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Help picking out a 5-string...

cdog231

cdog231

Jan 26, 2011
5
2
#1
So I wanna purchase a 5-string bass but I'm really not sure what to get or how much I should spend. I've been looking at the Ibanez soudgear line which runs anywhere from $350 to $550 but I read some not so great reviews about them. I've also been checking out the Dean Pro Edge 5 which seems like a great bass but there really isn't much user feedback about them. That one runs about $650. I guess what I'm trying to do is get the best bang for the buck so any other suggestions are much appriciated.

I play in a cover band and we pretty much play all types of music from rock, reggae, hip hop and even some dance stuff. A 5-string will definatly come in handy for so many songs but I just cant spend too much and I need something versitale. Thanks in advance for the responses....I'm a noob to this forum. :)
 
#2
Hey and welcome. I've been in the market for my first 5er too and right now I'm leaning toward one of two used Yamahas -- a BBN5 and a BB415. At the end of the day, it comes down to playing the instruments to find which one sound and feel the best.

You might want to also try the "Search" function above, b/c there have numerous threads on this topic.

Enjoy the hunt!
 
#3
cdog231 said:
So I wanna purchase a 5-string bass but I'm really not sure what to get or how much I should spend. I've been looking at the Ibanez soudgear line which runs anywhere from $350 to $550 but I read some not so great reviews about them. I've also been checking out the Dean Pro Edge 5 which seems like a great bass but there really isn't much user feedback about them. That one runs about $650. I guess what I'm trying to do is get the best bang for the buck so any other suggestions are much appriciated.

I play in a cover band and we pretty much play all types of music from rock, reggae, hip hop and even some dance stuff. A 5-string will definatly come in handy for so many songs but I just cant spend too much and I need something versitale. Thanks in advance for the responses....I'm a noob to this forum. :)
Click to expand...


Buy used on the TB classifieds....period. There's more than a handful of 5 bangers that will suit your needs to a T.

Riis
 
#4
I started on a yamaha BBN5 from about the 1995 era. It is very well built for what you pay. An excellent choice. Also consider an SX from rondomusic.com. Cheap to buy and excellent return policy. You will also want to seriously consider a used Peavey Foundation or Peavey Dyna bass.
 
#10
Do note that string spacing can be different on some five stingers. The Ibanez five stingers have closer spacing, whereas Fenders and others have the same spacing as a four stringer. Since I don't slap and pop, I prefer a closer spacing.
 
#12
polyrhythmia said:
Do note that string spacing can be different on some five stingers. The Ibanez five stingers have closer spacing, whereas Fenders and others have the same spacing as a four stringer. Since I don't slap and pop, I prefer a closer spacing.
Click to expand...

Well, I never slap and pop on a gig, but I still don't like the closer spacing on some fivers I've tried. I felt like my fingers were always accidentally bumping up against strings. Of course, that's a matter of preference, and I suspect that it's something I could eventually get used to.
 
#13
Glad to see both of my fivers were recommended here already .. Yamaha BB5 and G&LL2500. Both killers but with drawbacks: Yamaha: D-neck (yet to be customized) , G&L nitrogloss on the neck (sanded off) and 17"spacing, which as it turned out I find too narrow.

Important issues choosing:
- active or passive or both
- PU style
- string spacing (as poly said)
- neck profile
 
#15
Wow! Thanks for the great responses guys...much appriciated! There's lots to consider I guess when researching these. So far I'm thinking the G&L 2500 might be something thats up my alley. Im always so nervous about possiblly buying something I haven't played yet. I should probablly go out and try some of these suggestions huh?
 
#16
cdog231 said:
Wow! Thanks for the great responses guys...much appriciated! There's lots to consider I guess when researching these. So far I'm thinking the G&L 2500 might be something thats up my alley. Im always so nervous about possiblly buying something I haven't played yet. I should probablly go out and try some of these suggestions huh?
Click to expand...

Really the best way to do it (although I'm really considering TB classifieds...), unless you're buying new from a retailer with a good return policy (like GC or MF).

Another thing to consider is the tightness of the B-string.
 
#18
Yamahas are good in your price range, like a BB415 or 615 or the new 425 that they're coming out with.

Used, you could find a G&L2500 or an MIM Fender Jazz V. I haven't played them myself.

I'll mention my own first fiver, the Washburn Taurus T-25, which I think is a great bass for the money -- it has pretty narrow string spacing, not great if you want to slap, but saves you too wide of a neck.

One which I haven't tried but really want to is Luna's signature Paz Lenchantin bass. The fiver version's normal street price new is $599 but there have been some crazy yo-yo price changes going on with them, I guess some kind of sell-off or inventory clearances. I think Schecter is coming out with a new Diamond P-5 but I don't know what the price is going to be. There are also inexpensive SX, Brice, and Douglas fivers on rondomusic.com.
 
#19
Strongly consider a Lakland Skyline 55 series bass especially if you are OK going used, or if you want fretless. For some reason G&L's Tribute series doesn't come in fretless or I would've checked that out more thoroughly....have heard great things about G&L versatility and I am very happy with my Lakland 55-01 fretless (also very affordable used.) The Lakland is wider spacing (19 mm at bridge...1.81" nut)
 
#20
There is a lot to take into consideration when making the plunge to a 5 string bass, scale length , string spacing, tonewoods, it will require some research to be happy , i still play four string regularly so i keep my five's at 34" scale so i don't feel any difference other than the extra string, and I typically use strings with at least a taper wound b string, and string the B through the body for better tension , i also keep all my bass's string spacing at 18.5 to 19 mm so that I don't feel it . And I tend to like a 5 with a maple fretboard for a brighter tone to begin with. Do your research so that you will be happy with you final choice. Oh and by the way check out this site for a new bass , this company has had some mixed reviews , but as of late all the bass's are being hand built here in the U.S. and you can't beat the pricing.
www.thebasscompany.com
 

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