im a highly dediated 4 string player looking to purchase a 5 string just to try it out.
what would you all suggest as a good starter 5 stringer?
what would you all suggest as a good starter 5 stringer?
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good first 5 string
- Thread starter dangerkirk
- Start date
You should go try some out because some 5ers have narrow string spacing, and some have w i d e string spacing with all the regular variables. You will get a lot of different answers here, but it really comes down to what feels, and sounds right to you. Personally I would go with Ibanez / Peavey, but thats just me.
Guild Pilot 5 string with EMG-J pups Bartolini 3 way preamp
Black Hardware
Black volume & midrang knobs; stack J bass style for bass & treble
Grover Tuners
Black asjustable string spacing bridge...
Straplocks
You can have it for the right price
Rosewood Fretboard
Maple neck
Black Hardware
Black volume & midrang knobs; stack J bass style for bass & treble
Grover Tuners
Black asjustable string spacing bridge...
Straplocks
You can have it for the right price
Rosewood Fretboard
Maple neck
A Lakland 55-01 is a great bass to pick up. Awesome feel and tight B string and can be bought rather cheap used or new, under $700. Plus, if you want to switch out electronics there are several pickup choices that'll fit in the same pickup cavity as the Bartolini MK-1's that come stock. 19mm spacing and a 35" scale makes for a great feeling bass and one of the best necks I've ever felt.
You didn't mention a price range but I'll assume you don't want to spend too much since you said "just to try it out".
If you are willing to spend 600 new or around 400 used the G&L tribute 2500 is a pretty nice 5'er for the money.
If you want to spend less you can always check out rondomusic.
hth.
--ryano
I was in the same boat as you, needed a 5 string on the cheap. I like a passive bass, so I went with the Squier 5 String Affinity. I play this bass more than my Fender Jazz 4 string. Try the Squier Deluxe Active Jazz V if you like active basses.
Quadzilla
Supporting Member
OK, I'll chime in and whore my goods. I have one for sale in new condition, built solid, plays well, has good tone and includes a hardshell case for $170 shipped ( http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=430559 ). Heck, even if you discover that you don't like 5 bangers, you can always Ebay it for what you paid for it or more.
Even if you don't get mine, just get a cheap, but solid bass and spend some time with it. It'll take a couple of weeks playing daily until you are comfortable. Don't gig with a 5 string until you are very comfortable with it and are not making mistakes due to the extra string. Best of luck!
Even if you don't get mine, just get a cheap, but solid bass and spend some time with it. It'll take a couple of weeks playing daily until you are comfortable. Don't gig with a 5 string until you are very comfortable with it and are not making mistakes due to the extra string. Best of luck!
Something with a thin neck like an Ibanez or Jazz 5 would probably be best so you can learn to move around more freely, thats what I learned on.
Got a price range? My first five string was a Peavey Dyna-Bass 5. Paid about $650 in 1988 I think. Friggin' awesome bass!!!!
I started with a rbx375 (never started on a 4 string!)
but then got an ibanez K5, knowing what I know now, I'd go with ibanez cos the B seems a bit more quality and the neck and string spacing just make me want to play all day! (thin neck and small string spacing)
but then got an ibanez K5, knowing what I know now, I'd go with ibanez cos the B seems a bit more quality and the neck and string spacing just make me want to play all day! (thin neck and small string spacing)
Bargain starter 5's:
Squier
SX (essex)
Low investment on gig worthy insturments. If you hate it turn it over on TB for the next one of us who wants a backup, beater or starter 5.
Squier
SX (essex)
Low investment on gig worthy insturments. If you hate it turn it over on TB for the next one of us who wants a backup, beater or starter 5.
I am also thinking about getting a 5 string. I like the look of the Squire Active Jazz and am also tracking an Ibanez K-5 on eBay. What do you think? I like funk/soul/jazz and use:
Little Mark Head
Ampeg Classic Cabs
EBS MultiComp (sometimes)
Little Mark Head
Ampeg Classic Cabs
EBS MultiComp (sometimes)
