I ordered this bass from Thomann wanting two things: a five string bass and something that didn't sound like a p bass. It has delivered on both wishes. I haven't played five strings other than the occasional noodeling in stores but I must say this one feels really good. The strings spacing is a bit tight (same as on the SUB Ray 5 I think) but it's manageable.
The bass is CHEAP - mine was a B stock for 130 € - but the sound and finish is generally really good. The neck is amazing actually. Perfect fret work as far as sharp edges i concerned. The cheapness shows, however, in that it is impossible to have a low action on it. After a thorough setup I was able to get 4 mm and no buzz. Now I'm not a super low action guy - I have 3 mm on my Fender p basses - so I can live with this, but to some people this might be a deal breaker. I don't know if the nut is too low or if the frets aren't level. I also can't get a perfect intonation on the B string. Since I'll mostly use the low notes anyway I figured it's fine.
I don't think I will use this bass more than on occasional recordings so I will keep it despite it's flaws. If I got in a situation were I would need a five string for regular live gigs I would probably get a better one. But as an introduction to the five string world I think it was money well spent.
The bass is CHEAP - mine was a B stock for 130 € - but the sound and finish is generally really good. The neck is amazing actually. Perfect fret work as far as sharp edges i concerned. The cheapness shows, however, in that it is impossible to have a low action on it. After a thorough setup I was able to get 4 mm and no buzz. Now I'm not a super low action guy - I have 3 mm on my Fender p basses - so I can live with this, but to some people this might be a deal breaker. I don't know if the nut is too low or if the frets aren't level. I also can't get a perfect intonation on the B string. Since I'll mostly use the low notes anyway I figured it's fine.
I don't think I will use this bass more than on occasional recordings so I will keep it despite it's flaws. If I got in a situation were I would need a five string for regular live gigs I would probably get a better one. But as an introduction to the five string world I think it was money well spent.
