Best 5 String for the buck

[mmbongo]

Lakland 5501 for 35" scale.

Brubaker Brute for 34" scale.

Both assuming you want normal string spacing. If you need narrow spacing, G&L L2500.

 

[Ajak]

Try the Cort Action VA-5

 

[Sid Fang]

As long as we're making recommendations for basses that sell for well over the OP's budget, let me be the first to put in a good word for the Schecter Stilletto 5, in particular the Elite and Studio variants with the through-necks. When I was in the market for a "starter 5" a few years ago, I went through every 5 string in a large Guitar Center before hitting a Stilletto Elite and being stunned at how well it played and sounded for a (then) $600-on-promo bass, much better than any of the Ibanez or Yamahas in the shop, or anything else selling for less than $2500. There are a bunch of Stilletto models, some with through-necks, some with bolt-ons, some with EMGs some with other pickups. The ones I like seem to be retailing for around $700 these days, but you can find them used. I see there's an Elite on Ebay right now for $250 bid/$300 buy, for example.

 

[MostlyBass]

+1 to Ibanez. Great price and plays really nice. I loved my SR505 until I finally upgraded to a Carvin Icon.

 

[hrodbert696]

Under $300 is tough. My go-to would be a Yamaha Bb425x, but it's around $600 - you might be able to find a BB415 used around $300, or the RBX375. The Brice HXB from Rondo would work, or a VM Squier jazz 5er.

 

[BassEADG]

Thank you all for the input.

 

[phillybass101]

If you have a budget of $300 and want new The Squire VM Jazz 5 gets my vote.

 

[jlepre]

You might have to look used to get the best BANG for your BUCK. I just picked up my Schecter Diamond P 5 for $300 used. They can be found for that price if you look. Also the Yamaha 425's are nice too.

 

[LarryO]

Peavey foundation V

 

[Tunaman]

Anybody for the Millennium 5 AC? Its $399 bucks, is it that bad?

 

[mmbongo]

As long as we're making recommendations for basses that sell for well over the OP's budget,

I didn't even see a budget...just saw 'dont want to spend a lot' but looked back and he added a post later with a $300 budget.

With $300 the best thing to do is wait until you can save some more money. Anything you buy for $300 is something you'll just want to replace in 6 months anyway.

 

[Gord_oh]

Depends on the price point you're trying to stay within.

I have an Ibanez 105EX that I started on, and that's ok for around $200.
I also have a Squier Vm Jazz V that I modded slightly that is a killer bass for the price.

+1 on the Squier VM Jazz V

 

[jlepre]

I've been hearing good things about SBMM SUB 5's for $299 new.
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[J.D.B.]

As Bobster opined above, used is definitely a good avenue. I would say check out the SX (Essex) Jazz-style fiver (from Rondo music). One or two tweaks and you have an excellent player for a very low price. I made one tweak for my "girly-man" hands and it's superb, especially for the cash I DON'T have in it.

Josh

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

I was going to say Carvin, but you said it has to be under $300.

Personally, you cannot get a good B string for under $300, the Ibanez ATK and the Peavey Grind have two of the most pathetic, depressing, loose Bs I have ever had the experience of touching. I have not played the Squier V but I have never seen a Fender with a strong B string, so I wouldn't expect one from a Squier. The same statement applies for EBMM and their SUB line.

The Ibanez B on the SR and the BTBs are alright, nothing world class but a solid average. My SR506 couldn't be intonated, and the issue was not isolated to mine.

 

[jallenbass]

Squier Affinity V is what you should be looking at. Try one. You will be very pleasantly surprised.

 

[curbowkid]

Squier Affinity V is what you should be looking at. Try one. You will be very pleasantly surprised.

Not trying to discount you but I wasn't impressed with the ones I've played. Maybe I just haven't found one of the good ones in the batch yet haha classic fender hit or miss

 

[TheLump]

I just picked up a Jackson 5er used for 100 bucks used, one of the newer ones. It sounds a plays fantastic.

 

[curbowkid]

I just picked up a Jackson 5er used for 100 bucks used, one of the newer ones. It sounds a plays fantastic.

These are awesome basses sound and quality wise, as long as you're cool with tight string spacing

 

[acesneights1]

Anybody for the Millennium 5 AC? Its $399 bucks, is it that bad?

Hi,
You can find them cheaper than that. I bought a new one off eBay for around 320$. I love it. It does not play as well as my American made version but for a 320$ bass it plays really well. They are made in Indonesia. I bought it for a back up. I use it for home practice alot. Use my Millenium for gigs. I would not hesitate to buy another one. The only thing is the dealer I bought it from I believe drop ships it from the factory so expect it to need a major setup. I had to mess with mine a little but it plays real nice now.