$500 5 string?

[zachoff]

A used Guild Pilot 5 would be an excellent value. Mine's great, EMG JJ setup with V-V-T.

Event the DeArmond Pilot basses were pretty good and come up super cheap on craigslist from time to time.

 

[phillipkregg]

This: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=692364

+1

If it needs to be 500 bucks, you can't beat the Sterling Ray 35.

Its very hard to tell the difference between these and the US made versions. Great instruments.

 

[G On Bass]

I want a good 5 string but I dont want to spend a ton of cash on it about 5-6 hundred would be as much as i'd spend,if you guys could help me out that would be great,thanks

Do you know what scale? What string spacing? Active/passive?

 

[SantiagoGT15]

ray35's are good but I would as said earlier go for used

 

[ggunn]

Not picky I just want something good

Make up your mind.

 

[Time Consumer]

I've seen quite a few Lakland 5501s available in that price range recently - on Craigslist, eBay, TB, elsewhere.

Seconded, just took the leap on a used 5501 for 500 and its better than a spector legend(owned)and better than an ibanez in that price range imo(onwed a long time ago) and better than a schector stiletto in that price range(brother has one).

 

[puddin tame]

could check out the rockbass line, the new models are great

 

[phillipkregg]

Seconded, just took the leap on a used 5501 for 500 and its better than a spector legend(owned)and better than an ibanez in that price range imo(onwed a long time ago) and better than a schector stiletto in that price range(brother has one).

I agree - the 5501's are incredible basses. I used to own one and I'm sorry that I sold it.

Like a few have said already, if you go used you'll get the best deals. But I would play them first to make sure that it feels right to you.

The Lakland has a 35" scale. That makes it feel a little different than the Ray 35 which has a 34" scale. Some people don't notice anything, but its a big deal to other folks.

Only you can know what you like.

 

[BassZach]

Do you know what scale? What string spacing? Active/passive?

Preferably 35" scale,string spacing like the Ibanez BTB and active would be a plus

 

[phillipkregg]

Preferably 35" scale,string spacing like the Ibanez BTB and active would be a plus

Based on what you've said, you should TOTALLY check out the Lakland 55-01.

It sounds right up your alley: 19mm string spacing, active Bartolini electronics (with passive bypass), and 35" scale. Plus you can get them for around $500 used.

 

[BassZach]

Again thanks for all the suggestions but I think I might just save up some more cash for a higher end bass

 

[neurotictim]

Buy used; you'll get the best value.

This.

 

[BassZach]

Based on what you've said, you should TOTALLY check out the Lakland 55-01.

It sounds right up your alley: 19mm string spacing, active Bartolini electronics (with passive bypass), and 35" scale. Plus you can get them for around $500 used.

I don't know what it is about Laklands but I think they don't like me.All the ones I tried just felt awkward to me

 

[phillipkregg]

Again thanks for all the suggestions but I think I might just save up some more cash for a higher end bass

It's up to you, but I'll tell you this...

I currently own a Lakland 55-02 that cost more than 1400 dollars new. The Lakland 55-01 costs about 800 new, and honestly, there isn't much difference. The body shape is the same, the neck feels the same, the only difference is the electronics.

And I actually prefer the sound of the 55-01, which is half the price.

Inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean that it's not "high end".

But if you are dead set on spending more, than I would suggest the Carvin SB5000. It is probably the best jazz-style bass on the market for it's price-range. Plus it also has wide string spacing (19mm) like the BTB, and active electronics and pickups. The scale length is 34", but they have fantastic B-strings. You should do a YouTube search about them.

 

[Time Consumer]

I don't know what it is about Laklands but I think they don't like me.All the ones I tried just felt awkward to me

To each his own I guess, what genre do you play, if its heavey like you said the Ibanez btb should be right up your alley, I still think 5501 would be better but when it comes to 35" basses with wide spacing you cant beat a btb for hard rock or metal.

 

[Bernin]

Try to find a corvette 5 with the active MEC, you'll find it under $800 and it'll slay the competition IF you can get along with the thick neck (I wish I could).

 

[BassZach]

It's up to you, but I'll tell you this...

I currently own a Lakland 55-02 that cost more than 1400 dollars new. The Lakland 55-01 costs about 800 new, and honestly, there isn't much difference. The body shape is the same, the neck feels the same, the only difference is the electronics.

And I actually prefer the sound of the 55-01, which is half the price.

Inexpensive doesn't necessarily mean that it's not "high end".

But if you are dead set on spending more, than I would suggest the Carvin SB5000. It is probably the best jazz-style bass on the market for it's price-range. Plus it also has wide string spacing (19mm) like the BTB, and active electronics and pickups. The scale length is 34", but they have fantastic B-strings. You should do a YouTube search about them.

I didnt mean like a custom bass or something,but like the neck thru ibanez btb's are killer to me and theyre a bit more expensive than the bolt on ones which arent as great to me

 

[BassZach]

Try to find a corvette 5 with the active MEC, you'll find it under $800 and it'll slay the competition IF you can get along with the thick neck (I wish I could).

I'm all about thick necks,thin ones dont feel right in my hands

 

[Bernin]

I'm all about thick necks,thin ones dont feel right in my hands

That may very well be what she said.

 

[BassZach]

To each his own I guess, what genre do you play, if its heavey like you said the Ibanez btb should be right up your alley, I still think 5501 would be better but when it comes to 35" basses with wide spacing you cant beat a btb for hard rock or metal.

Im definetly gonna try more laklands since thats what alot of people reccomended,and i havent tried one in a while