Best 5 Strings Under 1k

Bridge spacing is slightly wider, but the Sire M7 might be worth a look:

 

Used....
Used Stingray5.
Used G&L L2500

 

Seriously, unless you are talking about relatively rare US SUBs, there are very few Stingrays under $1,000 anymore. Sure, you can look high and low and maybe find one in two years, but my guess is that the OP wants to, start playing “while he’s young.”

 

I think $1,500 is a good budget for a used Stingray although you can find good ones for $1,200, but the days of $800-$900 Stingrays as a regular thing are gone.

 

Plenty in the Ibanez catalogue.

 

FWIW, StingRay5 string spacing is 17.5mm.
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I'm not sure which G&L fives you've tried, but they moved to a slimmer profile on the US models several years ago, which I discovered when shopping for a G&L five in early 2014. A local shop had two USA L-2500s, a brand new model and one from about 2010. The newer one had a slimmer profile, which I found much more comfortable. I think the import Tributes have the same neck specs as the US versions, because both are listed as having the "Medium C" profile with 1.75" nut width and 12" radius.

So, point is, if you may have tried older G&L fives, it might be worth checking again.

Also, I think the Yamaha TRBX basses are excellent for well under $1k new. String spacing is slightly wider than the G&L basses, but I find them comfortable and have considered one as a backup/alternate to my USA M-2500.

 

I concur with @Nedmundo regarding newer G&L necks. I own an L-2500 Tribute and an M-2500 Tribute and the necks are perfect for me. I had a Squier VM-P5 which sounded great but the neck was too wide for my comfort.

 

Bassmods


Hands down


They start just under $1k for fivers, and are absolutely killer basses

Bass Mods Bass Guitars | Custom Basses, Bass Pickups, Preamps & Tuners


here’s one for $940...

Bass Mods Bass Guitars | Custom Basses, Bass Pickups, Preamps & Tuners

 

Well, it's not exactly under your criteria, but I used to be the same way...soapbars, dual hh, and active only. My Yamaha BBP35 made me do a 180. A used Yamaha BBP35 would be your ticket...make an offer. It's a monster of a bass, trust me.

Yamaha BBP35 Five String Bass - Midnight Blue | eBay

 

I changed my knobs and pickguard to my liking. Anyway, the TRB1005 is not Japanese, but Indonesian. Only the older, long-discontinued TRB5, 5II, 5P, and 5PII were Japanese...waaaaay better. They've skyrocketed in price over the last couple of years, though.

 

I read the title post as if you were looking for a set of strings, for a 5 string, but under a grand. Needless to say I very much so confused myself.

 

I've got a '98 MIJ TRB 6II. Can confirm.

 

Patience and finding a used EBMM SR5 under $1k. Another $200 and a lot less patience.