Feel like I need a P/J fiver

[LBS-bass]

But I already have two five strings. They are both Jazz basses, though. I have a P/J 4 string that's not getting too much love lately because I'm playing the five more. What I actually need (think I need?) is an inexpensive fiver that plays well and covers a lot of tonal ground. What do you have to share in a P/J that's under a grand, sets up nice, and feels wickedly easy to play?

If I were to just go do it today I'd probably get another Model T Session in a five string from Schecter. What else should I look at?

 

[mbell75]

5 String Passive P/J Bass

 

[LBS-bass]

Thank you. Some good info there. That thread is a few years old, and I might be interested in something newer than that, but I will take a look at those options for sure!

 

[LBS-bass]

5 String Passive P/J Bass

So looking at this thread, most of the suggestions are high end. I'm asking specifically about $1000 or less. Also, I play mainly active basses, though passives are not out of the question. So additional suggestions are very much welcome!

 

[ihaveaquestion]

If you are willing to go outside of Fender style, there's the Epiphone Ebm 5. They are active, but maybe the narrow string spacing would be a deal breaker

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I had good luck with an Ibanez TMB 605, but the bridge pickup is true single coil, and not that well shielded.

 

[LBS-bass]

I had good luck with an Ibanez TMB 605, but the bridge pickup is true single coil, and not that well shielded.

So probably would pass muster in a noisy club band but not great for recording. I could live with that.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

So probably would pass muster in a noisy club band but not great for recording. I could live with that.

I think it would be great to swap out that Big Single on the bridge for a humbucking Big Split. I bet it would sound sort of like a Music Man Caprice.

 

[LBS-bass]

I think it would be great to swap out that Big Single on the bridge for a humbucking Big Split. I bet it would sound sort of like a Music Man Caprice.

Interesting thought. I just sold my Caprice because the humbuckers weren't doing it for me but maybe this would be a more versatile combination.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Interesting thought. I just sold my Caprice because the humbuckers weren't doing it for me but maybe this would be a more versatile combination.

It is active with a two band eq. That should help with versatility. I made lots of videos of me playing the bass. If you want to see some, let me know.

 

[JW56789]

I'd take one of these all day long: Fits the budget, Babicz bridge, sealed keys, ebony (!) fingerboard, 6-bolt neck, and gen-U-wine EMG's, yours in Pelham Blue or Black with a matching (OMG!OMG!) headstock.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I've owned all three versions of the BB5000, and had a custom Elan 5 with Alembic's PJ Activators. I find the P pickup is nice reinforcement on those B-string notes, just seem to get a bigger bite than a Jazz pickup in that spot for me, and yet you still have that aft Jazz pickup to add highs. My favorite layout. This ESP is a sleeper, and would be on my short list if I were after a Fender-ish axe.

 

[Maxdusty]

For a P/J fiver under $1000 - Sire P7 -it's both active and passive, great preamp on these.
Another versatile bass but not a P/J is the G&L Tribute L2500. Again both active and passive but has great versatility due to the control options on it. I love PJ basses and typically prefer them over basses with humbuckers with the exception of a MM, but was surprised at how versatile the G&L L2000 (four string version) was.

 

[Mark76]

You can get Marcus Miller P7s (by Sire) from $469 up to $659 from Thomann. That's like half your budget. Even cheaper are Thomann's own Harley Bentons ranging from $121 for a basic PJ-5 HTR to $329 for an enhanced (i.e. active) MP-5 MN, They also have Yamaha and ESP PJs available for <$1K

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Another vote for Sire P7. Get an ash body with maple board. Really great sounding and playing basses!

 

[pedroims]

Yamaha BB435, I have the BBP35 and love it.

 

[Nunovsky]

But I already have two five strings. They are both Jazz basses, though. I have a P/J 4 string that's not getting too much love lately because I'm playing the five more. What I actually need (think I need?) is an inexpensive fiver that plays well and covers a lot of tonal ground. What do you have to share in a P/J that's under a grand, sets up nice, and feels wickedly easy to play?

If I were to just go do it today I'd probably get another Model T Session in a five string from Schecter. What else should I look at?

Yamaha BB435, I have the BBP35 and love it.

Honestly, I think that Yamaha BB are the best PJs available for the price. You can find other good basses from other brands but you won't go wrong with any of those.

If you want a nice new bass that plays and sounds well and has a great construction quality, just check the Yamaha BB435.
If you go used, you probably can get a 735a at a good price. I would also check the former line of BB basses like the 425x which are among the best sounding basses for the price, without any doubt.

 

[SerratedBass]

Check out the Jericho Alpha. 5 string 35" scale PJ, similar in style to an Aerodyne

 

[mexicant]

Another vote for sire,excellent preamp and workmanship!

 

[cnltb]

Feel like I need a P/J fiver
It'll pass.

 

[jlepre]

I have had this (!st Generation) as my main gigging bass for the past almost 2 years. Love it!
Crank the volume on this one, as I had the levels set a bit low. This is without any FOH support.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]