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5-string basses with tight, clear sounding B strings

#22
fourstringbliss said:
My next bass is going to be a 5-string, but what's the point of having a 5 if the B is floppy or muddy sounding?

I owned a Lakland 55-01 before and that had a really nice B, but I didn't care for the sound that much.

What are some other basses with tight or at least clear sounding B strings? I want a B that balances well with the other strings.
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So, what kind of tone are you after ?
This info may be useful for anyone to help you.
 
#23
I'd say the Modulus Quantum is a clear winner. I've watched the power consumption readout on my multi-plug jump alarmingly when I've plucked that sucker!

I've played SR5's, Laklands and I own three Smiths. All solid sounding but nowhere near the Modulus for sheer forcefulness.
 
#26
i must tell you that i havnt found a 34" scale bass that had a low B that did it for me, that might just be me personally but i think for a good low B 35" is the way to go, and apart from my Fodera (see avatar) the second best low B i have found has been on a Yamaha TRBII (also 35"), for some reason that bass killed, shame i sold it but i had to pay for the Fodera somehow, next to that it was Warwick Streamer Stage II which was was probably 34" the best i have heard.


Dave
 
#27
For a 34" scale 5-string at a reasonable price, the G&L L2500 has a great B-string and is one of my favorite basses. Ken Smith and Sadowsky are also killer (but a lot more expensive)

For a 35", Roscoe, MTD, Modulus (but you might not like that graphite neck - I don't) at the high end of the pay scale; The Ibanez BTB and Yamaha TRB II in the middle price range, and for a lower priced 35" scale bass, the Deans are actually quite nice.
 
#29
embellisher said:
Man, there are so many nowdays. What is your price range?

Some of my favorites:

34" - Zon, Pedulla
35" - Peavey Cirrus, Modulus, Roscoe, Lakland USA
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Probably $1000 or less. I should have mentioned that initially because you guys are suggesting great basses (which I appreciate) which I'll never be able to afford (which is a bummer). I have been looking at used Cirrus on Ebay to get some ideas of what I could get for <$1000.
 
#33
I built my bass from Warmoth. With everything it was around $700... Tons of low end, great clean Low B and I think it looks fantastic.
fourstringbliss said:
Probably $1000 or less. I should have mentioned that initially because you guys are suggesting great basses (which I appreciate) which I'll never be able to afford (which is a bummer). I have been looking at used Cirrus on Ebay to get some ideas of what I could get for <$1000.
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#39
The absolute best B is probably from the Dingwall ABII or better basses. At 37 inches, it is a massive B. Clear and distinct on each note. The price is a bummer.

At 35 inches, F-Bass and Pedulla tie it. The Warwicks are pretty good too. In particular I like the Jazzman.

At 34 inches, The MM Stingray is the only one that I like.

As for affordable, the U.S. Masters EP5 is a killer bass for the money and sounds almost in the F-Bass category... to some ears, better.
 

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