Hi all. I have tried switching to a fiver a few times but always give up and move back to a four. Our band plays in four different tunings and although I manage ok with drop tuners on both basses. I still would like to find a five string im comfortable with. The few ive tried were too heavy and the string spacing seems wide. Its a huge struggle. Can anyone give me an idea of a light narrow spaced fiver that i could transition to more smoothly over to. Thanks
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5 string recommendation
- Thread starter bohemond
- Start date
Burwabit
Likes guitars that tune good and firm feelin women
I always found a G&L L2500 to be pretty comfortable and narrow for a 5. Tributes can be found for not too much change.
Your needs scream Ibanez SR to me. Very light and tight string spacing. Go try one out and I bet this will be what you have wanted in a 5string. Here's my SR805. I string it E-C
I like the Ibby suggestions ... don't own one but have played/drooled over many at GC over the past couple years.
Do what I did. When I first wanted to 'try' a 5er I scoured the classifieds here on TB.
I ended up getting a Cort A5 for $450. I still have that bass, I still love that bass. It's VERY comfortable to play and sounds really good.
One day I'm going to gut it, replace the preamp/pups, but for now it's more than adequate. One of my best buys ever I think.
B string is quite good (I bought a balance set from bassstringsonline.com). I set it up once and the neck hasn't budged, no buzzing... it's at 3/32" at the 12th.
Do what I did. When I first wanted to 'try' a 5er I scoured the classifieds here on TB.
I ended up getting a Cort A5 for $450. I still have that bass, I still love that bass. It's VERY comfortable to play and sounds really good.
One day I'm going to gut it, replace the preamp/pups, but for now it's more than adequate. One of my best buys ever I think.
B string is quite good (I bought a balance set from bassstringsonline.com). I set it up once and the neck hasn't budged, no buzzing... it's at 3/32" at the 12th.
At this budget, go try some Ibanez offerings! I still have gas for an Ibby 5er. Better yet, like I said above, watch the classifieds here...Ibbys are on there all the time...
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Ibanez SR505, fast thin neck, string spacing similar to a 4. Well balanced, great electronics. Its the only 5 string I've played that felt good immediately. Every other 5 I've played felt fat and clunky by comparison, YMMV of course.
The 805 is 899$ because of the exotic wood but there are lower models with the same feel and parts. I would start at the SR505 and up and see what works for you
That's normal.
The extra string can put your hand/eye/memory co-ordination out of whack. That will fade.
Playing time will fix all your problems.
It doesnt seem so right now. Its tough. In addition to having to relearn a ton of songs over
the sterling sub ray5 has very close string spacing and the one I have is 8.6lbs. I would guess a ray35 or stingray5 to be similar.
Ibanez makes a good 5 string at all price points. Used Peavey GV 5 strings, Peavey Cirrus (used prices vary). I bought my first 5 when they were just coming out. I traded my 4 in and played a gig that night. Use your ears more then your eyes and it will come to you. It worked really well at keeps other bass players from asking to sit in.
I also recommend the SR505. i was looking to try a 5er and found the Ibby in a pawnshop for $200 canuck bucks. I only got to nooodle aound on it a bit before i got transfered. Right now im in a hotel and all my basses are 1200 miles away in my house. But when i buy a place here. Ive got strings ready for it and a decent set up to really unleash it
That being said, sound is an easy thing to change. The comfort and feel, Thats where the Ibby really did shine and they really are a great value
That being said, sound is an easy thing to change. The comfort and feel, Thats where the Ibby really did shine and they really are a great value
