Budget 35" 5-string options

[markanini]

I'm looking for a bass suited for A standard tuning in a modern metal setting. My budget is below $500 or thereabouts.

From a quick look the Sire M2 seems the most hyped 35" 5-string. Less well received options are Jackson JS3V, and Spector Performer 5. I'm comfortable with setting up basses and I can handle upgrading the electronics if needed. Am I overlooking any good options?

 

[kodiakblair]

You'll get a peavey grind for $350,
maybe less.

 

[NonoMusic]

You'll get a peavey grind for $350,
maybe less.

... if you're lucky.

They get snagged up really quickly by other people any time they fall under 400 and some even pay up to 500 for it. At that point OP would just be better off saving a bit more for a Spector legend or Schecter, or spend nothing extra at all if they keep an eye out for used listings. If OP is willing to go the used route, my recommendation is just taking an hour or two to walk into a bunch of pawnshops and looking out for 5 string basses from manufacturers like Schecter, Spector, ESP (although some, not all aren't 34"). That's how I found my '97 Korean 5 string Spector + hard case for 475 total and it's been my main player since.

Or alternatively, maybe OP gets lucky and does find a peavey grind for cheap

 

[kodiakblair]

if you're lucky

You don't need luck, just eyes.

MGR have been selling 5 string Grinds in the $350 - $400 price range for years. They have 2 listed right now, I checked before making my original post.

 

[funkinbottom]

Schecter CV5 is a very nice 35" scale well built great sounding bass. There's one on reverb for $525.(no affiliation) A little over you budget, but if you can swing a few extra $$ I think it would be well worth it.

https://reverb.com/item/79383466-schecter-cv-5-5-string-bass-with-maple-fretboard-2018-sunburst

View attachment 1730481868726.webp

 

[markanini]

I'd love to have some luck!

I forgot to mention I'm a EU resident and because of regulations I'm biased to online retailers offering generous return policies. Although a Korean Spector 5 for $475 would be very hard to pass up!

 

[J Wilson]

If it were me ( and the size was agreeable, these are big axes), it would take some searching but I'd keep an eye out for a used Ibanez BTB 5 in that budget range. Built like a tank, often Barts installed.

 

[denchiq]

I'll add I'm also in a search for a cheapy 35" 5-stringer , but also with a 19mm string spacing to accomodate for a Lakland pickup set I have
Ibanez BTB, that's one

 

[Peeved T-40]

I've been looking at this for a while now. Heard other people have good experience with the brand and it's the least expensive, through neck, 35" 5 string I can find new that doesn't look like a scam.

Shop | All in One Guitar

Quality guitars with free premium custom setup. Best value for any player or playing style. Famous for AIO Custom and Wolf brands. In-person and online guitar store.

www.allinoneguitars.com

 

[Thundar]

I bought a Jackson Spectra 5 recently and I friggin' love it! Where else can you find a neck thru 35" scale bass for around $600? The bolt-on neck models are great too! I also really dig the Sire M series too

 

[TonyP-]

Folks, Shecter Omen…Would be my first should.

 

[markanini]

I've been looking at this for a while now. Heard other people have good experience with the brand and it's the least expensive, through neck, 35" 5 string I can find new that doesn't look like a scam.

Shop | All in One Guitar

Quality guitars with free premium custom setup. Best value for any player or playing style. Famous for AIO Custom and Wolf brands. In-person and online guitar store.

www.allinoneguitars.com

Looks to be related to this bass, like probably from the same factory https://reverb.com/en-se/item/77749...10-2015-natural-satin?bk=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9

 

[Peeved T-40]

Looks to be related to this bass, like probably from the factory https://reverb.com/en-se/item/77749...10-2015-natural-satin?bk=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9

The "AIO" brand is apparently a guitarist who found an OEM guitar factory that he liked but all the instruments needed a bit of work so he hired a tech to setup the instruments before reselling them. Makes sense you could find the same instruments from that OEM factory under different names. probably not setup and fret leveled like AIO though

 

[VeryTallBassist]

Are you excluding used basses? Because I think a used Korean Spector Legend 5 could be had within your budget.

 

[denchiq]

Where else can you find a neck thru 35" scale bass for around $600?

I am getting wary about getting a neck thru at that kind of money. They will most likely come out of Indonesia today, and I've seen oh so many MII instruments with warped necks (even though they were made nicely). Can't help thinking it's the drastic difference in the climate.
I bought two nice secondhand instruments real cheap this year, one from Indonesia another from VietNam which is basically the same region, both had neck issues. The bass I bought to have it defretted so no big deal really, but the guitar is a SG-shaped set-neck which is gonna be a bit tricky to fix without making the neck skinnier. And it's not like I'm making judgment over two lemons. Nope, that's just a graphic representation. There are arguably more instruments with neck issues from that part of the world than of all other places combined
Depending on the climate in the place you live in, YMMV