Modern versatile 5 string bass

[Matteo j Pedro]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking at getting my first 5 string.
This is what I'm looking at and would appreciate the advice.
1 Dingwall ABZ 5 3 pickups.
2 Roscoe LG Custom 5 JJ
3 Roscoe Century Std Plus 5 mj
Thanks in advance.
Matteo

 

[Jeff Scott]

Please add Martin Keith to your shortlist, phenomenal basses.

Martin Keith Guitars

 

[MMiller28]

Can you try any of the ones on you list?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Go some place like Bass Central, Chicago Music Exchange, The LowEnd Shop, where you can actually play these basses. They are all great high end basses, but different.

 

[Erik Turkman]

If you are looking for modern sounding, then you might also want to consider Ken Smith basses and a Sadowsky Modern 5. On the less expensive side, I thought the original Lakland 55-01 was a great bang for buck, but I haven't played one in years.

 

[MAJOR METAL]

You need to consider this:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

 

[Baird6869]

Hi everyone,
I'm looking at getting my first 5 string.
This is what I'm looking at and would appreciate the advice.
1 Dingwall ABZ 5 3 pickups.
2 Roscoe LG Custom 5 JJ
3 Roscoe Century Std Plus 5 mj
Thanks in advance.
Matteo

What's your budget? Are you looking new or used?

For inexpensive modern versatile, I would look at a Lakland 55-02 (around $1000 used) or a FBass BN5, Sadowsky Metro Modern or Roscoe (both around $2000 used) for a bit more high end.

For new, PERSONALLY I would go with Valenti. Very well made USA basses that sound and play fantastic. I love mine.

Dingwalls are well made and sound great, but I can't stand the fanned frets. Might be perfect for you though.

Based on your actual list, I would go with a Roscoe LG. The older SKB's are my favorite Roscoes though.

 

[Matteo j Pedro]

Please add Martin Keith to your shortlist, phenomenal basses.

Martin Keith Guitars

What's your budget? Are you looking new or used?

For inexpensive modern versatile, I would look at a Lakland 55-02 (around $1000 used) or a FBass BN5, Sadowsky Metro Modern or Roscoe (both around $2000 used) for a bit more high end.

For new, PERSONALLY I would go with Valenti. Very well made USA basses that sound and play fantastic. I love mine.

Dingwalls are well made and sound great, but I can't stand the fanned frets. Might be perfect for you though.

Based on your actual list, I would go with a Roscoe LG. The older SKB's are my favorite Roscoes though.

Thanks everyone for your replies!
You've given me plenty more food for thought.
I live in Australia in the north and there are no bass specialist or guitar stores that carry much more than Fender mim or Epiphone. And that's not saying that there's anything wrong with them.
I want something that's going to complement my 4's ( vintage Fender 1976 pbass my only bass that I have played before buying, Fender custom shop jazz bass, Fender USA fretless jazz and a G&L asat bass.)
I rely on youtube and online research to buy anything else.
Thanks again and I am now going to look into the suggestions received so far.
Matteo

 

[Rib 13]

I want something that's going to complement my 4's ( vintage Fender 1976 pbass my only bass that I have played before buying, Fender custom shop jazz bass, Fender USA fretless jazz and a G&L asat bass.)

If you own a G&L ASAT then the answer to "I need a modern versatile 5-String" has already been answered: G&L L-2500....its really hard to top L2K/ASAT-family of instruments in any versatility contest