Looking for growl under $1500

[japhy4529]

You should try a 5 string Precision. You've mentioned a couple of times how you liked the Fender ergonomics, and Precisions have a very classic growl. I would suggest trying one with the 62 Custom Shop pickups in it. I think most recent standards, specials etc. have them already in them.

In my experience the B string is not so good on P5's. I owned two MIA P5's and while the rest of the strings sounded great, the B's were the worst I've ever played (floppy and "wooly"). Obviously my opinion. But as the OP is looking for "a 5-stringer that would "complement" the JB, with more modern beefier sound and easier growl" a P5 would not be the first thing to come to mind.

 

[angrychair]

TL : DR

A used Spector Rebop 5 for under $1000, or Euro5LX closer to $1500

if you aren't afraid of fanned frets(don't be) a used Dingwall Combustion. I played an NG-2 and was BLOWN away by the tonezzzz

 

[bluesdoubler]

Or find a used Fender Roscoe Beck Signature 5-string bass. Lots of tonal options on that one.

 

[shaft311]

Warwick Streamer LX.

 

[kkaarrll]

Or find a used Fender Roscoe Beck Signature 5-string bass. Lots of tonal options on that one.

I wish.

 

[Charlzm]

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

How much do you want to spend?

I have a Carvin Icon 5 (my avatar picture) that growls for days. With all the pretty bits added, it was still under $2k.
I bought a Dingwall Combustion used for $1.2k and it is also a growly beast.
Warwicks are renowned for their growl.

 

[InhumanResource]

He's looking for a 5. Why not read the post before answering?

I did read the post and made my suggestion anyway. Sometimes it's nice to have someone suggest working with what you have instead of steamrolling towards the 5 string du jour and a Fender Rumble.

Thanks for the condescending reply, though. Was it good for you?

 

[Corevalay]

I would suggest giving a P/J a whirl. I was an all jazz guy but fell in love with the sound of the P/J. I was very surprised at the amount of growl and bite it had.

 

[japhy4529]

How much do you want to spend?

I have a Carvin Icon 5 (my avatar picture) that growls for days. With all the pretty bits added, it was still under $2k.
I bought a Dingwall Combustion used for $1.2k and it is also a growly beast.
Warwicks are renowned for their growl.

Thread title...

 

[johnson79]

G&L

 

[Brother Goose]

With your price restriction and need for ballsy growl I would be looking at a Dingwall ng-2:
View attachment 886954
Pretty massive tone, awesome preamp and the best 'B' in the business.

woof. love that color

 

[Johnny Alien]

You like the Norstrand pickups so my suggestion would be to find a used korean made Skyline 55-01. There are bunches of them out there and they sell for low dollars. The pre-2005 Korean ones are simply amazing. Drop some Nordstrands in there and you are in business.

 

[Stewy Lj]

I think Johnny Alien has the right idea. I have a newer 5501 Lakland with Aguilar obp3 and just had the Aguilar super doubles put in. She's aggressive if you want and cuts through the mix with a bite. After 30 years, finally my best axe owned. Good luck.

 

[spaz21387]

Id suggest a used ric 4003 or a musicman 3 band ray

 

[IconBasser]

Those new MTD Kingston Super 5's sound pretty dang growly, and are right around the price point you're looking for.

Kind of hard to find at the moment though, very few places stock them.

 

[Charlzm]

Thread title...

Post content - amounts posted were just a hair over the OP's amount, hence the question.

 

[sumgruuvz]

I have a Spector euro and a Warwick thumb. IMO, the Spector has a meaner growl to it. I play the thumb and get stoked with the tone and then play the the Spector and get even more stoked. Last I saw, there was a Spector nscr5fm for sale in the classifieds for $900. Can't beat that. It has an emg pre which can easily be swapped out with a darkglass, tonepump, or a haz type. I have the haz in my euro and it sounds phenomenal. The thumb has the aggie obp-3 in it and it's not gritty enough for me. That might get swapped out. Hope this will get you pointed in the right direction.

 

[Benjamin Earl]

How about an Ibanez ATK?

 

[FingerDub]

You owe it to yourself to try a single-H version. The growl is in the bridge pickup. Never had to mess with the EQ very much at all. For my tastes, the extra pickup on EBMM basses is completely useless. Without knowing which pickup setting(s) you tried, I would guess that was a big part of the issue.

Is there any science rooted in this assertion? Have you spend any considerable time with an HH?

I own an HH. Every tone on the 5 position switch is useable and sounds good. Its the most versatile sounding bass Ive ever owned. Both pups on is the best rock tone I've heard.

Not sure were you got that that from but the single pup growl is there for sure.

 

[twinjet]

You owe it to yourself to try a single-H version. The growl is in the bridge pickup. Never had to mess with the EQ very much at all. For my tastes, the extra pickup on EBMM basses is completely useless. Without knowing which pickup setting(s) you tried, I would guess that was a big part of the issue.

Would you say the same about a SUB? I found one in a local pawn shop. Could probably walk out with it for $80-90.