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Looking for Recommendations on 5 string bass for small hands

M

Mike Z

Dec 8, 2016
16
13
Fort Collins, Colorado
#1
Good Day All,

I am looking to get a used 5 string bass which would be a very good instrument for playing live but does not break the bank. I have small hands if that also factors into which basses are best. Also, I would want to know where to buy as there is very limited inventory near me. My other basses are 34" so I am capable of playing that scale. I play rock, blues, and Motown.

I appreciate your responses,
Mike
 
#4
Gilmourisgod said:
Used Ibanez SR505, best bang/buck out there IMO. Super slim neck and tight string spacing, the only five I’ve picked up that didn’t feel like a 2x4.
Ibanez SR505 Five-String Electric Bass | Reverb
Click to expand...
I searched for the nut width and couldn't find it, it just says thin.

I think the OP needs to decide exactly what neck width is too wide before committing to buying any bass.
 
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#5
Stumbo said:
I searched for the nut width and couldn't find it, it just says thin.

I think the OP needs to decide exactly what neck width is too wide before committing to buying any bass.
Click to expand...
Nut width is 45mm (1.77 inches) per the Ibanez website here: [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I have one that I got used, and it's a great plains, super comfortable 5 string imo.
 
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#6
The first bass that comes to my mind for a quality budget used 5 String is a mid-late 90's Ibanez ATK305. They are get basses most comparable to a music man but slightly different. The nut width is 1.75" and the string spacing at the bridge is around 17mm - 17.5mm which may help if you have smaller hands. I recently gave one to a young bass player at my church since he was interested in a 5 and only had a 4. Something to keep in mind if you look at these is the necks are not as thin as the typical Ibanez neck, also since the bodies were made of ash they could be a little on the heavy side, but it may have just been my bass.

I've seen them posted periodically in the Classified's section here, also they appear from time to time on Reverb and Guitar Center's used site. Typical asking price is between $300-$350, sometimes they are listed for more so... just keep your eyes peeled. Hope you find something that works for you.
 
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#9
As others have already stated, I would highly recommend an Ibanez SR bass. Very versatile, very affordable, very lightweight, very small necks, and very easy to find on the Used market. I've played numerous shows where the bass players of the other bands were using an SR bass, and they seemed to really dig them. I used to own an SRFF805, myself, and it was very versatile and a great gigging bass, but I have large hands and ended up selling it since the neck just felt too small for my taste.

The SR505 seems to be a go-to for people looking for a solid 5-string bass for not a lot of money. I would recommend looking on Reverb or even checking out the used section on Guitar Center's website. I've ordered MANY items from both sites and have never had a bad experience.
 
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#11
Ibanez AGB205 or Eastwood Classic 5 if you like SS Hollow/semi-hollow body basses

IMG_2435.JPG
IMG_2424.JPG



Ibanez also makes their Mikro bass in a 5 string version GSRM25
750-GSRM25BK_front.jpg


I was assuming 'small hands' meant a preference for SS, but I see you're fine playing 34" ? What are you looking for to suit your 'small hands' if you're good with a 34" scale bass? Tighter string spacing? Narrower nut?
'Normal' 5 string basses are usually (not always) 35" scale.
 
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#14
B-Mac said:
Ibanez AGB205 or Eastwood Classic 5 if you like SS Hollow/semi-hollow body basses

View attachment 3501443 View attachment 3501444


Ibanez also makes their Mikro bass in a 5 string version GSRM25
View attachment 3501457

I was assuming 'small hands' meant a preference for SS, but I see you're fine playing 34" ? What are you looking for to suit your 'small hands' if you're good with a 34" scale bass? Tighter string spacing? Narrower nut?
'Normal' 5 string basses are usually (not always) 35" scale.
Click to expand...
It is the width of the neck.
 
#16
Nice tension on the B string on the SR too, way too floppy for my taste on a lot of basses. I suppose that's partly down to string choice, but I haven't played a short scale 5 that felt right. The only downside I can think of on the SR505 is that the "brown mahogany" finish is pretty easily chipped. You see them on ebay and reverb a lot with the finish worn away at thumbrest contact. I've been thinking of getting one and stripping it back to bare mahogany and refinishing with Tru-Oil. They do make it in a few other finishes, but harder to find. Curious to see what the OP ends up with.
Need advice on repairing an Ibanez SR505 finish
 
#17
Soundgear will be the default response, but I have to say "let your hands be the judge." I have smaller hands myself, yet I found Soundgear necks too thin. My fingers felt crowded in first position. The Ibanez neck I liked best was that of the discontinued SRX-705.

I vastly prefer ESP/LTD B-series necks. Their "Thin U" and "Extra Thin U" contours are quite comfortable for me.
 
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#19
If you're okay with 34" scale, perhaps check out a used Fender Jazz V (MIM – previously known as the "Standard" series, now known as the "Player" series), a used Squier Vintage Modified Precision V (somewhat hard to find because it's discontinued, but they're definitely out there) or a Yamaha BB. You really don't have to spend a lot to get a great 5-string bass these days.
 

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