5-string on a budget

[Fetusyolk]

i don't suggest fender if it's your first five. they're more expensive [ not by much but if you're just getting started . . .] and you'll probably have a hard time adjusting to their super wide necks. +1 to carvin used

 

[Balog]

Recently purchased an older Peavey Foundation 5 with the Super Ferrite pups and so far I really like it.

 

[Rocky McD]

I strongly suggest that you learn on a four string. Do hand strength and stetching exercises so you can span at least 3 frets at the lower registers. Some bassist can reach 4 frets, they also play basketball quite well. Learn the four, later you can go up to the five string.

 

[MNAirHead]

+1,000 Especially the TL5

God Bless, Ray

TL5 wins hands down - anyone voting must have actually played one in a band mix (that was set up correctly)...

If sold today they'd be in the $2800 range... you can find them on Ebay in your price range.

I've owned about 30 of them.. never a turd in the bunch... I'm down to 2.. many other fivers come and go.. TLs always stick....

There are other slightly nicer ones out there - you'd need 2-3x the budget.

PM me if I can help ID them.

It is the biggest secret in bass gear.

Tim

 

[*insertcoolname]

Scheter's Stiletto is a great 5-string, from what I remember its relatively cheap.

-1

I own a custom 5 and it is the most bland sounding bass I've ever plugged into. I would suggest against Schecter. I think the OLP musicman is a good idea or maybe some type of Squire or MIM Jazz 5.

 

[Hazak]

Traben Array 5.

The best 5er you can get for the price, imho.

 

[Jimmy Bones]

Scheter's Stiletto is a great 5-string, from what I remember its relatively cheap.

QFT.

A new Stiletto Elite 5 will run roughly $500-600. Look for a used one on the bay, CL, or the classifieds here.

 

[eddievanbassman]

Go on Craigslist.org

 

[Beginner Bass]

I disagree with your teacher. There is *nothing* wrong with 5 string bass (I have two of them) but I'm going go guess that if you have trouble moving up and down the neck, then you are fairly new to the instrument; Stick to 4 string and learn it right.

Also - Ask yourself why you are playing in the higher registers anyway! The old saying with veteran bassists is "you make your money below the 5th fret" - because that is the heart of the bass - where the support for the music comes from. Most guys spend years and years getting their groove together on those first 5 frets - There's really no need to be twiddling up high just yet. Another point: A large portion of learning how to play is learning hand positions - most bass parts are written with certain positions in mind, so if you find yourself flying all over the neck for notes, it's possible that you just aren't using the starting position that the original player had.

BUT... if you decide you just gotta have a 5 - - buy it used. Keep your eyes open and i'll be you can find a decent Carvin 5 for ~$500.

good luck

I agree about the high notes. But I'm not really using high notes. I'm just playing them on the lower strings, meaning high frets. i.e., Eb on the E string 11th fret. It's changing notes that's the problem.
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Also, what's OLP?
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I strongly suggest that you learn on a four string. Do hand strength and stetching exercises so you can span at least 3 frets at the lower registers. Some bassist can reach 4 frets, they also play basketball quite well. Learn the four, later you can go up to the five string.

I can do 3 frets. I can get the 4 lowest notes.

 

[BobWestbrook]

I recommend one of these - I got one, and am very pleased.

Hohner B Bass 5

 

[oldrookie]

1+ that bass in amazing.

+1 Spent time noodling around on a new one yesterday at a local shop. Just a really nice instrument. About $600 new, but worth looking for on the used market.

I had played it before I bought my Tribute L2500, but didn't go for it just because I didn't like the mismatched wood. Plus, I had a G&L Tribute L2000 and I fell in love with the tone on t

 

[LilRay]

.. never a turd in the bunch... TLs always stick....

Tim

Fixed it for ya Tim.


On another note, My 5c on the teacher issue. Fivers are really for economy of motion. You should learn to be able to be proficient with both four and five strings.

Is your teacher accredited, or just a friend? I'm wondering why he'd have you travel to the 11th fret for an Eb when there is an Eb at the sixth fret on the A string?

God Bless, Ray

 

[Beginner Bass]

Fixed it for ya Tim.


On another note, My 5c on the teacher issue. Fivers are really for economy of motion. You should learn to be able to be proficient with both four and five strings.

Is your teacher accredited, or just a friend? I'm wondering why he'd have you travel to the 11th fret for an Eb when there is an Eb at the sixth fret on the A string?

God Bless, Ray

It's some stuff I got to practice over the summer for my school jazz band. It requires you use high frets, but it also has some lower notes. He is an accredited teacher. He taught 2 jazz bands and now does private lessons. I think he has enough experience if that's what you're getting at.

 

[Beginner Bass]

bump

 

[bassbrock]

If the note is the same, why the higher fret requirement?

 

[Beginner Bass]

Because it in uses higher notes that would require sliding on the lower frets. But can we please just skip this arguement? I don't mean to sound close-minded but this is getting out of hand and the whole thread has gone off-topic.

 

[Webtroll]

Here's a GREAT inexpensive option!

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=566484

I agree this is a great inexpensive option, if I weren't wanting to thin my numbers I'd buy it. Hell I still may!

Lots of good advice here. I agree it's strange for your teacher to be recommending a 5 string, but if you are learning and like what you're getting out of it I say go with the flow. I have an SX P5 and it's a fine bass, but the electronics in it were poo out of the box (hell it didn't even make a sound). I could have simply rewired it but I bought it to mod and so I never did hear what it was supposed to be, but after a good setup it plays great. I've never played a Schecter I've liked, but I chalk that up to either individual taste or bad luck with my picks (I've had the same experience with Rickenbackers). Your best bet is to go to a few music stores and try out some different 5 string basses. Don't pass on the ones out of your price range when trying them out; it would be nice to have an idea what an expensive 5 string is supposed to feel and sound like when you rate the ones you're thinking of.

 

[mungfingers]

you could try to get an ibanez ATK 305 i love mine and are excellent value IMHO

 

[Beginner Bass]

I agree with your teacher. Heck, get a 7-string and you'll never need to move your hand! Those of us with 4- and 5- strings struggle so much.

OK, I'll turn the sarcasm off now and say get a new teacher.

It sounds like you want a 5-string for other reasons though, and many here have given great advice for a first 5'er.

Good luck!

See the Fender V.