Bass for orchestra (4/5 string?)

[HF1600ie]

Hi all,
I am mainly a guitar player, but these days I play in an orchestra where most of the time my instrument is the bass guitar.
So, i´ve been using my Hofner ignition bass. A bit modified aestheticaly, Flat hofner strings, sometimes with a sponge, stock eletronics and what I consider a perfect setup, perfect intonation. It took me some 2 to 3 hours to get there. Yes folks, it is possible to have the Hofner perfectly intonated

The charts i am given at the orchestra are usually for the Tuba or String bass (only use those for the Tuba when the bass charts are unavailable).

My amp is a Kustom Deep End DE115 (1x15") 100w.

I like the sound I get from the Hofner and the amp even if sometimes I feel more vibration than attack. It ranges from super deep-low tone to brighty. I´d like to try more "bite" and body, but still retain some "double-bass" capabilities. And, have an alternative/flavour bass to the Hofner.

I found that Harley Benton is making some nice basses. So I am "GASing" for one of these :

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_pb_50_sb_vintage_series.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_hbb1975_na.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mj_4mn_natural.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mj_5mn_natural.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mp_4mn_natural.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_enhanced_mp_5mn_natural_bundle.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_4_bk_2nd_gen.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_bk_2nd_gen.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_sq_cv_70s_jazz_bass_v_mn_blk.htm

I´ve been in love with the SIRE months ago. But it is too expensive for me. Saw one in a store (But didnt have the time to play. The finish was superb.
I also included the Fender, but I saw and coincidentally read that the G string is so close to the edge. It really is ! This seems like a defect to me.

So, the questions are :

- Are really the 5 strings needed for a bass player? It´s good to have one extra for those "super-lows", but... the truth is there´s a "Tuba guy" for that.
- Jazz or Precision models ?
- Active preamp needed ?
- Or just keep it simple ?

The enhanced series from Thomman are nice. But some people complaint about the Bridge Humbucker being wired wrong. Is this documented somewhere? I have done plenty of wiring over the years so I could easily fix it.

Thanks !

 

[MonetBass]

Honestly, any well-made electric bass will work. I used my Ibanez EXB-404 in college for pieces that called for EB. Your Hofner is fine.

 

[HF1600ie]

I know and I like it and not going to sell it. It's really cool on its own.
But sometimes I'd like to have a different flavor. But because I'm no bass expert, I need some advice about other models., 4 or 5 strings, active or passive and such.
Is any of those links of models suitable? They also look and sure feel amazing to play.
Anyone's experience would be glad!!

 

[HF1600ie]

Morning everyone,
Any other inputs ? I´d like to have an upgrade, but as my main instrment is the guitar it´s hard to choose something that could compliment my hofner and suit other styles as well as playing in the orchestra.
leaning towards the jazz bass style as it seems to be more versatile. The old 50s precision bass is a very simple approach but perhaps limited in tonal variety.
Passive / active ? i´d appreciate all the help.