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

#41
AMJBASS said:
The new Fender American Deluxe's are a lot different than the model from a few years ago(different neck, completely different electronics, different body shape). Hard to compare. The older model was decent, the new one is terrific. I'd say they are right on par with Sadowsky Metro quality wise. Tone is subjective. Frankly I like both, but could go either way if I was in the market for an active Jazz!
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Shoot, I would say they are on par with USA Sadowsky.
 
#46
I have played the new American Fender Jazz Deluxe V on at least three occasions at GC. I am really impressed w with these basses. I would agree that although they have a passive bypass, these basses were designed to be used in active mode. I totally agree with Angel Crusher that the preamp on the Deluxe allows for a healthy bass and mid boost when the back pickup is soloed which makes that pickup much more useable than a passive bass with the bridge pickup soloed. The treble boost is fairly powerful and can be harsh if over used, but it sounds sweet used in moderation. I was impressed with the fit and finish of the Deluxe, and I recommend one if you are a Fender fan. I can see where a Carvin SB5000 would be a better deal pricewise, but I really love the Fender look, and that is worth something to me.
 
#47
AngelCrusher said:
Ok, I am back. I spent way too much time going over these basses. Well, they are $1,500 + dollars so it is something you should think about for a bit..lol.

The Sadowsky Metro moved up a little today. The strings on it are old and not good, and that is what makes it a little tough to play. That being said, it simply is too hyped for me. Right way, the first lesson is to not boost much bass or treble. It has an insane amount of both. Serious low end and sizzle. Probably more than any human could possibly want when boosted too much..lol. They also get a little noisy. Nothing too bad, but you have to watch the treble boost. I think the Sadowsky is a really nice bass, but it would not be the first 5 string I'd get. I'd get one down the road if I was wanting something new compared to my Jazzes.

The Fender deluxe Ash body, maple neck, 2013. This is a wonderful bass. I spent a lot of time with it today. I think the neck is the best of all the ones I have played. The tone does deliver in passive mode. It is really nice. I compared it to an american standard with a maple neck, and the difference in the 2 passive modes is mainly the volume of the passive is a little hotter, and a little clearer. But I spent a lot of time in passive mode, and it sounds like a Fender, so this is good.

The quality of this instrument, IMO is even higher than the Metro. It has cleaner sounding pots, the neck is incredible and the overall look is super classic. Low B's on both were very good. Coming from my Lakland 5502, I noticed that they played less tight. I believe the Lakland to have the most defined B string. But the Fender and Sadowsky both deliver in terms of warmth and they are not flabby. If you live on the B string, get a lakland. If you use it more for quick drops, accents, some reggae style root 5s..some dramatic whole notes to start a chorus or end a song..you are going to like the Fender or Sadowsky just fine.

There is not much I can say bad about the MIA jazz deluxe. It is meant to be used in active mode the most, IMO. The passive mode is definitely fine, and you could have 1 bass and use both modes. But if you have a passive Jazz already, and are making a record that needs a rock tone, you probably will want to stay with that. The deluxe is really more about taking things to a different level. The articulation and tone in active mode is simply awesome. It is not nearly as hyped in the highs or lows, and is a more balanced tone than the Metro. I like this because this bass presents a very modern sound that is going to sit so well in mixes. I am excited about using it on Deep house tracks, R&B, fusion, Reggae and hip-hop. The reason really is because you can bring some serious mids into your tone, and it sounds awesome. I am writing my own record too between session work, and this bass is going to make it a lot easier to be a lead instrument in the mix than a passive jazz. It just sounds bigger, and if you are into jazz and fusion, you probably know what I mean.

Anyway, I will most likely put my money where my mouth is and purchase a brand new deluxe next week. I was that impressed. It is clearly the best Active J bass 5 that I have played. I am really into the jazz bass sound though, so I am biased towards those tonal characteristics. Hope this helps some people out in their decision.
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I had my mind set on a Sadowsky Metro MS5 but you have probably talked me into the Fender Jazz 5 Deluxe. I love Fender 4 strings and I have wanted so bad to love the 5 strings. Maybe the time has come:). Good luck with your decision.
 
#48
NYCbassist said:
I had my mind set on a Sadowsky Metro MS5 but you have probably talked me into the Fender Jazz 5 Deluxe. I love Fender 4 strings and I have wanted so bad to love the 5 strings. Maybe the time has come:). Good luck with your decision.
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Keep in mind that Fenders and Sadowskys are, despite both being Jazz basses, very different animals. If you want a Sadowsky get a Sadowsky and if you want a Fender get a Fender. I would also be weary of choosing an instrument based on one person's review on an internet forum. ;)
 
#49
NYCbassist said:
I had my mind set on a Sadowsky Metro MS5 but you have probably talked me into the Fender Jazz 5 Deluxe. I love Fender 4 strings and I have wanted so bad to love the 5 strings. Maybe the time has come:). Good luck with your decision.
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Thanks. Have you been able to play both? I think the biggest takeaway from my posts should be try before you buy. People on message boards will always rave about what they own. I am raving before I own so hopefully that adds a little legitimacy to what I am saying.

But the sound I hear in my head and how I want to hear myself on records may be different than what you want. So definitely try and play both, as these are both pro instruments that are rather expensive and could be overkill for some people.

bass12 said:
Keep in mind that Fenders and Sadowskys are, despite both being Jazz basses, very different animals. If you want a Sadowsky get a Sadowsky and if you want a Fender get a Fender. I would also be weary of choosing an instrument based on one person's review on an internet forum. ;)
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Yes. I agree. I think I have a lot of experience as player, and have made a living doing it, but this is still super personal stuff at the end of the day.
 
#50
Carvin SB5000 or 5001. They got everything right on these I think. Neck is thin and narrower than most jazzes. String spacing tighter than the other Fender copies on the market. Pickups do the jazz thing VERY nicely. And the ultimate sell: you can chamber them.
 
#52
AngelCrusher said:
Thanks. Have you been able to play both? I think the biggest takeaway from my posts should be try before you buy. People on message boards will always rave about what they own. I am raving before I own so hopefully that adds a little legitimacy to what I am saying.

But the sound I hear in my head and how I want to hear myself on records may be different than what you want. So definitely try and play both, as these are both pro instruments that are rather expensive and could be overkill for some people.............
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I gigged for 2 years with a Metro MS5 and everyone loved it including me. Even my wife made comments about how great the Sadowsky sounded. It's rare for her to give praise:crying: Sound men and Band mates all loved it. Bass players in the audience also dug it. When I tried Fender 5'ers they just never sounded or played the way I wanted them to. I never gigged with one. In the Living room versus live gigs are just too different to compare. I ended up needing money for some major bills. I had to sell the Sadowsky but I swore I would get a replacement. Then I joined two different bands that both required just a 4 string so I got My Rick 4003. Now my main band is doing more and more songs that could benefit from a 5 string. So....I am looking at the Sadowsky again but I can get the Fender new @ $1,529 delivered. There's no major rush but I am definitely destined for 5 strings again.:bassist: I can tell from you're experiences that the Fender would at least work well for me. It may even end up being better for me than another Sadowsky. I did do a gig once with a Marcus Miller 5 string and I absolutely loved it. Honestly, Every bass I have ever gigged with worked pretty well for me.
 
#53
Snarf said:
Carvin SB5000 or 5001. They got everything right on these I think. Neck is thin and narrower than most jazzes. String spacing tighter than the other Fender copies on the market. Pickups do the jazz thing VERY nicely. And the ultimate sell: you can chamber them.
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I just purchased a sb5000 a couple of weeks ago and these basses do live up to the hype!
These are the ultimate bass secret out there.
I will be getting a second one very soon myself
 
#55
Dr. Cheese said:
I have played the new American Fender Jazz Deluxe V on at least three occasions at GC. I am really impressed w with these basses. I would agree that although they have a passive bypass, these basses were designed to be used in active mode. I totally agree with Angel Crusher that the preamp on the Deluxe allows for a healthy bass and mid boost when the back pickup is soloed which makes that pickup much more useable than a passive bass with the bridge pickup soloed. The treble boost is fairly powerful and can be harsh if over used, but it sounds sweet used in moderation. I was impressed with the fit and finish of the Deluxe, and I recommend one if you are a Fender fan. I can see where a Carvin SB5000 would be a better deal pricewise, but I really love the Fender look, and that is worth something to me.
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Just to add a second opinion - I have never tried a Deluxe 5 with good wood. Tried perhaps 5-6 and all of these basses had dull and bad sounding wood.
PS! I mentioned somewhere earlier that I have a feeling that Fender sells better instruments in US. I've tried lots of really poor Fenders in Europe for some reason. I mean tens of basses not just a few.
 

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