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Can someone recommend me a good 5 string Jazz style bass?

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dfmilkman

Nov 13, 2012
25
0
#1
A little background...right now I have a 4 string stingray HH, which I love, but I've been hearing some beautiful tones out of some jazz basses (particularly a guy in a band i like plays a geddy lee, but they don't make it in a 5), and I also am looking for a 5 string, so that's why I decided to go with the 5 string jazz style.

I was looking at the Fender Marcus Miller V and it pretty much looked like it had everything I was looking for (thin neck, active EQ, maple fretboard, and some bonus stuff like the hipshot and badass bridge). I was super excited but I did some reading on threads here on talkbass that I searched and a lot of people did not have good things to say about Fender 5 strings. I'm still considering it, but I'd like to see what else is available. I don't really know much about what's out there, but I know I've heard good things about Lakland and Sadowski. Particulalry enticing was this:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
(Lakland 44/55-60)

So, that's on my list. Any one else have ideas? I'm not looking to spend more than 2-2.5 grand, but I'd still like to see what's out there and I'm sure I could buy used :) Thanks in advance!
 
#5
Lots of great Jazz 5s out there to choose from. Alleva's are probably out of your price range (even second hand). Both Sadowsky and Lull offer top notch 5 string Jazz basses. If you like the less vintagy sound of the Sadowskys then you're going to want a bass equipped with that preamp. You could check out a Sadowsky Metro (they pop up here on Talkbass now and again). So yeah, if it were me I'd be scanning the TB classifieds and seeing what's there Lull or Sadowsky-wise.
 
#6
Spector Coda.

Search Over. Close thread. Call off the dogs. Alert the media. Put out the cat.

http://bassnw.com/Used Basses/spector_usa_coda_5_deluxe_tsb_bem.htm

Spector%20USA%20Coda%205%20Deluxe%20TSB_BEM.jpg
 
#10
dfmilkman said:
whoa....that looks pretty badass! I looked at the mike lulls but I'm not sure I could find one near me? I guess basscentral probably ships it. Good stuff guys, still like to see if anyone else has some ideas though :D
Click to expand...

Again, I would seriously consider going the second-hand route. If it turns out you're not happy with the bass you can sell it and you'll only be out the shipping costs.
 
#11
Lync said:
I love Spector basses...but for the life of me I do not like the way they did the logo on the Coda basses. Looks cheap. Probably a great bass as all Spectors seem to be...
Click to expand...

The logo on those has always been a 'WTH are they thinking?' thing for me too, but once you play one you don't care if the logo is spray painted on with pink neon. JPSbassist, who is a member here, is a graphic artist and does Spectors website and ad slicks and stuff. I asked him about it and he said that's the way Stuart wants it. There's some reason for it.
 
#19
Lichtaffen said:
Just remember: some 5 string basses are 35" scale. 35" Doesn't suit everyone.
Click to expand...

Neck profile is another Bigee along with string spacing, pickups etc.

In that price range u have a ton of great options. Used is a great way to go. I would wait for a Nordy VJ5 modern used. It is 34.5 scale, the B is tight and the necks are incredible but there are other great choices:

Low End Jazz
Xotic
Nordy - classic 34" or modern 34.5"
Valenti
Sadowsky metro
Lakland - USA is great, skyline is a great value.
Mike Lull

The necks on the Nordy and LEJ seem to be favorites but each one of those basses listed has their strengths. Threads like these can be a little like asking me what should be your favorite chicken dish. I personally like curry chicken, but others like Sweet & Sour chicken, somebody else loves fried chicken or you might be vegetarian. Listen to some audio clips on youtube and the forum find out as much info about the specs as you can. Try as many of these as you can and have fun getting a great bass!
 
#20
A lot of people here bag on fenders. I owned a Lakland 5 , demoed sadowsky and more laklands. Pulled an MIA fender deluxe 5 off the wall on a whim and it was by far the best playing bass of all of them. I make my money doing studio work or tours so i can get real picky. I just dont see the value in spending over 2k on a bass when you can get a great Fender that will record perfectly for 1500 or less.
 

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