I need advice on best 5-string for $500

[24/7Worship]

Just to clarify, the bass I own is not active.

 

[kjd]

i have a schecter elite-5. they are on sale for $499 right now at GC/MF. great sounding and well built-instrument if you want an active bass.

 

[knight1292]

I've been wanting a new bass, and I'm committed to the 5-string. I think the Traben Array Obsession is my favorite, but I'd like to know if there is a bass for a similar price from one of the more "popular" brands that is better. By the way, I'd be using it for a praise band most all of the time, and I know the Traben's aren't famous for that, so...

Do what I did, look on E-Bay. I got lucky picking up a B.C. Rich knock-off Warlock 5 stringer. I don't know anything about the brand but for $99, I said what the Hell. After a set of new strings and a neck and bridge adjustment, this thing sounds as good as my Dean ZBX and stays in tune. Also, it is in "like new" condition. Maybe you could lucky too!

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Solarmist]

$400 new:

Invalid Link Removed

The Peavey Grind 5er is a nice bass for the price.
I tried one out, and really liked it - it has a nice feeling neck, but it is a passive bass with 2 volume / 2 tone controls, and a 35" scale neck.

 

[HogieWan]

The Peavey Grind 5er is a nice bass for the price.
I tried one out, and really liked it - it has a nice feeling neck, but it is a passive bass with 2 volume / 2 tone controls, and a 35" scale neck.

your "buts" are the reasons I like it (maybe not the 2 tone part)

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

I am not speaking about the Squier Deluxe Jazz 5. I am speaking of the Affinity Jazz 5 which is even cheaper. I suppose you could replace the pups, but I didn't. I replaced the bridge with a Hipshot & put some flatwound strings on it. I LIKE the way the stock pups sound. Much better than the stock Fender pups on my MIM Jazz V. I didn't dig those & modded it with Barts & active Bart preamps. I wanted a cheap bass that sounded great & that I didn't have to worry about leaving in the van in some foreign country. After playing a bunch of Affinitys I found a sweet one. Fits the bill to a T.

 

[SSINTENSE]

You have many options...but you should really check them all out.

I would suggest:

Ibanez SR
Fender MIM Jazz 5
G&L Tribute
Yamaha rbx32