Best 5 string Jazz bass under $2000

[roller]

Valenti Verrazzano

Verrazzano Series-Modern J

Valenti Basses In Stock

 

[Dincrest]

Preowned Carvin SB5000

There is a reason why if you ever (on the very RARE occasion) see one on the TB classifieds, it's usually sold within a day or 2. (I recently took possession of a modded SB5000 from the TB classifieds earlier this month and it is one superultrasexy bass.)

 

[nilorius]

Add some $ and buy Fender professional.

 

[Ewo]

I've bought Sandberg Cali VM 5s and TM 5s on Reverb for under $2K--well under $2K. Very nice basses, for sure. The TT model has JJ pickups.

 

[Nedmundo]

What exactly is it that you don't like about the 9.5" radius?

I prefer flatter fretboards generally, on both guitars and basses. For me, they improve playability, partly because IME they allow lower action. A flatter fretboard is especially important to me on five-string basses, because there's less of a "hump" to reach over to access the lower strings. (For example, I love the flat 23.625" radius fretboards on Yamaha TRBX fives.) The JB-5's neck has a shallow profile and nicely rolled fretboard edges, so I find it very comfortable, but I know I'd like it even more with the 12" radius.

 

[Doner Designs]

Best value for the money is usually G&L but there are others. Lakland Skyline maybe.

 

[crankypants]

G&L JB5

 

[crankypants]

For new, G&L JB-5 and Sandberg spring to mind. I have the G&L with a lightweight empress body, and it sounds great. I wish it had the optional 12" radius instead of the standard 9.5" though, and I might sell it to get a J5 with a flatter fretboard.

I thought the JB5 is limited to the "Modern C 5" listed on the G&L site, but it does not list the radius.
USA Bass Options

I have the L-2500 with the 12" radius. It's my only 5er and my only 12" radius bass. I do like it for 5 strings.

 

[Ryno1330]

From what I've read about the owner's attitude towards customers, spotty quality control etc I would take a Sadowsky, G&L, Sandberg etc before a Keisel but of course others may disagree. I don't compromise with that amount of money.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I've bought Sandberg Cali VM 5s and TM 5s on Reverb for under $2K--well under $2K. Very nice basses, for sure. The TT model has JJ pickups.

Since I know something about Jazzes you have owned, and I have had positive experience with Sandberg myself, I have no doubt your basses are sweet.

 

[Dr. Keebs]

Awesome replies and suggestions so far. I'll add that I recently got a used Yamaha BBNE2 for less than 2k. It is wicked.

 

[Hipshack]

Sire all the way

 

[RhynoRock]

I've been very happy with my Player Series 5 string.

 

[Nedmundo]

I thought the JB5 is limited to the "Modern C 5" listed on the G&L site, but it does not list the radius.
USA Bass Options

I have the L-2500 with the 12" radius. It's my only 5er and my only 12" radius bass. I do like it for 5 strings.

Yes, the JB-5 is limited to that one neck type which has a standard 9.5" radius, but the 12" radius is available. I've seen a few with 12", but they aren't common. G&L lists the radius on the page for the JB-5: JB-5

 

[ELG60]

Here's a couple of used Devons in that proximity:

 

[Jason Hollar]

Can’t say what’s the best... but I’m happy so far with my Lakland Skyline vintage jazz 5. It’s got that Fender look plus comfy 35” scale & loud passive “chicago” wound pickups.

I’ve got like $800 in it from a trade, but these might go for like $1000 used maybe?

If it ever got stolen that would suck - but not quite half as much as a $2000 used sadowsky lol

 

[groove pump]

Ugh!!... A 5-string Kinal in the classifieds here just got traded. Those instruments are truly special.

I've only held a Wilkins in my hands once - 'twas a 4-string Jazz. Also special.

Big fan of Bacchus from Japan, some lean in more of a modern J direction.

Pedulla? Rapture 5... DONE!!! I don't even play 5'ers and I've wanted one for a long time.

Sporting some mad lust for Xotic, but haven't sampled one just yet.

Diggin' Sandberg - recently picked up a 4-string Jazz copy (their Electra TT). Parts originate in Korea and get put together in Germany. Best $500 bass I might ever see (it was on sale). Their German models are likely -worthy.

Hoping you find yourself an absolute gem. SOOOO many nice instruments bouncing around out there in your price range that I'll bet you eventually have a story for us complete with a Hollywood ending!!

 

[scubaduba]

The best? Who knows. One man’s best is another man’s classified ad.

What flavor of JJ are you looking for? Active? Passive? Full body or reduced body size? 19mm spacing on a 5 string? Weight restrictions? 35 or 34” (or other) scale important? Preamp with active and passive tone control? Require midrange control?

In other words tell us what attributes are important to you and then maybe some helpful responses will come forth.

 

[klyph]

I really like my Maruszczyk. I bought an Elwood L5A. Mine has a superb dual soap bar Humbucker setup with a very fancy pre. There are two like it on reverb for around 2k apiece (new!). If you wanted a passive bass with more affordable pickups, you could order exactly what you want and still keep it within your budget (much like Kiesel). Tremendous value.

 

[R&B]

Sadowsky treats their owners like royalty, whether the basses are NYC, Metro or Metro Express. All Sadowsky basses that I have played are great. I am done looking. YMMV.