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Do Fender 5 strings suck? - Whats your opinion

Do Fender 5ers Suck

  • Yes

    Votes: 109 19.9%

  • No

    Votes: 246 45.0%

  • Sometimes

    Votes: 192 35.1%
  • Total voters
    547
#201
I got my first fiver back in Y2K: a Fender Roscoe Beck. Within a couple of years, I acquired a second one. Nuff said?

I kept both RB5s for a decade. The main reason I no longer own them is because Sadowskys are expensive. Yes, Sadowsky makes a better bass quality-wise -- it's the difference between boutique and production line, and that difference is reflected in the price.

That said, when properly set up my RB5s had excellent B strings, and that's been true for other Fender fivers I've played.

I have played some Fender fivers with flabby B strings, however these were Guitar Center inventory, which tend to have dead strings and poor setup. Nuff said!
 
#202
Fuzzbass said:
I got my first fiver back in Y2K: a Fender Roscoe Beck. Within a couple of years, I acquired a second one. Nuff said?

I kept both RB5s for a decade. The main reason I no longer own them is because Sadowskys are expensive. Yes, Sadowsky makes a better bass quality-wise -- it's the difference between boutique and production line, and that difference is reflected in the price.

That said, when properly set up my RB5s had excellent B strings, and that's been true for other Fender fivers I've played.

I have played some Fender fivers with flabby B strings, however these were Guitar Center inventory, which tend to have dead strings and poor setup. Nuff said!
Click to expand...

Appreciate the input man
 
#205
Mike Sorr said:
I reeaaaallly wanted a Precision 5 string, but the ones I've played had unimpressive B strings, and I tried them through various amps and cabinets. I still want a P5, so I'm seriously considering a Carvin PB5 since I've only heard great things about them. Anyone want to talk me out of it?
Click to expand...

Resale would be the only consideration aside from differences such as nut width and string spacing at the bridge. (they differ in this regard) If you don't care about this stuff like I do, then I suggest you "rush in" so to speak. The Carvin blade pickup is really punchy and articulate sounding. More so than the Fender which is more like a big wide hammer with lots of 'air" inside the note. Just my .02
 
#207
I've been playing 5 strings for years - but a fairly recent convert to a 5 string Jazz. If I'd not seen this topic, I'd not have thought there was a problem - mine is fine, and I play high up on the B string all the time. I can't complain. It's very similar to my 5 and 6 strings (bar one with a flappy B) - I'm more surprised by the Fender action, which needs to be higher than I'm used to, but it does suit the more 'energetic' playing style I now use in the current band. Previously I'd been a low action, gentle playing technique player - now it's more rock and roll. Never having played a Fender 4 string, I don't know if what I now have is abnormal or typical. I'm happy, does it matter?
 
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#208
paulears said:
I've been playing 5 strings for years - but a fairly recent convert to a 5 string Jazz. If I'd not seen this topic, I'd not have thought there was a problem - mine is fine, and I play high up on the B string all the time. I can't complain. It's very similar to my 5 and 6 strings (bar one with a flappy B) - I'm more surprised by the Fender action, which needs to be higher than I'm used to, but it does suit the more 'energetic' playing style I now use in the current band. Previously I'd been a low action, gentle playing technique player - now it's more rock and roll. Never having played a Fender 4 string, I don't know if what I now have is abnormal or typical. I'm happy, does it matter?
Click to expand...

Only if you want to be able to experience a future happiness when possibly different variables have modified conditions whereby your past happiness is no longer possible.
 
#215
It's personal preference. I've always played four stringers my whole life so I cannot fairly say if they "suck" or not. I image people use and love five strings just as people who use four use four, or use six, etc.
 
#216
Not mine...

Fenders.gif
 
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#217
Doug Parent said:
Reason I referenced the American Standard line is because Fender apparently started using graphite rods as of 2010, but not before. I have had issues with pre-2010 Standards and having to crank the truss rod to "10" to get the neck at it's proper level of relief (or lack thereof) In your case and to your complaint, I can understand your concerns about string tension.
Click to expand...
Doug Parent said:
That was for the American Deluxe line, We're talking American Standard.
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Not to speak out-of-turn, but this is just not correct. Fender American/American Standard basses have had graphite reinforced necks for much longer than 2010. Here is a reference to the 2000 Fender American product line (as you may recall, the "American Standard" line was renamed "American" for a few years:

Invalid Link Removed
 
#219
I have a 2012 American Deluxe Jazz V which I dearly love. Electronics are good although I don't like the taper of the volume pot. It was selected from a batch of 6 ADJ 5s and was by far the best, has no dead or live spots in the neck and a great low B string. I had a MIM Jazz 5 previously that sucked out loud.
So I guess I'll have to say that if you search enough and spend enough, you can find a great one but they're not the norm.
 

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