I have one that I changed the pickups to Delano and preamp to a Sadowsky VTC and it just fantastic. The stock electronics are not that great on the MEs
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Best Jazz 5 you ever played
- Thread starter ragetoca
- Start date
Sorry, people online can be so pedantic that I’m used to “those” replies.
I voted Mike Lull, because I was thoroughly impressed with the one J5 I tried, and similarly impressed with every other Lull I've played. They have flawless build quality, great playability, fantastic tone, and exactly the upgrades I want compared to passive Fenders, like light weight, flatter fretboards and 21 frets.
I've owned three five-string J basses--Fender, G&L, and Sandberg--and the Sandberg is easily the best. It's light, with outstanding playability and ergonomics. The only issue was string-to-string balance with the stock pickups. This has been improved with Aero pickups, which sound great, but it's still lacking compared to the wonderfully even, powerful response of my G&L M-2500.
I've owned three five-string J basses--Fender, G&L, and Sandberg--and the Sandberg is easily the best. It's light, with outstanding playability and ergonomics. The only issue was string-to-string balance with the stock pickups. This has been improved with Aero pickups, which sound great, but it's still lacking compared to the wonderfully even, powerful response of my G&L M-2500.
One of mine came with Bartolinis. I assume the preamp is stock. They sound great to my ears so I'll probably leave them. I'd love to try one with the VTC since I hear lots of people go that route.
I had an extra so I put it in, Sadowsky pre is top 3 on my list, next to Audere and Nordstrand
Meanwhile, my G&L gathers dust because my Alembic Essence 5 is such a great instrument.
I picked up a used MTD Grendal a few years ago and it is awesome. The original Bartolini preamp sounded great but it unfortunately broke so I replaced it with a John East that sounds even better with the original Bart pickups. The neck is the most comfortable I've ever played and the poplar body is light and well contoured. I also love MTD's plain maple fretboards with no inlays. It really gives the bass a nice, sleek look. Probably my favorite thing about it, though is how low I can get this action with zero fret buzz. Just a great overall bass.
Our preamp was revamped several years ago to address the wireless issues.
I’d forgotten just how good that bass sounded.
It's no longer made so that's probably why it's not on the list but for a short time I had a Modulus Genesis 5 string and it was easily the best sounding bass I ever played. The neck was too wide for me otherwise I would still be playing it. They can still be found occasionally. I'd love to find a Genesis 4 string.
Maybe so, but there are others around. I personally have no problem circling back , especially if it's affordable , and Ive learned from experience what I really desire in a bass.
It must do the job for you.I guess my BBN-5 since it's the only 5 string I ever played.
I've tried to sell it but the best offer is around 100 bucks. For that I'll just save it for a rainy day.
2016 Fender American Standard; last year of production.
Thanks for the info Roger. This totally makes sense. I bought a fretless MetroExpress JJ 5 a year and a half ago and had the preamp changed to the VTC version. I have no issues with the wireless with this bass. I just thought I was unlucky with the NYC bass. Might just have to update the preamp in the NYC.
Thanks again,
Bones
