I need some suggestions from the knowledge base here. I have a fretless bass I'd like to trade in or perhaps sell outright in exchange for a budget 5 string with wide string spacing. Any feedback is much appreciated!
Squier VM P5 is the way to go. They're out of production now so they're a little harder to find. I actually can't find ANY on reverb right now. If you can find one, they'll typically go for $350 or less. It seems the word is out about them being a quality instrument though, and people are holding on to them. They still make the VM Jazz 5, but I assume the string spacing isn't as wide.
How budget is your budget? Maybe a Lakland Skyline 55-02, otherwise Skyline 55-01 if you want to spend a little less. 19mm wide spacing, one of the best feeling bass necks!
Check out the Squier Deluxe Jazz V Active. It's a bit of a "unique lil' snowflake" amongst other Squier fivers, what with the 2" wide nut and flatter 12" radius, ebonol fretboard. At the moment, there are four of them available for about $250 on Guitar Center's used database.
"Squier Deluxe Jazz V Active" Gear Reverb search for the Squier Deluxe Jazz V Active. They seem to be going from $280-$380...I like mine a lot. BnB