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Metron's "which 5 string" thread

metron

metron

Sep 12, 2003
7,761
12,691
#1
Welcome to my "which 5 string" thread. :rolleyes::D I am ready to make a new bass purchase and I am pretty set on getting a high quality versatile 5 string. I have been searching the archives for a few weeks and have a general idea of what I am interested in but unfortunately I only have so much time to surf TB at work. :hiding:

Since there are so many choices in the 5 string market and I don't really have specific needs to fill with this bass, I am turning to the TB crowd to get ideas and input on what will suit me the best. In order to do that I would like to invite everyone to share their 5 string experience in this thread. Not so much about whether or not you are into 5s but more along the lines of which ones you have experience with and what that experience is. Positive or negative. Any 5er will do. Where are you coming from with your bass playing needs and how has the 5 string you have experience with filled those needs, or not. Comparisons would be great too. Thanks!
 
#4
Depends on your price range really.

>$1k : Schecter Stilletto (neck-through), Fender MIM 5 P Bass (bolt-on) or J Bass (bolt-on)

$1k-$2k : Spector Europe (bolt-on or neck-through), Warwick Corvette (bolt-on)
or Corvette $$ (bolt-on), Fender MIA P Bass (bolt-on) or J Bass (bolt-on), etc.

$2k-$3k : Sadowsky Metro (bolt-on), Warwick Streamer $$ (bolt-on), etc.

<$3k : Sadowky NYC (bolt-on), Spector USA (bolt-on or neck-through), Warwick Corvette NT (neck-through) or Corvette $$ NT (neck-through) or Streamer Stage I/II (neck-through), Roscoe LG 3005 (bolt-on), etc.
 
#5
Budget? I see LLink24 gave you a breakdown across some wide price ranges already.

I think there are LOADS of great choices for under $1000, especially if you buy used. Some others not already mentioned include a Lakland 55-01 (new!) or 55-02, G&L Tribute L-2500 (new!) or a USA L-2500, EBMM Stingray/Sterling/Bongo 5, Fender Jazz Deluxe V or Precision V, Peavey Cirrus. Those choices cover a pretty wide tonal variety as well so you'd have a lot to pick from.

EDIT - I saw in your profile that you already have an L-2000. I guess if you like the tonal variety and feel of that bass then maybe an L-2500 makes sense. Or if you want something different you could remove them from consideration since you've already covered that territory, at least from the 4 string side.

If you want to go over $1000, those are outside my experience. :D
 
#7
I don't really have a budget but I would prefer to keep it below $3k. I will probably go used if I can find whatever I end up deciding on. For reference, basses I have been considering the most are:

Lakland 55-94
Modulus Q5
Musicman HS
Sadowsky J
Valenti J
MIA Fender J
 
#8
dave64o said:
EDIT - I saw in your profile that you already have an L-2000. I guess if you like the tonal variety and feel of that bass then maybe an L-2500 makes sense. Or if you want something different you could remove them from consideration since you've already covered that territory, at least from the 4 string side.
Click to expand...

Yeah that was my feeling on the L2500. I already have my G&L fix. :D

stflbn said:
high quality is pretty vague. To some people that is a $150 SX, to others it's a $6,000 custom.
Click to expand...

By high quality I mean I don't want to have any concern about the technical execution of the instrument build - fret dressing, neck pocket gaps, string/neck alignment etc. I'm looking for perfect build, fit, and finish. That can definitely be had with sub $1k instruments but is more common or guaranteed with the higher end of the price range.
 
#9
I played four strings exclusively for years, and had settled on Fenders and G&L basses with MFD's. These work perfectly for the rock material I play. Eventually, I decided I wanted a five, and I quickly concluded I didn't want 35" scale. I considered several, including Pedulla Rapture, Stingray HH/HS, G&L, and American Deluxe Fenders. I struggled between getting a five string version of something I had, and expanding the arsenal sonically.

Gradually I wrote some off. The MusicMan stuff is beautifully built, but they're often heavy, and I don't like the fully active tone. I liked the Pedulla's playability and light weight, but was put off by the cost, and I thought the Bartolini electronics wouldn't be aggressive enough in a rock band mix. I seriously considered G&L, but didn't like the feel of the five string necks. After awhile, I realized I wanted nothing more that a solid, passive five string Jazz, but at the time (2006/7) I didn't like the neck feel of Fender's American Series Jazz. And the Lakland Skylines are all 35" scale, so those were out.

Then the 2008 American Standard Fenders came out, and I discovered Fender had slimmed down the neck. I did consider the Precision V, but figured the additional definition from a J bridge pickup would be good on a five, so I stuck with the plan for a J. My 2003 Chrome Red/maple Jazz had been my "go-to" bass for years, and I love my red/maple Strat, so I went with that vibe, and got a Candy Cola/maple Jazz V.

I bought it in early 2008, and it's been great. The B is nice and tight, and sounds well matched to the other strings. It's totally classic J-bass tone, with the extra string. It's wonderfully built and finished, definitely a step up from the earlier American Series. I adjusted to it quickly, and find the playability is excellent after a proper set-up. The only downside, IMO, is the single coil hum, but having decided it's a keeper I just bought some Nordstrand NJ5FS pickups to go noiseless. The stock singles sound fantastic though.

Assuming a passive J would fit the bill sonically for what you play, you will not go wrong with one of these.
 
#10
Thanks Ned! That is exactly what I am looking for. I have my own ideas of what I want but I would like to get others experience hopefully to think about things I am overlooking right now.

Today the 55-94 is at the top of my list. So what about 35" scale put you off? I have played a few 35" in the past and didn't notice a huge difference in feel though my time with them was short.

Also, what do you find about the Bartolini pickup tone that is not aggressive enough for rock? I have never played Barts but I see the 55-94 had them until recently. I wonder if the new Lakland electronics changes that?
 
#11
I suggest you try out the Rockbass by Warwick range.
Priced from a few hundred to a thousand.You get really good value in these basses & the 2009 models will also feature Warwick's 2 piece bridge,adjustable nut(just a nut 3) & the same headtsock as thier German counterparts.Now the only difference between Rockbass & Warwick will be where it's made & the woods used.
Good luck.
 
#12
As for 35" scale, I don't have large hands, so playing in the lower positions didn't feel as comfortable, and I also don't like a longer reach to first position when standing. An inch isn't a big deal for that, but I'll take any extra comfort I can. (Depending on bridge placement, some 35" scale basses might not have a longer reach to first position when standing. I don't know.) I found plenty of good 34" scale B strings, so I just decided to stick with it and not worry about the issue.

The Barts in the Pedulla Rapture, like some others I've played, have a slightly soft attack and mellow tone that I suspected wouldn't work so well in a rock mix. When I was looking, I posted about that here, and a few players agreed it wasn't a great choice for rock. Keep in mind I have a G&L SB-2 and L-1500, which are very hard-hitting reference points. I like some old school grit and punch, and generally don't like active electronics anyway. That said, I only tried the J/J Rapture. The single humbucker might be a totally different animal. The P/J might have more punch too. The Rapture plays amazingly well and is very comfortable, so it's worth checking out, and they're good value used. (I almost pulled the trigger on a couple on the 'bay.)

Good luck! :bassist:
 
#13
I have a Carvin XB75PF which is REALLY nice. The neck is asymetrical,which makes it a pleasure to play.It is fretless,so I decided to get myself a fretted bass. I KNEW the Carvin line would have some great ones...but I wanted a short-scale.I researched SEVERAL short-scale models,and was intrigued with what Birdsong had to offer.The Birdsong was expensive...$2500...but when I got it I felt like it was worth every penney. The model is a Hy5,(in case you look them up.)These are the only 2 I have experience with...BOTH are FANTASTIC in their own way. LOL.
Kent:bassist:
 
#14
metron said:
I don't really have a budget but I would prefer to keep it below $3k. I will probably go used if I can find whatever I end up deciding on. For reference, basses I have been considering the most are:

Lakland 55-94
Modulus Q5
Musicman HS
Sadowsky J
Valenti J
MIA Fender J
Click to expand...
The top 5 are all great choices (and expensive as well unless you find an amazing used deal), but some might say that the MIA J Bass has a floppy low B (I'm sure that can be fixed by a new nut though).
 
#15
Nedmundo said:
As for 35" scale, I don't have large hands, so playing in the lower positions didn't feel as comfortable, and I also don't like a longer reach to first position when standing. An inch isn't a big deal for that, but I'll take any extra comfort I can. (Depending on bridge placement, some 35" scale basses might not have a longer reach to first position when standing. I don't know.) I found plenty of good 34" scale B strings, so I just decided to stick with it and not worry about the issue.

The Barts in the Pedulla Rapture, like some others I've played, have a slightly soft attack and mellow tone that I suspected wouldn't work so well in a rock mix. When I was looking, I posted about that here, and a few players agreed it wasn't a great choice for rock. Keep in mind I have a G&L SB-2 and L-1500, which are very hard-hitting reference points. I like some old school grit and punch, and generally don't like active electronics anyway. That said, I only tried the J/J Rapture. The single humbucker might be a totally different animal. The P/J might have more punch too. The Rapture plays amazingly well and is very comfortable, so it's worth checking out, and they're good value used. (I almost pulled the trigger on a couple on the 'bay.)

Good luck! :bassist:
Click to expand...

Interesting...thanks again Ned!
 
#16
humpy thumb said:
I suggest you try out the Rockbass by Warwick range.
Priced from a few hundred to a thousand.You get really good value in these basses & the 2009 models will also feature Warwick's 2 piece bridge,adjustable nut(just a nut 3) & the same headtsock as thier German counterparts.Now the only difference between Rockbass & Warwick will be where it's made & the woods used.
Good luck.
Click to expand...

What about regular Warwicks? I remember being very interested in them in the 90s but havent thought much about them since. I always loved the tone of the thumb bass but the necks seem too bat like and the overall feel of the instrument is odd.

K.Ross said:
I have a Carvin XB75PF which is REALLY nice. The neck is asymetrical,which makes it a pleasure to play.
Click to expand...

What do you mean by asymetrical neck?

LLink24 said:
The top 5 are all great choices (and expensive as well unless you find an amazing used deal), but some might say that the MIA J Bass has a floppy low B (I'm sure that can be fixed by a new nut though).
Click to expand...

I haven't heard about floppy low B strings on the Fender MIA J5s. Did you have one with a lame B? The good news is that if I decide on Fender there are plenty to try in the area.
 
#18
If you have up to $3K, one bass I can't recommend highly enough would be a Dingwall Afterburner I. Don't be scared of the fanned frets. The tone of the bass is somewhere between a Musicman and a P-bass, but its more articulate and balanced than either of those two. It's very responsive to how you play, dig in and it growls, back off and it's smooth. The scale length of the low B is 37" and it sounds AMAZING! Feels great too. But, the G string is a comfy, familiar 34" scale. The fanned frets keep the bass from feeling too huge, I've even played a few 35" scale basses felt much less comfortable (i.e. longer) than the Dingwall. It is, hands down, the finest bass I've ever owned and I would get another in a second if I had the funds. Even at about $2500 brand new, they play and feel like they cost much more than that and are a bargain IMO.

If you are wanting to keep it closer to $2K or under, there are lots of good options...it just depends on which tone you're after. If you like aggressive tone, Spector Euro LX, EBMM Stingray5 or Bongo5, Warwick Corvette $$ or a Thumb BO (maybe used) are all great choices. For an all arounder, the Lakland 55-02 or JO5, Fender Am. Std. Jazz 5, Lull M5V or a used Sadowsky Metro are very nice choices. For hi-fi tones, a Modulus Quantum, Peavey Cirrus, or a used MTD 535 are all fine basses. There are many other great basses I am forgetting or not mentioning. Good luck in your search.
 
#20
Anyone else have a 5 string bass they want to comment on? :eyebrow::D

I am still undecided on what bass I want to buy but the Lakland 55-94 is giving me serious gas pains. I found some MP3s today by Friedland reviewing the 55-02 and I have to say that I am quite impressed with the tones available. Anyone out there think the 55-02/55-94 does not cop a killer jazz and stingray tone?
 

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