In the market for a 5 string jazz bass or something in the same tonal spectrum. I don't live in an area where I can try a bunch out. So what are some good choices in that category.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Best 5 String Jazz Bass?
- Thread starter Bass.Boogie
- Start date
Honestly, Fender makes a great 5 string J bass now. You can't go wrong with Sadowsky, Nordy, Fbass or others like that. I am partial to FBasses, because to me they sound great, with Sadowsky right up there.
Based on your avatar, it looks like you like Warwicks. Isn't the Corvette basically a jazz bass? They make fivers.
Im not really a fan of the neck profile of there five strings. Other wise I would have already purchased one.
The sadowsky and nordy both have a similar profile. Wide and flat. The Fbass has a narrower nut and a bit thicker. I'm talking about the VF-5 BTW, not the standard BN model.
I don't know about best.. but depending on what you want to spend a Lakland DJ-5, 55-AJ, 55-60 or even a 55-02 (you can switch the MM pup to MM or J) would be nice.. Laklands have great Bs.. or if you can find a Fender JV24 ... I can't really comment on the other Fender 5s as I have not played them.. but I have fiddled around with a few Laklands and they are great basses with exceptional necks.
What's your budget? Your thread title asks for "best", but that doesn't necessarily mean you are willing to pay $4k or more for a boutique.
Any other preferences? Active or passive, vintage appearance or not, neck profile, etc.
As previously noted, Fender does this pretty well because they invented the category. Depending on your budget, you've got lots of options from which to choose. Personally, I'm a big fan of the MIM instruments, and pre-owned 5-string Jazzes can be easily had for under $400. However, the USA Jazz V is also quite tasty. Good luck in your search.
The only 5 string that I have really amazed me was a Dingwall Super J. Construction, weigth, tone, feel, neck profile. I regret selling that bass 
I'll take this a step further. If this is your first-ever fiver, you might want to try a more budget-conscious bass first. Something like garp mentioned, such as a used Mexican-made Jazz V or perhaps even a Squier Invalid Link Removed (if you want a curvier/slightly-slimmer fretboard) or a Invalid Link Removed (flatter/wider board). This way, you can see if a fiver is right for you and your hands before sinking a huge amount of money into uncharted waters. I did this, and I sure am glad I did since I never took to my one-and-only five-stringer.
I'd recommend checking out Guitar Center's used database. If you like something you see, call the store directly and have someone take it down and inspect it right there. Shipping is usually around $20, +/- $10. You have thirty days to try it out and decide if it's "right" for you to get a full refund. If there's a GC store anywhere near you, you can just take it back directly there for it. You might not get the shipping cost back, but it's a small amount in the grand scope of things. You could even write it off as a "RENTAL FEE".
If there is no store within driving distance, keep the shipping box. Again, you may have to pay for shipping, but if it were me, I'd call the selling store, tell them you want to return it. See if you can get your initial shipping cost refunded too AND if you can send it back to the nearest store (to cut down on your own shipping). It never hurts to ask, 'cause the worse they can do is say, "No."
I have already had an entry level 5 string. So I'm ready to invest in a mid to high level instrument. As the only bass major at my college, I'm getting thrown a lot of gigs. I have been putting of spending the money on a high end five string for a while, but my 4 string warwick isn't cutting it anymore. Especially since songs like Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" started showing up on set lists. So its time to invest in something for my future.
D
Adding a vote for the Squier VM V. Love mine - the fit, finish, and tone are all wonderful. Sounded great stock. Sounds even better with an Audere pre-amp, and still doesn't break the wallet. Hell, what I got vs the price I paid, it feels like grand theft bass.
okcrum
in your chest
I have a Sadowsky Metro UV70 5 string with the hum cancelling pickups.
While I'm not too enamoured with the tone of the HCs...I've got to tell you; this is hands-down the most comfortable bass I've ever played.
I'm a big guy though (6'5) so a full-sized jazz bass is just about right for me.
While I'm not too enamoured with the tone of the HCs...I've got to tell you; this is hands-down the most comfortable bass I've ever played.
I'm a big guy though (6'5) so a full-sized jazz bass is just about right for me.
Agreed. I really like the Lakland Darryl Jones 5, but don't listen to me. Listen to Alissia:
Gotcha!
However, unless you're going for something of a boutique-ish bend, I'll still stick to my GC recommendation, what with their return policy and all. I haven't bought anything from Sweetwater, but they get a lotta-lotta love around here too. Deservedly so, from all the accounts. Everyone says they're incredibly knowledgable and have a lot of customer-friendly practices.
