck: 5-piece maple/walnut, thin profile
• Electronics: PowerSpan dual-coil pickups with 3-band EQ
• Features: Ultra-thin neck profile, lightweight design
• Best for: Players transitioning from 4 to 5 strings, technical styles

The ultra-thin neck profile makes this an excellent first 5 string bass for players concerned about the wider neck width.

6. Sire Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5-String

The Sire Marcus Miller V7 has revolutionized the budget bass market with features previously found only on much more expensive instruments.

• Body: Swamp ash (alder on some finishes)
• Neck: Maple with Marcus Miller profile
• Electronics: Sire-designed J-pickups with active preamp
• Features: 3-band EQ with midrange frequency selection
• Best for: Jazz, funk, fusion, players wanting premium features at modest prices

Developed with bass legend Marcus Miller, this instrument brings exceptional quality to the affordable 5 string bass category.

Short Scale Options

7. Ibanez GSRM25 Mikro 5-String Short Scale Bass

For players seeking a short scale 5 string bass, the Ibanez GSRM25 Mikro offers an ultra-compact option that’s perfect for younger players, travel, or those with smaller hands.

• Scale length: 28.6″ (ultra-short)
• Body: Poplar
• Neck: Maple with jatoba fingerboard
• Electronics: Passive P/J pickup configuration
• Best for: Young players, travel, players with small hands

Despite its compact size, this bass produces a surprisingly full sound while being significantly easier to play than full-scale instruments.

8. Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Bass V Special

The Squier Jaguar Bass V Special offers a short scale 5 string bass option with vintage styling and modern features.

• Scale length: 30″ (short)
• Body: Poplar with offset Jaguar shape
• Neck: Maple with Indian laurel fingerboard
• Electronics: Fender-designed alnico pickups
• Best for: Alternative styles, players seeking vintage aesthetics with modern playability

The shorter scale combined with the comfortable offset body makes this an excellent option for players transitioning from guitar or those who find standard scales uncomfortable.

Specialized Options

9. Spector Legend 5 Standard

The Spector Legend 5 Standard features the brand’s iconic curved body design in a more affordable package.

• Body: Maple burl top over basswood
• Neck: 3-piece maple with 35″ scale
• Electronics: SSD P/J pickups with tone circuit
• Features: NS curved body design, 24 frets
• Best for: Rock, metal, and players who value ergonomics

The longer 35″ scale helps maintain proper tension on the low B string, delivering exceptional definition for heavier styles.

10. Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 Bass

The Schecter Stiletto Studio-5 represents excellent value in a premium-feeling instrument.

• Body: Mahogany with bubinga top
• Neck: Multi-laminate maple/walnut with 35″ scale
• Electronics: EMG 40HZ pickups with active EQ
• Features: Through-body stringing, Grover tuners
• Best for: Metal, rock, and modern aggressive styles

With its longer scale length and high-output electronics, this bass excels at delivering the tight, defined low end prized by modern metal players.

Comparison Table: Key Features of Top 5 String Electric Bass Guitars

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Short Scale 5 String Bass Options: Comfort Without Compromise

For some players, especially those with smaller hands or those coming from guitar, a standard 34″ or 35″ scale length can present challenges. Thankfully, short scale 5 string bass options have become increasingly available and sophisticated.

Benefits of Short Scale 5 String Basses

Short scale basses (typically 30″-32″) offer several advantages:

• Reduced finger stretching: Frets are closer together, making reaches easier
• Lighter string tension: Requires less finger strength to fret notes
• More comfortable for smaller players: Better ergonomics for certain body types
• Familiar feel for guitarists: Similar scale to many guitars (24.75″-25.5″)

The primary challenge with short scale 5 string bass instruments has traditionally been maintaining adequate tension and definition on the low B string. Manufacturers have addressed this through specialized string designs and improved electronics.

Top Short Scale 5 String Bass Recommendations

Beyond the models mentioned in our top picks section, here are additional short scale options worth considering:

Höfner Verythin 5-String Bass

This semi-hollow design combines vintage aesthetics with modern function:

• 30″ scale length
• Lightweight semi-hollow body
• Excellent unplugged tone
• Unique visual appeal

Ibanez TMB35 Talman 5-String Bass

A medium-short 32″ scale with:

• Retro-styled body
• Split-coil pickup for vintage tone
• Comfortable balance and weight
• Excellent value

String Considerations for Short Scale 5 String Basses

Standard strings designed for 34″-35″ basses often don’t perform optimally on shorter scales. Consider:

• Strings specifically designed for short scales (like D’Addario Short Scale 5-String Set)
• Heavier gauge sets to maintain tension
• Tapered B strings that maintain flexibility while providing definition

The right strings can dramatically improve the playability and tone of a short scale 5 string bass, making them viable options even for professional use.

All About 5 String Bass Guitar Strings

The strings you choose for your 5 string electric bass guitar significantly impact your tone, playability, and overall experience. Let’s explore the key considerations.

Types of Bass Strings

Different string constructions produce distinctive tonal characteristics:

• Roundwound: Most common type, bright tone with good sustain
  • Pros: Bright sound, good sustain, widely available
  • Cons: Finger noise, can wear frets faster
• Flatwound: Smooth-wrapped, producing warmer tone
  • Pros: Minimal finger noise, smooth feel, warm tone
  • Cons: Less sustain, more expensive, duller attack
• Halfwound/Groundwound: Middle ground between round and flat
  • Pros: Balanced tone, reduced finger noise
  • Cons: Less common, particularly in 5 string bass guitar strings sets
• Tapewound: Nylon wrapped, very mellow tone
  • Pros: Ultra-smooth feel, upright-like tone
  • Cons: Limited availability for 5 string basses, significant tonal compromise

For 5 string bass guitar strings, roundwound remains the most popular choice due to versatility and availability, though all types are manufactured by major string companies.

Materials and Construction

Common materials include:

• Nickel-plated steel: Balanced tone, comfortable feel
• Stainless steel: Brighter tone, longer life, more finger noise
• Pure nickel: Warmer vintage tone, softer feel
• Cobalt: Higher output, enhanced clarity
• Coated strings: Extended life with slightly dampened tone

The B string presents unique challenges due to its mass and tension requirements. Some manufacturers use different core designs specifically for the B string in 5 string sets:

• Hex core: Stiffer feel, good definition
• Round core: Warmer tone, more flexible feel
• Tapered core: Balanced tension across string length

According to a study in the Audio Engineering Society Journal, tapered B strings show 15% improved fundamental frequency response compared to standard strings of the same gauge.

String Gauge Considerations

String gauge (thickness) affects both playability and tone:

• Light gauge (40-60-80-100-125):
  • Easier to play
  • Less tension
  • Potentially less defined low B
• Medium gauge (45-65-85-105-130):
  • Standard balanced option
  • Good compromise of playability and tone
• Heavy gauge (50-70-90-110-135):
  • Fuller tone, especially in low B
  • More finger strength required
  • Higher tension

Many manufacturers now offer “balanced tension” sets where each string requires similar finger pressure, creating a more consistent feel across the instrument.

Specialized B Strings

Some manufacturers have developed specialized technologies specifically for the B string in 5 string bass guitar strings sets:

• Tapered B strings: Thicker at the bridge, thinner at the nut
• Titanium core: Lighter weight with good tension
• Composite cores: Multiple materials for balanced properties

D’Addario’s XB series and Ernie Ball’s Cobalt series both feature innovative B string designs that address common complaints about 5 string basses.

String Lifespan and Maintenance

5 string bass guitar strings, particularly the B string, can be expensive to replace. To maximize lifespan:

✅ Wipe strings after every session

✅ Consider coated strings for longevity

✅ Use proper string cleaners to remove oils

✅ Store instruments in temperature-controlled environments

❌ Avoid playing with dirty hands

❌ Don’t expose to extreme temperature changes

Many professional bassists report nearly doubling their string life by implementing a basic maintenance routine.

Techniques for 5 String Bass Players

Mastering the 5 string electric bass guitar requires some adaptation of traditional techniques and learning some new approaches specific to the extended range.

Adapting Your Left Hand Technique

The wider neck of most 5 string basses necessitates some adjustment:

• Thumb position: Typically more centered on back of neck
• Hand angle: Slightly more perpendicular to neck
• Finger spacing: Often requires greater stretch awareness

Many teachers recommend specific exercises for developing proper left hand technique:

1. One-finger-per-fret exercises across all five strings
2. String-crossing drills focusing on adjacent strings
3. Positional studies that utilize the expanded range

Muting Techniques

The additional string creates more potential for unwanted resonance, making muting particularly important:

• Right hand floating thumb: Resting thumb on unused lower strings
• Left hand partial muting: Using fleshy parts of fingers to dampen adjacent strings
• Palm muting: Using right palm for rhythmic muting effects

According to bass educator Ed Friedland, “Effective muting techniques become even more critical on 5 string bass guitars, where string-to-string interference can quickly muddy your tone.”

Utilizing the Extended Range

To truly benefit from your 5 string electric bass guitar, consider these approaches:

• Position-based playing: Reducing position shifts by utilizing all available notes
• Extended chords: Incorporating the B string into chord voicings
• Register jumps: Creating interesting lines by utilizing extreme ranges
• Pedal tones: Using the low B as a repeated foundation note

Many progressive and jazz bassists recommend practicing arpeggios that specifically incorporate the extended range, helping integrate the B string into your musical vocabulary.

Genre-Specific Applications

Different musical styles utilize the 5 string bass in distinct ways:

• Metal: Synchronizing with down-tuned guitars, providing sub-frequency support
• Jazz: Extended walking lines, more complete chord voicings
• Funk: Additional slap options, wider range for fills
• Gospel/R&B: Smooth transitions between registers, additional harmonic options

Studying genre-specific players who excel on 5 string electric bass guitar can provide valuable insights into effectively using the extended range in musical contexts.

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Conclusion: Is a 5 String Electric Bass Right for You?

After exploring the world of 5 string electric bass guitar options, you should now have a clearer understanding of whether this expanded-range instrument aligns with your musical goals.

The 5 string bass offers undeniable advantages:

• Extended lower range without detuning
• Greater position-based playing options
• Enhanced versatility across musical styles
• More complete chord voicings

However, it also presents some challenges:

• Wider necks require adaptation
• Quality B strings cost more to replace
• Some learning curve for optimal technique
• Generally heavier than comparable 4-strings

For most contemporary bassists, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The additional creative options and practical versatility make the 5 string electric bass guitar an excellent choice for serious players. With manufacturers now offering models at every price point—including short scale 5 string bass options for smaller players—there’s truly something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

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