Help with picking a 5-string (first bass)

[And I]

hey man, thanks for the reply. Any reason in particular why those two are better?

They make models that are better sounding for aggressive rock music. Ibanez EX305E, for example. Also to your question of is a 4 string enough for punk rock, the answer is yes. But if the 5 string is calling to you, go for it. 5 strings have a 4 string built in.

 

[murphy]

Marcus Miller?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

https://www.thomann.de/dk/marcus_miller_v3_5_ts_2nd_gen.htm

https://www.thomann.de/dk/marcus_miller_v3_5_bk_2nd_gen.htm

 

[murphy]

https://www.thomann.de/dk/fender_sq_cv_70s_jazz_bass_v_mn_nat.htm

 

[burgerdj]

String spacing and scale length are critical factors to consider. Five strings typically range from 16.5 to 20 mm. Scale from 34” to multi scale 37”. I strongly suggest you try as many as you can to determine what works best for you.

 

[ihaveaquestion]

What are some of your favourite tones?

 

[pappabass]

My turn. LTD B205. Best bang for the $$. Active EQ, clean sound.

 

[honeyiscool]

For a beginner, the Ibanez Gio series is hard to beat. Very light, easy to play, sounds good enough. I even prefer them over a lot of the higher end Ibanez basses because their workman approach helps me feel at ease.

 

[Don M]

Also, Ibanez Talman series. LTD's are also nice. Sire's would be great also.

 

[Crankbait]

Hello.
I've always wanted to own a 5 string bass (which will be my first bass), and now is the time.
Used, I found this; [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This costs 180 pounds/290 dollars.

New, I've been looking at this; Invalid Link Removed
This costs 305 dollars/300 pounds.

I will be able to stretch my budget to 450 dollars, but thats all I will do for now.
Would any of these be okay for a beginner, or should I look at something else?
Please, don't hesitate to recommend me something else, or give me some honest advice.

If you can find one,(check the usual online sites) a De Armond pilot 5 is a great choice. Active pick ups sound good,wide string spacing helps the transition to 5 string,and it's a full scale length.. I use mine on stage and in studio both,and I have several more expensive basses to choose from.
Another good "cheap"choice is the lower model ibanez sgr line . You should be able to get either for under 300.
Good luck!

 

[david barnes]

Hello.
I've always wanted to own a 5 string bass (which will be my first bass), and now is the time.
Used, I found this; [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This costs 180 pounds/290 dollars.

New, I've been looking at this; Invalid Link Removed
This costs 305 dollars/300 pounds.

I will be able to stretch my budget to 450 dollars, but thats all I will do for now.
Would any of these be okay for a beginner, or should I look at something else?
Please, don't hesitate to recommend me something else, or give me some honest advice.

I have the same question. But I'm looking at a warwick thumb bolt on 5. Should I get it?

 

[tminus10]

You need to find what's comfortable. I've played them all and I like 34" scale and 18mm spacing at the bridge. Don't care about tone at this point. Just find what's comfortable for you and practice and learn. Upgrade as your skills progress but seriously don't worry about it at this point. Just get a Squire 5string and practice the wholly living hell out of it..

 

[patrickj]

Rock and Metal? Dimension.

 

[patrickj]

This question might be "stupid", if so, just bear with me haha. Is a 5string "too much" for punk rock? say. Alkaline Trio Stuff?

I saw Alkaline Trio with New Found Glory quite a few years back (great show, before Skiba joined Blink). Dan rocked a Fender jazz V for a number of songs.

 

[dxb]

I have a red 5-string Dimension like that and its a great bass. I also have an Affinity Jazz (4-string) which is very nice too. One thing to consider is that the Dimension is active and the Jazz is passive so they'll have a different sound. Either should work for most musical genres though. Also if they're the same price, the Deluxe is closer to a Squire VM so its a step up from an Affinity. Jazz basses are a bit more traditional though and you'll have more potential buyers if you decide to sell it later.

 

[thedogtrain]

I'd like to thank everybody for their input, it means a lot that you'd take your time to help me out.
I've decided to go with the 5-string Dimension. It fits my budget perfectly, and having read what you guys posted, it seems to suit my needs just fine. I also think it looks amazing (which I guess is some motivation for playing the thing haha).

 

[odarellmc]

I'd like to thank everybody for their input, it means a lot that you'd take your time to help me out.
I've decided to go with the 5-string Dimension. It fits my budget perfectly, and having read what you guys posted, it seems to suit my needs just fine. I also think it looks amazing (which I guess is some motivation for playing the thing haha).

Where did you find it?

 

[Leonid Nidis]

You are from europe right?
If so https://www.thomann.de/dk/5_strenge...acturer[0]=Marcus Miller&oa=pra&price-first=0

sire stuff is good,pick one.shipping is free in europe if im not mistaken

 

[thedogtrain]

Where did you find it?

On a second-hand sales site in the country I live.

 

[G On Bass]

Before deciding on a brand, you should try to play as many different 5 strings of as many brands as possible. 5 string basses are made with so many different specs that it is, IME, far more important to play them first if you can and find what 'fits'. One will feel right, and it may not be the one you think. Good Luck!

Hello.
I've always wanted to own a 5 string bass (which will be my first bass), and now is the time.
Used, I found this; [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
This costs 180 pounds/290 dollars.

New, I've been looking at this; Invalid Link Removed
This costs 305 dollars/300 pounds.

I will be able to stretch my budget to 450 dollars, but thats all I will do for now.
Would any of these be okay for a beginner, or should I look at something else?
Please, don't hesitate to recommend me something else, or give me some honest advice.

 

[MTN.bass72]

This question might be "stupid", if so, just bear with me haha. Is a 5string "too much" for punk rock? say. Alkaline Trio Stuff?

Alright thanks man.Can I ask, whats "wrong" with the Jazz model? I think the design is awesome.

First off, welcome to the dark side

Now, there's no such thing as a stupid question... if you don't ask, you won't know..

Don't overthink this process. You'll get tons of different responses.. the best thing to do is go to a store and get some different basses in YOUR hands to feel it..
I'll say, though, in my opinion of course a 4 string will be fine for what you're going to do... nothing wrong with a 5, but I came from 10 years as a punk/ punkabilly drummer... not once saw a fiver..
You mentioned liking the look of a jazz... honestly that'd be a great choice with the smaller neck... due to having smaller hands you mentioned... go check out the Squier line of jazzes, and the P basses... to feel the difference and to hear the difference... either would work great.. not too much money, and with a good setup and strings you'll be golden