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Considering a 5 string, but like my current Precision too much to make the jump easy

#41
As the OP is a "working" bassist playing covers I think giving 5 string a try is a smart move. If you can, get something that's on par with your 4 in terms of quality, and make sure your rig is suitable to produce the additional low notes. Playing 5 string on a bass or through an amp that is lacking is frustrating and you don't need any additional frustration when you're trying to learn a somewhat "new" instrument.
 
#43
lowphatbass said:
As the OP is a "working" bassist playing covers I think giving 5 string a try is a smart move. If you can, get something that's on par with your 4 in terms of quality, and make sure your rig is suitable to produce the additional low notes. Playing 5 string on a bass or through an amp that is lacking is frustrating and you don't need any additional frustration when you're trying to learn a somewhat "new" instrument.
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Ah - good point. Do you think that my trusty MB210 is up to the task? I don't want to stray too far OT, but it seems to struggle a little with the low G and below from my current bass. It hasn't mattered playing live much, as our regular clubs have pretty good sound - but in practice, it gets a bit muddy. It's been a great amp, otherwise.
 
#45
DJS said:
Ah - good point. Do you think that my trusty MB210 is up to the task? I don't want to stray too far OT, but it seems to struggle a little with the low G and below from my current bass. It hasn't mattered playing live much, as our regular clubs have pretty good sound - but in practice, it gets a bit muddy. It's been a great amp, otherwise.
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I can't comment on your amp specifically, but in general, would recommend that you not worry *too* much about the difference between four and five string when it comes to your amp. For example, don't try to find a rig that can reproduce the lowest fundamentals (30-40Hz). Heck, most bass rigs can't cover the lowest fundamentals on the E string, but you can still hear those notes just fine because of the harmonics. Those lowest frequencies can also muddy things up on stage, and when your bass is going through a PA then the PA will handle them out front.

If your current rig is struggling with the lowest notes on your four string, then sure, the low range of a fiver will push it harder, but you probably won't be dwelling on those lowest notes for long. One trick to getting more headroom out of an amp is to cut the lowest frequencies, because they require the most power to reproduce. This is an especially valid option when your bass is going through the PA: your stage tone might not be as full as you'd like, but the house tone will still be solid.

Eventually you could look into an amp that didn't struggle down low; just giving you a tip on how you might make do with your current amp.
 
#47
DJS said:
I'm very glad to hear that the Fender P5 is solid. A good number of comments on this thread seem to agree on that.
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I'll add a comment to the list. :smug: I picked up a used 2010 P5 back in late October and it's the only bass I've gigged with since (I'm in a cover band BTW). Love it.

Ironically, the sales rep @ Sam Ash told me that the original owner couldn't get the hang of a 5'er so he ended up trading it in for a 4 string version of the exact same model.
 
#48
I have owned 4 5s and always end up selling them. I have a lovely Lakland Jazz I have to put up because it just sits. The first 5 I bought I played a lot but the more I became comfortable with my style, 5s just didn't do it for me and I am finally at peace with that. :)

So I agree that if you buy one, make sure you get one that is either inexpensive or one you can unload quickly. Better yet, if you have a bass peer that isn't using theirs, see if you can borrow it for 2 or 3 gigs and bring your 4 string too. If you find yourself going back to the 4, there is your answer...
 
#49
Tonal wise, I think a p 5 is your answer as well. I have one. It's a great bass, especially for a P guy like you, (I'm included). Solid b string. I vouch for that.

But for playability, I'm not sure. It has one of the chunkiest necks I've ever played. It might, just might, be a little problem if you've never played a 5. But that shouldn't be a problem. You just need sometime to get accustomed to it.
 
#51
Follow up - So after 3 local calls, I found a store with a Squier Precision 5 that had just come in yesterday (never knew these even existed) It had some cosmetic issues, and a loose knob but otherwise the neck was straight, and very playable. $175 includes full setup, adjustments, testing, and warranty. That seemed like a pretty good deal, especially from a shop with a great reputation, so I put a deposit down, and will naturally play it again after the technician goes through it just to make sure everything is working.
 
#52
DJS said:
Follow up - So after 3 local calls, I found a store with a Squier Precision 5 that had just come in yesterday (never knew these even existed) It had some cosmetic issues, and a loose knob but otherwise the neck was straight, and very playable. $175 includes full setup, adjustments, testing, and warranty. That seemed like a pretty good deal, especially from a shop with a great reputation, so I put a deposit down, and will naturally play it again after the technician goes through it just to make sure everything is working.
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Very cool - good luck!

Be aware though that the Squier is a Precision in body style (and name, of course) only. It has two humbucker pickups instead of the split P-style pickup.

That being said, they are good basses and for that price it'd be worth trying out a 5'er & seeing if it's right for you.
 
#53
Buskman said:
Very cool - good luck!

Be aware though that the Squier is a Precision in body style (and name, of course) only. It has two humbucker pickups instead of the split P-style pickup.

That being said, they are good basses and for that price it'd be worth trying out a 5'er & seeing if it's right for you.
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Thanks. Yes - I saw the Jazz style pickups and was confused for a few seconds.

Ha! - there really is a club for everything. :)

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/squier-precision-5-string-club-770662/
 

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