Ok, so i have decided to make the venture into the 5 string realm after receiving some sheet music that went lower than the low E, but was lacking when i played the octave. I have looked at various 5 strings and issues associated with 5 strings and would like to get TB advice. I have read that in some cases Fender have a "floppy" B string, so i dont think i'd risk it so i need to know what are some quality 5 strings with in the price range of say anything sub 1800? I was looking at Yamaha BB1025 which played pretty nice and my teacher let me use his Lakland 5 Skyline for a while which also felt nice. What are some other quality 5 string making companies out there or even better, specific models i can look for?
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5 string advice...
- Thread starter Bear_Bass
- Start date
Before you dismiss the Fenders, check one out if you can. Some people think it's floppy, some don't. I've played a few of the newer ones (P5 for example) and was impressed with it. The older ones that I played were less than stellar.
Others to check out that I've played/own would be an EBMM SR5 and a Modulus Q5. Two of the best B's I've played. There are plenty of others that are great as well, I just can't think of any right now for some reason.
Others to check out that I've played/own would be an EBMM SR5 and a Modulus Q5. Two of the best B's I've played. There are plenty of others that are great as well, I just can't think of any right now for some reason.
If you can afford about a 10 week wait I would think very few here would argue against a Carvin SB5000. Check them out. If kept close to stock they can be had for little more than $1000.
IMO, a Lakland 55-02 is the best value when it comes to 5ers. Especially when you can find stellar deals on used ones here on TB.
My 55-02 is my 'pickup truck' do it all bass when the Sad or the Wick stay @ home (rougher, small or smokey venues).
When moving to 5er's be aware of string spacing, scale length and weight...find what is comfortable for you.
You'll "read" every opinion under the sun on TB...I like Fenders too!
My 55-02 is my 'pickup truck' do it all bass when the Sad or the Wick stay @ home (rougher, small or smokey venues).
When moving to 5er's be aware of string spacing, scale length and weight...find what is comfortable for you.
You'll "read" every opinion under the sun on TB...I like Fenders too!
A floppy B string on a 34" scale bass is more a function of string type and size. I use a .135 B on my basses with no problems at all.
B string floppiness is much more a function of the string than anything else. Circle K will sell you a 0.166 string that will be at 58 pounds of tension when tuned to a low B. I don't think you will find that floppy on any 34 inch bass. They will even sell you 0.254 strings that would probably snap the neck of your bass if you tried to tune them up to the "low" B. They are still at 34 pounds tension when tuned to the B below that (~15 Hz)! They appear to be intended for use as a 17 Hz C# string.
I'd try some Fenders if you like them otherwise. I've never found a recent one with a floppy B even with the stock strings. You can buy a B string or several in different gauges from Circle K and I bet most stores would let you restring the B for a quick trial if the one on the bass seems poor to you. I just never found that to be an issue personally. I tried several brands/models and both common scale lengths without finding a bad B. I ended up with an Ibanez SR505 because I thought I liked the narrow string spacing best. Now that I have been playing it a couple of weeks I am beginning to doubt that choice but it is much too soon to be certain.
Ken
I'd try some Fenders if you like them otherwise. I've never found a recent one with a floppy B even with the stock strings. You can buy a B string or several in different gauges from Circle K and I bet most stores would let you restring the B for a quick trial if the one on the bass seems poor to you. I just never found that to be an issue personally. I tried several brands/models and both common scale lengths without finding a bad B. I ended up with an Ibanez SR505 because I thought I liked the narrow string spacing best. Now that I have been playing it a couple of weeks I am beginning to doubt that choice but it is much too soon to be certain.
Ken
I'm selling a Music Man Stingray 5 for $1100. The B string is tight, punchy and very full. You could also get a brand new one for that. Carvin has nice basses with longer scales as well. You have PLENTY of options for sub $1800, just find one that is comfy for you and you will be hooked.
Good luck
Good luck
You really should go check some out if possible. I bought my first five string a couple months ago - a Jackson JS3V. I went cheap as I, like you, was new to the five-string. After 30+ years of playing four strings I didn't want to invest a lot of money into something I wasn't sure I'd like. For the price, the Jackson is pretty good.
I am a Fender Jazz player and have been for a long time. I went over to my local Guitar Center and tried out a USA Fender Jazz V. I didn't notice any floppiness in the B string and thought it played nicely. I'm still not sure if I want to go to a five full time as I get frustrated by muscle memory issues, but if I can ever overcome that, I will be getting a USA Fender Jazz V. It would be nice to not have to change basses during a set!
I am a Fender Jazz player and have been for a long time. I went over to my local Guitar Center and tried out a USA Fender Jazz V. I didn't notice any floppiness in the B string and thought it played nicely. I'm still not sure if I want to go to a five full time as I get frustrated by muscle memory issues, but if I can ever overcome that, I will be getting a USA Fender Jazz V. It would be nice to not have to change basses during a set!
Wow, $1800 or less. Just about any 5 string bass can be found for sub 1800! Pick one. Music Man basses have a great 5th string. Modulus' are awsome. Lakland. Yes, even my Fender 5'er has a very good response for the Low B. MF Rogue's have a pretty good low B. In general (Not always) the longer scale basses, 35" or longer, tend to have a better response for the Low B, but that is a very general statement. I have several 34" scale 5'ers that have a great low B and I also have several 35" scale basses with great Low B strings
Creese said:
+1000 on the 5502....extremely versatile bass and a great deal/bang. For the buck.....no floppy B there!
+1 on the Carvin, but I would add the B50 into the mix. Same neck and electronics as the SB but a different shape and less money. Brand new, ordered in the color and materials you want can be less than $1,000 (unless you go nuts with the fancy woods). The pre is the most versatile and organic sounding pre I've ever played on any bass I've owned.
55-02's are awesome if you like a 35". 100% personal preference on scale, IMHO.
I've owned all the basses mentioned in my post and they're all great. I still own the Carvins. The B is every bit as good as any 35" I've owned and they are more comfortable to play for me. YMMV.
I'd suggest the Yamaha TRB 5 string for the 35" scale or if you can find one, the Yamaha BBN5A for the 34" Scale ... the Yamaha's have somewhat of a wide neck, some people like it and some don't, also be aware of the string spacing at the bridge .... best advice ...try as many as you can
I would recommend that you check out a Peavey Cirrus. If you are looking for a more Fender type vibe, hard to go wrong with a Lakland 55-02.
