• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Cool Looking/Vintagy 5 strings

S

slurpy11

Feb 23, 2010
4
0
#1
Hello!
So I play a 5 string Warwick Corvette in an alternative rock band. It sounds great and plays great, so that's not the issue. It's down sides are that it is heavy as a mother, it needs tapered strings (normal sized low B strings stick out of the tail piece and look weird), and honestly i think it looks kind of boring. For recording I would use no other, but for live performances I would like something a little flashier. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I find that 5 string basses tend to be really rounded and sleek, lacking aesthetic elements such as pick guards, etc.

Some neat looking ones I've been interested in lately are the Ibanez ATK305, and the Italia Imola 5.
 
#3
Bobster said:
MusicMan Classic Series 5?

http://www.music-man.com/instruments/basses/classic-stingray-5.html

They have a more traditional look, 2-band preamp and some vintagy colors including seafoam and fiesta red.
Click to expand...

+1 If you wanted to go more retro-Jetsons in a 5, the EBMM Big Al 5 just came out. That'll get the ladies to quit looking at the guitar player!

The Imola looks fantastic in an oddball vintagey way. I've done searches here at TB, and nobody seems to have played one. I do know it's passive, so it probably sounds something like a J.

You might also want to check out the Lace Helix neck-through. I would count that as a flashy looking bass, and the pickups are ridiculous (sounds active even though it isn't). There are clips on YouTube.

BTW, with both the EBMM and the Lace (and any Ibanez, for that matter), the size of the neck will be a shock after your Warwick. I say this as a long-time player of a Warwick Corvette 5... all of these basses have much slimmer, faster necks.
 
#4
rev2.jpg
RevBerg.jpg


Too bad they don't make them anymore. :(
 
#7
slurpy11 said:
I find that 5 string basses tend to be really rounded and sleek, lacking aesthetic elements such as pick guards, etc.
Click to expand...

huh?

I think you really need to look more at the selection of 5-strings that are out there.

And your your perception of what's best or preferred for live vs studio may be greatly skewed from many others.


slurpy11 said:
normal sized low B strings stick out of the tail piece and look weird
Click to expand...
Common problem, but not because of the tapering... simply take a dremel tool to the B-string hole in the bridge 'slightly' widening it, then use some sandpaper to round off the newly ground edges. Many bridges have holes designed for specific weights of strings and other strings don't fit through appropriately. I've widened 4-5 bridges in the past 2 years.
 
#8
Dear god that warwick flashback is awesome! So is the Reverend, it's too bad they don't make basses anymore. I will keep my eyes on ebay.

Yeah I'm prepared for a smaller neck. It took a while to get used to the Warwick after playing a Schecter for a few years, but as a result I can pretty much play on necks of any size now.

stflbn, I simply meant that when I go to guitar center or look on musiciansfriend, most of the five strings have that modern ibanez/spector/warwick sleek type look, which is not a bad thing by any means; it is simply that I own a couple basses like that, as I was in the market for tone over looks. I am not offended by these basses but the look of a sexy vintage style instrument will get anyone's attention.
P.S. thanks for the advice of the tailpiece, whenever i tell people at guitar stores about it they just shrug and have no idea, so i've been putting up with slinkys hanging out of the bottom (which i think also makes the low B not vibrate as much and sound dampened).
 
#12
coreyfyfe said:
My drummer has one, the two-tek bridge makes them super heavy IMO, but they sound fantastic. The neck on the older warwicks (all wenge) like these ones had a better profile/feel IMO as well. I really like the flashback 5 and the Streamer LX5 I had, great feel to the neck.
Click to expand...

Yeah, so it doesn't feel like you're gripping a log? :D

It's too bad Eastwood Guitars doesn't make 5 strings, I would definitely be interested in those if they did.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back