If you're looking for a new bass guitar, considering a 5-string bass guitar can open up a whole new world of possibilities for your playing. With the added low B string, you can access lower notes and create a fuller sound, perfect for various genres, including jazz, metal, rock, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, investing in a quality 5-string bass guitar can take your craft to the next level.
Before buying a 5-string bass guitar, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select the right scale length as it affects the playability and tone of the instrument. You should also consider the quality and type of wood used to construct the guitar, the pickup configuration, hardware quality, and overall build quality. Checking for customer reviews and seeking advice from experienced players can also help you make an informed decision.
Do you find yourself having to tune your bass guitar up or down to achieve your desired sound? Do you often feel restricted and limited by the four strings on your current bass guitar? Are you interested in exploring and experimenting with new genres of music? If you answered yes to any of these questions, investing in the best 5-string bass guitar may be the solution you've been looking for. Don't let the limitations of a four-stringed bass hold you back from creating your best music. Upgrade to a 5-string bass guitar and unlock new possibilities today.
10 Best 5 String Bass Guitar
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The product is ideal for musicians who want a high-quality five-string bass guitar with a natural satin finish and spalted maple design.
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for a high-quality 5-string bass guitar with a stunning appearance.
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Ideal for musicians seeking a 5-string electric bass guitar in a candy apple red color, with Yamaha quality and affordability.
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Ideal for creating smooth, sliding basslines with a warm tone, perfect for jazz, fusion, and other expressive styles.
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5
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Ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality, versatile 5-string bass guitar with a sleek black finish and right-handed orientation.
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The product is ideal for musicians who play bass guitar and want a five-string instrument with a weathered black finish.
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7
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The product is ideal for musicians who require a high-quality, versatile and stylish electric bass guitar with five strings.
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Ideal for bass players seeking a reliable and vibrant-sounding instrument for live performances and recording sessions.
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The product is ideal for musicians seeking a high-quality and visually-striking bass guitar with exceptional sound and playability.
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10
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The product is ideal for musicians looking for a high-quality 5-string bass guitar with a beautiful Ocean Blue Burst finish.
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1. Esp Ltd B-205sm Spalted Maple Five-String Bass Guitar, Natural Satin
Introducing a stunning 5-string bass that is sure to turn heads. The bass features a spalted maple top with a unique coloration and grain pattern that sets it apart from the rest. The body is made of high-quality ash and finished in Natural Satin for a sleek and modern look.
Designed with the player in mind, this bass boasts an extra thin U-shaped 5-piece maple/jatoba neck for an excellent playing feel. The neck is easy to maneuver and allows for smooth transitions between notes, making it perfect for any style of music.
The bass is equipped with passive ESP Designed SB-5 pickups that produce a rich and full-bodied sound. Additionally, the active ABQ-3 3-band EQ allows for fine-tuning of the bass, mid, and treble frequencies, giving you complete control over your sound.
To complete the package, this bass features stylish black nickel hardware that adds a touch of elegance to the overall design. The combination of quality craftsmanship, unique spalted maple top, and excellent hardware make this bass a must-have for any musician looking for an affordable yet high-quality instrument.
2. Schecter Hellraiser Extreme-5 5-String Bass Guitar, Crimson Red Burst Satin
The Ebony Fingerboard, Schecter Custom String-Thru Body Bridge, and Mahogany Body with Quilted Maple Top are essential components of the top-notch guitar experience.
The Ebony Fingerboard, known for its smooth texture and sleek black color, is an excellent choice for guitarists who value precision and clarity in their playing. The wood is highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a long-lasting investment for any musician.
The Schecter Custom String-Thru Body Bridge is a unique and innovative design that allows for improved sustain and resonance. The strings are fed through the body of the guitar rather than attaching to the bridge itself, resulting in a more stable and consistent sound. The bridge is also adjustable, enabling players to fine-tune the intonation and string height to their liking.
The Mahogany Body with Quilted Maple Top is a winning combination of two of the best woods for guitar construction. Mahogany is known for its warm and rich tone, while Quilted Maple adds a touch of elegance with its unique visual texture. The result is a guitar that not only sounds great but looks stunning as well.
Together, these features make for a guitar that is not only stylish but also reliable and high-performing. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, the Ebony Fingerboard, Schecter Custom String-Thru Body Bridge, and Mahogany Body with Quilted Maple Top are sure to impress.
3. Yamaha Trbx305 Car 5-String Electric Bass Guitar,candy Apple Red
The solid mahogany body of this guitar is perfectly balanced and ultra-comfortable, providing the optimum tonal foundation for any playing style. The body is crafted from high-quality, solid mahogany, ensuring a rich and warm sound with excellent sustain and resonance.
The guitar's five-piece maple/mahogany neck is also of exceptional quality, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The neck is designed to be both sturdy and responsive, allowing for fast and precise playing.
This guitar also features active electronics, which provide a wide range of tonal options and allow for easy customization of your sound. The performance EQ switch is particularly useful, allowing you to easily switch between different playing styles, including slap, pick, flat, finger, or solo play.
In addition to its excellent build quality and versatile sound, this guitar also comes with the Player Port app. This app offers a range of useful features, including a digital tuner and tips and tricks to help you get started playing the guitar.
4. Ibanez Srf705 Portamento 5-String Fretless Electric Bass Flat Brown Burst Rosewood Fretboard
Introducing the Ibanez Bass Workshop's latest addition to the SR series – the SR Portamento. This much-anticipated option is now available to bass players everywhere, previously only made for a limited number of esteemed Ibanez artists.
The SR Portamento boasts a Rosewood fingerboard that extends the length of the standard SR neck to a hefty 30-fret length, providing an extensive range of notes for players to explore. The fretless design is perfect for those looking to achieve a unique and authentic sound.
The SR Portamento incorporates Ibanez's innovative AeroSilk piezo system, which delivers an uncanny touch of hollow-bodied openness. This system is designed to replicate the sound of an upright double bass, providing a realistic and natural acoustic tone. This feature is perfect for those looking to blend their sound into a mix, inspiring and redefining the role of the solid body bass.
Please note, the case is sold separately.
5. Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right Handed, Black (Gsr205bk)
The electric bass guitar boasts a sturdy and reliable construction, with a neck crafted from high-quality maple wood. The neck type is GSR5, ensuring a comfortable and effortless playing experience. The body of the guitar is composed of Agatha wood, which is known for its durability and resistance to wear and tear. The frets are of medium size, making it easier to play complex chords and notes. Additionally, the fingerboard is made of rosewood, a premium quality wood that adds a touch of elegance to the guitar's overall design. With these parameters and specifications, the electric bass guitar is sure to impress both novice and experienced players alike.
6. Ibanez 5 String Bass Guitar, Right, Weathered Black (Gsr205bwk)
Introducing a high-performance bass guitar that offers a sleek and versatile playing experience – the Fast Slim Maple Neck Bass Guitar. This bass guitar is engineered for a fast and comfortable playing experience, thanks to its slim maple neck that allows for quick and effortless movement up and down the fretboard.
The compact and lightweight body of this bass guitar makes it easy to maneuver, allowing for hours of comfortable playing. Despite its small size, this bass guitar delivers a powerful and dynamic sound, thanks to its P & J pickups that offer a range of tonal options to suit a variety of playing styles.
For those who crave more low-end power, this bass guitar also features an Active Phat II EQ that adds a boost of additional low-end power. This feature gives players the ability to shape their sound and create a custom tone that suits their playing style and musical preferences.
7. Schecter Stiletto Custom-5 Electric Bass (5 String, Natural Satin)
This electric guitar boasts a stunning Flamed Maple Top with Walnut, making it not only a musical instrument but also a work of art. The wood's natural patterns and colors add to its visual appeal. The guitar is equipped with EMG 35HZ pickups, known for their clarity and punchy sound. The Maple/Walnut multi-ply neck adds stability and durability to the instrument, ensuring it lasts for years to come.
The guitar's Offset Dots Inlay is a subtle yet elegant detail that adds to its overall aesthetic. The S-Tek Bridge provides excellent intonation and sustain, making it ideal for both lead and rhythm playing. The Satin Gold Hardware adds a touch of class and sophistication to the guitar's appearance.
This guitar is perfect for musicians of all levels who are looking for an instrument that not only looks great but also sounds incredible. Its parameters and specifications make it ideal for various genres, including rock, metal, and blues. The guitar's construction ensures that it is easy to play and produces a consistent, high-quality sound.
8. Fender Player Plus 5-String Jazz Bass, Opal Spark, Maple Fingerboard
The Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass/Player Plus Precision pickups is a top-of-the-line electric bass guitar that promises exceptional performance and unparalleled sound quality. This bass guitar is equipped with cutting-edge features that make it a favorite among professional musicians and beginners alike.
One of the most impressive features of this bass guitar is its three band active EQ with active/passive toggle. This allows the player to fine-tune the sound to their desired level of precision, creating a personalized and customized experience. Whether the player is looking to create a punchy, powerful bassline or a more subtle, nuanced sound, the Player Plus Noiseless Jazz Bass/Player Plus Precision pickups delivers.
In addition to its advanced EQ system, this bass guitar also boasts a five saddle HiMass bridge that provides unbeatable sustain and resonance. The bridge design ensures that the strings are perfectly aligned and spaced, resulting in a rich, full-bodied sound that is sure to impress.
The 12” radius fingerboard with rolled edges is another standout feature of this bass guitar. The fingerboard is designed to be comfortable and easy to play, with a smooth surface that allows for fast, precise finger movements. The rolled edges ensure that the player's fingers glide effortlessly along the fretboard, reducing fatigue and improving overall playability.
Finally, the modern “C” neck shape is the perfect finishing touch to this exceptional bass guitar. The neck design is comfortable and ergonomic, with a slim profile that is easy to grip and maneuver. This makes it an ideal choice for players of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned professionals.
9. Schecter Stiletto Extreme 5 Bass Guitar – See-Thru Black
Introducing the 5-string electric bass with a mahogany body, a sleek and stylish instrument designed for both beginners and professionals alike. This bass guitar boasts two humbucking pickups that deliver a rich, powerful sound. The pickups are expertly crafted to ensure that your playing experience is nothing short of exceptional.
With its see-thru black finish, this bass guitar exudes a sense of sophistication and elegance. The figured maple top adds a touch of uniqueness and character to the overall design. The rosewood fingerboard feels smooth and comfortable under your fingers, allowing for seamless playing and effortless transitions.
The maple neck is sturdy and resilient, ensuring that your bass guitar stays in top condition for years to come. The 5-string configuration provides a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it ideal for a variety of musical genres. Whether you're playing rock, jazz, or funk, this bass guitar has got you covered.
In terms of specifications, this bass guitar measures [insert dimensions], making it easy to handle and transport. The mahogany body provides a warm, rich tone that is perfect for both recording and live performances. The two humbucking pickups are designed to eliminate unwanted noise and interference, ensuring a clean and clear sound every time.
10. Schecter C-5 Plus 5-String Bass Guitar – Ocean Blue Burst
Introducing the 2 Humbucking Pickups – Ocean Blue Burst 5-string Electric Bass with Maple Top! This bass guitar is a top-of-the-line musical instrument that is perfect for both beginners and professionals alike. It has a stunning ocean blue burst finish that is sure to catch the eye of anyone who sees it.
This electric bass guitar is equipped with 2 humbucking pickups, which provide a powerful and versatile sound that can be used for a wide variety of musical genres. The pickups are also designed to reduce unwanted noise and interference, ensuring that you get a clean and clear sound every time you play.
One of the standout features of this bass guitar is its maple top, which adds both durability and aesthetic appeal to the instrument. The rosewood fingerboard is also a great addition, providing a smooth and comfortable playing surface that will help you achieve the perfect sound.
The basswood body of this guitar is lightweight and comfortable to play, making it perfect for long jam sessions and performances. The maple neck is also designed to be comfortable and easy to play, ensuring that you can hit every note with ease.
Best 5 String Bass Guitar FAQs
Are there any affordable 5 string bass guitars that still provide high quality sound?
Yes, there are several affordable 5 string bass guitars that provide high quality sound. One example is the Ibanez GSR205BWNF, which is priced at around $300. It features a mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and Ibanez's Dynamix pickups, which provide a full and rich sound. Another option is the Schecter Stiletto Studio-5, which costs around $500. It has a mahogany body, maple neck, rosewood fretboard, and active EMG pickups, which deliver a powerful and versatile tone. Both of these bass guitars offer great value for their price and are suitable for a range of playing styles and genres. However, it's always important to try out different bass guitars and find one that feels comfortable and sounds good to you.
How do the pickups and electronics of a 5 string bass guitar impact its sound and tone?
The pickups and electronics of a 5 string bass guitar play a crucial role in determining its sound and tone. The pickups are responsible for converting the vibrations of the strings into an electrical signal, which is then sent to the amplifier. The type of pickups used in a bass guitar can greatly impact its sound. For example, single-coil pickups tend to produce a brighter and more articulate sound, while humbucker pickups offer a thicker and more powerful tone.
The electronics of a bass guitar, such as the preamp and tone controls, also have a significant impact on its sound. The preamp can boost or cut certain frequencies, allowing for greater control over the bass's tone. Tone controls, such as bass, mid, and treble, can also be used to shape the sound of the instrument.
When it comes to a 5 string bass guitar, the additional low B string can add more depth and range to the instrument's sound. However, it can also make the bass sound muddier if not properly incorporated into the overall tone. Adjusting the pickups and electronics can help balance the sound of the low B string with the rest of the instrument, resulting in a clear and defined tone.
How important is the material of the fretboard when choosing a 5 string bass guitar?
The material of a fretboard can have a significant impact on the overall feel and sound of a 5 string bass guitar. The most common materials for fretboards are rosewood, maple, and ebony. Each material has its unique characteristics that can affect the tone and playability of the instrument.
Rosewood is the most common material for fretboards, and it produces a warm and mellow tone. It is also comfortable to play because it is a relatively soft wood, which makes it easy to bend notes and perform vibrato.
Maple, on the other hand, produces a bright and snappy tone. It is a hard wood, which means it is more durable than rosewood, but it can be more challenging to play because it does not have the same give as softer woods.
Ebony is the hardest wood used for fretboards, and it produces a bright, articulate tone. Ebony fretboards are often preferred by players who want a more modern sound and fast playing action.
Ultimately, the choice of fretboard material is a matter of personal preference and playing style. It is essential to try out different types of fretboards to find the one that feels and sounds the best for your playing needs.
What are some recommended strings for a 5 string bass guitar?
There are many different types of strings available for 5-string bass guitars, and the best choice will depend on your personal playing style and preferences. However, some popular options that are often recommended by bassists include the following:
1. D'Addario EXL170-5: These nickel-wound strings are known for their bright tone and long lifespan, making them a great choice for a wide range of musical styles.
2. Ernie Ball Regular Slinky 5: Made from nickel-plated steel, these strings are known for their balanced tone and excellent playability.
3. DR Strings Hi-Beam: These stainless steel strings are known for their bright and punchy tone, as well as their durability.
4. GHS Precision Flatwound: These flatwound strings are great for players who prefer a smooth, mellow tone with less finger noise.
5. La Bella Deep Talkin' Bass: These roundwound strings are a popular choice for funk and R&B bassists, thanks to their bright, punchy tone and excellent sustain.
Ultimately, the best way to find the right strings for your 5-string bass is to experiment with different brands and gauges until you find the ones that feel and sound best to you.
What are the differences between active and passive 5 string bass guitars?
The main difference between active and passive 5 string bass guitars lies in the electronics used to amplify and shape the sound. Active basses have a built-in preamp that requires a battery to power it, which allows for greater control over tone shaping and boosts the output signal. On the other hand, passive basses do not have a preamp and rely solely on the magnetic pickups to produce their sound.
In terms of sound, active basses tend to have a more modern, punchy, and defined tone, with more clarity and less noise. They are ideal for genres such as metal, funk, and jazz fusion, where a precise and powerful sound is required. Passive basses, on the other hand, have a warmer, rounder, and more natural sound, with a wider dynamic range and more organic feel. They are often preferred by bassists who play rock, blues, and reggae, where a more traditional and vintage tone is desired.
Ultimately, the choice between active and passive 5 string bass guitars comes down to personal preference, playing style, and musical genre. It is recommended to try out both types and see which one feels and sounds better for you.
What are the top 5 best 5 string bass guitars?
As a content writer, it's important to note that the answer to this question is subjective and may vary depending on personal preferences. However, there are some popular 5 string bass guitars that are well-regarded in the industry. Here are five that might be worth considering:
1. Fender American Elite Jazz Bass V – This is a top-of-the-line model from a well-respected brand. It features a sleek design, versatile pickups, and a comfortable playing feel.
2. Yamaha TRBX305 – This bass guitar is known for its affordability and high-quality craftsmanship. It boasts powerful pickups and a durable construction.
3. Ibanez SR505 – The SR series from Ibanez is known for its slim design and fast playing feel. The SR505 has a versatile sound and a sleek look.
4. Warwick Rockbass Corvette – This bass guitar is a more affordable version of the higher-end Warwick models. It has a solid sound and a comfortable playing feel.
5. Music Man Stingray 5 – This bass guitar is known for its bright and punchy sound, as well as its comfortable playing feel. It's a popular choice among professional bassists.
Again, these are just a few options to consider. It's important to try out different models in person and find one that feels right for you and your playing style.
What is the average weight of a 5 string bass guitar and does it affect the sound quality?
The average weight of a 5 string bass guitar can vary depending on the materials used to make it. Generally, a 5 string bass guitar can weigh anywhere from 8 to 12 pounds. However, there are some models that can weigh more or less than this range.
In terms of sound quality, the weight of a 5 string bass guitar can have an impact on its overall tone. A heavier bass guitar tends to have a more sustained and full-bodied sound, while a lighter bass guitar may have a brighter and more responsive tone. However, the weight of a bass guitar is just one factor that can contribute to its sound quality. Other factors such as the type of wood used, the pickups, and the strings can also affect the tone of a bass guitar.
Ultimately, the weight of a 5 string bass guitar should be considered alongside other factors when choosing a bass guitar that suits your playing style and sound preferences. It's important to try out different bass guitars to find one that feels comfortable to play and produces the sound you're looking for.
What is the typical scale length of a 5 string bass guitar and how does it affect playability?
The typical scale length of a 5 string bass guitar is around 34 inches, although there are variations depending on the manufacturer and model. Scale length refers to the distance between the nut and the bridge of the guitar, and it can affect the playability of the instrument in a few ways.
Firstly, a longer scale length can result in greater string tension, which can make the strings feel tighter and harder to play. This can be beneficial for players who prefer a more percussive or aggressive playing style, as it allows for greater control and precision when striking the strings. However, it can also be more challenging for players who prefer a lighter touch or who are just starting out.
On the other hand, a shorter scale length can result in looser string tension, which can make the strings feel easier to play and more forgiving. This can be beneficial for players who are just starting out or who prefer a more relaxed playing style, but it can also result in a loss of control or precision.
Overall, the scale length of a 5 string bass guitar is just one factor to consider when choosing an instrument, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and playing style.
What makes a 5 string bass guitar better than a 4 string bass guitar?
There are several reasons why a 5-string bass guitar might be considered better than a 4-string bass guitar. Firstly, the addition of an extra string extends the range of the instrument, allowing for lower notes to be played without the need for alternative tunings or cumbersome extensions. This can be particularly useful for certain styles of music, such as metal or jazz, where the bassist may want to play more complex and varied lines. Secondly, the wider neck of a 5-string bass can offer increased playing comfort and better string spacing, particularly for those with larger hands. Additionally, some 5-string basses feature a longer scale length, which can lead to improved intonation and tonal clarity. However, it's important to note that personal preference and playing style also play a significant role in choosing between a 4-string and 5-string bass guitar, and there is no definitive answer as to which is "better".
Which brands manufacture the best 5 string bass guitars?
There are several brands that are known for producing high-quality 5-string bass guitars. Some of the top brands include Fender, Music Man, Ibanez, Warwick, Yamaha, and Spector.
Fender has a great reputation for producing quality bass guitars, and their 5-string models are no exception. Music Man is also highly regarded in the bass guitar community, with their innovative designs and attention to detail. Ibanez is another brand that is well-known for their 5-string bass guitars, especially for their affordability and versatility.
Warwick, Yamaha, and Spector are all premium brands that produce some of the best 5-string bass guitars on the market. Warwick is especially known for their high-end basses, while Yamaha is known for their consistent quality and attention to detail. Spector, on the other hand, is known for their unique designs and excellent craftsmanship.
Ultimately, the best 5-string bass guitar for you will depend on your personal preferences and playing style. It's always a good idea to try out different models and brands before making a purchase, to ensure that you find the perfect fit for you.