What are the best 5-string bass guitars for jazz music?
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Scale Length (inch) ⇅ | Number of Frets (piece) ⇅ | Body Material ⇅ | Neck Material ⇅ | Fingerboard Material ⇅ | Bridge Type ⇅ |
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Ibanez SR505E (SR Series 5-String)
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£596.88 ≈ | 34 in | 24 | Okoume | 5-piece jatoba/walnut | Jatoba | Accu-cast B505 fixed |
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The SR505E is a lightweight 5-string solid-body bass with a 34 in scale, 24-fret jatoba/walnut neck, Bartolini BH2 pickups, and an Accu-cast fixed bridge with 16.5mm string spacing. Its active Ibanez 3-band EQ with bypass offers versatile tonal shaping and the okoume/mahogany body provides balanced sustain and warmth. Suited for players who want modern playability with detailed tone control. ★ Ideal forGood for jazz because its 34 in scale, 24 frets, slim 5-piece jatoba/walnut neck and Bartolini pickups provide playability, note clarity, and a warm balanced tone ideal for upright-style jazz lines.
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Sadowsky MetroExpress 5-String
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£894.58 ≈ | 34 in | 24 | Okoume | Roasted Maple | Morado | Sadowsky bridge with quick string release |
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The Sadowsky MetroExpress 5-String is a player-focused long-scale electric bass with an Okoume body, roasted maple neck, morado fingerboard and active 2-band electronics with soapbar pickups. It offers 24 frets, lightweight hardware, and a quick-release Sadowsky bridge for fast string changes, suited for stage and studio use. This model emphasizes Sadowsky tone and playability at a more accessible price point. ★ Ideal forIdeal for jazz because its 34 in scale, 24 frets, morado fingerboard and balanced soapbar pickups deliver clear, articulate low end and responsive midrange for jazz walking lines and melodic soloing.
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Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass V
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£395.43 ≈ | 34 in | 20 | Soft Maple | Maple | Maple | 5-Saddle Vintage-Style |
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A 5-string reissue inspired by 1970s Jazz Bass designs with dual Fender-designed alnico single-coil pickups, a slim C-shaped maple neck, maple fingerboard with 20 narrow-tall frets, and a vintage-style 5-saddle bridge. It offers vintage tone and modern playability at an affordable price, suitable for funk, rock, and fusion styles. Available in both passive and active variants with similar core specs. ★ Ideal forSuited to the question because its 34 in scale, 5-string configuration, maple neck and fingerboard, and dual alnico single-coil pickups provide the extended low range and articulate, growling tone desirable for jazz bassists seeking 5-string options.
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Yamaha BB435-5 (BB435 V)
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£492.42 ≈ | 34 in | 21 | Alder | Maple/Mahogany 5pcs | Rosewood | Vintage Plus Light: Convertible Stringing, Steel Saddle |
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The Yamaha BB435-5 is a 5-string, 34 in scale bass from Yamaha's BB400 series featuring an alder body, 5-piece maple/mahogany neck, and rosewood fingerboard. It uses passive Yamaha VSP/VSC pickups and a Vintage Plus Light bridge for stable tuning and versatile tone, suited to players wanting a reliable, punchy passive 5-string for gigging and studio work. ★ Ideal forIdeal for jazz because its 34 in scale, 21-fret rosewood fingerboard, and passive split-single plus single-coil pickup configuration deliver warm, defined low end and clear midrange suited to jazz tones.
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