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I am loking for low-end 5-string, need suggestions

D

DeWe

Guest
May 7, 2011
29
2
i.imgur.com
#1
Hello,

I've been playing for nearly a year and i have just sold my Yamaha RBX374 for a good deal. I am looking for an active, non-characteristical sounded easy-to-play bass.

I want-

- A good low-B string.
- A wide tonal range for lots of genres
- Easy to find on sale basses. (I live in Turkey)

My budget range covers 2nd hand Yamaha TRB 1005, brand new Swing Tuneful 5, and Cort Custom-Z. I need your suggestions, but please recommend me easy to find basses. Thank you.
 
#6
I was able to pick up an ESP LTD B-155DX for $340 two years ago. A hardshell case was an extra $90. Here's a link: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] The mid and treble pots were flip-flopped. And even though they say it's a 34" scale, I had to get superlong strings, or else the B started taper down just before the nut. But overall, I am pleased. Handsome bass, too. Bought it from woodwinds and brasswinds .com. They have a lowest price policy - they'll beat any price - and free shipping. Although, the free shipping probably doesn't apply to Turkey. Here's a link to their 5 string page: Link Removed Sometimes musiciansfriend.com has some good sales, too. Happy hunting!
 
#8
Its a buyers market at the moment, I used to have a TRB1005 its a very good bass, also had a G&L 2500 tribute which i found great, you should shop on ebay, get second hand if you can, if you can get a good condition Tribute G&L2500 go for it, the G&L has an active/passive switch so when the battery goes dead you can still play in passive mode, the TRB1005 doesn't which is why i changed to G&L, but now i use Dingwall the best B in the game, look out for second hand combustions a bit more expensive but worth it.
 
#9
I think the G&L Tribute L2500 is a great bet. I've heard nothing but good things about the Tribute series. The L2500 is ultimately tonally versatile (2 pickups, active/passive mode, series/parallel wiring) and has lots of love here. Sometimes you can find great value on a USA G&L 5-string. I got my L1505 for US $750, which should be in your price range.

If you were into passive (try to keep some options open), I'd also recommend the Yamaha BB415/BB425/BB425X or a Fender Standard Jazz Bass V. Both fall into (and below) your price range and are a rock solid value on awesome instruments. The Yamaha in particular has an special bridge with a slightly extended B for more tension. After all, Yamaha was one of the first (probably the first production instrument) to the 5-string game.
 
#11
Thanks a lot for replies. I am keeping eye on the topic. Just a reminder, international shopping is not the best option for me atm.

Edit: BTW, what about Tobias Usa Paragon 1998 5 String Bass for $899 ?

swamp ash body, bartolini pickups, bartolini TC-7 preamp, gig bag
 
#14
Woodsbass said:
Pick up a Rogue LX405 from musicians friend. They use great necks and bodies...just awful pickups. That and a new set of pups will be well under your budget, and better than most of the "Low end" five string basses from other companies.

*EDIT* Looks like the LX405 has much better pups then my LX406, you probably wont even need to change them out!
Click to expand...

The Rogue LX405 Pro is actually a really nice bass...plays really easy and has a decently tight B, as well as a active/passive option that makes it quite versatile. Not amazing but WAY worth the low price tag. If you can find a used cheap one, I think you'd be quite happy.
 
#15
No idea whats available in turkey. For in america I think the Esp Ltd F155dx is the best low low price fiver. Ibanez sr300 five string version as another possible good fiver, though the low b is gonna be weak sounding in comparisson to the esp ltd f series basses imo
 
#16
I have lowered the number of basses to choose from, in descending order from highest available to lowest available in my Country.

1- Yamaha TRB 1005 or Japan 5II if i am really lucky, second hand.
2- Swing Tuneful 5, brand new.
3- Lakland 55-01, second hand.
 
#19
I think their ugly, but I think a used Warwick really is the best bang for buck. They don't hold their value well on most models and you can get a real steal. I was a MM guy for years and bought a Warwick for something different, ended up selling the MM for another wick. I'm turning into a bit of a fan boy.
 
#20
Morning Beer said:
I think their ugly, but I think a used Warwick really is the best bang for buck. They don't hold their value well on most models and you can get a real steal. I was a MM guy for years and bought a Warwick for something different, ended up selling the MM for another wick. I'm turning into a bit of a fan boy.
Click to expand...

Ummm, as far as I've seen, Warwick's hold there value better then most mass produced basses. When you can find used fenders for under $100 you have a hard time finding used Warwick's under $500. Plus I think they look better then any other bass, but that's just my opinion and prefrence
 

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