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First 5-String, Need Help/Suggestions

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Ely, Nov 12, 2001.

  1. Nov 12, 2001 #1
    Ely

    Ely

    Jun 8, 2001
    Huntsville, AL
    I'm looking to get my first 5 string soon (some of the songs my band covers/are going to cover are in DADG, some in CGCF, and some in BEADG (which is mainly why I need a 5-string :rolleyes: )

    My price range is about $600 max right now. I've looked at the:
    MTD Kingston 5 - about $500
    Ibanez BTB405 - about $600
    Spector NS/2000 Q5 - about $600

    I might consider putting a preamp in the Kingston, and maybe a Basslines Musicman Pickup in it too. I'd probably upgrade the Spector's EMG HZ's to EMG DC40's as well. I'm not really sure about the Ibanez, I only know that the Soundgear electronics suck, haven't hear anything bad about BTB's at all.

    Which of these do you recommend? Any other suggestions? Keep in mind that I play hard rock, punk, and a little bit of metal.
     
  2. Nov 12, 2001 #2
    Mike N

    Mike N Missing the old TB Staff Member Supporting Member

    Jan 28, 2001
    Spencerport, New York
    I havent played the Spector,but of the other two I like the Kingston.I really liked the sound/feel of that Bass.

    Another Bass Id look at would be the Fender MIM Deluxe Jazz.Its got active electronics,and is a really nice Bass for the price.Ive got the 4-string model,and its a keeper(the 4 was $500 new,I cant imagine the 5 being too much more).

    Dont forget to look into used Basses,too.Theres some great deals to be had in the used market.I picked up a MIA Jazz with case for $600 with tax(and sold it back to the same store 3 years later for $700,but thats another story.......).

    Good luck.
     
  3. Nov 12, 2001 #3
    cassanova

    cassanova

    Sep 4, 2000
    Florida
    all 3 are decent enough basses for the money,

    Sit down with all of them and play them one at a time. Find out what you like/dislike about them, then weigh the pro's and con's of each.


    just a few more options for you to consider

    Fender MIM DLX
    Peavey Fury
    Yamaha RBX
    Schector
    Washburn (yeah some ppl actually like um)


    of the 3 you are enquiring about, I myself prefer the Spector, Its tone is decent but I like how easy it is to play.

    Then my next choice would be the BTB, ok tone, fairly easy to play.

    My last choice would be the MTD, even though its the easiest one for me to play, Id have to swap out the preamp and electronics to get a better sound out of it, and I dont like having to do that, since there are other brands that get a pretty good tone without needing to swap out parts. Im also not a fan of single pickup up basses, imo they arent as versatile . BTW the MTD is probably the best constucted of the 3, at least thats mho.

    Like I said, play all three of them (more if you can) and just use your own ears/hands to determine which one sounds best and plays best for you.


    btw, when i test drive a bass, i like to use the cheapest, worthless amp I can find 1st before I run it through a good rig. Because if it sounds good thru that, it will more than likely sound good thru a better rig.
     
  4. Nov 12, 2001 #4
    ImNotGeddyLee

    ImNotGeddyLee

    Mar 13, 2001
    Providence RI
    Spector



    And make sure that you absolutely want a 5 string. You may be doing those covers now but that is no reason for you to buy something you may not really use otherwise. I have seen a lot of people (me one :rolleyes: ) that think they need a 5 or 6 string and then go back to the faithful four later in life when they grow as a bass player. I'm sure John will come agree with me except instead of 5 go for TWICE as many string but just try a lot out and make sure its absolutely what you want.
     
  5. Nov 12, 2001 #5
    Ely

    Ely

    Jun 8, 2001
    Huntsville, AL
    Thanks for the replies, keep em coming.

    Cassanova, If I can find these basses at any nearby (as in within 50 miles) stores (I know of one spector dealer in town, no ibanez or MTDs) I'll definitely play the frets off em before deciding, but I needa find em first! I'll play em through an amp thats similar to mine, if not exactly the same, everyone in my town carries Peavey, and that's what I have for my amp.

    ImNotGeddyLee, I'm pretty sure I want a fiver, I like the extended range, as well as the larger neck. I'll keep getting 4's but I like 5+ strings as well.
     
  6. Nov 13, 2001 #6
    nanook

    nanook

    Feb 9, 2000
    Alaska
    I would look at Dean first. Also I think Hartke makes one in that price range with some good features.
     
  7. Nov 13, 2001 #7
    human13

    human13

    Nov 13, 2001
    Houston Tx
    I have an Ibanez BTB 405 and love it, I have no experience with the Spector that you are talking about but have played the MTD and it just didn't 'feel' right to me. The BTB sounds good w/ a good range of tones, feels good, a bit heavy compared to other Ibanez's but not too bad. I have small hands so when shopping around for a 5 string that was a concern for me, the xtra width of the neck isn't too bad with the thinner neck on this guitar (compared to my fender). I can easily reach any position on the fretboard b/c of the thin neck and deep cutaway, I have some problems with my small hands reaching some of the higher notes on my E string on my 4 string Fender so this was a nice change being able to easily reach anywhere on the fretboard. The best advice has already been given though and that is to play each of your options as much as possible and as long as it takes to get a good feel for the right bass, your hands and ears won't steer you wrong.
     
  8. Nov 13, 2001 #8
    Ely

    Ely

    Jun 8, 2001
    Huntsville, AL
    Ok, I kinda am leaning toward the MTD Kingston now, I kinda just don't like the way it looks (4+1 Headstock and wierd little pickguard), the Ibanez looks the best, but has a little too much versatility, and the Q5 doesn't have as nice a body shape as the Neck Thru and USA Models, and has a good tone.

    What kind of tone does the Kingston get? I want tons of growl and a lot of punch, and good cutting power in the mix. How's the output on that Humbucker? Is it nice and "hot"? Keep in mind I play with a loud drummer (doesn't bother me that much since he uses electric drums and it helps me groove with him better), a loud keyboardist that loves to mess around and fill up space, a guitarist who uses a ton of distortion sometimes, and a 2nd guitarist who has to turn every knob on his 10w combo to max to be heard, so plenty of cut is very important.
     
  9. Nov 13, 2001 #9
    Aenema

    Aenema

    Apr 18, 2001
    Michigan
    i dont think any of them can touch the mtd kingston for the price.
     
  10. Nov 13, 2001 #10
    ImNotGeddyLee

    ImNotGeddyLee

    Mar 13, 2001
    Providence RI
    SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR SPECTOR
     
  11. Nov 13, 2001 #11
    BaSsDuDe230

    BaSsDuDe230

    Sep 17, 2001
    Pittsburgh, PA.
    look for a yamaha TRB 5II or The old neck thru ones....used i got it for 600$ and itz well worth it :D
     
  12. Nov 13, 2001 #12
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    I agree.
     
  13. Nov 14, 2001 #13
    Tsal

    Tsal

    Jan 28, 2000
    Finland
    Hey Ely,

    Kingston has loads of output especially for passive bass. I have heard some people thought it was active at first when they picked it up!

    I haven't got to try my Kingsy with a band yet, but atleast BP said it does cut thru.

    I have to say, some people say basswood woulden't be such a good wood for basses, but atleast on Kingston it does seem nice.
     
  14. Nov 14, 2001 #14
    Ely

    Ely

    Jun 8, 2001
    Huntsville, AL
    Hmm, I tried a BTB yesterday and it was awesome. Also tried the Korean Spector and it was a disappointment compared to the American and Czech Spectors I've tried. Now I just need to try ou the Kingston (the nearest MTD dealer is in Knoxville though :( ) and I also want to check out the Conklin GT5, that looks nice but it's a bit more expensive than everything else.
    So my choices are now:

    MTD Kingston K5 - $500
    Ibanez BTB405 - $600
    Conklin GT5 - $750

    Any other suggestions besides the ones listed already in the thread? Anyone second anyone else's opinion? Thanks!