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5 String for $300-$500?

First off, good list. You aren't going to go wrong with any of these.
I just got an Ibanez 405EQM and I love it. The balance is perfect despite being super light. The neck is super fast and comfortable. The B string has great punch and clarity and doesn't feel loose.

I played a Schector Elite-5 for a few months that I borrowed from a friend. It was a predecessor to the Stiletto Studio-5. You consistently see the Stiletto Studio-5 as one of the best in numerous reviews. However, I will say I prefer the sound and playability of the of the Ibanez over the Elite-5 (and that bass has a solid neck-thru-body). I thought the B string was a bit muddy on the Schector. That being said, I love my Schector Studio-4 and think it may be one of the best 4 strings I have ever played or owned.

I went with the 405EQM because of the single/humbucker/power tap option. This bass has a great tonal range. I only have one 5-string, so it had to check all the boxes. I primarily have played 4 string. But there are some really fun songs you can only play on a 5, so I can't live without my Ibby now! (He get's center stage because of the finish.) View attachment 4203739

I only have one bass right now and it's an Ibanez SR250. I've had a lot of problems with it so 405EQM has been lower on my list. How is the QA on yours?
 
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It came perfect right out of the box. The fit and finish is great. Zero issues.
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I had to wait two months to get it; it was on backorder forever.
 
I actually think the Ibanez pickups sound better than the MK1 Bartolinis. Just my preference, but I have heard others agree. Everyone has their own tastes.

My emphasis is more on the "used" aspect, especially the older models. I think both of mine are 2011-2012. I've seen a couple of new SDGR offerings with QC issues which have me baffled.

Riis
 
I frequent pawnshops on a regular basis, and I've seen A LOT of 5 string basses for very good prices, but was never interested in one until I found my 5 sting Fender.

A few years ago I scored my '94 Fender Jazz V Plus for $204.

I really wasn't looking for a 5 string,but who's going to pass on a deal like that.

Great deals on good used 5 strings are out there, but you just have to put in a little time to hunt them down.

My '94 Fender Jazz V Plus:

26695834379_df7fc50473_c.jpg

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just out of curiosity, what don’t you like about the ones on my list?
For me it would be the tone(s) more than anything. The G&L and the Sterling both have a bit more of a traditional sound, but with a little aggressive. Again, none are bad, I have been playing a long time and have my preferences and opinions :D
 
Is there a good quality 5 string bass that could be had for between $300-$500?

I've been looking at these so far:
Yamaha TRBX350
Ibanez SR405EQM
Jackson JS3QV
Schecter Stiletto Stealth 5

If anyone has any opinions on any of these or has suggestions for some used basses to look into instead, I'd love to hear them!

Someone else already mentioned it but the Sterling SUB was probably the best cheap bass I ever owned. I bought it as a stop gap till I could get back to a more "boutique" bass and ended up using it as my primary for 4 years. I restrung it with some half rounds to cut down on string noise and I had it growling nicely towards the end. Suddenly it did start sounding distorted and there was some "clicking" noises on recordings I couldn't explain. But for $350, 4 years was a solid run.
 
Is there a good quality 5 string bass that could be had for between $300-$500?

I've been looking at these so far:
Yamaha TRBX350
Ibanez SR405EQM
Jackson JS3QV
Schecter Stiletto Stealth 5

If anyone has any opinions on any of these or has suggestions for some used basses to look into instead, I'd love to hear them!

Is this your first 5er?

I'm looking for one too, but it's got to be C H E A P ! ! !
since I don't know if I'll bond with one.

I started a post asking about a Affinity J5 awhile back,
and got only a few responds.

The price was right but it was a drive,
so I passed on it. I don't see many 5ers on my CL.....057912
 
I just posted this bass about 5 mins ago for another thread but it applies here also.

My son bought this mint condition used Carvin on eBay about 5 years ago for $600. 35.25" scale. 18 volt active electronics. Bass, Treble and Mids + & - eq and a Mid sweep.

Wonderful bass.

Buy used!

DSCF8750.JPG
 
LTD B205. 3 band active EQ, clean humbucker sound. Not muddy. String spacing at the bridge on some is a little narrow. Personally I find the passive p bass 5 strings muddy. That is why I always suggest a 5 string have active eq. You can have the big lows that the 5 offers and a little punch on the top.
 
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I know everyone doesn't feel this way, but one of my top priorities for a 5 string is that it's a 35" scale. There are plenty of good 34" scale 5 strings out there, but to me the longer scale/ higher tension just really makes the low D, C#, and C really sound thunderous.
If i was in the market for a 5 string, that would be a quick way for me to narrow down potential candidates. ymmv
 
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I frequent pawnshops on a regular basis, and I've seen A LOT of 5 string basses for very good prices, but was never interested in one until I found my 5 sting Fender.

A few years ago I scored my '94 Fender Jazz V Plus for $204.

I really wasn't looking for a 5 string,but who's going to pass on a deal like that.

Great deals on good used 5 strings are out there, but you just have to put in a little time to hunt them down.

My '94 Fender Jazz V Plus:

View attachment 4203808
View attachment 4203809 View attachment 4203807
I've wanted one of those for YEARS. Great score!
 
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you the second person to say they're not your preference and I'm just curious why? Want to make sure I'm not missing something

Welcome to TalkBass.
The way it works here is: from your point of view you probably think you're asking a specific question and hoping to get answers relevant to your exact situation. But from most posters' point of view, you have merely opened an opportunity for them to state what kind of basses they like or desire and proudly post photos of their instrument, which may or may not be tangentially related to what you asked.
You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, well you just might find, you get what you need. Also a lot of other posts.
 

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