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Budget 5 String

awilkie84

awilkie84

Jul 16, 2011
7,429
1,868
Edmonton, AB, Canada
#1
Ok, so my Spector had a string break the other day mid-set. It wasn't a huge deal, as I wasn't using that string for the rest of the set.

It did get me thinking about having a back-up. I have a P-bass that doesn't get much use, but I'm always uncomfortable with restringing it BEAD, as I lose the G to gain the B.

Another option would be to pick up a backup 5 string.
I want something that's going to sound similar to my Spector Rebop 5DLX (tone controls rolled all off)
I'm currently looking at the following basses:

Squier Vintage Modified Jass Bass V - $350 +12% tax
Peavey Grind 5 NTB - $550 after Tax
Cort T5 - $360 +12% tax

Any suggestions (either the above or other). The music stores in my area are:

Long & McQuade
Tom Lee Music (Fender, ESP & others)
Arbutus Music (Cort & G&L dealer)

I want to get something in Canada, as I don't want to have to pay duty, and I'd like to do it locally, as I don't have a credit card.
 
#6
I'm not a huge fan of ESP basses. They feel sharp & clunky to me.
I've thought about the SR305, but I'm not a fan of basswood bodies. The tone just feels lacking, to me.

My guitar player's brother is selling an old Ibanez Roadstar 5 string. I can't find ANY info on this thing anywhere, but it's pretty nice. A bridge similar to an SR, but it looks more like a P-bass mated with a G&L. Nice flame top under an amber burst. Has a J neck pickup and a humbucking bridge pickup that's similar to a MM. The headstock reminds me of an Ibanez RG. He's asking $400, but I'd like to know more about it, first.
 
#7
Invalid Link Removed ONLY $299!
TobyDluxV_TR_Splash.jpg
 
#9
Check out the Brubaker Brutes, Aggressive slap tones, punchy fingerstyle tones. You won't get lost in the mix that's for certain They come in J/J and J/MM configs, double cut and very soon to be Single Cut.
 
#11
awilkie84 said:
I found a picture similar to the bass my friend's brother has.

Does anyone have any info on it?

Link Removed
Click to expand...

Looks like an 2005ish Ibanez RD 505 Roadgear. Those were GREAT Basses for the $$$, but have become fairly hard to come by. I have the 4 string version (RD 500) I put up on ebay right now to try and fund another MTD. I am almost regretting putting it up on ebay....:eyebrow:
 
#13
I'm relatively new to Bass but FWIW IMHO the Yamaha RBX475 is a real pleasure to play and listen to compared to other basses in that price range. Try one and see what you think.

I had my heart set on a Squire J but was converted when I picked up the Yammy in the store. I also compared it against a Warwick Rockbass and a Spector. I ended up with a 4 string, but the 5 string is just as nice.
 
#14
When I think of good quality 5ers at bargain prices, my 1st choice will always be an Ibanez sr505 on the used market for $300-$400... Spector Legend 5 can be had for around the same used, and is a good choice for a 35" 5er...


- georgestrings
 
#17
Squier Vintage Modified Jass Bass V - $350 +12% tax

Bought one of these on sale and was impressed enough to do a full mod (in progress) though out of the box it was great. I could have tuned it up and gone to a gig. No setup needed. I can count on one hand the number of basses I've received like that. And the neck feels great.

Only draw back is they are heavy. Mine is 10lbs on the dot. Ultralight tuners can knock off a half lb. I've heard of some weighing up to 11.5 lbs. Though the two I've played in stores felt about the same to mine. That being said the bass does seem to balance perfectly on a strap.


Oh and the Ibanez RD series pictured above are great basses. I have a RD900 that is the best playing bass I own.
 
#18
georgestrings said:
Was thinking the same thing...

- georgestrings
Click to expand...

Yes I did.
Did a comparison between my MIA and Squier Jazz 5's and traded the MIA. I own the Affinity, MIM P/J gutted and fitted with SD + BA2 and an MIA P bass. The MIA Jazz was not as well made or finished as the Affinity and the pups were weaker and grossly inferior in terms of Growl, which I like in a J pup bass.

I have only been playing for 41 years so am still prone to learning a thing or two but I know when I either don't like something or determine it to be inferior in comparison.

I like, I play. Not like, neglect. Simple strategy that works for me.
 
#19
Aussie Player said:
Yes I did.
Did a comparison between my MIA and Squier Jazz 5's and traded the MIA. I own the Affinity, MIM P/J gutted and fitted with SD + BA2 and an MIA P bass. The MIA Jazz was not as well made or finished as the Affinity and the pups were weaker and grossly inferior in terms of Growl, which I like in a J pup bass.

I have only been playing for 41 years so am still prone to learning a thing or two but I know when I either don't like something or determine it to be inferior in comparison.

I like, I play. Not like, neglect. Simple strategy that works for me.
Click to expand...

Whatever works for you, I suppose - I'm having a hard time believing this, though:

"The MIA Jazz was not as well made or finished as the Affinity"


- georgestrings
 
#20
Most noticeable in the neck join and neck finish.
The affinity neck was smoother but I measured the necks and dimensions were identical. MIA had better hardware and nut but quieter pups and it was a no contest with the Affinity killing the MIA in Growl.

I have had the Affinity about 18 months now, 3 sets if strings and no neck adjustments needed, very stable and action was lowered on the first set up.

The Affinity was a 2011 model I bought about March so was very fresh off the line. The MIA was a 2005 model, silver finish with rosewood fingerboard and 4 over 1 headstock.

I traded the MIA a few days after the comparison which included playing the 2 consecutively over a period of days ans went back to Gibson and Alembic where I was happier.

Now have a couple of P's and the. Affinity Jazz 5.
 

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