# What are the best 5-string bass guitars for jazz music? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What are the best 5-string bass guitars for jazz music?

## Products

### Ibanez SR505E (SR Series 5-String)
```yaml
product: ibanez-sr505e-sr-series-5-string
brand: Ibanez
price_gbp: 596.88
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Accu-cast B505 fixed
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Okoume
neck_material: 5-piece jatoba/walnut
number_of_frets: 24
fingerboard_material: Jatoba
```

- **Price:** £596.88 [^1]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Good 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^2], [^1], [^2]

### Sadowsky MetroExpress 5-String
```yaml
product: sadowsky-metroexpress-5-string
brand: Sadowsky
price_gbp: 894.58
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Sadowsky bridge with quick string release
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Okoume
neck_material: Roasted Maple
number_of_frets: 24
fingerboard_material: Morado
```

- **Price:** £894.58 [^3]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^4], [^5], [^3], [^4], [^5]

### Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz Bass V
```yaml
product: squier-classic-vibe-70s-jazz-bass-v
brand: Squier
price_gbp: 395.43
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: 5-Saddle Vintage-Style
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Soft Maple
neck_material: Maple
number_of_frets: 20
fingerboard_material: Maple
```

- **Price:** £395.43 [^6]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Suited 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^7], [^8], [^6], [^7], [^8]

### Yamaha BB435-5 (BB435 V)
```yaml
product: yamaha-bb435-5-bb435-v
brand: Yamaha
price_gbp: 492.42
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bridge_type: Vintage Plus Light: Convertible Stringing, Steel Saddle
scale_length: 34 in
body_material: Alder
neck_material: Maple/Mahogany 5pcs
number_of_frets: 21
fingerboard_material: Rosewood
```

- **Price:** £492.42 [^9]
- **Summary:** 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 For:** Ideal 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.
- **Additional Sources:** [^10], [^9], [^10]

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Ibanez/SR500E-5-String-Electric-Bass-Brown-Mahogany-1500000251717.gc
[^2]: Musician's Friend, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ibanez-sr500e-5-string-electric-bass/l43995000006000
[^3]: Warwick Shop, accessed 2026-06-14. https://shop.warwick.de/en/instruments-electric-basses-sadowsky-metroexpress-24-fret-modern-basssadowsky-metroexpress-24-fret-modern-bass-morado-fingerboard-5-string-solid-black-high-polish
[^4]: Musique Gagné, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.musiquegagne.com/en/sadowsky-metroexpress-24-fret-modern-bass-5-string-tobacco-sunburst-transparent-high-polish-mx24ms569mokufr
[^5]: Fret Nation, accessed 2026-06-14. https://fretnation.com/products/sadowsky-metroexpress-24ms5-5-string-modern-bass-solid-ocean-blue-metallic-high-polish-w-morado-fingerboard
[^6]: Hermes Music, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.hermesmusic.com/products/fender-classic-vibe-70s-jazz-bass-v-natural
[^7]: Moore Guitars, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.mooreguitars.com/fender-squier-classic-vibe-70s-jazz-bass-natural-981/
[^8]: Sims Music, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.simsmusic.com/squier-classic-vibe-active-70s-jazz-bass-v-maple-f.html
[^9]: Guitar Center, accessed 2026-06-14. https://www.guitarcenter.com/Yamaha/BB435-5-String-Electric-Bass-Blue-1500000207189.gc
[^10]: Find My Guitar, accessed 2026-06-14. https://findmyguitar.com/reviews/Yamaha-BB435-review.php