Help Me Decide On My First 5 String

[ejaggers]

@JimmyM, asked the other day, “What are you the most picky about”,
and the 1st thing I said was, “No black or white basses”.

However, I’ve been struggling to pick a fiver because I don’t
want to pay a lot since I don’t gig anymore, plus I don’t play 5’s anyway.

Another on my list was no active basses, although that’s basically
all I’ve found used except one.

So I’m ready to give in and get this over with by settling,
but I want your opinion as well.

These are my choices, available today, and they are all about the same price:
· White Peavey Dyna
· Black Ibanez SR305DX
· White Fender MD-5

I’m leaning towards the MB-5 only because it’s passive but what would you do?
057912

Dyna

MB-5

SR305DX

 

[hvymetallurgist]

Not super helpful advice but I’d do everything in my power to not compromise. Get something you’ll be excited/compelled to use! Based on your rough budget (looks like maxing around $500-600?) and parameters, I’d say that a Yamaha BB435 would probably be a winner if you’re willing to wait a bit for backordered stock…New Sire P5 5ers look awesome as well, and looks like they’re still taking preorders.

Slim pickins for stuff available to ship right this moment that meets your criteria but I gotta imagine in the long run you’ll be happier waiting for the right instrument as opposed to compromising on important features in favor of quick availability.

 

[ejaggers]

Not super helpful advice but I’d do everything in my power to not compromise. Get something you’ll be excited/compelled to use! Based on your rough budget (looks like maxing around $500-600?) and parameters, I’d say that a Yamaha BB435 would probably be a winner if you’re willing to wait a bit for backordered stock…New Sire P5 5ers look awesome as well, and looks like they’re still taking preorders.

Slim pickins for stuff available to ship right this moment that meets your criteria but I gotta imagine in the long run you’ll be happier waiting for the right instrument as opposed to compromising on important features in favor of quick availability.

Actually, your advice was super helpful.

I had gotten frustrated trying to find the right bass,
but nothing has popped up on the used market that hit my spot.

I know USA Peavey's are awesome but there are not many TB posts about Dyna's,
plus it's a long drive to check it out.

The Ibby crowd loves their Ibbey's but I have no experience with them,
and it's not too far away.

The Fender MB-5 seems to be an awesome bass according to reviews,
and is the closest to me.

So, Tuesday I was ready to throw a dart, pull the trigger, and get it done.
I was aiming at the MB-5 but it would've been cool if I had hit the Dyna.

It's been a long time since I had an NBD at my house and I was frustrated.
Thanks again for your help.....057912

BTW, I'm surprised that the MB-5 got no votes in the poll.
What's up with that?????

 

[svlilioukalani]

My advice is to get a 5 string bass with the string spacing that works for you. I’m a life long 4 string player who uses advanced right hand techniques that include slapping. And I need a 19mm spacing, as is usually found on a 4 string. I suggest that you play a few different spacings to determine if this will be an issue for you.

 

[Bass Man Dan]

If you're just getting one to mess around on, a Glarry GiB can't be beaten for the money. I rehearse on one because it's light, very nice to play, and sounds better than it has any right to for the money.

 

[ejaggers]

My advice is to get a 5 string bass with the string spacing that works for you. I’m a life long 4 string player who uses advanced right hand techniques that include slapping. And I need a 19mm spacing, as is usually found on a 4 string. I suggest that you play a few different spacings to determine if this will be an issue for you.

Spacing is an issue, I prefer tighter spacing 16mm-17mm.
I went to GC two weeks ago and found a zillion 4's, and maybe 3 or 4 fives.

Thanks for your advice but what did you vote for in the poll?

If you're just getting one to mess around on, a Glarry GiB can't be beaten for the money. I rehearse on one because it's light, very nice to play, and sounds better than it has any right to for the money.

View attachment 4367901

Well, that's where my mind was in the first place because it will be a mess-around bass.
But I read the necks were fat, chunky, and uncomfortable.

Is this true?
What's the string spacing on yours?
And more importantly, how did you vote?

057912

 

[Bass Man Dan]

Spacing is an issue, I prefer tighter spacing 16mm-17mm.
I went to GC two weeks ago and found a zillion 4's, and maybe 3 or 4 fives.

Thanks for your advice but what did you vote for in the poll?



Well, that's where my mind was in the first place because it will be a mess-around bass.
But I read the necks were fat, chunky, and uncomfortable.

Is this true?
What's the string spacing on yours?
And more importantly, how did you vote?

057912

The neck on this model is not chunky. The Glarry 5 string jazz has a tree trunk. String spacing is 17, I believe.

 

[flannel cat]

its not on your list but its two letters...G&L...

 

[ejaggers]

The neck on this model is not chunky. The Glarry 5 string jazz has a tree trunk. String spacing is 17, I believe.

I was leaning towards the MB-5 but this may be a good solution, the price is surely right.
I was hoping someone would post their experiences with the MB but I got no takers pro or con.

It's close to me so I'll check it out this weekend as well, if it's still available.
So I assume you voted neither in the poll...057912

 

[Bass Man Dan]

I was leaning towards the MB-5 but this may be a good solution, the price is surely right.
I was hoping someone would post their experiences with the MB but I got no takers pro or con.

It's close to me so I'll check it out this weekend as well, if it's still available.
So I assume you voted neither in the poll...057912

Yeah, I did. But it's only because I'm unfamiliar with those.

 

[svlilioukalani]

Spacing is an issue, I prefer tighter spacing 16mm-17mm.
I went to GC two weeks ago and found a zillion 4's, and maybe 3 or 4 fives.

Thanks for your advice but what did you vote for in the poll?

057912

I voted for the Fender. But the Ibanez is an awesome bass as well. Fender has an iconic sound, and it is a known entity. A studio engineer will smile when you pull out a fender. The Ibanez is probably lighter, faster, and may have a wider range of tones. I prefer the fender sound. But that is what I like. To me fender is like driving a Cadillac. Where as the Ibanez is more like a sports car.

 

[ejaggers]

I voted for the Fender. But the Ibanez is an awesome bass as well. Fender has an iconic sound, and it is a known entity. A studio engineer will smile when you pull out a fender. The Ibanez is probably lighter, faster, and may have a wider range of tones. I prefer the fender sound. But that is what I like. To me fender is like driving a Cadillac. Where as the Ibanez is more like a sports car.

I just emailed the seller about meeting tomorrow on the MB.
There's a flaw I saw in the pic which could be a dealbreaker.

 

[Lesfunk]

Man, if youve never checked out one of those old USA Peavey basses,you should.
They are premium instruments

 

[ejaggers]

Man, if you e never checked out one of those old USA Peavey basses,you should.
They are premium instruments

I have a T-40 and an Axcelerator so I couldn't agree with you more.
The Dyna is a long drive so I'd need to get it if I go that far.

There are lots of praise on TB about Peavey but few about Dyna.
The MB is the only used passive I've seen in a long time.

This is why it's such a dilemma.....057912