First 5 string bass

[BarfanyShart]

I like Warwicks, so I say get a Warwick. I might just have a little nostalgia for my 5-string that inlet go of a few years ago after many years of noble service.

 

[Discount Bassy]

Congratulations on choosing to add the five to your arsenal. When I made the switch from four strings, I never looked back and divested from all of my basses with insufficient numbers of strings. Be careful, you might next hear the call of the six!

 

[micguy]

34 inch basses need a bigger B string to get the tension in the same tension range as the other strings. 35 inch basses need smaller gauge strings on the other 4 to avoid too much tension on those strings.

Floppy B’s aren’t a bass problem, they’re a string problem. If string makers made 5 string sets that were actually balanced tension wise there wouldn’t be a problem at all.

 

[madmaskbass]

own both spector and Warwick and IMO the Spector legend line is far better than the rockbass line. Not going to comment on the higher end models because they are both awesome but I have no hesitation recommending a Spector legend bass but I would struggle to recommend alot of the Rockbasses. IMO of course.

 

[KenD]

How do you intend to tune it? BEADG or EADGC

 

[GreyBeard]

I started playing 5 since back in the 90's. The biggest difference I've noticed in 5'ers is neck width/diameter and string spacing. Most Ibanez models have fairly slim necks and close, like 16mm string spacing. Music Man as a rule is 1 3/4" at the nut and 17.5 string spacing. And there are a lot of 5's that are 1 7/8" at the nut and 19mm string spacing. The only way to find out what is best for you is to play them. I personally can play my Music Man SR5 all day without getting tired but, that is me.

 

[Growl93]

@OP, I think you're putting the cart before the horse. I strongly suggest getting a hold of any old 5 string that you can 5. Or even consider the Ibanez AEB105E Acoustic-Electric Bass. Learn how to play it, get a feel for what you want, and then spend the big bucks on something you want (after you decide if 5 string is even for you...). I know guys who thought they wanted a 5, get one in the hands, and immediately knew they that they weren't into it.
Like others have mentioned, spacing on a 5 string is very unique to the individual preference. Buying an expesnive 5 first would be like buying a corvette before you know how to drive. That being said, go for it with a 5 string! When I first layed a 5 string I knew instantly that I wanted to keep going with it. Now I mostly play only 5s.

Good luck!

I have a math on my mind, in my case it will be cheaper to get something more proper, which I might use, from the beginning. I've learned my lesson with many basses.

ComeHomeShane is on the money. If you're used to playing a 4 Str Bass the 5er might take a little adjustment. I now play a Washburn (in my sig) but still get confused playing the wrong string on occasion. I do like playing 4 str Basses but like the flexibility of having the extra low notes that the B string offers. That said, I have not played standard tuning Bass for decades. Always had them tuned BEAD so EADG can also confuse me. What are you hoping to achieve by going 5 STR? Is it possible that a 4 str tuned to BEAD would be nearer your purview at the moment?

I want those deep notes for some styles I play, and no I don't wanna do it on 4 stringer cause I'd have to modify nut to be able to use proper gauge.

I love the look of Spectors and the Warwick is similar.

The thing I have found with most basses is that if the upper horn does not align with the 12 fret and if the bridge does not sit far back at the butt of the body, it will not balance well on a strap, the reach will feel longer and you are likely to have significant neck dive.

I tried a Spector Euro 5-string and when I asked for a strap and put it on, as I predicted, it had all the problems I listed above. Many people play them and love them, but ergonomically, it would not work for me.

If you are able to play the Cort A5 and see if you like it, I would suggest getting that. Getting a Spector or Warwick without playing one will be a gamble.

Isn't that reason why Spectors have different position for back strap lock? And yeah, I'll first try Corts before I move on. Thanks for input.

Harley Benton

Yeah... No.... Thanks..

own both spector and Warwick and IMO the Spector legend line is far better than the rockbass line. Not going to comment on the higher end models because they are both awesome but I have no hesitation recommending a Spector legend bass but I would struggle to recommend alot of the Rockbasses. IMO of course.

Would you mind elaborating your experience with both, and why you think Spector is a way to go?

How do you intend to tune it? BEADG or EADGC

Standard BEADG, I want those low notes.

 

[Leigh Semmens]

I want those deep notes for some styles I play, and no I don't wanna do it on 4 stringer cause I'd have to modify nut to be able to use proper gauge.

You could always take the original nut off and keep it for if you want to return to standard tuning. A new nut is way cheaper than a guitar if all you are doing is experimenting.

 

[Eli_Kyiv]

My ¢2:
1. Consider Ibanez BTB series. They combine slim fast necks with wide (19mm) bridge string spacing. BTBs get a lot of love among bassists, though it's not universal. New BTB are quite expensive, but on the used market they could be found quite cheap. Mine was $280.
2. You may find the bass you want in the neighborhood, I mean Croatia, Slovenia, Italy etc.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I’m not a fan of 35” scale. It makes the D and G too twangy, IMHO and doesn’t make much difference between a 34” scale instrument. As far as Cort, I'd avoid the Bartolini MkI pickups, they're really lifeless. Get the Warwick.

 

[Growl93]

You could always take the original nut off and keep it for if you want to return to standard tuning. A new nut is way cheaper than a guitar if all you are doing is experimenting.

I don't wanna mess with my basses with these kinds of mods, they are setup perfectly, I'd rather spend money on 5 stringer, cause I plan on using it.

My ¢2:
1. Consider Ibanez BTB series. They combine slim fast necks with wide (19mm) bridge string spacing. BTBs get a lot of love among bassists, though it's not universal. New BTB are quite expensive, but on the used market they could be found quite cheap. Mine was $280.
2. You may find the bass you want in the neighborhood, I mean Croatia, Slovenia, Italy etc.

Yeah, Ibanez BTB's have great sound, but as I stated previously, I can't stand slim/thin necks. But thanks for recommendation.
And yeah I get all of my gear from Croatia, I have a retailer there with who I have really good relation, they will get me anything I want. But it's a bit too far to go and just try stuff out. I'm trusting them with techical part, cause before they ship stuff to me they check everything about instument. Feel about the instument is subjective however.

I’m not a fan of 35” scale. It makes the D and G too twangy, IMHO and doesn’t make much difference between a 34” scale instrument. As far as Cort, I'd avoid the Bartolini MkI pickups, they're really lifeless. Get the Warwick.

I was also thinking the same at this point, just to be safe to go 34'' route. Thanks.

 

[chris_b]

I was also thinking the same at this point, just to be safe to go 34'' route. Thanks.

I don't believe generalizations.

My Lakland and Lull basses were 35" and had nothing wrong with the sound, on any strings.

My Sadowsky is 34" and the B string sings.