Advice on a 5 string

[The Ancient One]

I want to try a 5 string. Unfortunately examples in the area are scarce. I'm rather fond of short scales, but haven't ruled out a full scale. The Ibanez Talman SRMD205SPN & TMB35 have caught my eye. I understand they have a slimmer J style neck. But I looking for opnions and advice. I'll be in the Windy City in a few weeks where I will have some time and more shopping options available. I'd like to stay under $500 and I don't mind watching the want ads.

 

[MMiller28]

Go to Chicago Music Exchange for starters

 

[GTHintz]

I would try everything you can get your hands on. You never know what you will pick up that will surprise you. Obviously, Ibanez, music man, Warwick, Spector, ltd all have great basses in that price range especially used. If you're absolutely trying to stay below 500$ I would really be looking at the sterling music man or Ibanez. You can get some great used SR basses for nothing. Good luck and hope you find a good one. I've seen recently some absolutely awesome scores on basses people have shown us here on the forum.

 

[Arthur U. Poon]

Solid advice from both @MMiller28 and @GTHintz.

And enjoy your visit to Chicago Music Exchange. Try out a bunch of basses while you’re there. If you can’t make a deal within you price range, you still should walk away with a list of basses that meet your needs, then check out the Talkbass Classifieds. If need be, be patient. You’ll find your ideal bass in time.

 

[halcyo]

I have a Sterling By Music Man “Ray 35” and it’s pretty killer sounding, great build quality. I play in a very professional cover band, and even though I could play my other much more expensive basses, I played the Ray 35 for almost 2 yrs and it was every bit a pro-level gigging instrument.

These go for $800-900 new, but I’d bet you could find a used one closer to $500. $500 is a tricky budget, and I’d highly recommend trying to score a more expensive bass at a great deal than buy a brand new $500 instrument.

 

[chris_b]

The only advice I have is. . . . go for it.

You'll love it or hate it.

I hope you love it because a 5 string bass is a great instrument to play.

 

[songwriter21]

I want to try a 5 string. Unfortunately examples in the area are scarce. I'm rather fond of short scales, but haven't ruled out a full scale. The Ibanez Talman SRMD205SPN & TMB35 have caught my eye. I understand they have a slimmer J style neck. But I looking for opnions and advice. I'll be in the Windy City in a few weeks where I will have some time and more shopping options available. I'd like to stay under $500 and I don't mind watching the want ads.

$500? CRAIGSLIST.

 

[The Ancient One]

As always thanks, looking foward to being someplace I can do some hands on testing.

 

[chris_b]

The only advice I have is. . . . go for it.

You'll love it or hate it.

I hope you love it because a 5 string bass is a great instrument to play.

I'll also say. . . . give it some time. You'll need to relearn stuff (muscle memory) that you haven't had to think of for years.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

If you like wider finger spacing, Squier is making nice offerings in the $350-$550 region. They can be heavy and inconsistent in quality so try before you buy or deal with a company that has a good return policy.