“Sleeper” 5 strings in the $800-$1,500 range?

[REV]

The
Ibanez SRSC805 Cerro Single Cut

 

[MG Wolf]

Another vote for G&L (USA), maybe a Kiloton 5.

 

[TonyP-]

This one...
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[bassbenj]

I would point out that both my used G&L USA L2500 were right in your price range. They are a fretted-fretless pair and have become my main axes. With luck you might even find one like mine that was like new and even still had case candy. I highly recommend checking them out. Only slightly better than a new Tribute, but if you can find one, why not go for the best?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

What about a new or used Lakland DJ5? I had a light one briefly and it looked, felt and sounded great. Plus, if you really like Sadowsky sound, you could always add a Sadowsky preamp.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

A Dingwall SuperJ5 (P/J) is my #1 and I would highly recommend it, but it's not even close to that price range.

A Dingwall Combustion or NG would be good too, although they are clearly not P, J or Stringray inspired. They play and sound great though.

 

[TheDominoKid]

$800

Active/Passive
comes in matte black and burst.
https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/BB735AMTBK--yamaha-bb735a-5-string-translucent-matte-black

Sweetwater will work with you on weight as well.

View attachment 3425154

That looks pretty! Love the idea of the balanced output.

 

[SirMjac28]

My Bassmods Q5 Super Quad with the Sims Super Quad pickups is one of the baddest out there and I paid under $1100 love it.

Sims Super-Quad Hand Wound Bass Pickups — Sims Guitar Works UK | Super-Quad Pickups, Enfield Bass Guitars, Spray Shop, Custom LEDs, Pickguards, Servicing, Repair

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[AngelCrusher]

My Bassmods Q5 Super Quad with the Sims Super Quad pickups is one of the baddest out there and I paid under $1100 love it.

Sims Super-Quad Hand Wound Bass Pickups — Sims Guitar Works UK | Super-Quad Pickups, Enfield Bass Guitars, Spray Shop, Custom LEDs, Pickguards, Servicing, Repair

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Bassmods. Yes. They are another sleeper. Good call!

Lots of l2500 users here. I will have to try one.

 

[Hankenstein]

I hear good things about Sire Marcus Miller V7

Sire Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 2nd Gen Bass, 5-String, Ash, TS, Tobacco Sunburst | eBay

 

[Jason Hollar]

Lakland Skyline 5560- Really nice, a bit sterile pickups, but I may consider a revisit on this one.

Just picked one up in a trade. Need to gig it a few times to see how it feels. If anything, I might install a set of Aeros. If I end up loving the instrument, I might have my guy remove a small chuck of body under the pick guard to shave a few ounces.

 

[Anemic_SluG]

After not ever bonding with any 5 string bass, I found a G&L MJ-5. Super solid B string that doesn't flop around. Great feeling neck. I know the 18v all active pre isn't for everyone but the neck is awesome.
The other option that I played was the Spector Euro 5 also had a solid B string.

Lots of great options in this thread. I also want to check out the new PJ pickup Jackson's for a backup option. Even if I had to replace all the electronics they look well made. Good luck on the search.

 

[bbh]

Tobias original killer b. Very light, great tones.

 

[Ben Rose]

There is so much in this range that is great value.

In addition to the basses already mentioned here are a few I really like.
Schecter Evil Twin 5 - my favorite neck and cool active electronics. Access to the upper frets is not the best.

ESP Bunny Brunel - I would buy this in a heartbeat if it had narrower string spacing - if you like 19mm on your 5s, check it out.

Chapman MLB1-5 - something different. More in the Warwick / Spector arena. The necks are very lively and the radius feels smaller than most. Also, it's passive for those who prefer that. Only downside for me was balance was not great without a strap.

 

[KB5]

FENDER AMERICAN DELUXE DIMENSION® BASS V HH (2013-2016)

 

[packhowitzer]

Sleeper you say? 5 Strings you say? Well don't tell anyone - I want to keep a lid on it, but I can get these 5 strings for somewhere in your $800-$1500 range. but again, I don't want these to get too popular. Then it won't really count as a sleeper anymore:

 

[funkinbottom]

Schecter has been catching my attention lately. Particularly the CV5. Great sounding, versatile passive bass. Vol, tone, 3 position PU selector switch, and 3 way series - split - parallel switch for each PU. $650 new.

 

[Ben Rose]

Played one of those recently. It was cool, but heavy IIRC. I agree about Schecter. They are doing a lot of things right.

 

[mmbongo]

Gonna be hard to beat a Kiesel in the 'under $1500 new' category. USA made, customizeable to order.

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[beaglesandbass]

Curious if I am missing anything while I look at getting a 5 string. I simply need one as it's been over a year since I had my last one and I can use that low B on certain projects. A major bonus would be lighter weight. I have mainly been using a sub 8 pound Sadowksy so strapping on something that's 9.5+ is kind of a bummer.


To save a little time, I am very aware of Sire, plus here is what I have had in the past:

Moollon 5 string J - Should never have sold it. Amazing bass. A little out of my range right now. I wish their necks were made a bit better, I had to get some fretwork done on it, but it was not a huge problem.

Lakland Skyline 5560- Really nice, a bit sterile pickups, but I may consider a revisit on this one. Used one for 3 years that I got for basically nothing - $700.

Lakland Skyline 5502 - Didn't like it. The recording tone was not for me, and I was not a fan of the preamp even after getting inside and tweaking the mids.

Peavey Cirrus (original American) - love this bass. It was on loan to me from a studio and it is super awesome. The main issue with it as a studio bass is the tone is a little too specific and it does not fit into as many mixes as I would like. I also prefer the look of something more classic like a P/J/Ray. That said, this bass is fantastic and one of my favorites in this price range.


Just seeing if there are some sleepers out there that people have been enjoying (passive or active is fine). If I go up in range, I will probably be looking at the new Stingray Classic 5, which is on my short list, and of course so is a Sadowsky Metro. For now, I am not using a 5 so much that I want to invest at that level.

Check out anything from the Ibanez Premium line. They are really top notch and can be found well within your price range.

This is my #1 right now, got her for around $1200 brand new.
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