Advice on a 5-String

[cornwallis89]

Hi all,

I'm having a bit of a difficult time finding the right 5-string, and was hoping you all would have some thoughts.

I have a Fender Vintera '50s Precision Bass (4-string) that I love but has been out of service temporarily due to some neck warping that I'm repairing. I realized that I ought have a suitable alternate, also filling the role of a 5-string, hopefully with some upgrades for versatility. I play weekly with our jam group at the local farmers' market and bars/restaurants, mostly Americana/roots/folk/alt-country, with some rock, blues, and jazz.

My hopes include:
- 5 strings, hopefully with a B that's not too floppy
- Passive (or with a passive mode)
- Both a bridge and neck pickup, with the neck pickup sounding in the ballpark of a P-bass (not necessarily identical, just similar enough in a mix or jam)
- 21+ frets
- 18-19mm string spacing (I've tried enough 5-string basses to know I don't really care for narrower spacing)
- Above-average neck stability (ideally a multi-piece neck, and maybe bolt-on for ease of repair)
- Under $1500 used (though open to suggestions outside this budget)

I tried a Reverened Mercalli 5 for a few weeks with high hopes, but I couldn't really get the sound I'm looking for - even with the exact strings I had on the P-bass, the Reverened was much less thumpy and more midrange-heavy, more similar to a Stingray. I also found the neck slightly too thick and unwieldy. Conflicted, I returned it.

I also tried the Yamaha BB735A in-store with high hopes. I found the string spacing and neck shape to be very comfortable, but to me, the painted neck felt oddly cheap and plasticy. I also didn't really care for the sound, which felt a bit lifeless and anemic compared to my P-bass, even in passive mode. Active mode and EQ didn't offer much improvement to my ear. I'd like to look at a BBP35, but they are rarely stocked in my area. Also, having previously owned a MIM Jass bass, I'd like to avoid VVT controls if possible, favoring separate volume and pan control.

The Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz V felt nice in terms of neck shape and string spacing, but I'd prefer something thumpier than a single-coil pickup in the neck position. (If only Fender made an Ultra Precision V...) I've also considered the G&L L-2500 750 Series, but they're hard to find (especially now with what's happened with G&L) and I'd rather not buy a model I've never tried before. Also, while I know they're a wealth of sounds, based on the videos I've watched, most of the sounds might be less thumpy and more midrange-heavy than I'm looking for. I'm also hoping for neck construction with extra stability.

I also tried an Ibanez BTB1935 in-store and liked it surprisingly well. The neck shape and string spacing felt great, and it sounded quite nice in passive mode. I don't generally prefer humbuckers, finding them somewhat midrange-focused and compressed, but the Aguilar DCBs seemed more dynamic and full than I expected. Though it's not exactly the sound I'm shooting for, it may be close enough. Neck-through - hopefully it won't need repaired if I take care of it.

I'd appreciate any recommendations on what to look at next, any thoughts on any of these (or other) models, and any feedback on my approach.

Sorry if I'm too picky! I'm hoping to not take a shot in the dark, but I can make compromises if need be.

Thanks-

 

[CascadeBass]

Well if you liked the BTB.... get that one. They are great basses and don't look the same as "all the other ones".

 

[Ggaa]

Ibanez, Warwick Corvette/Streamer GPS.

 

[JonathanPDX]

The BTB sounds like it checks the most boxes. I'd argue that it's a good thing to have a different tone and vibe between instruments, otherwise you'll have two which are so similar one might end up always sitting on the stand because it doesn't offer enough to pick it over the other.

Personally, I think feel and playability trump everything. Who cares how great it sounds if you don't feel motivated to pick it up and play it? If it isn't comfortable in your hands you aren't going to sound good playing it regardless of the electronics and features.

Lastly, tone is infinitely easier to change than physical feel. You can experiment with different preamp settings, strings, adjust your amp to the bass, and worst-case even replace the pickups and/or preamp to something that has the features you prefer. But if the string spacing is off or the neck doesn't feel good in your hands there isn't much you can do about it.

 

[chris_b]

I'd suggest you check out Lakland Skylines and Sadowsky.

 

[crazycloud]

Well if you liked the BTB

Get this, for the simple reason I want the 1906, have no spare cash, and I can live vicariously through you.

 

[Element Zero]

Ibanez, Warwick Corvette/Streamer GPS.

Generally, those are 16.5 mm spacing.

 

[joeLowB]

Understand this question. I went on a similar search a couple years ago.

I'll not assume the 5er that works for me will work for you.

I can say it took me a while to find a 5 string that works best for my need.

I cycled through four basses to get to the one I'm now really pleased with.

Just encouraging you to try some, be patient, keep notes on what works and what doesn't. Your first try might be a good step but not necessarily the end of the journey.

Good luck!

 

[prndltech]

Reading the requirements, you need a 5 string bass with a PJ configuration. But you don’t like the BB735. The mercalli 5 is another good one, that you don’t like. With the preference of wider string spacing, stingray fives are out…

Picky is good, don’t settle but keep your expectations in reality for your price point. I think you’re on the right track with your requirements and maybe you just need to play more 5’s and not rush into it, or… what about a 5 string P bass or get another one and set it up BEAD? Also, a solo neck pup on a J bass sounds VERY close to a p bass pup in a mix.

My answer would be a sadowsky metro express PJ 5. Could buy it new for your budget AND outfit it with the USA preamp simultaneously.

 

[HelpImaRock]

I would buy the bass that feels the best to you. You can always change pickups and electronics later.

 

[Mastiff_5]

If you can, go to GC’s and others and play the used basses as well… a higher end boutique-ish bass can end up being a real gem, a favorite that you’ll dig for a long time.
If you intend to mod the bass, most great bridges are adjustable.
Note that, if memory serves, the BTB has an asymmetrical neck. So MTD’s would be on your list, and the spacing should be along the lines of what you are after.

 

[Element Zero]

Just curious. Have you tried a Music Man StingRay? I know you said you like 18-19 mm spacing and StingRays are 17.5mm

 

[L-u-A-R]

The only condition completely off the table with the BTBs is that they are not bolt-on.

"dynamic and full" is a good description of the Aguilar DCBs, I've thought of mine as "dynamic and balanced" since long before reading this. I love running it passive, sans battery. They can get close enough to P in a mix.

For a curveball BTB, see if you can try one of the multi-scale BTBs. My sound guy just yesterday told me, "This one. But I can't tell you why". Those Ibanez T1 pickups are no slouches, very hot, might be a little closer to the P sound. As a bonus, they are cheaper than the Aguilar equipped BTBs.
I equipped mine with TI Jazz flats, it just works.

An additional consideration is Schecter. Their 5-stringers are 35'' as standard. Here are 3 passive Shecter's that I think could cop a P tone:
Model-T 5 Exotic: It's a PJ, but has VVT, rather than blend. Very heavy.
CV-5: HH pickups, but with 3-way selector and Series-Split-Parallel per pickup. Surely versatile, I want to try this.
P-5: It's 'just' a P, but 5-string 35''.

Disclaimer, I've never owned a P or PJ, and I've only played one very different Schecter, so I'm just trying to broaden the discussion with some basses I think can check some of your boxes.
My hat is in the ring for Ibanez BTB, fully biased though.

 

[Chris Chong]

Sadowsky metroexpress modern 24, has the option to go passive with a pull of the treble knob

 

[bassdude51]

Over the years, I've owned/tried about 4 different 5ers. Of the 4, a Carvin LBX75 was my favorite. It had a 35" length scale and I think that had a lot to do with it's excellent sound. The other 3, 5ers were 34". The LBX75s are near impossible to find used. Not many were made.

So, I highly recommend 35" scale. That extra inch gives some added tightness to the low B, better sound. ( Would love to try a 36".)

By the way, I gave up on 5ers. I'm old and the extra string messed with my 4 string bass established brain. Brain? What brain?

 

[waynobass]

I'd suggest you check out Lakland Skylines and Sadowsky.

Lakland Skyline 55-01 or 55-02 fit all your criteria.

 

[ggvicviper]

I'd recommend a Yamaha BB425X or BB1025X. If you were dissatisfied with the BB_35 series, I have a feeling you're going to like the previous generation BBs. It's not VVT, it's VT + pickup switch. No panning, but I never missed the it with the switch. The necks are also 5 piece if I recall correctly, and the nick pickup is a hotter, deeper P. They also look killer, IMO (BB425X shown below).

I understand the BB_35 not being your cup of tea, the pickups are different from older BBs. I would never consider the BB425X, BB415, or their ancestor (BB5000) as lifeless. The BB425X is a little trickier to find these days.

 

[Wfrance3]

I've had a few Schecter basses. None disappointed. Most of their basses are 35" scale length, 16.5mm string spacing.
(I think) 16" radius. If I'm wrong on that, whatever it is, is super flat. B sounds decent. I've had bolt-on neck and neck thru. I think I liked the bot-on more. Mostly because I like the bass set up the way I like the bass set up. Not being able to add a shim to the neck to "get it right" if needed bothers me...

 

[Yahboy]

Hi all,

I'm having a bit of a difficult time finding the right 5-string, and was hoping you all would have some thoughts.

I have a Fender Vintera '50s Precision Bass (4-string) that I love but has been out of service temporarily due to some neck warping that I'm repairing. I realized that I ought have a suitable alternate, also filling the role of a 5-string, hopefully with some upgrades for versatility. I play weekly with our jam group at the local farmers' market and bars/restaurants, mostly Americana/roots/folk/alt-country, with some rock, blues, and jazz.

My hopes include:
- 5 strings, hopefully with a B that's not too floppy
- Passive (or with a passive mode)
- Both a bridge and neck pickup, with the neck pickup sounding in the ballpark of a P-bass (not necessarily identical, just similar enough in a mix or jam)
- 21+ frets
- 18-19mm string spacing (I've tried enough 5-string basses to know I don't really care for narrower spacing)
- Above-average neck stability (ideally a multi-piece neck, and maybe bolt-on for ease of repair)
- Under $1500 used (though open to suggestions outside this budget)

I tried a Reverened Mercalli 5 for a few weeks with high hopes, but I couldn't really get the sound I'm looking for - even with the exact strings I had on the P-bass, the Reverened was much less thumpy and more midrange-heavy, more similar to a Stingray. I also found the neck slightly too thick and unwieldy. Conflicted, I returned it.

I also tried the Yamaha BB735A in-store with high hopes. I found the string spacing and neck shape to be very comfortable, but to me, the painted neck felt oddly cheap and plasticy. I also didn't really care for the sound, which felt a bit lifeless and anemic compared to my P-bass, even in passive mode. Active mode and EQ didn't offer much improvement to my ear. I'd like to look at a BBP35, but they are rarely stocked in my area. Also, having previously owned a MIM Jass bass, I'd like to avoid VVT controls if possible, favoring separate volume and pan control.

The Fender Player II Modified Active Jazz V felt nice in terms of neck shape and string spacing, but I'd prefer something thumpier than a single-coil pickup in the neck position. (If only Fender made an Ultra Precision V...) I've also considered the G&L L-2500 750 Series, but they're hard to find (especially now with what's happened with G&L) and I'd rather not buy a model I've never tried before. Also, while I know they're a wealth of sounds, based on the videos I've watched, most of the sounds might be less thumpy and more midrange-heavy than I'm looking for. I'm also hoping for neck construction with extra stability.

I also tried an Ibanez BTB1935 in-store and liked it surprisingly well. The neck shape and string spacing felt great, and it sounded quite nice in passive mode. I don't generally prefer humbuckers, finding them somewhat midrange-focused and compressed, but the Aguilar DCBs seemed more dynamic and full than I expected. Though it's not exactly the sound I'm shooting for, it may be close enough. Neck-through - hopefully it won't need repaired if I take care of it.

I'd appreciate any recommendations on what to look at next, any thoughts on any of these (or other) models, and any feedback on my approach.

Sorry if I'm too picky! I'm hoping to not take a shot in the dark, but I can make compromises if need be.

Thanks-

Sound like Charvel Pro Mod PJ V meet all your describe .

I own a Vintera 50s P and Charvel Pro MOd PJ IV ..... but , i go with multi scale for 5 string bass choice ~ Ibanez SRMS725.

Fishman Active electronic sound nothing like P, PJ and J. But that unique tone just work great with cheapo Joyo R28 ( knock off DG B3K ) , i can get instant dry and wet distortion sound with just flip the voice toggle on SRMS725. Good string to string tonal balance .

B string ? 35.5 scale are ok for me. Clearly less floopy compare to 34 scale 5 string bass .

Another reason i skip the Charvel Pro Mod PJ V because the weight and neck dive . 3.6kg and zero neck dive on SRMS725 just make my shoulder and back comfortable while playing.

 

[Kawai2g4b]

You will likely have to wait one out now that G&L is closed, but if you are lucky enough you can find a G&L CLF L-2500 Series 750. It checks off all of your requirements, even the string spacing.