G&L L2500 tribute vs. Yamaha bb735a

[Cowboy in Latvia]

I'm sorry to be that guy but I'm going to suggest Lākland. I disagree that the stock electronics or pickups are lacking and you could always do a bypass switch if you wish (personally I can't hear the active electronics on them, they sound passive to me). Either way, good luck finding the right 5-er.

 

[Colin G]

I haven't tried the new Yamaha BB's but I have a BB1025X (5-string) and they're great. The wider string spacing makes it feel like a more traditional electric bass. The neck is quite large as well, which I like because I have big hands. I guess one of the features on the newer BB's is a slimmer neck profile, which may be welcome, especially if it's your first 5-string. Either way, you probably can't go wrong; both G&L and Yamaha make excellent instruments. However, if you're taking a vote, mine goes to Yamaha.

 

[bassbenj]

Which Squier is that? I never knew they made a PJ 5...? Or was it originally the P5 and you added the bridge pickup?

My Squier Affinity and VM J 5’s have 18.4mm spacing (it is usually rounded to 18mm) I tried installing a 19mm bridge on the VM and it put the B and G strings right on the edges of the fretboard.

I forget what it was called. It was a something or other "special" Like a p-special maybe? It was basically a 5 string P-bass in neck and body but oddly had two Jazz pickups which happened to be horrible and didn't properly cover 5 strings. So I ripped out the pickups installing a NOS 5 string Fender P split pickup (had a swimming pool rout) and an Ultra Jazz humbucker in the Bridge position (which was basically a near drop-in). The 19mm bridge is what came on it.

 

[fretlessbass]

Thanks again Bassbenj...

I just got a new BB735a and love it, my first 5er. Adapted pretty quick, string spacing is not an issue to me, seems a hair narrower than my Jazz. Neck is super comfy, played it on 2 gigs now, no issues

Thanks for weighing in....hearing more and more good feedback!

 

[landry.bass]

I was playing a BB235 at Long & McQuade the other day for a good long while (maybe too long) . I don't know if the neck profile is exactly the same on the 735, but the 235 played very nicely. The spacing was wider than my old SR5, but the neck was sleek and comfortable in the hand.

I've also played some L2500s over the years, and I find their necks beefier even though the spacing is tighter. Not bad by any stretch, but not as comfortable as I found the Yammie.

If the 735 has as playable a neck as the 235, then I'd say it's got one of the best 5er necks with widish spacing that doesn't sacrifice playability.

EDIT
The dimensions listed for the neck on the BB235 and 735 are the same.