Let's talk 5-er's...

TDR1138 · #1 02-25-2009, 11:46 AM

I want to solicit peoples’ opinions here…

I've got an unexpected bonus from work coming my way, and I got the blessing from the better half to invest in a modestly-priced toy. I’m thinking of getting a 5-string (it would be my first 5-er), and right now, I’m really debating between a used Tribute L2.5k and a used Fender Deluxe Jazz V (the MIM one). I already have a Tribby SB-2 and a MIM Jazz, so I know what the quality of each is like. All other things considered (pickups, bridge, body shape, etc), I’d prefer the Tribby, but I’m leery of the 1.75” nut, which is why I’m still considering the Jazz (1.875” width). On paper, the Tribby’s string spacing just seems too tight for 5 strings.

Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to try a L2.5k. While I’d really like to try one, my local G&L dealer only had one SB-2 to make up their bass section last time I was in there, so I’d imagine that waiting for one to pop up there would be a waste of time. So, how do they compare to something that I can find at GC (like a Stingray 5, Warwick, etc)? Also, how do you find the switch from a wide 4-string (i.e. the 1.75” L2k) to the L2.5k? Last, since I know you all have good taste in basses, any other recommendations other than the Tribute L2.5k or Jazz V that can be had in the $400-$500 range?

mainsail · #2 02-25-2009, 04:10 PM

Well, my opinion is rather biased as the only other fiver I played, (and that was for maybe a ten minute stint in the Carvin showroom), was a Carvin model. I wasn't looking for an instrument that day, just wanted to play a fiver. It's been a while but I think the string spacing on the model I handled was tighter than my L2.5K, which I don't find uncomfortable at all.

Ultimately, I did get a USA L.25K and my L2K sees very little action these days. The L2K has the Jazz neck so it was a definite change to the five stringer. However, I adapted in less than a week and I don't regret the switch.

So, I'm inclined to suggest the Tribute L2.5K.

I know others have had more experience with other fivers than I, so have fun selecting something to suit your taste.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDR1138

I want to solicit peoples’ opinions here…

I've got an unexpected bonus from work coming my way, and I got the blessing from the better half to invest in a modestly-priced toy. I’m thinking of getting a 5-string (it would be my first 5-er), and right now, I’m really debating between a used Tribute L2.5k and a used Fender Deluxe Jazz V (the MIM one). I already have a Tribby SB-2 and a MIM Jazz, so I know what the quality of each is like. All other things considered (pickups, bridge, body shape, etc), I’d prefer the Tribby, but I’m leery of the 1.75” nut, which is why I’m still considering the Jazz (1.875” width). On paper, the Tribby’s string spacing just seems too tight for 5 strings.

Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to try a L2.5k. While I’d really like to try one, my local G&L dealer only had one SB-2 to make up their bass section last time I was in there, so I’d imagine that waiting for one to pop up there would be a waste of time. So, how do they compare to something that I can find at GC (like a Stingray 5, Warwick, etc)? Also, how do you find the switch from a wide 4-string (i.e. the 1.75” L2k) to the L2.5k? Last, since I know you all have good taste in basses, any other recommendations other than the Tribute L2.5k or Jazz V that can be had in the $400-$500 range?

oldrookie · #3 02-25-2009, 04:27 PM

Well, I had trouble switching between 5-string and four, but I have only played about 1.5 years.

Ended up selling my Trib L2k in favor of the Trib L25k

Mick Markey · #4 02-25-2009, 08:01 PM

Well, being in the G&L forum, you might have already guessed your poll results.

That said, the L-2500 is a much more versatile bass than the Jazz V, in my opinion.

It is also going to likely be a much better build quality.

My vote is L-2500 !

francisl2500 · #5 02-25-2009, 09:55 PM

+1 for trib L-2500
Francis

revlimitbounce · #6 02-26-2009, 12:25 PM

Trib L2.5 and here's why.

I've never played a MIM Jazz 5 that felt great especially to my right hand.

I used to have a new (curved body/heel joint) USA P-Bass Deluxe 5. I just sat in with a group the other night and played the bass player's same model and it felt quite good. I think the neck was a bit wider than the L2.5k. I guess if I had it to do over again I'd get a USA L2.5k with a slightly wider neck but I don't think they do that sort of thing.

TDR1138 · #7 02-26-2009, 02:08 PM

Well, I know I'll get biased answers posting here in favor of the L2.5k.

My budget is a little short for a US version, but I know the Tribby's quality is good enough for what I'm after anyway.

Really what I want to know is how the neck compares to stuff that you'd commonly find at GC. Just so I can get a rough idea of how the string spacing will be, since I don't have a handy place to go check out the L2.5k. Stingray 5 looks the same on paper, but have any of you compared them? How do they compare?

TDR1138 · #8 02-27-2009, 09:51 AM

Oh, and one other question... what were the finish options on the first generation of Tribute L2.5ks? I've seen some beautiful amber and cherry sunburst L2k Tribbys, but did they make those finishes in the L2.5k?

francisl2500 · #9 02-27-2009, 07:10 PM

oh i have a L2.5k tribute and it's amber finish on ash body and the quality of the finish is awsome. It' s Korean made from end of 2005 but i think there's the same color choice for newest Indonesian made.
Francis

oldrookie · #10 02-27-2009, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDR1138

Oh, and one other question... what were the finish options on the first generation of Tribute L2.5ks? I've seen some beautiful amber and cherry sunburst L2k Tribbys, but did they make those finishes in the L2.5k?

http://www.glguitars.com/ says they have natural (like the one in my avatar), sunburst and blueburst. About the only option for the neck is rosewood or maple. The burst models go to black in the back. I like the natural better as it is the same, front and back. Mine has very pretty graining, if you are into that kind of thing.

I like the rosewood. Can't explain it logically, just felt better to me. The fret markers seem painted on the maple neck.

Very thick neck, but very comfortable. Satin finish on the back. Not real wide at 1.75" I really didn't like them the first time I played one, but I eventually realized the error of my ways (after spending more time playing them at a local store. Then I couldn't wait to get one.

Mine isn't going anywhere. (Course I said the same thing about the Trib L2k I sold to get the Trib L2500.)

StyleOverShow · #11 02-27-2009, 08:26 PM

String spacing on the 5 is critical. I bought a Carvin LB85 used to mess around with a low B, play an Eflat, etc. I had trouble moving back and forth between it and my other bass guitars because the spacing was so tight. I have it strung with Jamerson flats now and use it as a Motown thudder (and use my MM Sterling to slap and pop funk).

IME string spacing that I would push way up on the list of priorities.

TDR1138 · #12 03-10-2009, 12:24 PM

Well, I went out and played about every 5-er I could get my hands on in the last week and a half. The ones I played with a 1.75" nut weren't as tight as I had expected - quite manageable, I think. Yeah, the Fenders (1.875") were definitely more comfortable, but tonally just didn't do it for me. I need that fat, juicy MFD goodness. So, I've got a line on a cherry sunburst/rosewood Tribby L2.5k and I'm just waiting on the guy to get me a shipping quote...

Ken Baker · #13 03-10-2009, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TDR1138

Admittedly, I haven’t had a chance to try a L2.5k. While I’d really like to try one, my local G&L dealer only had one SB-2 to make up their bass section last time I was in there, so I’d imagine that waiting for one to pop up there would be a waste of time. So, how do they compare to something that I can find at GC (like a Stingray 5, Warwick, etc)?

The Tribute's closest comparison might be to an EBMM SR5 or SUB5, but a teensie-weensie bit thicker. String spacing at the nut & bridge is the same.

Quote:

Also, how do you find the switch from a wide 4-string (i.e. the 1.75” L2k) to the L2.5k? Last, since I know you all have good taste in basses, any other recommendations other than the Tribute L2.5k or Jazz V that can be had in the $400-$500 range?

My switch from an L-2000 with a #8 neck to the L-2500 wasn't too bad. It was just a matter of getting used to the idea that the B string is there.

In your price range you can also look to Lakland Skyline 5 strings. The necks here are WAY different than either G&L or Fender, but very playable and comfy.

My 5 string herd, small as it is, is mostly comprised of an USA L-2500 (with an oddball thin neck), a Skyline 55-01 (much-modded), a Bongo5 HHp, and an EBMM SUB5. Which one gets picked up and played depends on how I'm feeling at the time, as they are all great basses.

Note, and this is VERY IMPORTANT:

You MUST string the L-2500 thru-body. If not all the strings, then 4 of the 5. This is a recommendation by G&L because there are only two (count 'em) screws holding the bridge to the body.

Nedmundo · #14 03-10-2009, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken Baker

The Tribute's closest comparison might be to an EBMM SR5 or SUB5, but a teensie-weensie bit thicker. String spacing at the nut & bridge is the same.

I played both last week, and agree. The L-2500's rear profile is thicker, but the overall feel is in the same ballpark, probably due to the nut and bridge spacing.

I'm starting to get used to the B string via my 2008 Jazz V, and I'm developing serious GAS for an L-2500.

TDR1138 · #15 03-10-2009, 04:12 PM

Thanks for the advice on the bridge, Ken. I have seen the other threads about it, so will make sure to string thru the body.

I've never seen a Skyline under about $750, and I'm trying to keep my budget under $500 (which is why I'm looking at Tribbys as opposed to USA G&Ls) cuz I also need to spring for a new A/C unit for the house...

Eublet · #16 03-10-2009, 08:22 PM

String space at the nut is of lesser concern to me than string spacing at the bridge. But narrow spacing at both ends makes playing even more difficult. The L2500 are 17MM at the bridge, and the narrow nut spacing means that space is even tighter at the neck position. If you slap at all, it'll be VERY tight. Doable, but you'll really have to double your efforts if you aren't use to it, and it'll sound sloppy until you get it down. If you've been playing 4's for a while, then I suggest going with a 19mm 5 string at first. Not a lot of those options out there, but they really make a difference. The Lakland Skylines are 19mm, but are still pretty tapered toward the nut. That gives you plenty of string spacing for your plucking hand, but keeps the neck very manageble down low where you spend most of your time. Unfortunately they are good bit more than the G&L Tribute basses, but I think they are a good bit nicer as well. I'm certainly not dogging the Tribute. For the money, it's a good a bass as you'll find. But the L2500 has it's own sound going, and while it is capable of many different sounds, they're all pretty "G&L'ish" sounds. At least with something like a Lakland 55-02 you would be able to get some of the classic tones out of it that you already know and dig, and then a few unique ones as well. You can also find used Daryl Jones fivers for very good prices, but still a bit more than a new Trib L2500.

Just my suggestion based on your history. Good luck with your quest!

oldrookie · #17 03-11-2009, 05:02 AM

As a new to fivers guy, I'd recommend getting the Trib and just getting used to it. I have a TBC with 19mm spacing at the bridge, but the L2500 is my primary. Sometimes difficult switching back to the TBC after playing the Trib.

Muscle memory is a great thing, but the extra little stretch to reach the G string now requires thought and that slows the transition down just enough to get in way.

On the other hand, I don't slap so the tighter spacing is irrelevant to me from that perspective.

Skarekrough · #18 03-11-2009, 08:15 AM

I've owned an L-1505, a L-2000, a Tribute L-2000 and an L-1000.

I found the tighter string spacing to be quite nice. It required to be more nimble for accuracy, and with that I was able to move a little quicker and not play as sloppy. It was one of those things that I didn't expect to be as big an issue, but turned out to be.

The low B on the 1505 is decent....not great....but certainly better than any MIM I've played. Anything better is going to require magic or a 35" scale. I did find that going with a larger string physically made a significant difference in the feel. It also contributed greatly to the general resonance of the bass; it changed it from a nice sounding low B to a total cannon.

I go through phases of favoring 5's or 4's. Right now I'm in a 4 phase.