I own a Schecter Hellraiser Extreme 5 string for which I do not like the tone. I've tried changed strings, messing with the EQ, etc, still can't get what I want. What do I want? Well, my main bass is an Ibanez SR5000 Prestige and the tone I get from that is perfect. I rarely play a 5 string so I'm not looking to buy a new bass, what I was hoping to do was change something about the Schecter on the cheap that could make it come alive - to me it sounds flat and dull. But I'm a complete bass mod'ing n00b so any advice would be appreciated, thanks in advance.
Maybe try a new preamp? A Spector comes to mind right away, but perhaps consider a Bartolini, Aguilar, or Sadowsky. At that price point I would expect the pickups to be on point. And with a string change I would say preamp is the next option. I've got a less expensive Schecter and love it. Great basses.