First 5 String: Need Suggestions

[Alexis Duntov]

So I'm finally ready to wade into the 5 string pool (been listening to a lot of Anthony Jackson's playing on Chaka Khan records lately). I live in NYC so there are a few shops I can go test drive some instruments. But before I do that I thought I'd get some idea of the more favored brands, things to look out for, best sounding low notes, etc. I'm interested in a J-style pick-up config. This would be for R&B stuff. I like this tone a lot, though I think this may be a 4 string Fender tuned DGCF. Thanks.

 

[DreadyDiggs]

All brands are favored, that is why they are brands.

Do YOU already have a brand you favor? Have you looked into their 5 String offerings?

 

[japhy4529]

What's your budget?

Nathan East has done very well for himself playing his Yamaha BBNE2 signature model.

 

[loveandbass]

Im a modulus fan. Definition for days on the low B. Never need to tune up.

 

[Dbassmon]

Anthony has had his Fodera Contra since 87... passive. That probably is what he's playing and it does sound like a p bass on that recording. if you like the Fender tone....try a P5. Start there.

 

[ShowKing]

Lakland - killer low B and incredible feeling necks

 

[xroads]

There are many good 5-string J-style basses out there. It also depends on your budget.
I would suggest to check out a few in order to narrow down your options.
Things to watch out:
- neck profile (5 strings need a broader neck, hence neck design might be critical)
- low B response
- active or passive (lots of 5ers are active in order to make them more flexible in sound, some also in order to compensate for shortcomings...)

Brands to check out are Lakland, (some) Fenders, Sadowsky, Valenti, or Lull.

 

[oren]

When I was looking for a new five string a few years back I tried out a fair number of different models. To my ears the instruments with 35 inch scales had notably better B string sound than those with 34 inch.

I ended up buying a used Roscoe, which I love. I also liked the Lulls and Laklands.

Though it's a 34 inch scale many people are singing the praises of the Sire V7 5 string. Their forthcoming M7 is going to have a 35 inch scale. Their basses are very good quality at reasonable price points.

 

[pedroims]

I got a Lakland DJ5, killer bass, now I want a Lakland P5.

 

[Nedmundo]

IMO, you should test a bunch of fives to find out which ones feel the best to you, and narrow it down from there. Often, fives aren't simply fours with an extra string; some have different specs in important areas that affect feel. For example, some are 35" scale (which often improves B string tone), and many have narrower string spacing at the bridge than most fours. I don't like 35" scale, but do like slightly narrower string spacing. Also, while I prefer flatter fretboards generally, this is even more important for me with fives.

So, go out and test some, then look up the specs of those you like so you can figure out which specs you generally prefer. Do the same with tone, and you might end up with a short list within your budget.

 

[winegamd]

Anthony played a P bass tuned down a whole step on the Chaka Kahn stuff. Any long scale with a front pickup the n a similar location should get close. I think the Yamaha TRBX505 would be a really good start.

 

[Dougie44]

Check out G&L L2500, they have USA and a foreign Tribute L2500. Passive and active switch

 

[Henrythe8]

There is a 40-pages long thread in there about the Squier Jazz Bazz Deluxe Active V.
2" ut, 20mm string spacing so it's comfy when coming from a 4-strings. 3-band preamp. Very sturdy and real tone hammer. For Cheap.

 

[chris_b]

For your first 5 I'd suggest you take your time and try as many basses as you can.

IMO one of the best out there is Lakland. They really hit the ground running when they brought out their 5 string basses.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Anthony played a P bass tuned down a whole step on the Chaka Kahn stuff. Any long scale with a front pickup the n a similar location should get close. I think the Yamaha TRBX505 would be a really good start.

No, it was a Jazz. It may have had a Precision neck. It was called Working Girl. There have been pictures of it in Bass Player magazine.

 

[winegamd]

No, it was a Jazz. It may have had a Precision neck. It was called Working Girl. There have been pictures of it in Bass Player magazine.

you're right

 

[Dr. Cheese]

My personal recommendation would be a Lakland DJ5. It runs around $1,300-1,400. You are in NYC, several of the most respected makers of five string basses have shops there. Go visit the shops and go to 46th or 48th Street in Manhattan, and check out some music stores!

 

[friendlybass]

Fender deluxe active jazz V. My favorite fiver ever. Also available In okoume

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Need a budget or suggestions are going to be meaningless. Sadowsky.

 

[schenknasty]

I was going to suggest and link you to one of SX's 5 string J basses. I used to have one when I first tried my hand at 5'ers and it sounded great and held up at shows. I was going to link, but am not because they've since made their headstocks look like something from the instrument division at Tonka.

That said, Ibanez makes great basses, MIM Fenders, or a Squier Vintage Modified 5 (all affordable in case it turns out 5 strings isn't your bag).