The best 34" 5-string bass?

[KingRazor]

I want your opinions. What do you think is the best 34" scale 5-string bass? Out of all of the 34" scale 5-strings, which do you think has the best B-string?

Qualifiers:

-Under $2000 (preferably $1500 or less)
-Must have a "good" low B string. I'll leave the interpretation of the word "good" up to you.

Tell me which you think as best, but more importantly, tell me WHY you think it's best.

 

[Ric5]

The key to a good B string on a 5 string bass is a good setup.

 

[KingRazor]

The key to a good B string on a 5 string bass is a good setup.

Even after getting a great setup (IMO), the B string on my Ibanez still rattles unless I feather it.

 

[superblues]

Pedulla Thunderbass.

Clear, authoritative B-string, but still entirely consistent with the other 4 strings in sound and feel. I have rarely played a bass in the same league as that one. Definitely the nicest I've ever owned. Great feeling neck too.

 

[KingRazor]

Pedulla Thunderbass.

Clear, authoritative B-string, but still entirely consistent with the other 4 strings in sound and feel. I have rarely played a bass in the same league as that one. Definitely the nicest I've ever owned. Great feeling neck too.

Pedullas are a more than $2000 though.

 

[JoZac21]

A used Sadowsky Metro.

 

[superblues]

Pedullas are a more than $2000 though.

Not used, their not. I got mine for under $1500. Let the first owner take the devaluation hit. Most used Pedullas I've seen have not been abused, IME.

 

[KingRazor]

Alright, new qualifier: bass must be new.

A lot of basses are hard to find used.

 

[Philonius]

Warwick builds 34" 5-strings, many models to choose from. Some love 'em, others disparage them. I own an FNA Jazzman and love it. I think there is a nice one in the classifieds currently.

 

[Philonius]

Oh- new. Why?

 

[superblues]

The key to a good B string on a 5 string bass is a good setup.

I think a good setup is very important, but not more so than the quality of wood, components, and construction. Additionally, I think it is CRUCIAL to match the strings to the bass. Strings that work on one bass might not sound or feel as good on another. I've played 32" B strings that make a number of less expensive 35" basses sound flabby and weak.

 

[KingRazor]

Oh- new. Why?

Because of the low probability of finding certain basses used.

 

[superblues]

A lot of basses are hard to find used.

Patience and dedication pay off. You can find whatever your looking for at a reasonable price if you're willing to wait a bit.

 

[Doug Parent]

Fender or MTD saratoga (import)

 

[KingRazor]

Patience and dedication pay off. You can find whatever your looking for at a reasonable price if you're willing to wait a bit.

You could be waiting years for some basses. Depends on what you're looking for, I guess.

 

[superblues]

You could, but if its worth owning, its worth waiting for.

With your impatience, just get an EBMM SR5. H, HH, whatever flavor you like. Great build quality, consistently good tone and feel on the B. String choice matters on these, IME.

 

[KingRazor]

Well, regardless, I haven't seen a single post where someone has said what new 5-string bass they think is the best and WHY. So, let's get back on topic, shall we?

 

[aproud1]

Not gotten my hands on one yet but hear the Carvin SB5000 has a pretty great B string.

I'm sure Tom Clement could build you exactly want you want for your price too. He has some sort of citrus based pixie dust he sands into the necks of his basses. Were it me I'd be emailing Tom.

Used would open up a whole wold of great B strings though. Just sayin..

 

[rockstarbassist]

Spector Euro 5, no question.

 

[KingRazor]

Not gotten my hands on one yet but hear the Carvin SB5000 has a pretty great B string.

I'm sure Tom Clement could build you exactly want you want for your price too. He has some sort of citrus based pixie dust he sands into the necks of his basses. Were it me I'd be emailing Tom.

Used would open up a whole wold of great B strings though. Just sayin..

I always keep my eye out on the used market, but I rarely see anything I'm interested in (at least, nothing that I have the money to buy at the time...)

Anybody ever played a 5-string by Dan Atkinson? I've always thought about buying a bass from him.