Good 5-String

Lakland Skyline 5501. Really good value in your price range I would say.

 

I have a Yamaha RBX 765A. Normal scale, but B string doesn't flop, and it's a GREAT slapper (after I put DR lo-riders on). Gold hardware on a blood red body and 2 Yamaha soapbars. Pots are Volume, Pan, Bass, and Treble. I've had it since 1999 and used it for gospel, jazz, blues, funk, and R & B....even let a friend use it for a rock gig (I was surprised it worked well for that too!)

Plays just like it looks....beautiful..... and I picked it up for $450 after trade in (about $800 without)

 

http://www.carvin.com/products/guitar.php?ItemNumber=XB75
I have a LB75 and the B sounds nice, this is the 35.25" model as to your liking, would def recomend, and right in your price range! or if you can find a used one, go for it! much cheaper

 

Try the Bass Company.

http://www.thebasscompany.com/guitar-jt500ss.htm

It may be worth it to wait for them to restock.

 

The U.S. made Peavey Cirrus is well within your budget and is one of the best instruments out there regardless of price.
35" scale, neck thru, dead quiet VFL soap bar pups, 18v 3 band EQ, ABM bridge, a good variety of wood combinations, great build quality and fantastic tone.
You should be able to find one new in the top end of your price range and one used easily in your budget.
Look on Ebay or talk to any Peavey dealer and they should be able to hook you up.
Do a search here on TB about the Cirrus and you'll see what I'm talking about!
Just my thoughts.
Good luck!

 

There are different Cirrus models and some are made outside the U.S.
The U.S. made Cirrus models compare in quality and tone to anything that I've played short of "boutique" instruments costing two to three times as much.
They in no way, shape, or form should have "floppy" string tension unless something is very wrong with the strings or set-up.
Look for and ask for a U.S. made Cirrus and you'll be shocked at how good it is, regardless of price.
Again, just my experience having owned 5 Cirrus basses over the last several years.

 

Look for JasonHollar's thread on the same topic -

Yamaha TRB series - Spector - Schecter - Warwicks - they're all in that range. Best thing to do - try them out!

If you find a 34.5" scale, you'll get the same non-floppy B as a 35, but you won't kill your fingerboard hand. Take your tape measure with you, since some companies estimate their scales - at least it really seems to be that way.

 

+1

I just got a Lakland Skyline 55-01 about a month ago and I'm lovin it. No floppy anything on this bass. It's constructed well and I love it's sound (which is very manipulable).

Go and try one out.

 

ESP B-405?

Features 35" scale, neck-through construction, quilted maple top, active EMG pickups and EQ, among other things. They look killer too.

Graeme

 

First, you should definately look in the used market. You can score an awesome 5 string for $1000 if you wait for the deals.

As for basses to watch for, I'd keep my eye open for Dingwall Afterburners and Spector Euro models. I have yet to play a Dingwall but the B string is practically guaranteed not to be floppy. I did get to play a euro Spector and not only was it beautiful, but the tone rocked. Very growly and agressive, but very managable.

 

Thanks TB...here's a link to the thread I started a few weeks ago:

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=210359

Yup, just bought a fancy YoMamaHo TRB1005 at Guitar Center for $699. Absolutely love it. Makes me want to consider checking out the more expensive models in the future. Good luck!

 

Was the USA neck through Cirrus discontinued? I see the bolt on listed on the Peavey site. Says it's made in the Custom Shop. The other two shown are neck through but don't say where they are made. ??

Thanks!

 

+1 on the 55-01. FANTASTIC bass. Good slapper, good fingerstyle sound, very versitile.

 

My first choice would be a Traben, with Lakland taking a close second.

 

I can't imagine that it would be. It's their most successful ever USA line of basses.

 

Peavey's web site is notoriously lacking in information. The best thing to do is call a Peavey dealer or contact their customer service department directly. They've always been very helpful and friendly to me.
Good luck!

 

Thanks Matt/Phil. I wouldn't think so either. Another member here in another post did mention being lucky to have purchased a Cirrus a couple years back 'cause it looks like the feature set has been reduced unless you go custom shop. I made the big mistake of 'building' my own 5 string Cirrus at the custom shop site. Now the GAS is KICKIN'!!!