Mr Indecisive - Let's have a poll

[ead]

Looking to acquire a budget 5-string to see how I get on. I'm torn between an Ibanez BTB405QM and a Yamaha BBN5, both within my budget and reasonably close.

What do you think guys and girls?

 

[2cooltoolz]

Don't know much about either, but I chose the Yamaha for its simplicity of design. The Ibanez is stylistically a bit over the top for my taste. But I'm an old guy....

 

[ksguiler]

I voted BTB... Love those babies... I have played them before but never owned one. BTBs have great playability and cost next to nothing compared to basses that are of equal stature. IMO you would be happy with it. BUT I have not played a Yamaha BB... so take it with a grain of salt???

 

[jlepre]

Kinda apples and oranges. The Ibby is Active, and the Yammy is passive. Ibby is 35 scale while Yammy is 34. If I had to choose, I would look at the Ibby for more tonal options.

 

[ksguiler]

jlepre is right.... Like i said... I havent played a BB so I'm on the out for that....

 

[sloppy_phil]

haven't played a BTB, but I definitely enjoyed the Yamaha. I'm not a 5 string guy at all, but I found that those basses have great comfort, and for the money, really good sound.

 

[CrewsControl]

Have you considered a Peavey import 5-string? Grind 5 is passive (35" neckthru), and Millennium 5 AC is active (34" bolt-on). There's also a passive Millennium 5. If BTB is a budget bass for you, then you'll love the Peavey prices.

 

[Calaverasgrande]

SBMM ray35

 

[ksguiler]

Ok y'all are getting outside my knowledge base LOL

 

[ead]

Thanks people, keep them coming. Peavey, interesting suggestion...

 

[MNAirHead]

Used USA peavey

 

[fuzzychaos]

Used USA peavey

I have a USA Foundation 5 that I am putting on TB classifieds this weekend

 

[davidjackson]

Big Yamaha fan here so that got my vote. High integrity company who don't cut corners to shave off cost. True, they are designed to be affordable in the main but there are no nasty surprises when you get to really know one of their instruments.

 

[ead]

Big Yamaha fan here so that got my vote. High integrity company who don't cut corners to shave off cost. True, they are designed to be affordable in the main but there are no nasty surprises when you get to really know one of their instruments.

Yeah +1. My first fretless was an RBX270, to see if I could get into it. Had it for 4 years, modded it and now buying a custom f/l. Sound instrument with a great neck.

 

[ead]

Thanks people. Looks like a BBN5 in natural is on its way to me. Interestingly matching the poll choice.

 

[Avezzano]

BTB: longer scale and overall beautiful build, generally speaking. But also the Yamaha would be a good choice. Rather a matter of personal preference...