Is there a better 5 string than a Fender Pro II 5 ?

[Kansas]

I'm ready to jump into 5 string, and I see many pros using the Fender Jazz 5. What are real alternatives to it in that price range(under $2000)?
Thanks for suggestions and comments.

 

[BGroovy]

my current favorite 5 string is the Stingray Special. It's not a jazz though so if you're looking specifically for a Jazz there are going to be a lot in that price range, especially used

 

[superheavyfunk]

I prefer the Charvel and Elrick offerings to anything that Fender has.

 

[MrAB4003]

There are many. The Fender American Pro II series is not the best, despite the legions of cult-like Fender fans on TB who say otherwise. There are plenty of other quality options out there.

I would go to some local music stores and test out basses for yourself there. That’s the best way to really figure out what you want and like.

 

[BGroovy]

I prefer the Charvel and Elrick offerings to anything that Fender has.

Elricks are so good, and the Cort models are great for the money.

Used handmade USA models can be found for $2k if you hunt long enough too.

 

[nightchef]

I'd take a long look at the Yamaha BB35. I have a BB735A, which is the next tier down--comparable price-wise to a Player Plus--and it stands up pretty well quality-wise to my Am Pro II 4-string Precision. I'd be surprised if the BB35 wasn't at least a match for the Fender, though I've never had my hands on one.

 

[GroovyBaby]

I just sold an American Pro II Jazz V. Great playing bass IMO. Only reason I sold it is that I have an American Pro II Precision V and I'm more of a P-bass player. However, they aren't my best playing basses. Those would be my two Sandberg basses. Finger spacing varies a lot for 5er to 5er, so does weight. If those things matter to you, make sure to inquire.

 

[Minimalist]

I'm ready to jump into 5 string, and I see many pros using the Fender Jazz 5. What are real alternatives to it in that price range(under $2000)?
Thanks for suggestions and comments.

Definitely the yamaha bbp35. Have you played any 5 strings? iMO neck width, radius and string spacing play a hugh role in terms of playability and comfort.

 

[chris_b]

I'd check out a Lakland 55-02.

Find a good used one, they are fantastic basses or the money.

 

[P. Aaron]

Play as many in your price range as you can, take the bass' strings in to account and see where it leads.

 

[MikeBass]

Lakland DJ model.

 

[FRoss6788]

cult-like Fender fans on TB who say otherwise.

No different than the Ric cultists....

 

[Nuage420]

Pretty much any option in the $1000-2000 is better than a Fender. Unless you just want a Fender because it's a Fender. I've played ESP LTDs and Schecter that had better fit, finish, tone, QC than fenders twice the price.
I think FGN is one of the best FSO brands from Japan and Sandberg from Germany.

 

[foolforthecity]

I'm ready to jump into 5 string, and I see many pros using the Fender Jazz 5. What are real alternatives to it in that price range(under $2000)?
Thanks for suggestions and comments.

I have a 2016 Elite Jazz V which I absolutely adore, but for some reason I can’t get over the notion of a used Ric 4003s/5 Flat Black, just can’t seem to find one at the same time I have money to burn

 

[lm183902]

I think a good example of a Lakland DJ5 or 55-60 will absolutely blow a good example of a Fender American Pro out of the water. And I think you're far more likely to find one of those good examples of the Lakland. It should be noted that the Lakland is 35" scale though, which you may or may not love.

But there are truthfully lots of great options for under $2k these days. I really wish Musicman would make a passive bass with Jazz pickups - I love their build quality (and B string feel) and would love to have that in combination with the classic Jazz Bass sound.

 

[lamarjones]

I've played a lot of great fives, had a 2012 fender am dlx that was great along with countless smith's, mtds and so on.

I have to give credit to Ibanez, they are just killing it. The ehb 1505 is a great bass that feels so freaking good, switch out the pre for someone thatll go toe to toe with anything and probably win. All at 6-7 lbs.

 

[Element Zero]

Fender wouldn’t even be on my list.

Spector, Lakland, Ibanez, G&L, Yamaha, used Music Man, used Warwick… that’s what I’d be lookin for.

 

[overit]

Lakland necks are great - def worth a try!

 

[MDBass]

I'm ready to jump into 5 string, and I see many pros using the Fender Jazz 5. What are real alternatives to it in that price range(under $2000)?
Thanks for suggestions and comments.

I’m a Fender endorsing artist.

I can’t speak to every brand on the market, but I can tell you from direct experience that a current Charvel will be a better bass than a current Fender at the same price point.

 

[beaglesandbass]

Ibanez SR2605. When I played fivers in my last band I had gone through about four five string basses before I landed on that. Phenomenal instrument.