Looking for input

[Canon]

Let me start off by saying I'm a 4 string guy. Lately, I've been battling some G.A.S. however. I got the urge to get a hold of a 5 string, my main candidate is a Schecter Elite. I've not had much experience with 5 strings, I own a very cheap (and equally crappy) Rogue, which I think is the basis of my preferring 4 stringers.

With my current band, this would be a luxery and open up some options. What I want to know, as a bassist, do I really need the extra oomph the low B will bring? Could a good one convert me? If I need it for just complimentary purposes, should it be at least as good as my best 4 string (Schecter's Hellraiser 4)?

I'm looking at basses between $500-$750 range. I've been looking at Schecter, Spector, Aria, and Ibanez.

Any input is most welcome, thanks for checking this out and any future reply.

 

[Bluesbreaker5]

IMHO....after 3 years of trying to convince myself that a 5'er was necessary....I went back to a 4-string and have never looked back. I'm happy doing what I do with 4 strings. When you visit a musical instrument store you'll find more 4-string electric basses for sale. Must be a reason for that, huh?

You might end up preferring a 5'er. I believe it's simply an individual choice, not much different than brand name, active or passive, fretted or fretless, etc.

 

[Canon]

That's about how I was looking at it. I think it'd be cool to have a decent one to mess around with, but realistically, I don't really see it getting heavy use. What got me intrigued was the "hey, its there if I need it" factor.