That's 1 to 2k pounds, so let's say 1,500 to 2,500 USD. Cosmetics are irrelevant - the must have feature is that is must deliver the classic P-Bass sound. Could I please have your top three recommendations?
Sorry if this sounds cheeky, but why not just get a 5-string Fender Precision? I mean, what better way to get the classic P sound?
Good, if obvious point to make. Therefore it appears that your one and only recommendation is a P5. Great, I'll add that to my list. However, there may be other TB'ers who feel that some other bass does the P5 thing better than the Fender - perhaps?
1.) Mike Lull (M)P5 2.) Nordstrand 5-string P 3.) Sadowsky Metro P/J 5* (probably used to get it into price range; also features Nordy's 5-string P pickup, which is a favorite of mine). *Totally biased choice, as it's what I play nearly 100% of the time
A Used Sterling HH5, A used Fender MIA P, an Eden WTDI, A MarkBass Superbooster DI and an Iced tea. All for well under 2,500
A used Sadowsky is a good choice. I have an Alembic Epic 5 string that gives a wide variety of tone options and I can get very close to a P sound.
Yamaha BB1025X (1000 USD) or if you feel compelled to go to the high end of your budget, Yamaha BB2025X. Either way, you cannot go wrong. My BB1025X replaced a "stellar" Fender American Standard P5 (2011 model). The Yamaha will give you the classic P + so much more.
Interesting. One year ago exactly, I was at a Thin Lizzy concert here in London and saw Marco Mendoza playing his 2024 or 2025 and was much impressed. But Yamaha, really?
Marco Mendoza could play a broom with rubber bands and still sound freakin amazing. Plus the man is a crazy good singer.
Quite right too - and we would all be very impressed Actually, I can just image Jailbreak being played with rubber bands...
Really !! Yamaha If you can find one, try it: You'll like it. In my opinion, the 1024 & 1025 are the best deal out there. However, I can't deny that the 2024 & 2025 give you a bit more of " all things good." But, for double the price, it should.
To OP: I recommend a Lakland 55-01 or 55-02, and second the used valenti/sadowsky metro 5er ideas. A used NYC sadowsky 5er will probably be over $3k. The laklands have the taut B string feel I want.
You know, my vision of Yamaha is slightly coloured by my experiences with their guitars. I had a 1993 Yamaha SG (which I sold last year at a huge profit) and despite putting Gibson pickups in it - it didn't work. My Gibson SG just farted all over it. But - it was the best made guitar I've ever owned.
So you finally decided to go with a fiver - I really think you'll like it, and you will start to see new patterns and possibilities, and now you won't have to mess up any of your nice 4-stringers. Yes; I read your other two threads. Good Luck.
Thanks, I'm glad someone noticed! Actually, I sold that P-Bass today. And then, I bought a Yamaha BB415 online. So I've done exactly what I said I wouldn't do (no change there then). If the 415 isn't right or feels too cheap - it goes back. But I am loving the method of play with the low B. It really transformed some of my standard tracks. It all boils down to how comfortable I can make it with the extra width on the board. Plus - it's gotta do the P-thing.
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