Help me find a 5-string

[SunByrne]

So, I've played entirely 4s since I started and I want to pick up a 5. I don't see it as being likely to be one of my main basses, just kind of a side thing, so I'm not looking to spend too much—ideally less than $750, though I might be convinced to go a little above that for something really cool.

I recently got to my local guitar shop and tried several 5s for the first time, and I discovered two things:

* Despite my hands being slightly on the small side, I don't like the narrow string spacing used by Ibanez & Schecter on their 5s.

* I do like 35" scale for a 5. B string just feels/sounds better.

So who makes a 35" scale 5-string with 18 or 19mm string spacing without breaking the bank?

Yamaha, Sterling, Fender/Squier don't seem to, all theirs are 34". Schecter and Spector make 35", but all those seem to have that narrow 16.5mm spacing. Ibanez BTB is 35" scale with 19mm spacing, but above the budget. (I'd look for a used BTB but I don't like the feel of jatoba, so I'd want a new one that has rosewood.)

All I can seem to find is the Sire M5, but there have to be other options, right? Or not? What am I missing?

 

[bassbully]

Used Lakland 55-02 or 55-01.

 

[RoketRdr]

I have an ESP LTD D-5 that I really really like. I have almost as much fun playing that sucker as my Dingwall NG2. And it cost less than half the price. If you can check one out. Very very solid instrument that plays far better than its price tag. And pay no attention to the actual string spacing spec that ESP lists. Its a lie. I've measured it and mine has an 18mm spacing vs the 17mm that they list in their specs.

 

[alembicbones]

Another vote for a used Lakland 55-01 or 55-02

Bones

 

[LBS-bass]

Don't have the 35" Sire, but the fiver I do have from them has a really nice neck for smaller hands. It's a lot more comfortable for me than the Fender fiver I've got.

 

[SunByrne]

Used Lakland 55-02 or 55-01.

I did not realize the 55-0x Laklands were 35" scale—thanks for this!

I'll have to start watching the classifieds; doesn't look like those come around very often but maybe I'll get lucky.

 

[SunByrne]

I have an ESP LTD D-5 that I really really like.

According to both ESP and Sweetwater, those are 34" scale. They sure are pretty, though...

 

[RoketRdr]

According to both ESP and Sweetwater, those are 34" scale. They sure are pretty, though...

Ooops!! Sorry, I obviously wasn't paying attention.

 

[sharkbait130]

If you don't want to spend a lot and want a pretty good new bass , Ibanez. If you want to spend a bit more (still under your budget I think) Sire is a really nice bass for the money. Gatorbait (my son) has been playing one for several years and still loves it. That thing has been on stage with him from coast to coast.

 

[cmcbass]

I think you could find an imported MTD in that price range. I think they do 18mm string spacing and 35" scale on their 5 strings.

This one is a bit over your budget, but I've seen them for less on occasion.
Michael Tobias design Kingston KZ5 | Link's Music | Reverb

 

[bassbully]

I did not realize the 55-0x Laklands were 35" scale—thanks for this!

I'll have to start watching the classifieds; doesn't look like those come around very often but maybe I'll get lucky.

I hope you find one. They completely changed the way I felt about active basses and five strings.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

I did not realize the 55-0x Laklands were 35" scale—thanks for this!

I'll have to start watching the classifieds; doesn't look like those come around very often but maybe I'll get lucky.

Reverb has them regularly.

 

[Bringindafunk]

Another vote for Lakland Skyline. I ventured into the jungle that is Craigslist recently and came away with a 55-01 for $650. It sounds and feels awesome and is now my primary 5'er.

 

[Nedmundo]

I'm not sure about the string spacing, but Michael Kelly's fives have 35" scale and IMO are amazing for the price. Definitely worth trying if you can find one, because you might decide you don't need to spend more:

Element 5OP

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

I picked up 2 of these within the past 2 months within your budget used.

I kept the one I liked the best and sent the ash model back to GC. I also sold my Fender Elite Jazz V . These basses are phenomenal . Too bad they are discontinued. I too have small hands .
USA made. 70's pickup placement. Active / passive. Birdseye maple. Boutique build quality .

 

[knight of ni]

Yamaha, Sterling, Fender/Squier don't seem to, all theirs are 34".

Yamaha TRBs are 35" 18 mm spacing.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

Just get a Lakland and be done with it.

 

[getBAK]

I think you could find an imported MTD in that price range. I think they do 18mm string spacing and 35" scale on their 5 strings.

This one is a bit over your budget, but I've seen them for less on occasion.
Michael Tobias design Kingston KZ5 | Link's Music | Reverb

I have one of these, it's in the top 2 basses I've ever owned. Incredible instrument at any price

 

[chris_b]

I played a US Deluxe 55-94 for nearly 14 years. I only stopped because it was getting too heavy. If I could find one that weighed less than 9lbs I'd be a happy owner again. My budgets aren't what they were so a Skyline 55-02 at that weight would be very tempting.

 

[Acoop]

If you're not yet committed, like I was over a year ago, check out the MM Sterling 5-strings. ... One day last Feb I stumbled into the Sam Ash in Clearwater and picked up a Sterling 5-string that someone had bought tried then returned it. ... So, with an RR gigbag, quality strap and new 1/4" to 1/4" it was still less than $400. ... I thought 'if I don't like it I can resell.' ... Now, it's here to stay.