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Battle of the mid-priced 5 strings!

#61
Archaeobass said:
I played an L2500 not long ago. The electronics tickled me, but the B string left something to be desired, but that could have been a factor of things like dead strings on a used instrument, etc. My experience with SR5s, on the other hand, has been universally positive - so that's something to consider. I suppose I wanted to get away from the MM sound, as I frequently gig with my SR4H, and while I love it, I think I'm looking fora different palate. I'd love to have the opportunity to play a few more G&L's - my only experience with them has been with a consignment instrument.
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I had a G&L 2500, and that bass always sounded too aggressive for me. I suppose in a loud rock setting it would probably be great, but it was too "in your face" for the more subdued music I play, no matter how I tweaked the many little switches and knobs.

I had a Lakland Skyline 55-02 which I had to sell after my divorce. The craftsmanship was absolutely impeccable. But I never got comfortable with it. It sat in the case a lot.

I'd reccommend a SR5 with either the HS or HH pickup configuration... lots of different tones in there, and you could even get a really slick limited edition in your price range (2007's in that gorgeous blue sparkle sunburst still available at Bass Central, as are 2008's in Sierra Gold with gold hardware... both stunning).
 
#62
One of the best basses I've played and own is a Alembic Excel 5. Very conformable bass and has great tone. One big Fatboy pickup and cost around $1000-$1800 used.
AlembicFront.jpg
 
#65
Nino could build you a Valenti for that price. Also, a Lakland 55-02 new or a used 55-94 can be had for that. Mike Lulls, Sadowsky Metros, Warwicks, Peavey Cirrus, used Elricks, etc. can all be had for around that. That's a decent range to find a nice bass in. My suggestion is to go and play as many basses as you can get your hands on, find one that you like, and then either find one on ebay or here in the TB classifieds. The classifieds are where the deals are found IMO.
 
#66
I just picked up a Dingwall Combustion from Beaver at Basscentral and it is one super bass. Fanned frets are no problem whatsoever, and it has sound all its own. This is a worthy backup to my Lakland 55-94. Workmanship is first-class, too. Mine is Olympic White with maple board and the Baltic Amber pickguard. Action is low, and the Dingwall stainless strings ound better to my ears than most of the stainless I've played. I've had it less than a week and am taking it to the studio on Saturday to see how it records.
 
#67
Bocete said:
The ABZ, which is a hand-made all-Canadian model, entirely like an AB-I except:

~$1700 USD new
Maple fretboard
Ash body
Satin finish (looks much better IMO)
Not available fretless. 4-6 strings as usual.

There are pics online, here and Link Removed, for example. Every color possible on an AB-I is possible on an ABZ, except it's satin, not glossy.

Sorry to de-rail.
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Thanks for the tip. Satin finish does look really nice. That's a little more than I'm prepared to spend.

"...but those MTD's were awful nice."

Sounds like the MTD-Kingston Heir and the Combustion will be on my shopping list. Am I right in saying both of those are around for a bit less than a 55-02?
 
#69
lemonchili said:
Thanks for the tip. Satin finish does look really nice. That's a little more than I'm prepared to spend.

"...but those MTD's were awful nice."

Sounds like the MTD-Kingston Heir and the Combustion will be on my shopping list. Am I right in saying both of those are around for a bit less than a 55-02?
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The Combustion is $1199 + gigbag ($80 or so most places). Kingston Heir fiver is around $1000 + bag. 55-02 is closer to $1500 + bag.

I have played the 55-02 and own the 55-94. Both are completely different animals than the Combustion -- much more "old school" in looks and sound. I haven't had the Combustion long enough to say conclusively, but I have the impression that the Lakland will give you P bass or Sting Ray sound more easily than will the Combustion. I have never played the MTDs. B string on the Lakland is tighter in my opinion than the Con the Combustion, but the Combustion has lighter strings. The B still sounds great.
 
#70
Great thread, I was about to post a similar one of my own. However my price range was going to be about half of this thread.

For that price range how about a MM Bongo5? There is quite an array of pickup options...

You can find a used one for quite a bit less than a new one. This is actually my (current) dream bass. I just need to find the right used one for the right price.

:crying:Same ol' story huh???
 
#72
I think a used Nordy VJ5 can be had in your price range and they are stunning instruments. A Sadowsky Metro is also worth every penny, new or used. I am also very impressed with the new (2010) Fender American Deluxe series. They have the best B string Fender has ever produced and the preamp finally has an active/passive switch.
 
#75
Mr_Sore_Fingerz said:
Archaeobass said:
I'm calling the $999 to $1999 (out the door)) range 'mid-priced'.
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Man...wish I could call that "mid-priced" lol. For me, $300-500 is mid-priced :bawl:
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LOL.. I was thinking somewhat along those lines as well.. although to me $200-$600 would be inexpensive $600-$1300 would be mid priced $1300-$2300 would be high end.. and anything above that would be boutique.. and for the time being.. I'll have to settle for my Schecter... Good luck though...
 
#76
The 55-02 is still probably on the top of the list for me because I like the more old school styling, the convertible bridge and the switchable bridge pickup... Tone is kind of open for me, I like the classic P-bass tone, but I like more modern stuff too. $1,000 is better than $1,500 though... Hopefully I'll get the time to check out MTD-Kingstons, the Combustion and a few others, and see what I can find used as well. Would be nice to play a 55-01 back to back with an -02 as well. :D

I *think* we've covered most 35" 5-strings around the $1000-$1500 new mark in this thread?

(For the record, I agree with the price range being "mid-range" considering everything available, but the most I've ever paid for an instrument was $999 for my Jack Casady, so this is top of the price range for me) :)
 
#78
I've owned multiple Laklands either 55-02, or 94's . And a Sadowsky R5-24. The Laklands are really very versatile, and used 55-02's ( the older the better ) can be found for under $800 many times. But if your okay spending up to just under 2K, then a Sadowsky will tickle you. Don't expect a Stingray slap tone, like the lakland, but if you need something that sits perfectly in the mix, is beautifully balanced, and a delight to own, Sadowsky's are really lifetime keepers. I will probably pick one up sometime in my life when I can rationalize a bass that costs more than my entire family on Vacation to Disney.
 

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