Bass Suggestions to Add Variety

[cnltb]

Get anything you fancy to get that urge out the way as it takes up headspace.
Then invest time and effort to become a more versatile player and better musician.

 

[SteveCS]

...
Flat fretboard radius
...

...
I seem to prefer flatter boards.
...

...
My only concerns are the fretboard radius
...

Have you considered Warwick? The standard radius on most* of the 5-string models is 26". You get a lot of Warwick bass for the ££ on the used market.

...
I would like to avoid basses which don't really add new tones to my collection
...

There is a whole range of pickup/preamp variations out there but the Warwick sound will be something new in the context of what you already have.

*Watch out for the Streamer CV which is a more conventional 9.5"

 

[ga_edwards]

Perhaps a Sandberg TT or TM superlight. Or for passive option, a Fender Aerodyne Jazz.

 

[Marc DLarosa]

Get anything you fancy to get that urge out the way as it takes up headspace.
Then invest time and effort to become a more versatile player and better musician.

Ain't gonna happen. He BELONGS to TB, and EVERYONE'S opinions now... LOL

 

[Bob Coldwell]

• Some kind of lighter-weight bass (mine are all over 9 lbs)
• Something with modern humbucker sounds
• Something that can give me a jazz(-ish) tone

Sire M5/M7 has all that.

I was thinking the same. I'm close to pulling the trigger on one myself.

Lots of different tones and a somewhat flat radius of 12".

 

[cnltb]

Ain't gonna happen. He BELONGS to TB, and EVERYONE'S opinions now... LOL

 

[PrestoZoom]

Get anything you fancy to get that urge out the way as it takes up headspace.
Then invest time and effort to become a more versatile player and better musician.

I actually just did this - I threw out the "lightweight" criteria and decided to get the 5-string version of the jazz bass I already own. I realized after playing my 4-string jazz yesterday that it was exactly the sound I was seeking. So I found a decent deal on one and bought it. If it works out, I can always sell the 4-string (or keep it).

 

[cnltb]

I actually just did this - I threw out the "lightweight" criteria and decided to get the 5-string version of the jazz bass I already own. I realized after playing my 4-string jazz yesterday that it was exactly the sound I was seeking. So I found a decent deal on one and bought it. If it works out, I can always sell the 4-string (or keep it).

Well done!

 

[Verne Andru]

Danelectro. The combination of semi-hollow masonite bodies with lipstick pickups provide a massive bass tone that's iconic for how much they were used back in the day, especially for tictok basslines, that compliments your current collection well. Jack Bruce used on extensively with Cream. They are super light with great playing necks and will not conflict with anything you currently have.

If you want to go crazy one of their models is a 6-string Longhorn that doubles as a 30" baritone guitar.

 

[B-Mac]

I'm thinking about adding another 5-string bass to my arsenal but I would like to avoid basses which don't really add new tones to my collection. I currently have:

• Yamaha BB735a
• Spector Legend with upgraded EMG electronics
• SBMM Ray35
• Squier 70s Jazz Bass (4 string)
• Squier 70s Precision Bass (4 string)

I currently play in two bands spanning a bunch of genres from rock to soul to country to jazz. I'm also regularly involved in local jam sessions and pop-up gigs so I'm not necessarily tied to a particular style. I play 5ers most of the time so I'm not looking to add another 4 string bass.

In terms of gaps in my collection, I might want:

• Some kind of lighter-weight bass (mine are all over 9 lbs)
• Something with modern humbucker sounds
• Something that can give me a jazz(-ish) tone

Bonus points for:

• Flat fretboard radius
• Dedicated battery box (if active)
• Colors available - ideally white or cream

I'm currently looking at Yamaha TRBX505/605 basses (since I love the neck and tones from my BB) or possible a G&L L-2500 (since I have a G&L guitar and like their products). I'm not a fan of Ibanez basses, purely for aesthetic reasons - I don't like their finishes and their headstocks just look weird to me.

I'd like to keep it under $900 (new or used). Any other brands or models I should consider?

Hollow Body
Semi-Hollow Body
Different scale
Acoustic Bass Guitar
Fretless

Gretsch G5442BDC Electromatic (2015) Maple Hollow Body Black Gloss Passive Black Top Filter Tron pups 30.25" set MIK

Dillion Super Nova Semi-Hollow 30.75" (2018) set MIK passive push-pull neck & bridge pup split

Dean Exotica Quilt Ash (2013) A/E w/Aphex® Gloss Natural 34" set MIC
Dean Exotica Quilt Ash (2015) A/E w/Aphex® Gloss Trans Black Fretless 34" set MIC

Ibanez SRF700 Portamento Fretless (2015) Mahogany Brown Burst Flat Active Bartonlini MK-1 pups neck-thru 34"

Ibanez GSRM20B Mikro Scale 28.6" Walnut Oil Passive P/J style PU (2017) bolt-on

Gretsch G5123B Electromatic (2011) Maple Hollow Body Trans Orange Gloss Passive TV Jones Thunder Tron pups 32" set

More variety in my signature

 

[B-Mac]

I'm thinking about adding another 5-string bass to my arsenal but I would like to avoid basses which don't really add new tones to my collection. I currently have:

• Yamaha BB735a
• Spector Legend with upgraded EMG electronics
• SBMM Ray35
• Squier 70s Jazz Bass (4 string)
• Squier 70s Precision Bass (4 string)

I currently play in two bands spanning a bunch of genres from rock to soul to country to jazz. I'm also regularly involved in local jam sessions and pop-up gigs so I'm not necessarily tied to a particular style. I play 5ers most of the time so I'm not looking to add another 4 string bass.

In terms of gaps in my collection, I might want:

• Some kind of lighter-weight bass (mine are all over 9 lbs)
• Something with modern humbucker sounds
• Something that can give me a jazz(-ish) tone

Bonus points for:

• Flat fretboard radius
• Dedicated battery box (if active)
• Colors available - ideally white or cream

I'm currently looking at Yamaha TRBX505/605 basses (since I love the neck and tones from my BB) or possible a G&L L-2500 (since I have a G&L guitar and like their products). I'm not a fan of Ibanez basses, purely for aesthetic reasons - I don't like their finishes and their headstocks just look weird to me.

I'd like to keep it under $900 (new or used). Any other brands or models I should consider?

Take a look in these clubs too.
Artcore Club
JACK CASADY BASS PLAYERS CLUB!
The OFFICIAL "Gretsch Bass Owners Club"

 

[Geddyfleaharris]

Here's one:

ESP/LTD AP5: Alder body, maple neck, real ebony fingerboard, Babicz bridge, Gotoh keys, EMG PJ. A real sleeper, and everybody needs an EMG axe, and I can't think of a better one. ESP's tend to get overlooked with their metal rep and sometimes strange shapes, but THIS one is a bomb. One bass where there simply isn't any 'upgrades' necessary, all OEM with all the good stuff.

That's very cool looking. Too bad the red one is about 45% more expensive than the other colors.