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5 String for $300-$500?
- Thread starter Peeved T-40
- Start date
'...wanting a piccolo bass...'
I want a 4-string something or other also. I built a headless (tailstock!)
wine box bass but it needed a longer through-neck. It's a wall art piece only-untunable.
So I bought a fine old cigar box to try again to make a 4-string e, a, d, g stringed boxen, since I'm frequently playing melodies on my (bedroom) bass. Lacking only the neck now, need a hardwood board 34"-36" long. Planning to use toothpicks or monofilament line for frets-or else fretless.
But that's a great idea to restring a beater bass. I know it's OT but what string gauges are you using for your piccolo bass? Thanks.
I'm the old student with new-old-stock 5-string OLP Stingray clone I can't play. Too cheap and nice to sell though and it really beautifies my closet. I've gotten so much better on my 4-strings that I think I'll try the clone again if covid drags on and on. Nothin' to do but play.
I want a 4-string something or other also. I built a headless (tailstock!)
So I bought a fine old cigar box to try again to make a 4-string e, a, d, g stringed boxen, since I'm frequently playing melodies on my (bedroom) bass. Lacking only the neck now, need a hardwood board 34"-36" long. Planning to use toothpicks or monofilament line for frets-or else fretless.
But that's a great idea to restring a beater bass. I know it's OT but what string gauges are you using for your piccolo bass? Thanks.
I'm the old student with new-old-stock 5-string OLP Stingray clone I can't play. Too cheap and nice to sell though and it really beautifies my closet. I've gotten so much better on my 4-strings that I think I'll try the clone again if covid drags on and on. Nothin' to do but play.
I haven't restrung my bass yet. Can't until I get a new one. But when I do I'm going to be trying D'Addario EXL280 20-52 to start with
You could get a used G&L Tribute L-2500 for around $500. Very versatile.
The Tributes are a lot of bang for the buck. I personally, love the sound. I play the US L-2500. Here is a mash up of the M2500 and L2500. Both can be found used.
Yamaha and Cort don't get a lot of press, but they make outstanding instruments.
Cort actually builds a lot of the instrument in the Ibanez (and PRS) lines.
Cort actually builds a lot of the instrument in the Ibanez (and PRS) lines.
I have had a few basses, Sire, Musicman, Fender, Yamaha, Aria, and played a few others. From your list, I only have experience of the TRBX 305. It's become my go to bass, very comfortable to play, well built and finished, factory set up was spot on, and great range of tones from modern to vintage. One good feature is the 5 way preset tone toggle switch. It enables you to find a setting quickly onstage. I also have a TRB and I would say the TRBX comes pretty close to that, at about a third of the price. Also looks cool in Mist Green
I would do the opposite and buy a good used one. If you don't bond with it you can resale for the same price you paid. And there's a good chance you will not like a cheap 5-string.
I have a Yamaha TRBX-505 and I like it A LOT. Passive mode is vintage sounding and active mode is more modern. The neck is perfect for me.
I also bought a Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V three years ago and I like it also. Really good for the price with a nice jazz growl even unplugged.
If you want something more modern sounding, I found a used LTD Surveyor 5 couple of years ago. It's a P/MM and the build quality is very good.
I've played the Schecter Diamond V, which is I believe the precursor to the Stiletto and really the same instrument, and the Ibanez SR506, which is one production level up from the SR406. I liked the Schecter, its build was very nice and it felt great to play. I wasn't so crazy about how the pickups were voiced, myself, there's a bit of a midrange scoop that I couldn't get past myself, but for someone else (Perhaps you) it might be just what they're looking for. I was also sort of disconcerted at how easily it could get scratched with that type of finish. I still have the Ibanez, and I like that one quite a bit. I think the pickups are a bit more flexible and sound better to my ears. The neck is great and the body is quite comfortable. Again, that kind of finish is a bit fragile, but I haven't bunged it up too much in the last few years, so I guess it'll do. You can usually find an SR 506 used for well under $500.
Can't go wrong with anything on your list. I ended up with the neck through version of the Jackson you're considering. I believe the specs are identical other than neck through vs bolt-on and mine has an active/passive option.
I really like it. I played it against the Yamaha you're considering, and while the Yamaha was by no means bad, the Jackson just edged it out in all areas for me.
I've also played the 4 string version of the Schecter and thought it was just ok (I own a different model Stiletto and love it).
I've played the Ibanez as well, and like the Yamaha, nothing bad about it, but it left no lasting impression on me.
I was able to get the neck through version of that Jackson for $400. It was listed as used, but came to me in pretty much perfect condition. I setup with .105-.45 strings with a .145 B, and I don't really have any complaints yet.
I really like it. I played it against the Yamaha you're considering, and while the Yamaha was by no means bad, the Jackson just edged it out in all areas for me.
I've also played the 4 string version of the Schecter and thought it was just ok (I own a different model Stiletto and love it).
I've played the Ibanez as well, and like the Yamaha, nothing bad about it, but it left no lasting impression on me.
I was able to get the neck through version of that Jackson for $400. It was listed as used, but came to me in pretty much perfect condition. I setup with .105-.45 strings with a .145 B, and I don't really have any complaints yet.
Going back to the OP, I think all the choices you listed are good. I'd suggest trying a few out and see what you like the best. I'll also +1 for the Sterling suggestion. Very good basses for the money.
modern sterile nasally tone rather than big thick fat bass tone.
squier or sterling by music man five strings would be what I would go for. had an ibanez it was bleh. have a fender jazz its great.
That's actually the one thing that's kind of putting me off a bit. I would much rather have a three way EQ like the TRBX505 but the 505 is really more than I want to pay. I just don't see myself using that weird toggle switch much
That is an UNBELIEVEABLE deal. Just wow! Great find.
I bought my fender jazz 5 standard “used” in that price range. I say “used” because I purchased it off eBay from a mom and pop music store that I believe was just clearing out old inventory for the newer player series. When I got the bass it still had plastic on the pickgaurd and tuners as if was never taken out of the box. Great basses for modding in particular because there are so many parts made for them.
