decent 5 string for cheap price?

A couple of hundred? That's a pretty tall order if you want a good B string.

New, there is the Squier Precision Bass Special 5 string, it is around $250, has a pretty tight B, but it has 4 string pickups under the covers and the B is very quiet because of that. There is a mod on the FDP that you can do, or you can buy better pickups in a few weeks.

If you go used, you might find an Ibanez Soundgear or something like that for around $250, but the B strings on those are really floppy.

 

I just picked up a Dean Edge 5 for under $500 and I'm really happy with it, I like it way more than my Carvin LB75 which I paid twice as much for. I've read some reviews that don't speak too kindly of the B string but I personally have no gripes about it, it's certainly playable. May be worth looking into.

 

MTD Kingston!

 

If you can go as high as $500, get the MTD Kingston 5.

It has a better B string than any bass under $1000, and better than some $2000 basses.

 

Yep, Kingston is the way to go. Got mine yesterday and it's sweet. The B rings nicely, unlike in many basses, and strings have even response.

I think it's a good recipe, it has nothing fancy, just one pup and two pots so they can be of higher quality than on basses that cost the same and have more stuff in them. In fact, everything in this bass has a quality feel in it.

 

There are still some of the MTD Beasts available. I got a Beast 5 for $450.00 but you may have to move pretty quick as they're almost gone. If you are interested in those contact Adrian at: [email protected] . He can tell you how to get one.

 

I'm selling my new Tobias Killer B for just $650. It usually sells for $1200 retail.

 

Fender Standard Series
Fender MIM Dlx
Yamaha RBX
Ibanez SR
Dean
Esp
MTD
Spector


USED Basses

 

MTD Kingston. It's 35' scale and well built. It can also be upgraded later on.

 

which $2000 basses would these be? I'd hate to own one of them.. chances are, i already do... I have a lb75... but i'm interested to know which basses you mean when you make a comment like that..

 

I have a DeArmond Pilot Deluxe 6-string which I snagged new for $525.00. I've been EXTEREMELY happy with it and I'd recommend the 5-string version. Bass Player mag gave the DeArmond rather raving reviews and, for an active, neck-through bass, it's one of the best bargains anywhere.

The B is a *little* thin, but it's still pretty good.

And no, it doesn't have plastic strings!

 

I also have an Edge 5 and I would echo this recommendation. I absolutely love mine. Very good construction, good (EMG HZ) pickups, 35" scale, great appearance, check it out, a really nice bass for the price.

 

I recently got an Ibanez BTB405 for just under $500, has a 35" scale so the B is nice and tight, passive p/us with an active EQ, good range of tones, sounds good and very playable (I have an easier time playing on this than my Fender P-bass 4 string). Have also heard alot of good things said about the Spector that someone else mentioned above and the MTD Kingston, I have played around with the MTD and it didn't feel right to me but sounded excellant and have no experience with the Spector at all or any others mentioned or in this price range.

 

Pedulla Rapture and Thunderbolt, Spector USA bolt on, Warwick Thumb neck through, Alembic Epic, Yamaha John Pattitucci signature, Yamaha Nathan East signature, to name a few off the top of my head.

If you want to talk a little under $2000, the list gets really long. Stingray 5, Thumb bolt on, Spector NS5CR, Warwick Corvette Proline, Warwick Streamer Pro M, Carvin LB75, BB75, LB76 and BB76(haven't played one of the new longer scale Carvins yet) , Rick Turner Electroline 5, Fender American Deluxe Precision and Jazz, Fender Roscoe Beck, G&L L2500, G&L L5500, off the top of my head.

 

I bought a used Yamaha BBN5 for just over $200. Sounds good. Very playable. B string is decent- not great but definately worth more than the money I paid. Look on ebay.