NBD - MTD Kingston Artist 5

Yesterday was my last day at work before the X'mas break, and my boss called me to her office just a minute before I headed home. She said "You've done such an extraordinary work these last few months, I wanted to share this with you", and proceeded to give me a spontaneous bonus of around 2K. After the proper thank yous and see you next years, I headed home thinking what I would do with the cash. I guess everyone know already (starting by the thread title) where this is going. My wife was glad to hear the news, and asked me "So what are you going to treat yourself to?", which was the obvious "You're going to get another bass?".

Long story short, this morning I walked to my local music shop, and tested 3 different (the only 3, to be honest) 5-stringers. I've been curious about one for a while, so I took the leap, and chose the Tobias KA5 over a nice Ibby SR505 and a purple Washburn (didn't bother checking the model, I just didn't like it at all).

Making the switch from 4 to 5 is not so easy, but I'm having a great time re-learning my instrument. To begin with, I can't start thinking of many songs I already know where I could use the low B, as of course I've always played them on a 4-string (some certainly I found quickly). Also not mixing the E and the A is a bit difficult at first, so I just spent my first day of holidays playing through my entire own repertoire, re-learning them on a 5er. It's been a great day !

 

I think it's great value for money. At a very affordable price you get a good quality instrument (very good finish, tight heel pocket, well shielded cavity) and some decent features: a zero fret, jumbo frets, the so-called "Buzz Feiten Tuning System" and good sounding p'ups. It plays very nicely, with good string spacing, a fairly thin neck for a 5-string, good balance and not particularly heavy. The active EQ is very versatile, and it can go from mellow to ultra thumpy in a second. I'm very satisfied with it.