Mid Priced 5 String Battle Royale !!!

[Dark Horse]

I'm currently shopping for a new 5 string in the $600-$900 price range. I'd love to have a 35 scale, though it's not necessarily a dealbreaker. I'm just looking for good quality sound, and solid build quality. I put three of my top choices in the poll, and also added a "Other" category. If there's one you feel I should really look at in addition to the three choices, by all means make a suggestion! I play pretty wide variety of styles, everything from Texas country to rock 'n' roll to reggae. i'd like to probably keep to more traditional looks as well.

 

[dinodino]

Obligatory Sire V7 recommendation. The V7 and the M7 are both great candidates. That being said, I played a 44-01 yesterday for the first time, and it was the first 35" scale bass I've ever played that didn't feel like a 35"er to me - great neck and weight. The fit and finish (especially on the body) didn't seem as nice as the Sires I've encountered though.

 

[DigitalMan]

Although I don't presently own one, I would say Ibanez has to be in the conversation when looking for quality in that price range.

 

[Joybass]

A Yamaha bb1025. Even a bb425 will make you smile and feel awe.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

MTD CRB5.

 

[Dark Horse]

A Yamaha bb1025. Even a bb425 will make you smile and feel awe.

I actually already have a Yamaha BBN5 that I put Bartolinis in that I like a lot , but kinda looking for something different...great recommendation, I just have a similar one already

 

[garp]

"They call it a Royale with Cheese."
-- Pulp Fiction (1994)

The world's your oyster if you're willing to consider a pre-owned instrument. But new, you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you didn't at least consider the Fender MIM Jazz V and, as previously suggested, the Yamaha BB models.

 

[FingerDub]

May I suggest my bass in the classifieds? It has everything you are looking for, including traditional looks. I'd recommend it regardless of whether 5 strings were for me or not...

For Sale - Schecter Diamond P/MM 5 String CUSTOM - High Quality 5'er

 

[carl h.]

I don't see why you'd put a bottom dollar value in. Play them all and buy the one that works best for you regardless of if it costs $900 or $249.

 

[Dark Horse]

I don't see why you'd put a bottom dollar value in. Play them all and buy the one that works best for you regardless of if it costs $900 or $249.

Well, that's obvious, but I have my own feelings in what I consider a "gigging quality" instrument...and having owned several hundred instruments, from Squiers to Laklands to my old 1962 Jazz, and as great of a "value" as some Squiers are, they aren't in the league with a Lakland...just my opinion. And the other thing, as a side guy, I can tell you for a FACT that many bandleaders and artists look with their eyes, so it has to have some name value. I make my living playing music, so I need to always be conscious of the things that can help or hinder my getting gigs.

As for "play them all" .... That's GREAT in theory ... Where in Texas deals Lakland ? Where in Texas deals Bacchus ? Where in Texas stocks the Spector Codas ? The answers are "nowhere im aware of", "there are no US dealers for Bacchus", and "nobody in Texas stocks Codas". So the "play them all" statement has no actual value ...thus we have to rely somewhat on testimonies from actual owners

 

[Herrick]

I voted other (Ibanez) but our 5-string needs are different so my vote isn't worth much. I prefer lighter basses. Also, I don't like how that Lakland looks and I'm not a fan of basses that look like Fenders but aren't Fenders.

 

[Sav'nBass]

I am biased.. I own a 55-01 and they are great basses. I don't know much about the Bacchus or the Spector... but I think the Spector may have tighter spacing. I like the 55-01... 35" scale with19mm spacing.

 

[Bassman474]

I deliberated for a long time on my first 5 string around the bottom end of that price range, and I ended up with a ESP LTD B-5E, couldn't be happier. Through neck, beautiful ebony top, and solid electronics. It's not a 35 but the B string is plenty tight, and the neck is nice and comfy. I'll likely do a full NBD/review soon, but for now, just thought I'd make a suggestion

 

[bassstrangler]

Lakland 55-01 is one of the nicest basses I've played and own. The only five string I've ever liked.

 

[Lesfunk]

Although a new one is a little more money, I really recommend a reverend Mercalli 5.
The ibanez basses are also excellent for their price

 

[mpdd]

somebody bought the 5 string godin shifter i wanted on reverb.com and i'm a little drunk and upset right now, i got an art sale today and i was going to buy it as soon as i got home from work, it's a form of a tragedy in a first world kinda way

 

[wintremute]

Check out Hammersmith.

 

[cv115505]

Honestly, I would get a Yamaha TRBX505 if you're looking for a good active sound.

 

[Camarillo]

Nowadays I have GAS for one of this 2:
- Frudua GFJ5
- Marusckzyk Jake or Elwood

They both have 35" scale versions if I'm not wrong.
Those are more on the european side maybe...

 

[rogypop]

G&l tribute l2500, brubaker brute