The tension in a string has only to do with the gauge and type of the string, the pitch it is tuned to, and the distance from nut to bridge saddle. Nothing outside the space between the nut and the bridge has any effect on string tension.
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Do Fender 5 strings suck? - Whats your opinion
- Thread starter PastorofMuppets
- Start date
The tension in a string has only to do with the gauge and type of the string, the pitch it is tuned to, and the distance from nut to bridge saddle. Nothing outside the space between the nut and the bridge has any effect on string tension.
I have the 2008 version of this same bass... it doesn't suck, it isn't the best but my playing on a 35" scale certainly sucks
Doug Parent
Supporting Member
Fender 5's are not bad IMO. They are quite inconsistent, but (again IME) so are most 5 strings especially. If you are looking for a 5 jazz type bass they are always worth playing/trying when you see one. I stumbled across mine and it's a decent 5 string, and has stayed with me as a back up to my celinder 5. It's a deluxe 2010 model (blocks/binding). It does the job as well as basses I've played 3 times the price. It is also DEAD reliable. I have played lots I didn't like, but I think there are good/great ones out there.
What is disappointing is the build quality you notice under the pickguard. I mean this is Fenders 'benchmark' high end workmanship, end they route the neck pickup and keep the tool spinning right down to the electronics cavity through the middle of the body! Horrible, and clearly budget orientated. You can't take the guard off, it's more of a plaster on that scar than a guard to protect the finish. They need to sort that out IMO in this day and age, and with superb competition from Lakland, Sandberg, Mayones etc.. It's arrogant to think they can get away with it.
That aside, worth playing them if you're shopping, one might take you by surprise.
What is disappointing is the build quality you notice under the pickguard. I mean this is Fenders 'benchmark' high end workmanship, end they route the neck pickup and keep the tool spinning right down to the electronics cavity through the middle of the body! Horrible, and clearly budget orientated. You can't take the guard off, it's more of a plaster on that scar than a guard to protect the finish. They need to sort that out IMO in this day and age, and with superb competition from Lakland, Sandberg, Mayones etc.. It's arrogant to think they can get away with it.
That aside, worth playing them if you're shopping, one might take you by surprise.
"Fine"....that is the word I have used to describe the B on my '08 Fender Am Std Jazz V. Is it the best I've ever played? No. Does it suck? Definitely not. It is as good as any other 34" scale 5-string that I have owned or played in the same price range.
Proper setup and string gauge (always a .130, never less) is the key. If you like the action ridiculously low and a lighter string, then you might not be happy with a Fender 5-string. But, I think the B string needs more room to vibrate anyways, so I have never set my action very low on 5-string even on basses where I could have gotten away with it. So, I set the action on the Fender where I normally would set it and it works fine. My Jazz V is a great bass.
I recorded this song on a borrowed bass - the producer clearly requested a fender and a musicman 5 string basses.
It`s the marcus miller model. I got it night before the session and wasn`t too happy with the low B unplugged - was not as clear or defined as my 5-string mayones. Fresh strings didn`t change much.
All of my worries were nullified after the first three notes I played plugged to an amp - it sounded amazing. Really, really FAT and took distortion well. No Di was necessary and it retained really good clarity and note definition even on the parts that were recorded with palm-muting. We used it for most of the album.
If it sounds good on a track, then it sounds good - no matter what might be "wrong" with the solo/unplugged tone.
I regret not buying that bass - It`s long gone.
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I was close to buying a MM V if my MIA V rosewood didn't cut it. I gig it tonight for 1st time, we will see !
I'd love to check it out, but I keep getting the message 'The Uploader has not made this video available in your country.'
Outdoor gig tonight with the NEO 412 & Fender Jazz V.
Verdict is in... B does not suck
Verdict is in... B does not suck
I had a '97 American Deluxe that was beautiful and I played for quite a few years. I sold it because I had some divorce bills and I had an SR5 that I kept because the ex bought it and I was going to keep it to spite her. Picked up a 2013 P-5 a few months back and am playing it more than the Stingray. I love the neck, love the P platform, and the B string is much better than the one on my '97.
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These two don't suck,... I have Thing 1 (top) loaded with Sadowsky Blue Nickels all string through body. I have Thing 2 loaded with Sadowsky Blue Nickels string through body on the B and top loaded for EADG.... Very very pleased with both of these instruments P = 2011 J = 2013....
Oh, and just in case someone is looking to procure a virtually "new" 2012 P5,...
This one I've deemed as excess to my needs so is offered up at a very fair price in the classified. I have her set up Sadowsky Blue Nickels string through body on the B, top loaded EADG.
These two don't suck,... I have Thing 1 (top) loaded with Sadowsky Blue Nickels all string through body. I have Thing 2 loaded with Sadowsky Blue Nickels string through body on the B and top loaded for EADG.... Very very pleased with both of these instruments P = 2011 J = 2013....
Oh, and just in case someone is looking to procure a virtually "new" 2012 P5,...
This one I've deemed as excess to my needs so is offered up at a very fair price in the classified. I have her set up Sadowsky Blue Nickels string through body on the B, top loaded EADG.
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