Five string for 4 player

[Peter - Oregon]

I am looking to purchase my first five string bass. I currently own a four string American Ultra jazz, American Professional II precision, Epiphone Thunderbird, and two Stingrays. I would like to get a five for when it's needed. I am a classic and alternative rock player. Looking for recommendations for a solid five, hopefully around a grand or less. I know that includes many basses, any favorites that come to mind?

 

[Riff Ranger]

Yamaha BB735A, my fellow Oregonian.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Yamaha BB735A, my fellow Oregonian.
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If you really like the Ray or the J, you might dig one of those in a 5-string. I’ve had a very Ray-ish Ibanez ATK305 for nearly thirty years and I still play it regularly. I really wanted a P5, though, and my lengthy, expensive search ended when I finally got my Yamaha BB735A. The Yamaha BBs just nail the P thing and also do their own P+J thing. Especially with a bit of help from the preamp and bridge pickup, that fifth string rings out clearly even at a 34” scale. Other than the obvious additional string, there’s little to adjust to with these if you’re accustomed to 4-strings. You can find these used all day for 600–700 USD right now, but even new you’d come in well under budget.

 

[alembicbones]

The Sadowsky MetroExpress line is pretty cool. I picked up a 5 string JJ Fretless that I am very happy with. That's coming from an owner of a NYC Sadowsky.

Bones

 

[Peter - Oregon]

If you really like the Ray or the J, you might dig one of those in a 5-string. I’ve had a very Ray-ish Ibanez ATK305 for nearly thirty years and I still play it regularly. I really wanted a P5, though, and my lengthy, expensive search ended when I finally got my Yamaha BB735A. The Yamaha BBs just nail the P thing and also do their own P+J thing. Especially with a bit of help from the preamp and bridge pickup, that fifth string rings out clearly even at a 34” scale. Other than the obvious additional string, there’s little to adjust to with these if you’re accustomed to 4-strings. You can find these used all day for 600–700 USD right now, but even new you’d come in well under budget.

Thanks for that suggestion. My local shop has a 434 I could check out. Not sure exactly how the 400 level compares to the 700.

 

[nonohmic]

If I HAD to buy a 5 for occasional use I'd just get a Sire.

 

[J Posega]

I'd probably go for an Ibanez BTB or Schecter Custom (not a custom shop build, it's the name of the model line; maple top over a mahogany body).

I prefer a 35" or longer B, and basses from both those series have excellent features for the money. Either would also provide a little different tone compared to the basses you currently have.

 

[Riff Ranger]

Thanks for that suggestion. My local shop has a 434 I could check out. Not sure exactly how the 400 level compares to the 700.

Though even the 234/5 tier is pretty great for the money, each tier seems like a significant step up from the tier below it (I’ve played 234s and 434s, own a 734A and 735A, and take it on faith from my friends in the BB club that the P34/5 tier is pretty incredible). Yamaha spells out the differences between the current tiers here. If you’re anywhere near Ashland, you’re welcome to try mine, though I tune them funny

 

[prndltech]

are you thinking active or passive sounds? Would you like both (active with a passive switch?)

don’t discount Schecter… there’s some great 5ers from them..


I’m kinda in the same boat. Recently returned to 4 strings though, after playing active 5’s forever. My plan is to have 2 4 string passive basses and a 5 string passive as well, or at least with an option to run it passive. For what I do those sounds work best. I been eying the Yamaha BB line. Either the 735 or the bbp35. But still not sure.

 

[michael_t]

My local shop has a 434 I could check out. Not sure exactly how the 400 level compares to the 700.

I have the BB435, which is basically the passive-only version of the BB735. May not be quite as versatile as the 735, but still a great value for the money!

The only thing about the Yamaha BB's is they can be on the heavier side. My 435 weighs 9.8 lbs. and there are times I wish it was a pound lighter.

By the way, "434" is the 4-string version.

 

[Sternodox]

I'm also thinking first 5-string. That Sire Z7 sure looks good. I already own two Sires so I know the quality is there.

 

[LowendG]

I am a four banger guy too but have had quite a few fivers over the years, going back to the late 80's for times when the work called for it - Dingwall, G&L L2500, Tune, Fender P, BC Rich, and others. If I were fiver shopping right now one of the first considerations I'd have is string spacing. For example, I really loved my L2500s(I had two!) but it's pretty tight when you're used to "Fender spacing". Something to think about perhaps.
If I got one now I'd either go L2500 Big Chonks, or some kinda Jazz or PJ. FWIW I didn't love my first gen American Fender P fiver. I think a bridge pickup really helps with a five string, YMMV).

 

[skycruiser]

I have the BB435, which is basically the passive-only version of the BB735. May not be quite as versatile as the 735, but still a great value for the money!

The only thing about the Yamaha BB's is they can be on the heavier side. My 435 weighs 9.8 lbs. and there are times I wish it was a pound lighter.

By the way, "434" is the 4-string version.

Just keep an eye on Sweetwater. I've seen 434s as low as 8.0. should be able to find and 8.5 pound 5 string.

 

[jam.majors]

Thanks for that suggestion. My local shop has a 434 I could check out. Not sure exactly how the 400 level compares to the 700.

I had a 434 and ended up with a 735. The neck is nicer and the pickups are too. But I also liked both of those on the 434. So if you like the 434, there’s a very good chance you’d deeply enjoy the 735. For what it’s worth, I recently got a stingray 5 and I love it, but my 735 sill gets a lot of play time.

 

[J Wilson]

Stingray Five H, or the Sterling import alternative. Any of the Fender Jazz fives would do, but for me they'd only be viable if I passed on the S5 or the remarkable Yamaha BB735A, a way-better Fender Shaped Object than anything Fender offers.

EBMM did a thoughtful, expert job morphing the 4-string StingRay into the 5-string version,
making it the first production five most anyone could just pick up and feel very at home. To me, the F150 of 5-strings.

Yamaha engineered real improvements to the Fender platform on the current BB's. Laminated body, string up or through bridge, very trick neck attachment method, active or passive electronics, great ergonomics, and that signature BB tone with that low mid signature they've mastered. And the only bass I can think of where no one ever complains about a PJ pickup layout.

 

[Mighty Thumb]

As others have already said, the Yamaha BB series is pretty great. They punch way above their weight class. I had a 435 and kinda regret getting rid of it - GAS got the better of me. If I were to get another one I’d probably just go for the BBP35. Sire is also typically great value. Reverend is another option. I really like the Mercalli 5 and those can usually be had for less than $1k.

 

[Ibycan]

One thing, I haven't see mentioned is string spacing (apologies if someone did already) for me the biggest adjustment was the string spacing between 4 and 5 string. If you are wanting a smooth transition between the 2 then pick something that has a similar spacing, I made myself adjust between my Warwick streamer 5 string (narrowest spacing) to my Jazz V middle and my PJ with widest, so I didn't follow my on advice. but that's how learn

 

[Riff Ranger]

One thing, I haven't see mentioned is string spacing (apologies if someone did already) for me the biggest adjustment was the string spacing between 4 and 5 string. If you are wanting a smooth transition between the 2 then pick something that has a similar spacing, I made myself adjust between my Warwick streamer 5 string (narrowest spacing) to my Jazz V middle and my PJ with widest, so I didn't follow my on advice. but that's how learn

I didn’t exactly spell it out, but that’s part of what makes the current Yamaha BB line a relatively easy adjustment: string spacing only slightly tighter than the industry standard for a 4-string.

 

[Sternodox]

If I were fiver shopping right now one of the first considerations I'd have is string spacing. For example, I really loved my L2500s(I had two!) but it's pretty tight when you're used to "Fender spacing". Something to think about perhaps.

This advice is golden. I fell in love with a picture of a fiver and when I finally got to hold one, my fingers didn't fit the string width at all! I don't play with a pick so it was pretty useless to me.

 

[Mighty Thumb]

One thing, I haven't see mentioned is string spacing (apologies if someone did already) for me the biggest adjustment was the string spacing between 4 and 5 string. If you are wanting a smooth transition between the 2 then pick something that has a similar spacing, I made myself adjust between my Warwick streamer 5 string (narrowest spacing) to my Jazz V middle and my PJ with widest, so I didn't follow my on advice. but that's how learn

This is a great point and is one of the reasons I’m so fond of Roscoes. The 18.3mm spacing feels just right to me and is very natural when switching back and forth to 4 strings, YMMV. On the other hand, my Warwick is super narrow, (16.5mm I think) and is really the only 5’er that gives me fits.