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Best 5 String Under $1K?
- Thread starter StrivingOn
- Start date
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I would definitely throw Schecter, Jackson, and ESP/LTD on your list…
Bass
https://www.espguitars.com/products/page/2?categories=ltd-basses&content_filter=price_low&content_type=Product&content_url=/products?categories=ltd-basses&filters=true&max_pages=10&paginate=true&per_page=12&recommend=false&search=true
A LOT of bang for your buck especially on that budget and most are actives and some basses under that price range have EMG pickups in there…
For Schecter-Almost bought a Studio-4 (the studio 5 is under your Budget):
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Also-The Model T was surprisingly good despite not caring for the natural finish: Invalid Link Removed
You also don’t have Jackson on your list…I personally don’t care for their stuff bc of ergonomics and visually I don’t like them quite as much, but definitely some options under $1000 and a lot of people like their stuff and they have a decent quality reputation (they are also owned by Fender if I’m not mistaken):
Basses | Jackson
I would HIGHLY recommend ESP/LTD…
I own an AP-4 which I LOVE (the also make a five string version-The AP-5) and I almost bought a B-205 that I picked up and played at GC one day even though I personally have almost zero desire to own a five string…
That somehow didn’t stop me from wanting to fork over the cash for that instrument…
I ended up putting it down and allowing personal restraint to take over, but if I was going to buy a 5 string I’d probably consider either that or the AP-5 (looks like the AP-5 bumps right against your budget, but there are several ESP/LTD 5 string options under $1000:
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Enjoy your hunt whatever you wind up with…
Thanks! \m/
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With the caveat that I've never actually played the 5-string version of this bass, only the 8-string...but if I were to go shopping for a 5-string for <$1k my very first stop would be the Schecter Stiletto Studio 5.
Holy crap, and I just discovered that they offer that bass in a fanned fret version! ...and it's still <$1k!!!
Holy crap, and I just discovered that they offer that bass in a fanned fret version! ...and it's still <$1k!!!
Sorry, but the meme that Indo made basses have poor hardware is utter rubbish. I have half a dozen basses here made there and they are fine and none of the hardware has even given a fraction of a hint it might fail. I've had plenty of expensive basses with top name hardware and have a box of Gotoh, ABM and Hipshot hardware ready for the builds I plan on undertaking next year as a reference. As I bet the majority of the Asian manufacturers make most of their basses in Indo these days, if the hardware was an issue, there'd be endless threads about it. And there aren't.
That's like asking for the best shade of blue. SR305E is a great bass and under $300.
5ers come fitted with a high G and a low B. You can restring as low E and high C.
- Feb 4, 2002
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- Endorsing Artist: GK, EMG and D'Addario
I've been floored by my Yamaha BB735A. It has been seeing a lot of time on tracks lately and more time than my above 4K basses that start with an S and end in Y. Very well built and tone for days.
MTD Kingston Super 5 from my own experience. If you want different animal of course. It has it’s own character, very solid instrument, great feel and ergonomics. Take a look at LowEndLobster’s video about this model 
Good luck!
Good luck!
well i dont want to seem like a G&L snoot.
but i recommend the good ole tribute.
so i wont say more like a crazed rhyming runt,
I will say good day and good luck with the hunt.
but i recommend the good ole tribute.
so i wont say more like a crazed rhyming runt,
I will say good day and good luck with the hunt.
Bootlegger Guitars Ace Bass is a weird one no one has mentioned, and it could be strung E-C. I have no experience with the bass, but the owner is super responsive via email. Many good options already mentioned. I just thought I'd throw a little more variety in there. The owner told me in an email they're planning a 5 string absinthe bass. I'd expect he's launching new models in January perhaps. With shipping being the way it is, maybe not.
Edit: Lobster did a video on the 4 string version
Edit: Lobster did a video on the 4 string version
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
No question...Schecter Stiletto Studio. Mine was under $700, and the build and feel remind me of a Spector Euro. Just change the bridge to a Schaller roller one, and you'll have insanely good playability for not much coin. Btw, the B-string is devastating.
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Weird. Chuck emailed me within 30 min., and I was clearly just fishing for information. It is a small shop, so it's very possible that small disturbances have a bigger impact vs. larger companies. I don't think he's got a separate dedicated customer service. IDK. Seems like after COVID, nothing is normal. I have no affiliation, I'm just thinking out loud here...
OK, I'll try again as I understand what running a small business is like, and will be doing so again soon. I also had a couple of 'set my mind right' questions as I was contemplating ordering a 5, but as I'm in Australia, return is nearly impossible (financially) if there was an issue.
I'm moving house soon, so a purchase now wouldn't be until the NY.
Edit: Just watched the Lobster review. I may have before but don't recall, but it's leant me heavily towards a purchase after the move.
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I would recommend a used Sire P7 or V7 5 String. Really good basses for the money, even better if you can get your hands on a used version in excellent condition.
Check this one out. It's the first G&L I ever owned, and now I own 4 of them. This bass is extremely articulate, which would be great for chording, plus extremely versatile. It has separate bass and treble controls plus it can be played active, active w/treble boost, or passive. And it's well below $1,000.
L•2500™
L•2500™
I just ordered a Schecter Stiletto 5 FF (fanned fret) for right at $1,000 plus tax/shipping. You can pick up the non fanned fret versions for cheaper, but those basses are just stellar for the price!
My .02, but you might look into 6-stringers so you can use a low B in addition to your E-C. Once I played a low B, there was no going back.
My .02, but you might look into 6-stringers so you can use a low B in addition to your E-C. Once I played a low B, there was no going back.
