Mid-price 5 string suggestions?

[Jakob Morris]

I suggest that Sire V7 Vintage! Excellent tone, excellent preamp, beautiful bass. I got mine for 700 used with a Sire gig bag.

 

[skycruiser]

Click on the Sweetwater ad that's on this page now and look up that nice honeyburst L2500....mmmmm....

Looks like the only Tribute bass they have in stock right now is the red Fallout. Lots of supply issues these days.

 

[4stringfarley]

I'm going with the L2500 tribby as well. Snagged mine for $350 due to a dead preamp. $55 later it has a new preamp and is steller.

 

[GroovyBaby]

People on TB seem to really like the Sire basses. I haven't had one but given their reputation, worth considering. I would take a G&L L2500 over the Sterling myself. It is more versatile and can cop that tone close enough for my ear.

 

[GroovyBaby]

I'll add that the L2500 also does a good J or P imitation as well. Just an awesome bass once you get used to the controls (which do take a bit to figure out). The pickups are really hot so most people run the volume and both tone knobs backed down. So many good sounds...

 

[Chef]

I think it would be good for you to consider the new warwick built Sadowsky budget line of J5.
Pretty sure those can be had for $1000, and pretty sure there are youtube reviews of them.

 

[SlapLikeTheWind]

Cort Artesian series would be my preference, but I’d consider a used American Fender or Warwick, if you can find one for the right price.

 

[selowitch]

G&L makes a very nice J5.

 

[el murdoque]

A used Carvin/Kiesel that will sell for $1k will be an instrument that punches WELL above its weight.

Apart from that, IMO Ibanez is the company to go when you want a lot of bass but don't spend a lot of $$$

 

[funk generator]

Used Lakland skyline is a really good option. An MTD Kingston Z5 might also work really nicely if you want a more modern option.
I believe Lakland plek their Skinlines which is really nice for playability.

 

[stretch80]

I got this reverend mercalli 5 used for just under 1000. Five string, passive. View attachment 4153440

Mercalli 5 is really nice, as is the G&L L2500...

 

[InhumanResource]

I just got a brand new G&L L2500 Tribute. They can be had for well under $1000 and are very versatile soundwise.

View attachment 4153442

This is the exact bass and amp setup I am using!

 

[Rayjay]

Sire just announced a P5 for $599, looks killer! Roasted maple necks.

 

[MNAirHead]

Used USA Peavey Cirrus, Millenium or Axcellerator

Possibly a used MIM Active Jazz

Any of the above can be resold without loosing money.

 

[The Thinker]

My faves under $1k (used). All are fantastic.

1. Yamaha BB735 (or the discontinued BB425 if you prefer passive only)

2. Lakland Skyline 55-02

3. Carvin SB5000, also discontinued.

 

[Brad Easley]

Another vote for Lakland Skylines. Best bang for your buck at that price point. I got a used 55-64 (5 string pbass) right around 1k, but those don't pop up often. DJ5, 55-60, or 5502 are all solid contenders.

 

[GroovyBaby]

Another vote for Lakland Skylines. Best bang for your buck at that price point. I got a used 55-64 (5 string pbass) right around 1k, but those don't pop up often. DJ5, 55-60, or 5502 are all solid contenders.

The Lakland's are really nice. All of their 5 strings are 35" scale, which is something to consider. String spacing is different narrower or wider among the various models suggested as well. More things to consider!

 

[GroovyBaby]

Here is one just listed for you! No connection to the seller....
For Sale/Trade - SIRE P7 5 string

 

[BEADG63]

The Yamaha TRBX605/505's are great, and they can be had used in the $500 range. I got a brand new one (605) with hardshell case for $800 a couple years ago.

 

[Matt23]

Sire just announced a P5 for $599, looks killer! Roasted maple necks.

Im grabbing the red one as soon as they’re available!
I have only played and owned one Sire, which was a mk1 V7. What a bass. A really solid Jazz V. Only downside was it was a bit weighty. The preamp is awesome, but it sounded so good passive. I bought it as backup to my Sadowsky, but couldn’t warrant keeping the Sadowsky. Partly because I realised I preferred the 18mm spacing. But, it wasn’t lacking for anything.