Good Quality 5-string That Can Handle Drop-A?

[TimmyJ]

Folks,

I am in the market for a 5-string that is good quality but not too expensive. I play a Schecter Elite-4 4-string right now, so of course I have considered Schecter 5s as well. Bottom line is I would want to keep the cost under the $800, new or used.

My inital search on new basses led me to pretty much narrow it down to the Ibanez SR505 or Schecter Elite-5 (or Studio). Problem is that it seems like whenever I try one of these off the rack they have been beat up a little and/or the action is not quite right.

As you can tell from the thread title, I'll need to drop the B-string down to A occasionally. When I tried this today on the SR505 in the local GC, it flopped like mad, but I don't know if that was because it was their beat-up floor model. Then I went and picked-up a Rockbass (Corvette, I think)) and I was pretty impressed...just don't know what to think.

My other "musts" are:

- fairly narrow string spacing
- neck that is more on the thin than thick side

Schecters have active EQs but passive EMG pickups. Do I need to be concerned about going with a bass with active pickups?

Anyway, I am wide open to any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[srh]

I hate to be the guy who praises his bass every thread telling everyone to buy the same kind.... but the reality is, a used Spector Rebop 5 string is perfect for you.

sometimes in my band we go to drop A, and it sounds good to me, doesnt feel all floppy. The string spacing is pretty narrow I think, narrower than most 5's ive played, and about the neck, some say spectors have thick necks... but I think that they arent thick at all.

I even got mine used at GC for just about $500

 

[TimmyJ]

srh,

Interesting...there's one on eBay now in "natural" finish. Any comments? Sometimes the glossier necks play faster...can't tell if Spectors have that or not. Anyway, I can't imagine this one would stay withing my price range, but...

 

[smogg]

35" scale & med/heavy to heavy strings (.125 to .130 B string)

 

[srh]

Timmy,

yeah go for it. I actually have the Natural finish one as well.

 

[eedre]

Spector makes some pretty nice basses with 35" scale (see Legend possibly used European series). I have a Euro ReBop BO 5 that I had tuned to A. A is tough to hear, so you'll also need some horsepower in your amplifier.

 

[TimmyJ]

OK...is .130 the heaviest gauge for a B string? Sorry, I'm obviously a newbie when it comes to 5-ers!

 

[ii7-V7]

Really, any solidly built 35" scale bass will do the trick. If the B on a bass ousnds solid and thumpy then the A will sound fine. But if the B string is mushy and soft then....

You just need to try a few out.

 

[NicJimBass]

I personally use a StingRay5, which is 34", and I tune to G#! Get one used, slap a .145 string on it (from juststrings.com- GHS bass boomers single strings) and GO! It kills!!

Nick

 

[TrueNorthMatt]

You could give a try to some ESP (LTD) models... You might also want to consider Warwick basses. Both brands offer 35" scales which should help you playing in dropped A without too much floping.

About pick-ups, I think it's only a matter of taste. For my part, I have fallen in love with active pick-ups and/or EQs long ago... hahaha!

 

[chaosMK]

Something 35" scale would do the trick. I like to use DR lo-rider strings (130 gauge B and slightly stiffer strings) too.

Peavey Cirrus/Cirrus BXP/Millennium are pretty affordable 35" scale basses.

 

[sethlow3]

No,,,, NicJimBass is right...! There are many bands who use the low A on a Stingray in Rock. there is no need for a 35 scale. That subject has been covered in so many threads. The best B's I have heard are...

1) Modulus Flea Bass 5
2) Stingray 5
3) Roscoe skb 5

2 of 3 of those are 34" and Zon isn't bad to boot either and they are also usually 34" scale.

 

[fullrangebass]

A Dingwall ABI or ABII with or without a detuner can handle dropped A at a breeze

 

[Scutterflux]

fullrangebass A Dingwall ABI or ABII with or without a detuner can handle dropped A at a breeze

Most definatly!!!

But if you can't afford that, I'd recomend a Godin BGV, with EMG's. Very Spector-like in sound and feel, however you should be able to pick them up for around $500 used, because they don't make em anymore. Good luck!

 

[spade2you]

I'd also agree that Dingwall would be the way to go...or CB, who also can do Dingwall's fanned scale.

From my experience with the Peavey Cirrus and Millennium series, I wasn't very impressed with dropped A. I was using a .130 Ernie Ball with somewhat lower action since I tend to have a medium/light touch and strive to play fast and do a lot f tapping. The tone wasn't bad, but I found that it lacked the same punch as it had in B.

You could either try a 135 or something with a bigger scale length than 35".

 

[hyp.spec]

sr505's can definately handle a low A.

I'd play with it but my cab bottoms out that low :-/

 

[Bluesy Soul]

The Dingwalls (with the 37" B-string in the fan-fret system) are good suggestions; but they're considerably more expensive than the budget you indicated.

Look for a used Lakland 55-01. They employ a 35" scale and have a justified reputation for possesing a strong, tight B-string. I've seen used ones going for $450-600, depending on condition, case, etc. As you already noted, the Spectors also have a 35" scale and a few models are available used within your price range. I'd consider swapping out the electronics eventually in both, but I don't think it's necessary in the short run. It's always a good idea to play them "as is" for a while to see if you like the factory tones.

Good luck and let us know what you find.

Bluesy Soul

 

[TimmyJ]

Bluesy,

Sadly, I *did* find something today...a Spector Euro 5 (see my other thread on playing a "real bass")!!

My search will continue...maybe I need to be willing spend a little more than I thought...no vacation for the family this summer I guess

 

[ii7-V7]

There are many bands who use the low A on a Stingray in Rock. there is no need for a 35 scale.

I agree that there is no need for a 34" scale, but I do believe that across all varieties of mass produced basses, you have a better likelihood that a 35" bass will sound better tuned down to A.