First 5 string, new vs used?

[Clark W]

Looking at getting my first 5 string bass. Want to keep it in the $300 to $500 range since I'm not sure if it will be for me or not.

My latest bass purchase was last August, brand new Ibanez SR400EQM of which I'm very happy with, and does all I need it to do. I basically can get the same model, but with 5 strings, Ibanez SR405EMQM, for $500 new. Or I can go used, Guitar Center has a used SR705 for $449, listed in excellent condition.

Not even sure why I need to buy a 5 string other than I want one and that I would also like to get a fanned fret / multi scale Dingwall in the near future. And for the money I will have to put out for a Dingwall I really need to know whether or not I want a 4 string or 5 string model. Only way to do that is buy a cheap 5 string and play it for awhile.

So should I stick with what I have been happy with and try the 5 string version of it new. Or should I look for something used?

 

[bigtone23]

Strictly in financial terms: go used.
That way if you don't like it and sell it, you will get your $$ back out of it vs taking a 25-50% hit on value.

 

[soulman969]

In that price range I'd go with used and I did. I paid $500 for a G&L L2500 Tribute w/hard case that I'm very pleased with. Superb bass and a very versatile tonally provided you prefer a wider 1.75" nut.

 

[javi_bassist]

In that price range I'd go with used and I did. I paid $500 for a G&L L2500 Tribute w/hard case that I'm very pleased with. Superb bass and a very versatile tonally provided you prefer a wider 1.75" nut.

View attachment 3276810

That's an increble bass. When I was looking for my first 5 string-bass I tried it. I finally went to a BB735. You should check the 435 too.

Used better.

 

[G On Bass]

Looking at getting my first 5 string bass. Want to keep it in the $300 to $500 range since I'm not sure if it will be for me or not.

My latest bass purchase was last August, brand new Ibanez SR400EQM of which I'm very happy with, and does all I need it to do. I basically can get the same model, but with 5 strings, Ibanez SR405EMQM, for $500 new. Or I can go used, Guitar Center has a used SR705 for $449, listed in excellent condition.

Not even sure why I need to buy a 5 string other than I want one and that I would also like to get a fanned fret / multi scale Dingwall in the near future. And for the money I will have to put out for a Dingwall I really need to know whether or not I want a 4 string or 5 string model. Only way to do that is buy a cheap 5 string and play it for awhile.

So should I stick with what I have been happy with and try the 5 string version of it new. Or should I look for something used?

More important than new or used is whether or not you feel comfortable on it, so play them all for a good bit of time if possible. Specs change wildly with 5's, as far as string/nut spacing, so finding one that 'fits' is usually directly related to your success in making the switch. But if there is a used one that fits, that would be ideal.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

I would look for an Ibanez SRFF 805 or an SRMS 805 Both Multi Scale 5 strings Kill two birds with one Bass see if you like 5 strings and Multi scale at the same time should be able to find one near your price range

 

[cholyoke]

I made one from an old precision neck and body, but it probably cost as much as a cheap used Ibanez. I have played from the soundgear 205 up to the 705 (or some 700 level number) and all were good basses. I like the narrow string spacing. I liked the 505 the best, but the finish on those damages easily. The newer 655 have a reverse Precision pickup in the neck position rather than a soapbar and there is one on reverb for ~500 shipped.

 

[RickyWoo]

New or used doesn't matter. The bass is only going to be as good as the bass is.

 

[And I]

4 vs 5 string Ibanez SR series is a big difference in string spacing. I think SR 5 strings have 17mm spacing. It will feel weird. I'd say look for something used with 19mm spacing at the bridge. It will still take some getting used to but with similar spacing you can go back and forth between 4 and 5 without your right hand being fumble-fingered.

 

[CaseyVancouver]

Looking at getting my first 5 string bass. Want to keep it in the $300 to $500 range since I'm not sure if it will be for me or not.

My latest bass purchase was last August, brand new Ibanez SR400EQM of which I'm very happy with, and does all I need it to do. I basically can get the same model, but with 5 strings, Ibanez SR405EMQM, for $500 new. Or I can go used, Guitar Center has a used SR705 for $449, listed in excellent condition.

Not even sure why I need to buy a 5 string other than I want one and that I would also like to get a fanned fret / multi scale Dingwall in the near future. And for the money I will have to put out for a Dingwall I really need to know whether or not I want a 4 string or 5 string model. Only way to do that is buy a cheap 5 string and play it for awhile.

So should I stick with what I have been happy with and try the 5 string version of it new. Or should I look for something used?

I was not looking for a 5 string but at the local shop they had a SR805am used in your price range. Perfect condition, with a nice case ...I could not pass on it. Amazing value. Plays as nice as the much more expensive basses I own.

 

[Clark W]

Thanks for all the good advice. I'm not in a hurry and have several shops within a 30 mile range I can visit and "feel" my way around some necks. Used may very well be the way to go, just got to be patient and wait for the right deal to pop up.