inexpensive 5 banger

I would check out the Peavey Millennium AC BXP and the Yamaha BB615. Both are inexpensive with powerful electronics and a great sound. I don't know about the Washburn but the Fender is a good sounding bass. My personal preference is the Peavey because of the more dynamic preamp and the fast neck.

 

inexpensive is a very relative term. but based on what you're looking at, I would recomend the MIM Deluxe Jazz V, but I love my Fenders so I'm biased slightly, or a Yammi 5er. I've wanted to try one of the BB series out, they look sweet. If they are like every other Yammi I've played, they're great.

 

I definitely recommend the OLP Stingray 5 Tony Levin signature. Cool looking bass, good preamp, great value for money.

 

You could afford a Peavey Cirrus BXP for that money. Or any of the other basses mentioned thus far.

 

Ibanez might be worth looking into. I just sold an ATK 305 for about $400. 5 strings active, solid low end and punchy.

 

I picked up a used MIA Fender Jazz Plus V (active electronics) in your price range.

 

How about a Lakland 55-01, for the guy in Lakeland, FL? You could get one used well within that range.

 

Of all the basses mentioned here I would choose a Yamaha BB... they're ridiculously good value. They play well and sound absolutely gorgeous (of course that is subjective), and are quite affordable. Since I got my BB415, I don't play my Cirrus at all.

 

My son swears by Yamaha and after playing his I believe him. That Peavey in that configuration would be an awesome bass for Jazz gigs. Go for it!

 

If you're lookign for way inexpensive (as in cheap) there's always the SX 5-stringers. If you want an inexpensive bass that is playable right out of the box, go with a Dean.