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55-01, Heir5, Renegade 5 or Millennium Plus 5 for backup?

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by stflbn, Jul 2, 2008.

  1. Jul 2, 2008 #1
    stflbn

    stflbn

    May 10, 2007
    Nashville
    I'm looking for a modern yet versatile sounding bass to use as a backup to my gutted and modded Schecter Studio5.

    I'm not in love with the Laklands looks... and am a bit concerned about the Barts sounding timid compared to my main basses Kent Armstrong/OBP-3 setup.

    I love the Heir5 and Renegade's looks and the fact that it's a S/H pickup configuration, but am a bit concerned about comments regarding their electronics.

    I've had older Peavey's and have liked them... and the S/H config of the Millennium Plus would probably be satisfying for me.



    I'd prefer to keep the Nut width at 1 3/4" or slightly less. Bridge string width isn't as big of a deal for me.

    I'd like a Maple fretboard if possible, but that's just a variety preference.

    Must be 5 string.



    Looking to spend $500 - $700 on the used market...


    Any thoughts on these possible choices, or other brand options I may be overlooking?


    Thanks.
     
  2. Jul 2, 2008 #2
    capnsandwich

    capnsandwich

    Jul 18, 2006
    Columbus, Ohio
    I can vouch for both the Lakland 55-01 and the Renegade. The Lakland 55-01 is a great instrument if you're into 35" scale lengths and great necks. The Lakland does lack a little in the electronics department simply because of the Bartolini MK-1 system that it uses. It's decent but it's not great. I swapped mine out for a set of Nordstrand Big Singles and a Bartolini NTMB 18v preamp and it changed the entire personality of the bass. Very smart decision on my part.

    The Renegade is a good instrument, especially for that fat fingerstyle tone. Plus, it has the SC pickup to add a little punch for slapping. Great instrument, totally gig worthy, and the electronics are just fine. I would worry more about the 55-01's electronics instead of the Renegade's. It has a great assymetrical neck which fits your hand nicely and is super light, under 8 lbs. I have one for sale in the classifieds with an 18v set up, but you already know that.
     
  3. Jul 2, 2008 #3
    stflbn

    stflbn

    May 10, 2007
    Nashville

    Yup yup.
     
  4. Jul 2, 2008 #4
    stflbn

    stflbn

    May 10, 2007
    Nashville
    Anyone with additional info about how these basses compare or what to watch out for?
     
  5. Jul 3, 2008 #5
    Blues Bass 2

    Blues Bass 2 Supporting Member

    Oct 3, 2001
    Davenport Iowa
    I've got to say the Millennium 5 plus is a great overall bass.Very stable neck and a very comfotable bass,they balance very well.The hardware and electronics are as good as you can get.They have the same preamp as the custom shop Cirrus basses with a variable midrange.

    The tone flat is a little mid focused but with a little EQ adjusting you can get a good modern sound and the the bass control can really add the booty.Mostly the tone works great with a band,I've never had a gig that my Millenniums didn't give me a great sound no matter what room or rig I've used.The Millennium 5 plus I have is my third and I won't sell it.

    I had a great 5502 last year and after having one I can't argue against the Lakland build or the way they play,awesome basses.The only thing that didn't quite do it for me was the tone,I liked the way my Peavey cut in a mix better.I can't say about the 5501s tone ,I haven't heard one,but they are great basses.

    The necks are the biggest difference,the Peaveys isn't as wide as the Lakland.both play very easy though.Here's a pic of my Millennium just to maybe sway you that way a little.

    Basses002.jpg
     
  6. Jul 3, 2008 #6
    stflbn

    stflbn

    May 10, 2007
    Nashville
    Beautiful peavey.
     
  7. Jul 6, 2008 #7
    cb56

    cb56

    Jul 2, 2000
    Ozarks
    I owned a Skyline 5501, and currently own two USA Millennium 5s, and while the 5501 was a nice bass, it just wasn't for me. Traded it within two weeks of getting it.
    Both the USA Millennium 5 plus and the Skyline 5501 are 35" scale, but IMO that's where the similarity ends.
    IMO the 5501 has a mid scooped tone while the Millennium 5 has a mid driven tone.
    The string spacing on the 5501 is 19mm where the Millennium 5 is 17.5mm.
    The flat skinny frets on the 5501 really bothered me where the Millennium has good ol' jumbo frets.
    Both are real nice basses and one might trip yer trigger and the other not. Or vice versa. Just depends on what you like.
    That being said,I'm selling one of my Millennium 5s (the tiger eye Millennium 5 plus) in favor of saving for a Cirrus 5.
    That way I'll have one of each. Look for the ad in the classifieds if interested.