First (5 String?) Bass for a Guitarist

[Dave_I]

Long story short, I'm a guitarist (mainly 8-string, still getting fluidity at it) and rekindled my interest in bass since my son's learning bass in orchestra. I also love the sound of the low-B string. As such, I'm considering getting a 5-string.

Unabridged version... I had planned on getting a 5-string for my son and I to share but he's getting a standup bass to practice with from school so it became more self-indulgent. I spent some time with an Ibanez EHB1505MS and loved nearly everything about it. However, while I could justify that for something my son might legitimately need an inherit, it's a bit much for me to justify for myself when I'm primarily a guitarist and not sure that's a great decision for a first bass when it may not be a real need. Plus, if I end up really taking to bass I could revisit the used market for the EHBs. Also, I may decide I really want a 6-string or that a 4-string is where it's at or whatnot. I think I could get a 6-string bass and really, really enjoy it since I enjoy playing leads, however I also think there are some drawbacks on that since I'd be learning bass as a new instrument and I already have my 8-string and 6-string guitars for that.

As such, for the moment I'm interested in a used 5-string, preferably one that can switch from active to passive, and one that's comfortable ergonomically speaking.

Other thoughts and preferences (largely optional):

• Multiscale: Multiscale is awesome, however I'm not sure it's a must-have for me in a bass. If it's multiscale, great! If it sounds and feels fine without it, also fine.
• Headless Guitars: I like headless guitars too, however I'm fine either way.
• Scale Length: After playing the Ibanez I can see where a longer-scale (e.g. 37") for the low B would be nice, however I'm open. I'd love to end up with something that had a 37" B-string, but it's not mandatory by any stretch.
• Music Style: Soundwise, I'm really a Born Again Metalhead. However, I like Metal, Rock, and Clean (ala. Jazz, and Folksy stuff). I primarily like to play overdriven/fuzzy stuff and turn the volume down for cleaner sounds, but I like to play with extremes in music. For bass I love Primus and Cliff Burton-era Metallica, and stylistically I listen to everything from Morbid Angel to Eva Cassidy, with Tom Petty, Public Enemy, Portishead, Miles Davis, and Eva Cassidy. But I can see playing more of the Cliff Burton stuff, exploring Rush, King Crimson, and I like a lot of bass chord stuff with solos or arpeggios based off of that. I can also see playing along with just about any of Portishead's albums for learning purposes and just enjoying the bass lines.
• Aesthetically...Take this with a grain of salt, but I like tabletop guitars. Sorry. I'll play one with a pickguard and a solid color, but I have a sweet spot for guitars with wood tops and finishes that highlight the natural grain of the wood. But aesthetics are far, far down the list of factors, and once I'm caught up in the music I won't care if it's a pink Daisy Rock design frankly. As much as I like wood grain finishes, I don't really end up noticing that after I buy the thing.

So if there are any good matches for what I'm looking for on the used market I'm all ears. I've read enough to know that Dingwalls are amazing and kind if the go-to. That said, for my first actual bass with my present usage a $2k-or-more bass, while no doubt amazing, is going to be overkill. As for the price, I'm hoping for ~$1k (give or take). I've done some reading and there seem to be some usual recommendations, however I also don't want to go in with any preconceived notions. As long as it sounds great, feels comfortable, and is of a solid quality, I'm probably going to be very happy with it.

Any suggestions?

 

[Dave_I]

As a bit of a bump, does a 5-string seem like the best choice given the above criteria or is there some other choice that seems like it would be a better fit?

 

[poochiecheeks]

The Ibanez EHB fits your specs pretty well, or SRMS for one with a headstock
Look for a used Spector NS Dimension 5 maybe
Kiesel makes some headless stuff but mostly custom orders for what you'd want
I think there's some NS Design headless 5s but not in multiscale

Also most of that is well over your $1k price tag unfortunately. Ibanez would work the best there

 

[groove pump]

As a bit of a bump, does a 5-string seem like the best choice given the above criteria or is there some other choice that seems like it would be a better fit?

As far as I can tell, the "best choice" for any player is an instrument that offers a decent fit for that particular player. I've made more than one attempt with a 5-string and it just hasn't worked. I play 4-strings, but I'm done with playing boat-anchor basses that weigh 10-11 lbs. and my fretting hand can't tolerate a narrow neck.

One bass I've recently found for myself is the LTD B-1004 Deluxe. I got this one used through GC for $900, but new ones look like they go for twice that much. This is a spectacular bass that's also a really great fit for me and it has a very broad range of sounds that can be dialed up from its pair of Nordstrand Big Splits and on-board preamp. Plus the different wood species that are included in this build are gorgeous.

LTD also makes 5-string models of this bass, both a standard version and also a multi-scale with a 37" B string. The ones currently available on (rhymes with Preverb) look like they start at around $1,400, but there could be others out there - try a search in GC's used inventory and the classifieds here.

 

[MrAB4003]

Why not just tune a 4 string to BEAD tuning? You'll have the low B string, familiarity coming from 8 string guitar, an easier time finding a bass (because 4 strings are the most common type), and fewer issues with muting.

 

[Dave_I]

Why not just tune a 4 string to BEAD tuning? You'll have the low B string, familiarity coming from 8 string guitar, an easier time finding a bass (because 4 strings are the most common type), and fewer issues with muting.

That's a fair question. I just think I'd miss the range of the G-string. Maybe, maybe not. I also tend to just dive in and figure stuff out. While not the same, I've gotten decent at muting the other strings on my 8-string by resting my palm on the lower strings when doing leads/riffs higher-up. Conceptually I get it even if the technique will be different on a bass.

On the other hand, that's also why I asked. Most of what I play will be E-standard or drop-D, and maybe I won't miss a G-string as much as I thought. I do have that low-B through Eb in my head and when putzing around (albeit briefly) with a 5-string, I enjoyed that range. However, I'm not immune to overthinking things either and know many people are just fine with a 4-string as well. But if I can find a great deal on a used 5-string I may just pull the trigger and play with it for a while to see if it's my thing or not. That's just my current mindset on it.

 

[Yahboy]

Used ibby BTB 740 and make it BEAD.

 

[lomo]

There's no correct answer here because no one can see the/your future. The cheapest/least risky option of a decent, used 5 string. As a guitarist it may be impossible/premature for you to know what parameters you prefer (string spacing, scale length, etc) but I'd suggest a 35" scale if you want to play a lot of chords/ double stops anywhere below the 15th fret....certainly not shorter than 34" for a good, clear B. Also, chording is MUCH tougher on a multi scale board IME. The "all in" approach is to bite the bullet, buy once/cry once and get a nice 6er and stick with that. Only you can make the call. IMHO, if you plan on still playing a lot of guitar, I'd go with a 5 string bass, or even a 4 banger tuned BEAD (my current preference).

 

[BarfanyShart]

The EHB seems like it was made for you, and the 1005MS is obtainable used in your budget. I've got a 1005SMS, and playing anything else just annoys me nowadays.

 

[Dave_I]

There's no correct answer here because no one can see the/your future.

True...

I'd suggest a 35" scale if you want to play a lot of chords/ double stops anywhere below the 15th fret....certainly not shorter than 34" for a good, clear B. (snip) IMHO, if you plan on still playing a lot of guitar, I'd go with a 5 string bass, or even a 4 banger tuned BEAD (my current preference).

I'm definitely planning on playing a lot of guitar.

Two questions.

First, how much harder is chording on a 5 or 6 string bass neck if you have average sized hands?

Second, on a BEAD setup, do you personally ever miss the G string for bass lines? Because as much as I can geek out over an all-in-one extended range instrument, I also don't need everything I own to cover every note perceivably by the human ear (or beyond).

 

[viking power]

I'll throw a recommendation out there for Schecter. Specifically the Schecter Riot 5 string. I've got the 4 string version and it is a helluva lot of bass for I think $600 when I bought mine new back in 2017 or so. Great tonal options, came set up well.
Looks like prices are a bit higher but still around $1k or less out the door:

Session Riot-5 Bass Guitar - Aged Natural Satin - Sweetwater

 

[BarfanyShart]

True...



I'm definitely planning on playing a lot of guitar.

Two questions.

First, how much harder is chording on a 5 or 6 string bass neck if you have average sized hands?

Second, on a BEAD setup, do you personally ever miss the G string for bass lines? Because as much as I can geek out over an all-in-one extended range instrument, I also don't need everything I own to cover every note perceivably by the human ear (or beyond).

I did seriously miss the g string when I tried BEAD. There's a lot of classic metal/punk lines that require a D and G string. 5 string is exactly 1 string better. 2-3 note chords are exactly the same on 4 or 5 strings, except more voicings are available on 5. Muting can be trickier on 5 strings, and coming from guitar you may not yet realize how important muting technique is for bass guitar in particular - but you'll figure it out, and if you start on 5, you'll never have to know the difference.

 

[micguy]

A 5 string puts more demands on the amplification than a 4. There are no bass guitar cabinets that really do the low B n a 5 justice. A real PA with top level subs will - to take advantage of what a 5 offers, that's what you need, and few beginners have anything like that to play through.

 

[lomo]

True...



I'm definitely planning on playing a lot of guitar.

Two questions.

First, how much harder is chording on a 5 or 6 string bass neck if you have average sized hands?

Second, on a BEAD setup, do you personally ever miss the G string for bass lines? Because as much as I can geek out over an all-in-one extended range instrument, I also don't need everything I own to cover every note perceivably by the human ear (or beyond).

Chording isn't a problem on a conventional 5 (I have never even held a 6). It's the fanned frets that can be ergonomically unfriendly (specifically for chords, they're great otherwise) , regardless of string count. I don't miss the G on a BEAD 4 banger because I virtually never play chords when playing with others....it's something I do occasionally on my own, and when I do play chords, I have to have the G, so I pick up a 5er. After many years exclusively on BEADG 5ers, recently going to a BEAD 4 forced me to be a little more rhythmic/ percussive and less prone to noodling....nicely shook up my approach.

 

[MrAB4003]

That's a fair question. I just think I'd miss the range of the G-string. Maybe, maybe not. I also tend to just dive in and figure stuff out. While not the same, I've gotten decent at muting the other strings on my 8-string by resting my palm on the lower strings when doing leads/riffs higher-up. Conceptually I get it even if the technique will be different on a bass.

On the other hand, that's also why I asked. Most of what I play will be E-standard or drop-D, and maybe I won't miss a G-string as much as I thought. I do have that low-B through Eb in my head and when putzing around (albeit briefly) with a 5-string, I enjoyed that range. However, I'm not immune to overthinking things either and know many people are just fine with a 4-string as well. But if I can find a great deal on a used 5-string I may just pull the trigger and play with it for a while to see if it's my thing or not. That's just my current mindset on it.

I understand! Another suggestion is to get a 4 string and tune it to DGCF. One of my basses is tuned to D Standard and I love it, especially for songs in D, F, or G. I play 4 strings exclusively, so this is how I can get most of the range of a 5 string bass with 4 strings. I don't have the B0, C1, or C#1 on the low side. But I also don't have the D4 or Eb4 on the high side. My basses all have 20 frets each for reference.

You can do this with a 5 string too if you want. It would be tuned either ADGCF or DGCFBb - likely the former because you like having the lower notes.

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Specs mean nothing to ones hands. Go to a big box music store (Sam Ash, GC) and play every 5 string they have. Then come back and publish your thoughts.

 

[G On Bass]

There's no correct answer here because no one can see the/your future. The cheapest/least risky option of a decent, used 5 string. As a guitarist it may be impossible/premature for you to know what parameters you prefer (string spacing, scale length, etc)...

Specs mean nothing to ones hands. Go to a big box music store (Sam Ash, GC) and play every 5 string they have. Then come back and publish your thoughts.

^^These^^

Play a bunch, one will speak to you. But if you found one you like that works for you and that you can afford, like the Ibanez you played, just get it. It's cheaper to have one you know you like than to buy and sell until you find one. FWIW, as an active-5-string-only guy who owns no 4 strings, I never use the passive toggle on any of my basses, all are tuned BEADG, and my 34" scale basses have great B strings (used to play 35's only)