Looking for a 5-string

[VarlotTheHarlot]

I have no idea where to start, please may I borrow your years of experience?

I already own 4 4's. My bass teacher and I have decided a 5 would be a nice addition, so...

I'm looking for something without too much of a huge neck (Warwick I'm looking at you!) as I have tiny hands (I'm a tiny lass). Something budget (less than £300- that's $500 to you Americans) just a nice looking, nice enough playing, beginner 5er.
Suggestions?

What was your first 5?

 

[MrTaff]

Slightly over your budget at £358 but I'd go for the ESP LTD B-205, one of the best budget 5 strings available in my experience, great sounding & playing bass.

 

[Woodchuck]

Don't look for your TRUE answer here. Get out and play some 5s and answer the one that calls your name. I happen to think 'Wicks are VERY comfortable. See where this could end up?

 

[VarlotTheHarlot]

I hear ya woodchuck but there's a lot out there, point me at some and I'll try 'em

 

[Woodchuck]

I hear ya woodchuck but there's a lot out there, point me at some and I'll try 'em

You say you have smallish hands? Try the Ibanez SRs. They might work for you.

 

[DwaynieAD]

The only five I ever bonded with was my MIM fender jazz 5, bought used here on TB for 500 bucks..

before that played a Ibanez SDGR and a Cort action. The Cort was gorgeous the pups were just weak as all get out, but only cost 189 dollars american brand new.

there was nothing I liked about the SDGR.

edit: i have small hands.

 

[grayn]

I agree with ESP Ltd suggested. Or even better IMO, is the Cort GB75or B5. These are sensational value for money and are just really good instruments.

 

[Red_Label]

You say you have smallish hands? Try the Ibanez SRs. They might work for you.

This! I have small hands and my SR-300 4-string feels like a pencil sometimes. The SR-305s that I've played all feel very comfortable.

Having said that, my Sterlings are the basses that I play all the time now and comparing my Ray 35's neck to my friend's Warwick 5-string, the Ray is definitely smaller and more comfortable for me.

 

[pfox14]

I got a used Fender MIM 5-string Jazz for $380 off eBay.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I have no idea where to start, please may I borrow your years of experience?

I already own 4 4's. My bass teacher and I have decided a 5 would be a nice addition, so...

I'm looking for something without too much of a huge neck (Warwick I'm looking at you!) as I have tiny hands (I'm a tiny lass). Something budget (less than £300- that's $500 to you Americans) just a nice looking, nice enough playing, beginner 5er.
Suggestions?

What was your first 5?

My first 5 was an Ibanez SR 505 ..... I would recommend an Ibanez or a Schecter ... They are decent basses and they are not too big or heavy.

 

[Sid Fang]

My first 5 was an Ibanez SR 505 ..... I would recommend an Ibanez or a Schecter ... They are decent basses and they are not too big or heavy.

My first 5er was a Schecter Stiletto, and I agree that they are a good value and have conveniently narrow necks. Nice tone, too. But they are also a long, 35" scale that might be uncomfortable for small hands. They're also much less common and more expensive in the UK and EU than in the US.

 

[bassbenj]

You say you have smallish hands? Try the Ibanez SRs. They might work for you.

I totally agree. My SR506 (close enough to a SR505) is a killer light fast small-necked killer sounding bass. Slightly over $200 used. BUT you have to want that fat modern SR sound.

I've got a LOT of 5ers. ESP LTD are amasing workmanship and looks for the money. My MIM Fender V is, well, the classic old school Fender jazz bass in a 5er. My G&L TRibute is an afordable and killer version of that classic bass. Sterlings (I own an OLP) are 'Ray sound classics in a class all by themselves. And my SX 5ers are Fender clone passive classics at a price so low you can buy two!

Point is that ALL these basses are killer (or shall we say CAN BE killer). But each has a sound and personality as different from each other as night and day. You can't just say, "what is best", get a list of basses and just pick one. You have to go TRY THEM and use YOUR OWN OPINION as to what feels good for you and what "personality" of bass fits your personality and the music you like/play.

It's that simple. Now go do it.

 

[chris_b]

My first 5er was a Musicman SR5.

If your teacher is any good he'll be teaching you the correct technique so that small hands won't be a problem to you.

I'd start with a full sized 5 string bass, like the Stingray or a P bass.

 

[el murdoque]

My first fiver was a '96 Carvin LB75 i bought new in '96.
It has slightly narrower stringspacing than most other 5ers i played and a nice thin neck.
And the huge plus is: They come dirt-cheap second hand. There's lots of options for the carvins, so they come with a huge variety of PU's and electronics.
Mine has the stacked humbuckers and active electronics with midboost. The only issue i ever had with this bass in 16 years playing was that it does not have a passive switch and the battery-compartment broke after two years. From Reggae to doom, i've played it all and felt well suited.