Best deal on a 5 string??...

[Lumpy_Bass]

Just throwing this idea out there: Have you considered stringing your 4 B-E-A-D until you can afford a 5er that you'll fall in love with?

Won't he have to file the nut and maybe the bridge for this to work right making difficult to set it back to EADG later?

I agree with the general consensus here. TB Classified, CL, or Rondo are the three best sources. And I find that I often intermingle them as far as research goes. The TB classified are where I've found the truest prices and I don't hesitate to reference them when I am dealing on a CL bass.

Good luck with it, I did the same thing about 4 months ago and ended up with a great deal on my Fender Jazz V which has been my main player for 3 months now.

 

[hrodbert696]

How cheap is cheap? Are you trying to stay under $1000, under $800, under $500, under $300? There are some 5-string SXs at rondo under $200 - well, they'd be about $200 when you include shipping. A used Ibanez 305 or 405 would work. Myself, I'm fond my my Washburn (Taurus T-25) which retails at $600 new -- passive electronics, though, and you said you preferred active. I've liked the Schecters I've seen in stores too, though I haven't bought one yet. Some TBers have used Schecter fivers in the classifieds here in the $400-450 range.

 

[ndabunka]

The time tested 80/s0 rule is applicable with basses as it is with all other products. I've found that there are a lot of options under $300 but it also appears that there is a fairly decisive split below the $300 level. While I would agree that some have been able to find individual opportunities under the barriers, my recent shopping experiences have shown specific "barriers". The volume of "junk" is directly proportional to the volume of potential clients.

There some good quality options below $300 and then there is also junk under $300 (20% good & 80% junk). As the price rises, so does the (average) costs so there are more quality options between $300 and $600 and consequently less "junk" at those same levels (maybe a 50/50 split). Once you get over $600, the quality stuff is about 80% and the junk is around 20%. Once you get over $1,000 the junk goes down to about 5% but so does the target audience.

For us, I think that the G&L L-2500 Tribute was a great deal on a 5-string (available between $400 and $700) but if you are an Ibby enthusiast seeking some vintage lumber with a potential history, check out this eBay auction but be quick as there are only 3 hours left to go in it...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150510614323&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT

 

[chadhargis]

I've been impressed by recent Warwick Rockbass fives, like the passive $$ model, and Yamahas are excellent too. But, IMO, the best is the G&L Tribute L-2500. It's a little more expensive than some, but the tone and build quality are outstanding.

You should also look at Fender's Deluxe Active Jazz V. They're very good, and inexpensive on the used market.

I just picked up a used Trib L-2500. It's very nicely made, sounds great, and the price was right.

 

[ndabunka]

I just picked up a used Trib L-2500. It's very nicely made, sounds great, and the price was right.

Wat cha end up payN 4 it?

 

[FoHBass]

If you can find one, try to check out a Lakland 55-01. They go for about $800 new, are active, and have a maple neck and board. I got one about three years ago, and it's the best playing fiver I've ever held. It also has the best sounding low B. I used to have a Warwick Corvette 5, and rarely played it once I got my Lakland. Not sure what they go for used though...

 

[Boombass76]

Get a used Stingray 5 or Lakland 55-02. You can't go wrong with either one. The 55-02 is more versatile, but the SR5 gives you a punch that is second to none Both are active. I have seen them used for around $850 - $1,100 here on TB.

 

[Bassdude404]

Well during practice yesterday, the girls were throwing out suggestions for new songs...And alot of the new rock stuff being tuned below "E" we had to rule out some of them...Then I got to explaining to my wife that if I had a five string, we could end up doing some of those songs they were throwing out there to us...Sooooo..After practice we haull a$$ to the local music store to just look at some 5'rs and see if I'd actually find something I might like...Got there about 10 minutes before closing time, and ended up leaving with this...

Ibanez GSR205EX....She put it on her CC, so I had no arguments whatsoever!!...I plugged it into a amp they have setup to tryout basses, and this one felt right, sounds right, and "spoke" to me...Saying something like "Take me home!!"..LOL...An entry-level 5, but sure sounds like a bass costing twice as much....Brought it home and plugged it into my little Peavey micro amp, and that amp was really struggling to hang in there...So I enlisted my wife to help me drag out my old Kustom II combo amp that I've had since my dad bought it brand new for Christmas when I was in high school...That thing is one heavy SOB!!....Then brought up some KORN on you-tube and rocked the house!!! ...I knew I couldn't go wrong with another Ibanez...I'll get some better pics today now that it's daylight...

Thanks for all the help and advice guys...Then best advice was something I already knew...Go to the store and play a few different ones...Kinda like buying a pair of shoes...Gotta try 'em on first!!...