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5 String Recommendation

elpezpr

elpezpr

Feb 7, 2008
420
2
PR
#1
Hi. I had a Squier MB-5 that I bought to test the waters but the string spacing was a bit narrow and the B sounded too different from the E String. The neck front to back felt great though. I want a wide fretboard but a skinny neck (if that makes sense). One of the big problems is that none of the basses are near me in a store to test. Only the Stingray wich I know I like but wanted something less expensive. So far I've been looking at :

G&L USA L-2500
Ibanez BTB575MFM
Musicman Stingray 5
Clover Apeiron H5
Lakland Skyline DJ5
Fender American Standard Jazz 5

Which of these basses have a wide fretboard but a skinny neck?

Thanks
 
#2
Well, you should be thinking about the sound you're after. If it's Jazz, you'll go with DJ5(I know I would, PLEK is something that Fender doesn't offer) or Fender. If you want Stingray, you'll go with SR5 or Apeiron, the second one is very interesting, read further. If you're in between or undecided or just looking for some versatility, you can go with Apeiron(That's a fiiiiiine instrument) or GL2500 or BTB. I'd pick Apeiron, since it is such a wonderful combination of Vintage and Modern bass representatives. GL is also a beast, but in it's own way. BTB... well if you want a slim neck... I don't think you can go slimmer than that. Fender's Geddy Lee has a fat neck compared to this one. But it's damn ugly, and that thin neck wasn't really a plus to me, when I was trying it out.
Well my brother, you have some sweeeeeet worries on your mind, enjoy them, try out all of the instruments you've listed, if you can, do it on your amp, and decide what works for you. I'm sure, you'll hear that more than once. ;)
 
#4
If you're looking at a Lakland, consider the Joe Osborn. I know it's not as cool looking as the DJ5, but the neck isn't as chunky. The 55-02 has a killer neck as well. All have 19mm string spacing (lots of room).
 
#5
Well I eliminated the Musicman Stingray 5 of the list for not being very versatile. And the DJ5 for having a chunky neck. So now:

Ibanez BTB575MFM-I've played an older model. Like the neck, not so crazy about sound
G&L USA L-2500- Never Played
Clover Apeiron H5-Never Played
Fender American Standard Jazz 5-
 
#10
The G&L will have similar string spacing to a SR5 IIRC, so if the SR5 is too narrow then the G&L will likely be too narrow as well. Lakland and Fender are your best bets. Of the two, I believe that the Laklands will have the widest spacing at 19mm which is the same spacing as a 4-string. Fenders are 18.5mm, which is just a shade narrower and most people find this just as manageable as 19mm. I have no experience with the Clover, other than that they look very nice.

If you are looking for a safe bet, I would go with the Lakland JO5. I am not one of those "If you play a 5er, you HAVE to have a 35" scale bass" guys, but I do believe that if you are sensitive about the tension of your low B string, you are more likely to be satisfied with a good 35" scale bass than a good 34" scale bass. Its not 100% true, but it is true more often than not IME. Plus, even if you can't play one, you have a pretty good idea what they sound like. Its sounds like a good Jazz and you can listen to the soundclips on Lakland's own website to get an ever better idea of the tone. I think that is the bass that will most suit what you're looking for.
 
#12
elpezpr said:
Well I eliminated the Musicman Stingray 5 of the list for not being very versatile. And the DJ5 for having a chunky neck. So now:
Click to expand...

I personally would agree that the H stingrays aren't very versatisle.But the HH's and HS's are, if you like the way the Ray's feel you should consider an HH, or perhaps a bongo HH..

I'd also look into tobias, a few bass players I know have stubby fingers and luv the tobias due to it's thin narrow neck... and heck... they sound great too :D
 
#17
ytsebri said:
I'm going to throw this one out there. I just picked up an MTD Kingston Heir 5 and I absolutely love the neck. Completely thin/wide. I fell in love with it when I played it. I normally play a TRB 6 string or a BB 5 string, and this is a beautiful split difference with excellent tone.
Click to expand...

and the DJ5. I love them both, but the MTD neck is awesome.
 

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