B strings, 35+ inch scales, fanned frets

[Doug4321]

Every time I've picked up a 5 string bass at a store the B string seemed rather clunky and not very musical.

But maybe an extra long scale helps? 35 inches or more.

However the longer scale could be quite a stretch and harder to move around the fret board.

Maybe a fanned fret bass would help with the excess "stretch" since the G string could be a shorter scale, where the extra long scale isn't desirable.
Dingwall super J has 35" on the B but 32" on the G string. Sounds good.

Other Dingwall models have 37 to 34 inches B to G string variation. Long stretch!

 

[Jrussblues]

I have a 33” scale, a 34” scale and a 35” scale. All with nasty great b strings. The builder makes all of the difference but it is probably easier to get a fuller more even b string out of a 35”+ scale if I had to guess.

 

[ArtechnikA]

But maybe an extra long scale helps? 35 inches or more.
However the longer scale could be quite a stretch and harder to move around the fret board.

Nothing against Dingwalls - I've played a couple and they were nice.
But if you just want a manageable 35"-scale 5-string with a great 'B', check out a Roscoe Century.
Due to bridge placement and general ergonomics, the actual reach to the first fret is easy, IMO. I've played a couple of those too, even though my personal overall preference is the SKB body style. (Also 35" scale standard and amazing B...)

 

[monsterthompson]

I've had good luck with the Low B on Spector basses. I've got a Euro 5 LX I like (it is the Alex Webster version). I also have a 4 string Dingwall D-Bird rigged BEAD. No complaints there. After playing it, the Spector's 35" scale seems small. It might be worth considering a 4 string Ding and having it set up that way. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to solve this equation.

 

[B-Mac]

Every time I've picked up a 5 string bass at a store the B string seemed rather clunky and not very musical.

But maybe an extra long scale helps? 35 inches or more.

However the longer scale could be quite a stretch and harder to move around the fret board.

Maybe a fanned fret bass would help with the excess "stretch" since the G string could be a shorter scale, where the extra long scale isn't desirable.
Dingwall super J has 35" on the B but 32" on the G string. Sounds good.

Other Dingwall models have 37 to 34 inches B to G string variation. Long stretch!

Most (not all) solid body 5 string basses are 35”

Strings of different tension values also change clunkiness

Not all extended scale necks are a long stretch depending on how the bass is built

Probably better to try before you buy.

 

[Doug4321]

By long stretch I meant more the fret spacing and finger stretch. Not really that the first fret is a far reach away from your shoulder.

Definitely would try before buy. Sounds like some have no complaints.