Help picking out a 5-string...

[Tmoney865]

While the first spec needs to be 35" scale, The first thing you will hate is the string spacing.

Not all 5 Strings have the tight spacing, and not all Ibanez Basses have the tight spacing.

If tight is OK and same as 18-20mm for you, then you can go to any bass and remain happy.

The wider the spacing the wider the neck. Are you ready for a wider neck? (I grew up on DBV and P Bass, I could not wait!)

There are inexpensive 5's out there with 19-20mm spacing. Inexpensive does not have to mean poor quality or sound. I have 2 Ibanez BTB's in 5. 1 405 w/ Ibanez pups, and 1 455 with Barts. Take them over the Warriror I used to have. Got the action lower also.
1mmH and 2mmL.

Wish I had found these before the Ergodyne.

I bought 2 6 Strings as well, and the Fives sit in the cases.
Wish I had known that Ibanez was making 6 Strings, but did not think to look before I leapt.

All of this does not matter by the way, if the tone does not absolutely inspire you from the first hit.

IF it feels right, sounds right, and has some versitility, you can have a long beautiful relationship

 

[johnnybass01]

Neck width is not a big deal if you play correctly ,in other words if you keep your thumb on the back of the neck,and not roll it over on to the fretboard, MTD bass's have a nice asymmetrical neck witch is thin and helps your technique

 

[tastybasslines]

A 5-string will definatly come in handy for so many songs but I just cant spend too much and I need something versitale.

What is it you can't do on the 4 that you need the 5 for?

 

[cassanova]

If you want the best bang for your buck then be patient and shop for used basses.

For the cash you are willing to spend you can find:

Fender Deluxe Active Jazz V's.
Lakland 55-01's
Ibanez BTB's
Ibanez SR705, SR535, SR
Spector Legends
Yamaha's
G&L's Tributes

The best thing you can do is just get out there and play as many different basses as possible, then go with the one that sounds and plays best to you.

Though I'm not a fan of 35" scale length, I do agree whole heartedly with what others are saying about the 55-02. These basses sound great.

 

[darkstorm]

Ibanez and ESP Ltd would diff be my pick for nice inexpensive fivers. And when looking at the upper line of, $600-$800 Id add BC Rich to the list. But for $500 range and under, Ibanez and ESP Ltd cant be beat imo.

 

[cdog231]

What is it you can't do on the 4 that you need the 5 for?

Well in my band we play a versitale mix of covers and some of the artists use 5 strings. I do play the songs on the 4 string using the octave notes or whatever, but having that low B would sound better to me imo, and more like the original song. Plus some songs I play in drop D so having a 5 string would eliminate the need for me to retune several times.

 

[cdog231]

So Im thinking the tribute 2500 might be the one. I really wanna get out there and play one to make sure I like the feel & tone before I buy tho. My local guitar center doesn't have any of course, so Im gonna call a few local shops to see if I can find one to demo. Im probablly gonna go with a used one that hopefully includes a case and I'd really prefer a used American made model. How much sacrafice is it if I got the overseas version tho? I have a MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe right now and it's been pretty good to me.

 

[cassanova]

I have a MIM Fender Jazz Deluxe right now and it's been pretty good to me.

I had the 5 string version of that very bass in candy apple red. Just a thought, but if you really like that bass, then why not get the 5 string version? You can find them used in the price range you're looking at.

 

[ilovenofrets]

For as much love as SBMM is getting here on TB(a LOT from me), I can't believe no one gave a shout-out for the Ray 35. Awesome 5er, and it has the three-way switch for the humbucker in addition to the 3-band preamp. I played the natural w/maple board, and if I were in the market for a 5, this would make the top of the list. Just MHO. Hope you find something you really love. Cheers!!!

 

[StuartV]

Best bang for the buck is Made In America Peavey.

Any price level you want to pick. $350. $450. $550. Compare the Peavey you can get at that price to any of the other brands that have been mentioned - Ibanez, EBMM, Fender MIM (stands for Made In Mexico, by the way), G&L Tribute - the Peavey will trounce what you can get from those brands at the same price.

Of course, there can be exceptions. I'm talking about as a general rule.

The top of your price range was $550. You can find Made in USA Peavey Millennium 5 strings for that price and, unless you just get one that's been trashed, you won't find anything else for $550 or less that is as good. And I'd take good quality Made In America over lesser quality, made overseas but has a better-sounding brand name, any day.

 

[Martin89]

Look for an ATK-305 used on here.

 

[NortyFiner]

I have an Ibanez SR505. I am not much of a slapper, and I have small to medium sized hands, so the narrow string spacing is perfect for me. The small, comfortable body and relatively light weight are other plusses. Active Bart pickups, good woods (if you believe in the tonewood fairy), big heavy bridge, looks cool...what's not to like? Give one a try before you just pass judgement on Ibanez based on hearsay.

 

[drpepper]

I can comment directly on these

Brubaker Brute
Lakland 55-01
Ibanez SR505

All excellent choices imho. I think reasonable people could have different preferences between them.

Personally, I don't perceive any significant difference between 34" and 35" - as a matter of fact I find the Brute and 55-01 to have similar neck feel although the difference in headstocks (the 55-01 is about 9" from the nut to the end and the Brute is more like 6") causes a perceptual twist.

The string spacing at the bridge is narrow on the Ibanez. If it'll be the only width you play, I'd imagine most people can happily adjust. Switching between 16.5mm and 19mm was more than I wanted to do. Generally though, I like the neck feel, size, weight and looks of the Ibanez a lot.