Five string for 4 player

[Ibycan]

I practice all of the cover songs on both my 5 string Jazz and on my PJ so, I can pick up any of them at any time depending on what I feel like. For some people it is definitely an adjustment, but you can get used to it. just takes practice. With the narrower spacing on the Warwick, it did take me a bit to get my slap going, but I got there.

 

[theduke1]

My 1st choice is always G&L

 

[prndltech]

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.

I agree, we should be able to! if I found a 5 string Yamaha BB series bass at that weight ida probably already bought it. I been looking for a couple months and the bb735a and bbp35 seem to start at 9.5lbs and go up.

 

[chris_b]

I am looking to purchase my first five string bass. . . .

I would suggest a Lakland Skyline 55-02. Fantastic amount of bass for the money.

 

[Peter - Oregon]

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).

I've wondered about the string spacing with fives, and what it's like from brand to brand.

 

[Peter - Oregon]

A lot of love on this post for Yamaha. I've always read they are a great value for the money. Assuming they do a good job with the B string, and the balance between the strings?

 

[jam.majors]

28360064[/URL], member: 385553"]A lot of love on this post for Yamaha. I've always read they are a great value for the money. Assuming they do a good job with the B string, and the balance between the strings?

I sure think they do! But I’m an absolute fanboy for the BBs. And stingrays. I’ve not owned any other fives though. So it’s a limited exposure on my part. But boy do I love playing both of them!

 

[Riff Ranger]

I sure think they do! But I’m an absolute fanboy for the BBs. And stingrays. I’ve not owned any other fives though. So it’s a limited exposure on my part. But boy do I love playing both of them!

I’ve owned and played a ton of five-strings (literally, in the case of ATKs ), and I feel the same way. But you already knew that

 

[Riff Ranger]

My 1st choice is always G&L
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[LastJaguar]

My 1st choice is always G&L
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Unrelated to the original post, but that green fretless is stunning.

 

[Riff Ranger]

My 1st choice is always G&L
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[AngelCrusher]

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?

At around a grand, I think the new Sadowsky Metro Expresses are pretty incredible. I played one and was not expecting much, but walked away thinking I would have bought it if I didn't already have a Japanese Metroline 5er.

 

[Aussie Player]

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?

Here's a shock answer that will cost far less.

1. Buy a 10-12 year old China built Squier Affinity 5 with the rosewood fingerboard.
2. Buy and fit a pair of Fender USA Jazz Pick Ups and a USA matching bridge.
3. Fit SIT medium Nickel .050"-..130" strings.
4. Repaint the body your preferred color as they were mostly black or fit a black or Tort guard.
5. Buy a hard case to protect it.

What you have just created is a beautiful feeling balanced, light, and the growliest Jazz bass you will ever play.

Justification: owned at that same time, a USA Fender Jazz 5 and an Alembic Essence 5, both recognized as professional level instruments.

Only the Squier remains as my perfect and most comfortable and best sounding Jazz bass 5. The neck has never moved nor required adjustment on this 2011 instrument.
The action is smooth, low and as aforemetioned, the growliest bass and right up there, more so than the several, including 2 Warwick Thumbs I own(ed).
The neck was just that little but noticeably better and more comfortable and thinner than my American Jazz 5.
Played through a tube amp (Marshall VBA) was complimented my many a bass player.

 

[MrAB4003]

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?

Have you considered tuning down one (or more) of your current basses to D Standard (DGCF)? I tuned one of my basses down last year. I loved it so much that I tuned down the rest, including my American Pro II Precision, earlier this year.

Here are some benefits:
1) You'll have the low D and Eb as well as a fretted low E.
2) The open low D string is resonant and nice to play in a rock or hard rock setting.
3) The open low G is surprisingly useful
4) You're only sacrificing two high notes in the fourth octave that most bassists rarely use anyway, especially in rock.
5) The learning curve is not very steep. Everything is just two frets away from where you'd normally play
6) No need to buy another bass unless you want to. That means you can save some money.
7) You can join us at the D Standard Club

 

[mikeswals]

I'd say buy a 5 string version of one of your 4's for more familiarity than dissimilar.
A 5 string StingRay is a heck of a war machine that blends-in everywhere. They're a bargin on the used market... really if anything I will always say buy any production gear used.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

I also vote L2500, especially if you get it wired up with a K mod, which is a coil split for both of the pickups giving you “jazz bass” mode.
The L2000 philosophy is instead of adding bass or treble into the sound, it gives you so much, you take away until you get the sound you want. Like carving a surf board out of a wood block.
It took me a few stints with the L series to really appreciate it for what it is. Leo Fender jamming all of his basses into one mean bass!

 

[Ethix4]

My 1st choice is always G&L
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That fretless is absolutely gorgeous!

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I’d go to Sweetwater and buy a Sadowsky MetroExpress with the roasted neck for around $1150. That’s a little over your $1000 price point, but I think you’ll get a better bass with the limited budget stretch.

 

[theduke1]

That fretless is absolutely gorgeous!

Thank you

 

[theduke1]

Unrelated to the original post, but that green fretless is stunning.

Thank you