Best Jazz 5 you ever played

[ragetoca]

I've never played an American Sadowsky, but I own 2 MetroExpress 5s that I absolutely love. I'm filling in for a guy who plays an American Fender Jazz 5. At rehearsal, the band all commented on how they thought it sounded much better than the Fender. They could just be blowing smoke, but either way I love it!View attachment 7224682

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

 

[InhumanResource]

The OP did say Jazz Bass. But yeah, my G&L M-2500 is amazing. I have 3 M-2500's and one L-2500. I prefer the M-2500's.

Indeed they did. I was replying to the person I, well, replied to.

 

[Bass1447]

Indeed they did. I was replying to the person I, well, replied to.

Sorry. No disrespect intended.

More of a "you're not wrong" reply.

 

[InhumanResource]

Sorry. No disrespect intended.

More of a "you're not wrong" reply.

Sorry, people online can be so pedantic that I’m used to “those” replies.

 

[Nedmundo]

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.

 

[alembicbones]

I voted Sadowsky NYC 5 as I had one built for me ten years ago and it is pretty special. My only complaint is that it doesn't play nicely with my wireless.

That said, as with bands, bassists and alike, there are so many great ones out there, IMO, there is no best.

Bones

 

[Kenny056]

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

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.

 

[ragetoca]

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

 

[g-dude]

I once did a 5 String "shoot out" at Bass NW (rip)

• Alembic whatchamacallit
• Lull MV5
• G&L L2500

Of the 3 the G&L was the best feeling and sounding. And I really wanted the Lull to be the best.

Meanwhile, my G&L gathers dust because my Alembic Essence 5 is such a great instrument.

 

[Bringindafunk]

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.

 

[Sadowsky]

I voted Sadowsky NYC 5 as I had one built for me ten years ago and it is pretty special. My only complaint is that it doesn't play nicely with my wireless.

That said, as with bands, bassists and alike, there are so many great ones out there, IMO, there is no best.

Bones

Our preamp was revamped several years ago to address the wireless issues.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

My old DJ5 is still the best J5 I ever had.

I’d forgotten just how good that bass sounded.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I’d forgotten just how good that bass sounded.

I shot myself in the foot letting it got for that SB5000.

 

[REV]

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.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I shot myself in the foot letting it got for that SB5000.

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.

 

[bobba66]

I guess my BBN-5 since it's the only 5 string I ever played.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I guess my BBN-5 since it's the only 5 string I ever played.

It must do the job for you.

 

[bobba66]

It must do the job for you.

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.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

2016 Fender American Standard; last year of production.

 

[alembicbones]

Our preamp was revamped several years ago to address the wireless issues.

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