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Best 5' Stringer for Various Types of Metal! Under 650!

whoatherechunk

whoatherechunk

Apr 4, 2008
4,085
11
#1
Alright guys! I've always been a 4 string banging type of guy but now that I've been asked to play some metal and I'm trying to expand my skills/horizons I'm thinking finally investing in a 5'er would be a good idea. I'd love a stealth Stingray SR5 but.....that's big bucks and i don't think I should get a super dooper serious bass to start off! Also... I'm gonna be drop tuning bunches.

I'd like to know what wood types, pickups (brands), and other factors you prefer when playing or picking a bass for drop tuned metal...whether it be grind, thrash, noise, whatevs!

I've looked over the whole debate between passive vs active...seems people enjoy active EMG's. I've never personally played through EMG bass pickups...but have played guitar pickups and they have good dynamics and good overall response.

Basses I've seen that interest me in the new price range are LTD's and Schecters mainly. If you guys can direct me to particular models that I can buy used (under 650 preferably) and that are great overall 5'er axes I would definitely appreciate it!
 
#6
I don't know shiite about metal but I'd imagine a 35" scale would be best to keep good tension for tuning down.

I'd guess active would be best so you can have full control over your tone and adjust accordingly to cut through the mix.

Again...I know ZERO about playing metal but figured I'd chime with 5 string attributes that should be considered.
 
#8
rappa29 said:
I don't know shiite about metal but I'd imagine a 35" scale would be best to keep good tension for tuning down.

I'd guess active would be best so you can have full control over your tone and adjust accordingly to cut through the mix.

Again...I know ZERO about playing metal but figured I'd chime with 5 string attributes that should be considered.
Click to expand...

Not all metal is about downtuning.

I always played metal with traditional passive basses, always cutted through in the mix. (Amp has to do with it.)

;)
 
#9
René_Julien;7883978 said:
Not all metal is about downtuning.

I always played metal with traditional passive basses, always cutted through in the mix. (Amp has to do with it.)

;)
Click to expand...

I don't know if I would take advice from someone who actually said "cutted" - Just sayin... :smug:

As for the basses - Your Shecter choice should probably be a Stiletto. I've also heard pretty "heavy" sounds from the Ibanez BTB loaded with Bartolini's. Those little dude will thump.
As for the wood selection. I've never thought of metal music being a genre to require tone, but you asked so I'll try to answer. If I was playing metal I would want plenty of snap. So a maple top/Ebony FB. Anything that has a semi-tight grain on it would do the trick. But like I said before, I think most people at metal shows are more concerned about not getting their lights punched out by ole Bruiser standing next to them..
 
#14
René_Julien;7883978 said:
Not all metal is about downtuning.

I always played metal with traditional passive basses, always cutted through in the mix. (Amp has to do with it.)

;)
Click to expand...

The OP mentioned drop tuned metal...

Anyhow...now that he's getting more knowledgeable responses I'll bow out and defer to those more experienced. :)

I just chimed in 'cos he wasn't getting any replies and I know how it sucks to not get replies! :)
 
#15
Alembicplyr said:
Rene, actually "Cuts" would work ok in the said sentence. Yeah, i'm no good at other languages.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I realize that.
I just post way to fast, without checking the silly mistakes I type.
And... in my first language I'm quite a grammar nazi. :D
I kinda feel stupid when people correct my mistakes in another language.



Ow, Jackall... I was not mad because of your statement. It was just a smartass stab. ;)
 
#18
rappa29 said:
The OP mentioned drop tuned metal...
Click to expand...

Apart from spelling and grammatica, I also fail at reading an OP thoroughly. :hyper:




Okay, downtuning... yup, for a 5-string best something in 35" scale or larger. Depends on how low you want to go.

I play drop D on a 34" 4-string and that works... just well enough.
But a B-string on a 34" is not so friendly on downtuning.
 
#19
René_Julien;7884109 said:
Yeah, I realize that.
I just post way to fast, without checking the silly mistakes I type.
And... in my first language I'm quite a grammar nazi. :D
I kinda feel stupid when people correct my mistakes in another language.



Ow, Jackall... I was not mad because of your statement. It was just a smartass stab. ;)
Click to expand...

No worries bro. My fault for not reading where your country of origin.. Believe me, you can probably speak English better than I can, this language sucks...
 
#20
An Ibanez SR 505, they're not so expensive (I think less than $600), thin neck and bartolini pickups and preamp. The LTD's are great for metal!! EMG pickups and preamps, the only problem is that their 5 strings model have a thick neck, well I have small hands, so maybe that's not going to be a problem for you. why don't you try both?
 

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