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5-String Basses Under $1,000

A 5-string adds a low B string below the E, which is handy for modern rock, metal, worship, R&B and reading keyboard parts. Under $1,000 there are lots of good choices, new and used.

The thing that separates a good 5-string from a mediocre one is usually the low B: it should sound clear and tight, not floppy. Longer-scale designs (35" instead of 34") and well-made necks help with that.

What to look for

Check string spacing. Narrow spacing (about 17–18 mm) feels closer to a 4-string; wider spacing helps slapping and fingerstyle.
Ask about the B string when buying used: is it clear, and does it stay in tune?
Mind the weight. A bigger neck and body can mean a heavier bass; listing details often include it.
Active electronics are common on 5-strings. They give more tone shaping but run on a 9V battery.

For sale right now (67)

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5-String Basses Under $1,000

What to look for

For sale right now (67)

Schecter C-5 GT Bass Satin Charcoal Burst B-Stock 2742

Carvin LB76 Natural

Schecter Stiletto Custom-5 Active Vampyre Red 2014

Aria Pro II RSB Deluxe-5 5 String Bass Guitar With Hard Shell Case

Mint Ibanez - Standard SR505AMHL SR - 5-String Bass Guitar - Mahogany Brown Burst Low Gloss (SR505AMHL)

Mint Ibanez - Standard SR305E - 5-String Bass Guitar - Pearl White

Mint Ibanez - Talman TMB425BBKF - 5-String Bass Guitar - Black Flat (TMB425BBKF)

Mint Ibanez - Gio GSR205PC - 5-String Bass Guitar - Transparent Pale Black Burst

Mint Squier - Classic Vibe '70s Jazz Bass V - 5-String Bass Guitar - Maple Neck - Black (0374550506)

Mint Squier Affinity Series Active Jazz Bass V, Maple Fingerboard, Black Pg, Black Metallic (0378753565)

Mint Yamaha - TRBX305 - 5-String Electric Bass Guitar - Candy Apple Red (TRBX305 CAR)

Mint Yamaha - BB435 - 5-String Bass Guitar - Tobacco Brown Sunburst (BB435 TBS)

Mint Ibanez SR305EBLWK - SR Standard 5 String Electric Bass Guitar - Left Handed - Weathered Black (SR305EBLWK)

Sterling by Music Man StingRay5 HH 5-String Music Man/StingRay Bass Guitar - Charcoal Frost

Ibanez GIO SOUNDGEAR GSR205 5-String Electric Bass, Gloss Black

ESP LTD RB-1005-SM Natural Gloss 2014 5-String Electric Bass

Peavey - USA Foundation 2000 - 5-String Bass Guitar - Natrural - USED

Peavey Dyna-Bass 1991 5 string active - Pearl White finish - w/ OHSC- NICE!!!

Cort Artisan Series B5 Element 5-String Bass Guitar, Open Pore Burgundy Red

Cort B5ELEMENTOPN B5 Element 5-String Bass Guitar Open Pore Natural

Cort GBFUSION5ABB GB Fusion 5 5-String Bass Guitar Antique Brown Burst

Cort Artisan Series C5 Deluxe 5-String Bass Candy Red

Cort Artisan Series C5 Deluxe 5-String Bass Black

Cort C5PLUSOVMHABB C5 Plus OVMH 5-String Bass Guitar Antique Brown Burst

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