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5 string recommendation

#43
Most comfortable bass I ever owned was a Cort action 5. I've told this story a few times here, I was very young and new to bass when I got it and the pick ups were extremely weak. Being inexperienced I didn't know u could get new pups, so I sold it. I'd love to have that thing back and it was a 150 dollar bass.
 
#44
There are a few good quality, medium/low cost, narrow spacing options for 5 string basses.

However, Ibanez SR are pretty much the only one I would guarantee is going to be closer 8 pounds. (as long as you don't get one where the top half is flamed maple or bubinga).

*Sweetwater often has their basses posted with actual pics and weights. For the models which they currently do not, I would bet they would weigh a few for you, to ensure a lightweight one. Sometimes an SR 5er will come through which is closer to 7 pounds.
 
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#45
My Carvin Icon 5 has the best feeling neck I've layed hands on so far. You could probably find a used one in your price range. 17mm string spacing is standard. Though some of them have 19mm, so pay attention. Carvin weights vary fairly widely, however. Depending on wood choice and luck.
 
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#47
bohemond said:
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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Have you tried a stingray yet? Do it!!!!
 
#48
The first bass that I ever bought was a five string. After playing guitars and other peoples basses for a few years I found it very hard to get used to a five string. So, I sold that bass...something I still regret. And for the last several years I've only owned a four string. Recently I strung my P bass BEAD. That forced me to change my opinion on five strings. It completely changes the way that you play your lines and puts you further up the neck where the reaches aren't so tough. Now, I'm realizing what I missed the first time. If your having trouble adjusting to a fiver, try putting a four stringer in BEAD tuning. I think that after trying it you'll find it easier to adjust to a fiver.

I too hate the wide reach across the strings. I'm planning on getting an Ibanez SR. I've played several recently. And I like them quite a bit. The narrow spacing is easy for the right hand to adjust to, and easy on the left hand. I don't think I'd like it for slap and pop style. But luckily I don't use that technique. So for me they are perfect.
 
#51
bohemond said:
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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IMG_4124 (1024x683).jpg
I hope you understand that the rhythmic center of this photo is our Grand Daughter, Georgia...the most interesting person I know. She is followed down the trail by my '73 Ric 4001. No, you can not have her, either! To the right (Stage Left) of the Ric is my second favorite Bass ever...a Cort Curbow 5. It is the most perfectly balanced bass I've slung over my shoulder since August of 1974! The finish is known as "Bowlingball Orange! The neck is made of some sort of graphite composite. It is the smoothest, straightest, most consistent neck I've ever played...ever. It cost just barely over $300.00 at G.C. I ran out of there as if I'd stolen sumpin...and, in fact I Had! No...it doesn't have the cache of another guitar that looks like a Fender, but, believe me when I tell ya, it has the playability and the tone of any Fender knockoff that money can buy! I would recommend a Cort to anyone...especially a young (read: financially-yet-to-become-established) player. :)Now...go out there and play yr arse off!
 
#52
EdwardofHuncote said:
View attachment 560101 I love five-strings, and play them exclusively, although in a much different setting.

My .02 worth - I always tell people to play what they're comfortable with. If you're struggling with the nature of that extra string, and you have an idea you always will, then a better option might be to have a second bass on hand to accommodate (four?!) different tunings. I can't see pulling that off with just one bass, just due to the nature and effects of detuned and retuned strings on one instrument... a logistical nightmare. It would be at least 50% easier to deal with if you had 2 basses.

Good luck, and don't give up on that fiver til you're sure it's not for you. :thumbup:

FWIW - I have a Gibson V from the late 1980's that's as light a bass as you'll find. They were solid mahogany, set necks, basically a "studio" Thunderbird. The string spacing is incredibly narrow... like they literally just squeezed an extra string onto the same neck, and put a five-string bridge on there. These basses aren't particularly sought after, and can usually be had for about $500-$700. Here's mine:
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I use two basses One is for drop D and standard. The other i use for Drop C. C# snd Eb
 
#53
Hi. Op here. All of the great suggestions im having a hard time deciding. Prolly the Ibanez or the Spector. Not sure about the pickups on the Ibanez. The ones on the SR505. And the Schector Damien 5 premium looks real tasty as well
 
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