Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
First 5 String Bass
- Thread starter Bendog
- Start date
I live in a rural area and the closest place is an hour away. Unfortunately, they have a decent selection of 4 strings, but not 5 string basses. I’ll more than likely have to drive to Baltimore or Philadelphia to actually find some models to try. I bought my first 4 string From Sweetwater online and have been very happy with it. If go that route again, I am just looking for suggestions.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Man, there are A LOT of good choices for a 5 under 2K. That's a really tough decision. Mine are slammers, imo, and both bought new, well under your budget...ESP E-II GB-5 (Japanese), and a Schecter Stiletto Studio (Korean). Granted, there was a BIG improvement for me, action-wise, after changing the bridge on the latter, but now they are both very gig-worthy. I've also recorded with the Schecter, and it sounds awesome.
Last edited:
What 4-string do you have and like? What do you like about it? Does that same model come in a 5-string version? If not, $2,000 gives you almost limitless options among factory-built instruments, and you could probably even get a semi-custom instrument from some builders. I know what I like, but you’ll get better recommendations for you if you give us a bit more to go on
If I had $2000 I'd be checking the classifieds twice a day.
My Mike Lull PJ5 and Sadowsky Metro 5 string Jazz were around that price.
My Mike Lull PJ5 and Sadowsky Metro 5 string Jazz were around that price.
I have a Schecter CV-4 which has been a great starter 4 string. I can get a decent variety of tones from it, but it is my first bass so I have nothing to really compare it too.
Right on. That seems like a great place to have started!
Schecter does make a CV-5, so there’s one 5-string you’re virtually guaranteed to like right there, and well within your budget. It’s a bit unusual in that it has essentially a double-P pickup configuration, so you won’t find too many others like it, though with aftermarket pickups and a budget like that you could easily swap some soapbar-shaped split-coils into any of the bajillion double-soapbar models out there if you wanted to stick with a similar pickup configuration.
If you wanted something similar but potentially a bit swankier, you might look into the Lākland 55-01.
Alternatively, you could use this opportunity to get a bass that will give you some sounds your 4-string can’t do.
The first type that jumps out to me is a Stingray, with a particular humbucking pickup placed about between the two on your CV-4. $2k could probably get you a used US-made Ernie Ball Stingray, and virtually anything in their Sterling import line. The Lākland 55-02 comes to mind as another option in that price range. I’m partial to the Ibanez ATK series, which are currently out of production but widely available used well within your budget; you’d probably want to look at the ATK305 (I’ve played one of these since 1995), 405, or 805.
If you like the idea of something Stingray-ish with a bit more versatility, you could look into an HH model or Warwick $$.
Then there’s jazz basses and the endless variants on them. Much easier to find than 5-string Ps, and still significantly different from your current bass (though less so than anything Ray-ish).
Hope that helps!
It will be worth the trip. And if you find one that you like, you can look that model up on sweetwater on your phone and see if they have a better price, then go home and order it. Or, see if the music store has any wiggle room on their price.
Either way, no one else can tell you what bass hangs the best on the strap, on your body, sits the best on your knee, has a comfy reach to the nut, has the best belly carve for your body, has the best feeling neck in your hand, balances the best for you, sounds the best to you,...on and on.
All you will get is 100 posts of how/why other people like their basses. Unfortunately, that doesn't help you at all.
The only useful info anyone else can give you is on the build quality of their instrument, potential problems and customer service experience.
If you're going to Baltimore, Chuck Levins in DC is another 45 minutes away and they usually have good stock
I generally agree, though with a new player it seems worthwhile to at least mention the types of instruments available.
I own a Schecter CV-5, and can tell anyone, this is a fantastic instrument.
Two humbuckers, a 3 way switch and either pickup can be set to series/parallel/single coil.
It has a vintage type sound to it.
It is exremely versatile.
$750 right now, but don’t let the moderate price mislead you, this bass is a sleeper.
Highly recommended.
Good luck.
Mike
Two humbuckers, a 3 way switch and either pickup can be set to series/parallel/single coil.
It has a vintage type sound to it.
It is exremely versatile.
$750 right now, but don’t let the moderate price mislead you, this bass is a sleeper.
Highly recommended.
Good luck.
Mike
Don't know how one would do for Jazz & Blues, but for the Southern Rock, But Leon Wilkeson (Lynrd Skynrd/Rossington Collins) used a 4 string 1963 Gibson Thunderbird. Maybe an Epiphone Thunderbird 4/5 string might be something to put in the list pf consideration ? The Epiphone Thunderbird isn't going to spend you to $ 2K & it's most likely less than the Schecter you have. What amp are you playing ? That could be a direction to consider as well for gear. Make that $ 2K go further if you really must spend it.
Leon Wilkeson’s 1963 Gibson Thunderbird Bass - Rock Stars Guitars
Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V 5-String Electric Bass Guitar - Natural Oil | Reverb
Leon Wilkeson’s 1963 Gibson Thunderbird Bass - Rock Stars Guitars
Epiphone Thunderbird Pro V 5-String Electric Bass Guitar - Natural Oil | Reverb
I like schecter for a 5. There are a lot to pick from. Depending on the model, they can be modded and upgraded pretty easily. They really make a good instrument for the money.
One of my bands plays blues/classic rock/country and I haven't found my Lakland 55-02 lacking in any way. I love the variety of tones I can get, and the neck is subperb. When I was searching for a 5-er, I tried many basses, but the Lakland was the best for me. Hope this helps.
B
B
Blues, Rock, Jazz. You sound like a man in need of a P-Bass
5-string and a Schecter fan... You sir need a P-5
P-5
I also adore my Yamaha BBP-35
5-string and a Schecter fan... You sir need a P-5
P-5
I also adore my Yamaha BBP-35
Work out what you want in a 5, before you start shopping... consider things like string spacing (16mm - 20mm), 34inch or 35 inch scale, active or passive, types of pickups, weight, etc. If you can hone in on some of these, it will narrow the scope for you.
