5 string bass

[johnm0187]

I have done searches but havent gotten the results I wanted. My band is going into the studio soon and the bass i have now is not what i want to use. I would perfer a 5 string that is quiet with active pick ups for around $500 new or used. I was thinking an Ibanez because my band is mostly rock, but i need more suggestions.

Thanks
John

 

[SwilsonR]

do you use a 5-string now?

 

[johnm0187]

no but i have borrowed a couple to jam with my band and i like having the B there

 

[Treena Foster]

John, the Ibanez is a good 5 string starter bass.

I would suggest not switching instruments just before entering the studio.

The studio has many pressures in itself and, changing your setup can add to the stress.

YMMV.

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Treena

 

[johnm0187]

the bass i use now is noisy and doesnt sound good on recordings. And i need a new bass anyway not only for the studio

 

[FiveStringsNme]

the ESP LTD C-305 is awesome and can be had new for $570..so catching a used one will be very friendly to your budget. I just used it in my band practice today (first time in a full band environment w\ this bass) and it cut through very nice, even the B didn't get lost in the mix. It's very comfy, sleek and sexy...and it is a very quiet bass. so enjoy!

 

[johnm0187]

That ESP looks nice. I will have to try to play it if guitar center has it when i go there this week.

 

[MMiller28]

if i were you id be all over a used MIA p-bass

 

[slicktop]

I agree with FiveStringsNme,the ESP C305 is a great bass. Neck thru, EMG pickups etc....You will be satisfied with ths bass.

 

[Masamax]

Stingray 5? It's above the price you set but honestly it is one of the best 5 string production basses you are gonna find.

 

[johnm0187]

i was actually thinking of the Stingray 5 but i dont know if i can get that much money before we go into the studio

 

[BoiNtC]

Maybe an MTD?

 

[brian v2.0]

if you can find an MTD for around $500 i'll take 2 of 'em

 

[Masamax]

Originally posted by johnm0187
i was actually thinking of the Stingray 5 but i dont know if i can get that much money before we go into the studio

You can always lease a Stingray 5 for the studio work.

 

[Scott D]

Originally posted by brianfromlangus
if you can find an MTD for around $500 i'll take 2 of 'em

I'm pretty sure he was talking about an MTD Kingston 5.

 

[supernaut]

the Ibanez BTB is a nice bass and you can pick up one of those for around $500. Spector and Schecter also make some nice 5-strings in that price range.

a great 5-string is the Lakland 55-01, they go for $700 new but you may be able to find a used one that you can afford.

one thing you you should check out is the neck shape and string spacing on 5-strings. some people like tighter string spacing, or a thicker more skinny neck. and some people (like me) like a flat wide neck with wider string spacing like lakland's have.

 

[JPGT]

I second the BTB suggestion. With the 3 band active EQ, you can get a wide variety of tones, and the neck is very playable for a 5'er. The string spacing is more on the wide side, which is good if you plan to do alot of slap/pop kinda stuff, but I would definitely suggest playing one to see if it fits you first.
When I was looking for a 5-string, I tried out a bunch of different basses including a MTD Kingston, Lakland, and Fender, and I found that the BTB was one of the most versitile of the bunch, especially considering its modest price tag. No regrets here.

-J.P.

 

[Victor Wooten98]

I like BTB's but I would say Lakland 55-01 all the way, VERY comfortable, my only complaint is that it only has 22 fretts, I would prefer 24.

 

[Johnny BoomBoom]

I'd suggest one of the Spector Professional series:-

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Nowadays they are bolt on necks but you can get used ones I believe they were Spector 2000/5 models which are neck thru (I own one of the REX2000/5 basses from that series - as well as a Czech Built NS5CR)


I've used Spector basses for recording and they are veru nice, noiseless from my experience and cut through very well.


Godd luck!

 

[embellisher]

For around $500, the MTD Kingston is hard to beat. Has a better B string than anything else mentioned in the thread, except for the Lakland Skyline D55-01. If you can afford $700, the Lakland is the way to go.