55-01 v 55-02 v KZ5 v ?

[Thumper]

I'm looking for an economical, quality, used 5 string. I haven't played or have access to any here.

I am retired, but EXTREMELY lucky to be playing in 3 bands, 1 gigging Country, 1 getting ready to gig Classic Rock, and 1 just for fun band with a drummer I've been playing with for 20 years and a guitarist for 7 years.

I have some high end 5ers that will see the gigging time, but want a bass I can leave at the 3rd practice facility. What I need is a light (9 lbs max but prefer less) bass, with a great neck. I prefer maple boards but am flexible on that, what I am not flexible on is the neck profile, it must be close to my favorites (55-94, Sadowsky, Elrick, MTD).

I know I won't get that quality for what I want to spend ($500-$600), but being retired I no longer want to shell out $1,500 or more like I did when I was working. Also, this bass will most likely never see a gig (unless it really blows me away) since I have a 55-94 and Zon 5/1 for gigs, but it will see 2-3 hour practice sessions.

I would like opinions from someone who has owned some of my favorites and at least played their lower-priced counter parts. Are there any other good 5ers I am missing?

[kjpollo]

Carvin LB-75 and B5000 might work as well for you but I dont know how the neck profiles compare. Carvins are extremely well built and they usually will fit your budget.
I have an LB 75 that I use in my country band and I love rediscovering it after all these years. (I bought it brand new in about 93 and rarely used it. I mainly used my 4s in my classic rock band)

[Thumper]

I have an ebony board L75f. The neck profile is nice, the done is decent, but I find the B string feel less then ideal for me. It is wearing Black Beauties, but the string feels a little flabby and slightly unfocused. That said, now days I don't find much opportunity to play the fretless.

[Thumper]

Can anyone tell me how close 5501 neck profile is to the 55-94?

[DWBass]

Originally Posted by Thumper

Can anyone tell me how close 5501 neck profile is to the 55-94?

Should be exactly the same.