Any ideas for a good workhorse 5 string?

[Tonysuarezbass]

I'm in need of a good workhorse 5 string. I currently play a Yamaha tbrx305, which isn't a bad bass, but I'm just looking for something a little nicer. I'm torn between the VM Squire 5, and a MM sub ray 5.
This is going to mainly be a work instrument, so I'm trying to keep the price <300 used (so if a stagehand bumps it over in a pit, or somebody walks off with it, I don't have to sell my soul to replace it.)
I'm open to other basses if anybody wants to suggest others.
What are the best budget 5 strings?
Thanks

 

[BlueAliceOasis]

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http://www.guitarcenter.com/Used/Dean/5-STRING-BASS-Electric-Bass-Guitar.gc
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Let it bless you.

 

[ShowKing]

Lakland Skyline 55-02

 

[chris_b]

A good workhorse? I start with Lakland Skylines.

 

[RickyT]

I played an ESP LTD B205 for about 15 years. That thing was a workhorse.
I played in bands that rehearsed twice a week and gigged a few times a month. Never needed a set up. Stayed perfectly in tune, even when left overnight in a recording studio (the engineer was surprised, I wasn't)
Super comfortable to play. Handled being tuned to Low A. Definitely worth checking out.

 

[Rocksolid]

I gig my VMP5 next to my custom shop Fender. It really does punch well above its price point.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I'm in need of a good workhorse 5 string. I currently play a Yamaha tbrx305, which isn't a bad bass, but I'm just looking for something a little nicer. I'm torn between the VM Squire 5, and a MM sub ray 5.
This is going to mainly be a work instrument, so I'm trying to keep the price <300 used (so if a stagehand bumps it over in a pit, or somebody walks off with it, I don't have to sell my soul to replace it.)
I'm open to other basses if anybody wants to suggest others.
What are the best budget 5 strings?
Thanks

If you do some digging you should be able to find some made in Mexico fenders for between $300-$350. Ive bought a used p and a used jazz for $300 each. And you'll be able to get what you paid for it if you sell it. As far as musicman stuff I'd save a little more and look for a sterling by musicman Ray 35. Other than some details like neck finish (gloss vs oil/wax) and not having a compensated nut they are pretty similar to the American made stingrays (ash body, maple neck and so on..) the cheaper newer SUB has a basswood body instead ash and cheaper electronics. I have heard people praise the older American made sub basses though

 

[lowfreqgeek]

FWIW, I'd probably take that Yamaha over a Squier or Sub Ray 5 any day. Those are ok basses, but certainly no better than the Yamaha.

 

[richntiff]

US Peavey Foundation 5. Nothing else will come CLOSE for the money. I have two, love them, but since getting my Cirrus they aren't getting played, as the Cirrus fits my current band situation better. But, very high quality instrument, and you should be able to pick one up under $250

 

[4dog]

Ibby sr 305 maybe?

 

[Sparkl]

Fender ELITE 5 JBass. All the sound you will ever need.

Keep a spare PBass and you're set for life.

Edit: Nevermind, didn't see you're looking for a 300$ bass. Go with a squire 5 then.

 

[krfoss]

I highly recommend the Fender Jazz 24 V. It is active/ passive with a good eq and a mid scoop switch. I can get a decent P bass sound, nice standard jazz sound, and a smooth thick modern sound (using the switch on, which it always is for me). Also, I constantly get compliments on its looks. (pic isnt of my bass, but looks just like it)

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[john_g]

Lakland Skyline 55-02

Cool those are under $300??

 

[Dan_reeves]

FWIW, I'd probably take that Yamaha over a Squier or Sub Ray 5 any day. Those are ok basses, but certainly no better than the Yamaha.

Agreed- the TRBX305 was going to be my recommendation prior to reading the entire post. What about do you wish was different?

I am an admitted Yamaha fan so if you are looking for something that looks or plays a little more Fender-like then I would go used Yamaha BB415 or BB425x.

 

[skortch]

Lakland Skyline 55-02

Hmmm, if you can show me Skyline 55-02s for less than $300 I'll buy 2.

I think I'd look for a used US Peavey, Carvin, or maybe a Yamaha. I'm pretty happy with my BB415 as a backup/bar gig bass. I'd go with used before a new cheapo 5er.

 

[Treebeard]

Sterling by MM ray 35's are dope

 

[winegamd]

First choice is an Ibanez SR-655, then SR-405EQM, then their SR-375 (or plain 300 if you want painted and the lowest price. After Ibanez, I would go with a Squire Jazz or Jaguar or a Sire. Under $600, the're really no better choices.

 

[NicJimBass]

Squier VMP5 or VMJ5 are great stock, and only get better when you upgrade them. Both can be had for under $300 used. Also, most any used US Peavey you can find for under 3 bills will definitely be worth it.

 

[winegamd]

I would add the MTD Kingston Saratoga to the list as well.

 

[garp]

You might be able to find a used Fender Standard Jazz V (MIM) in this range.

I am an admitted Yamaha fan so if you are looking for something that looks or plays a little more Fender-like then I would go used Yamaha BB415 or BB425x.

Agreed. Both models are now discontinued, but there are plenty of pre-owned examples out there. You may have seen this already, but here's a TBer's demo of the BB425X (the full thread can be found here):