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Five string maybe?

RedCoatMonster

RedCoatMonster

Aug 14, 2007
831
28
39
Thomas, OK
www.myspace.com
#1
Okay for about the last three months Ive been debating what new bass I wanna get, Ive played a few but I just had a thought tonight, maybe I should get a 5er!

So, is it a LOT different from playing a 4string?
What good 5-strings are there out there for a grand or less?
What ones have a nice tight B?

Thanks in advance for the help! =]
 
#3
Flintc said:
1) Subjective. Some people find it harder than others.
2) Try out everything you can get your hands on and find out what works best for you.
3) Ditto
Click to expand...

+1

I bought mine to stop retunes for drop D, I am kinda lazy. I found that with a little time (give it a few weeks) its not much of a transion. I still mostly play 4's unless think I need my B. The neck is going to be wider, and this throws a few people. Try to find a string spacing that is comfy. After playing 4's you might like a little wider spacing.

I say go for it, you'll never know if don't try one.
 
#6
I didnt own a 5er till recently and I find going between 5 and 4 to be no problem. I only really got the 5er because it was the sound I wanted.. and the neck was awesome.. plus tuning DEADG saved tuning my D to E. My 5er has 19mm string spacing so it is pretty similar to a 4 in that regard, it is not cramped which would also affect the feel.
 
#8
check this little baby out Link Removed
i dunno where abouts you are but if you can find one to have a try on i think you will like it.
they are not overly expensive and quite nice to play.

greg bennet was one of gibsons leading designers for 30odd years, and now, teamed with samik he makes these little gems.
 
#9
WashburnBass said:
check this little baby out Link Removed
i dunno where abouts you are but if you can find one to have a try on i think you will like it.
they are not overly expensive and quite nice to play.

greg bennet was one of gibsons leading designers for 30odd years, and now, teamed with samik he makes these little gems.
Click to expand...

It is nice lookin Ill give it that! Where can I find some prices on these?
 
#10
I didn't find the 5 that difficult. Matter of fact for me it is easier and I love the low B sound. I have a Ibanez SR505 which has the ultra slim neck and it came with Elixer strings. Got it for a steal on eBay because it was a second. Plays and sounds great. String spacing is tighter than on my MIA Jazz.
 
#11
if you go to Link Removed and put in your zip code it will show you any dealers and then you might be able to find a price on one.

there is this one in the US that i think is a steal at that price http://cgi.ebay.com/Samick-Fairlane...88527483QQihZ006QQcategoryZ4713QQcmdZViewItem

this is another one but its brand new from a site http://crossroads-music.org/catalog...id_body_electric_bass_guitar_pack_2883549.htm

goodluck with the searching, at these prices i think you will be well under the 1000 dollar mark!!
 
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#12
If you have $1000 to spend on a five, and want a great bass with an great B string, these are my two favorites.

If buying new, get a Lakland 55-01. Best 5 under $800, and has a B on par with basses costing a lot more.

If you don't mind buying used, get a Peavey Cirrus. Great B string, and better electronics than the Lakland.

I have a 55-01 and a Cirrus 6, and love them both. Excellent basses for the price. I have basses that cost more than these, but they both get their share of playing time.:bassist:
 
#13
1) No-its not different-just one more (absolutely necessary IMO) lower string, and I found changing from 4 to 5 easy, and very natural.
2) Way too many to list-go try some out (best advice). Personally I like Ibanez, ESP, and Peavey, but there are so many more.
3) 35" scale, but there are some really nice 34" scale, and you might like a slightly floppy "B"---I do.
 
#14
embellisher said:
If you have $1000 to spend on a five, and want a great bass with an great B string, these are my two favorites.

If buying new, get a Lakland 55-01. Best 5 under $800, and has a B on par with basses costing a lot more.

If you don't mind buying used, get a Peavey Cirrus. Great B string, and better electronics than the Lakland.

I have a 55-01 and a Cirrus 6, and love them both. Excellent basses for the price. I have basses that cost more than these, but they both get their share of playing time.:bassist:
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input!
Ive always heard good things about both of those, I think Im gonna look around for some sound clips or something. We're iced in here so I cant go to try them yet.
 
#15
Solarmist said:
1) No-its not different-just one more (absolutely necessary IMO) lower string, and I found changing from 4 to 5 easy, and very natural.
Click to expand...

Good deal, cause Ive seen some people talk like its a big deal, and like its impossible if youre not an expert but I didnt see how that could be right. But I guess Ill find out haha.
I dunno I might have to get a new cab now, I think the B would sound empty on my 410 GLX lol.
 
#18
+1 on trying out as many 5-strings as you can. Take your time and find the one that best suits you before you buy. After playing a 4-string for close to 20 years, I decided to switch to a 5-string. At first it was very difficult for me to get used to the B-string and to the string spacing. I bought and sold 2 different 5-stringed basses and almost gave up on the idea. I then bought a StingRay-5 and I started to really get into it. I then tried and fell in love with the 6-string bass. A Mike Lull 5-string is now my main bass. I absolutely love it.

For 5-strings in your price range, I recommend either a used StingRay-5 or a used Lakland 55-02.
 
#19
One thing I would do for sure is check out the Squier Active Deluxe Jazz 5. I know, I know, you said up to $1000, but let me explain myself. Don't let the Squier name throw you off, if it were $600 (its only $300) I would still say it has the best B in its price range. It has 19mm spacing and a 34" scale, both of which are similar to a 4 so no huge adjustment there. If you decide you don't like it, you won't have invested too much cash so your loss is minimal (many here on TB will be eager to snap it up if you don't like it). It is giggable as is, but is EASILY upgraded if you decide you do like it, but want some nicer parts (like an Aguilar OBP-3 pre:)).

That is pretty much going to be my standard reply for folks wanting to know which 5er they should start out on for a long time. I couldn't believe how nice the one I played was and after hearing the raves other TBers have given it, I know I'm not the only who has been surprised by this bass.

If you have to spend more money, the 55-01 suggested earlier ain't a bad way to go. The G&L Tribute L2500 is also nice.
 

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