5 Strings under $500

[Ian Perge]

Also, what was the screwup on the RBXJM2?

Okay, from another link here:

I'd love to say that I have played the JM2, but virtually every account that I've read hasn't been positive. It seems as if Yamaha took every factor that the buying public disliked (tight string spacing, weight) and increased those, while eliminating some of the positives (the colorful, if thin flamed veneer, replacing the ebony fretboard with rosewood, reducing the scale length from 35" to 34") and actually upgrading very little - namely the electronics.

If it works for JM himself that's all fine and good, but what the artist prefers and what the public will purchase are often two very different things. If this is indeed a "limited edition" bass, I'd believe it's because Yamaha knows there's not much of a market for it at it's price point. There's far too much competition that delivers better bang for the same or less bucks.

The odd thing is that I'm the owner of not one but two RBX775's which I love, and I'd consider the JM2 if not for the pricing and some of what I mentioned above (scale length and rosewood being the two main) - at $999 - $1200 list it would have a better shot, but with an MSRP of $1,649.99?!? They’re shooting for hardcore fans and the niche market of "tight string spacing fingerstyle players".

Mark my words, this is going to be a MOAB... and the last "b" isn't "basses".

 

[Davidoc]

Cam beat me to it; you do not need a 5-string to play tuba parts- you need to transpose the music an octave higher. (it will sound the in the same octave, but you have to read it like it's an octave higher.) Keep in mind though, that alot of concert band music has string bass parts, which are usually identical to the tuba parts. (been there, done that, on upright though)

 

[supernaut]

I'd recomend a MTD Kingston

 

[fenderjazz68]

G&L Tribute L-2500 - should be close to $500.

+1

 

[Davidoc]

He doesn't need a 5-string...

 

[BassDmb18]

On those Kingston's , is the Ebony fretboard a better choice over the Maple? What kind of tone differences would there be with each?

 

[BassDmb18]

bump. I may wanna Kingston now, as the Yamaha's are too confusing a choice. I like that tinny mid sound they have, I can add a little bottom with some stompbox EQ if I need. And a Digitech Squeeze Box.