New 5 string for my 18th birthday

[Kruxey]

Ok so my 18th birthday is aproaching and Im getting a 5 string base for no more than 400 euros. For now Im choosing from one of theese:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_sr305ipt.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/jackson_js3v_concert_qs.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_rbx_375_fsl_slv.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/esp_ltd_f105_bk.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/traben_array_5_bks.htm

For now the yamahha and esp seem like the best sounding but I don't know if I should trust the sound samples on the site. The traben looks rly sick as well.
Im open to new ideas as well ofcourse.
I live in europe so shiping from america will cost too much.
Also is it safe to buy the bass from Thoman.de(I mean could there be problems with shiping or defective stuf?) cuz I cant find those bases in any guitar stores.

[dalkowski]

Originally Posted by Kruxey

Ok so my 18th birthday is aproaching and Im getting a 5 string base for no more than 400 euros. For now Im choosing from one of theese:
http://www.thomann.de/gb/ibanez_sr305ipt.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/jackson_js3v_concert_qs.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/yamaha_rbx_375_fsl_slv.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/esp_ltd_f105_bk.htm
http://www.thomann.de/gb/traben_array_5_bks.htm

For now the yamahha and esp seem like the best sounding but I don't know if I should trust the sound samples on the site. The traben looks rly sick as well.
Im open to new ideas as well ofcourse.
I live in europe so shiping from america will cost too much.
Also is it safe to buy the bass from Thoman.de(I mean could there be problems with shiping or defective stuf?) cuz I cant find those bases in any guitar stores.

From their Web site:
"The customer is entitled to return our delivered merchandise within thirty (30) days no questions asked."

So go for it. Can't go wrong with Yamaha.

Happy birthday!

[basskidd]

The only brand of these that I have firsthand experience with is Traben, so I'll only comment on that...
All in all, they make some really really good instruments for a low cost. I've had one for about 6 or 7 years now and don't regret it one bit.

This thread was started this evening on the subject of Traben:
Traben Basses
In case you're interested.

Good luck, and happy hunting!

[Johnny StingRay]

Like the Yamaha. Even though my old backup Yamaha RBX 200 isn't the most glamorous bass in the world, I've had it for 18 years and it's never let me down.

[Kaappari]

I dig the lower end esps a lot and personlly think that the Forest shape is really cool.
Also, Thomann is very reliable place to buy gear. I've had good experience with their customer service.