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Best non-fender 5-string

progrmr

progrmr

Sep 3, 2008
778
30
Columbus, Ohio
#1
I'm very happy with my recent purchase of a MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe bass - LOVE it. However I would like to have a backup bass and need 5 strings.

What are the 5-string options ( non-fender) that are popular out there for worship, rock, classic rock and blues sounds??

Don't want to spend an arm and a leg either, say in the ~$550 range used. Of course I'll have to play one before making a decision but figure I could gain some insight from fellow TB'ers.

Any ideas?
 
#3
progrmr said:
I'm very happy with my recent purchase of a MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe bass - LOVE it. However I would like to have a backup bass and need 5 strings.

What are the 5-string options ( non-fender) that are popular out there for worship, rock, classic rock and blues sounds??

Don't want to spend an arm and a leg either, say in the ~$550 range used. Of course I'll have to play one before making a decision but figure I could gain some insight from fellow TB'ers.

Any ideas?
Click to expand...

Schecter Elite Studio 5 - The neck through give it great sustain and the 18v Active EQ and EMG pups are awesome.
 
#5
I hate to say this, but essentially you just asked everyone to tell you what non fender 5 string they are currently playing or wish they were. I have just been introduced to MTD Kingston basses and I think they offer incredible bang for buck value. I used to play and love a skyline 55-01, and heartily recommend either that or a 55-02. I also like schecters and Ibanez for feel and comfort, although for the most part they are a little generic sounding (same with 55-01 for that matter). Good for all around work, but very hard to nail certain specific bass tones. These are all my thoughts in the more affordable mass production range. Now if we start talking boutqiues, the sky is the limit. They are almost all "better" than an off the shelf Fender, although maybe not enough to warrant the extra price. That is kind of up to the budget and taste of hte perspective buyer.
 
#11
Actually I did see a tribute a couple weeks ago, a 4-string that looked and sounded good. Tough to find used I'd imagine - at least I haven't seen any. I will have to look into those.

Also the yamaha, schector and ibanez are all appealing. I did have an ATK305, but didn't like the sound on it. Something with more than 1 pickup located close to the brige would sound a lot better. I know I can get on some of the lower end ibanez's at the local GC.

Brubaker and Traben - I've heard of Traben, but never seen one that I can recall. I'll have to check those out too.
 
#16
$550 used gives you a lot to work with. Ebay will be your friend...

May folks really like the Skylines, but I don't think I've seen them as low as $550...

You can certainly find Carvin basses used for $550 and less - they are a freakin' STEAL and they are US made.

Were you just looking for a 4 string, I've seen used US Fenders going for under that (but you have to keep your eyes out...)

don't cave in and buy new unless you get an SX with budget to make it cool. Anymore, SX is about the only bass I'd buy new.
 

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