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Need a 5 string bass! Opinions needed!
- Thread starter RL87
- Start date
Have you considered BEAD tuning on a 4 string? Lower 4 strings from a 5 string on a bass you already own- if it doesn't work out it's totally reverseable and you're only out the cost of strings. Helps if you're uncomfortable with a bigger 5 string neck.
It's all I use now, might be worth giving a try.
It's all I use now, might be worth giving a try.
I'd go with the Ray25ca if you can find one. It's got a little wider string spacing than the Ray5 and that unmistakable Stingray tone even with the stock electronics (after requiring to parallel, of course).
Is there a reason you’re not considering a Sire (assuming you like the Sire you have)? I’m more of a Jazz bass guy myself, but the [Invalid or Expired Link Removed] looks like it would handle rock just fine.
I have no experience with that Music Man, but I do own the Squier Cont Act Jazz V, for a couple years now.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
That one.
With the understanding that the new ones are not ash-bodied as these first-gen versions (it is a fairly heavy axe) and probably somewhat lighter: I've been very happy with mine. It's very solidly built. The electronics are useful and quiet, and a bit different: The knobs are volume, balancer, master tone, and then a stacked boost-only bass and treble. Good bridge and keys. Single 9v battery. Piano Black finish that Yamaha would approve of.
I'm convinced that harder/denser woods are important for clarity, especially the low notes the big B-string can conjure, and this one has that in spades. Been very stable setup wise. I run the typical 45-130 set on it, usually the Fender nickel rounds or GHS Bassics.
The usual nitpicks for these are the weight (it's a grown man's bass, for sure) and the electronics 'need different pickups and preamp' which is just silly to my ears, not to mention I'm not sinking all that extra money on a Squier and losing my shirt when the time comes to move it. I find it's just fine, and very useable. As a matter of fact, I'm going to buy the Precision Five version of this, they sound that good to me with these electronics.
Of course, no case with Squiers, but mine rides around in a Fender FB60 bag.
This man's opinion.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
That one.
With the understanding that the new ones are not ash-bodied as these first-gen versions (it is a fairly heavy axe) and probably somewhat lighter: I've been very happy with mine. It's very solidly built. The electronics are useful and quiet, and a bit different: The knobs are volume, balancer, master tone, and then a stacked boost-only bass and treble. Good bridge and keys. Single 9v battery. Piano Black finish that Yamaha would approve of.
I'm convinced that harder/denser woods are important for clarity, especially the low notes the big B-string can conjure, and this one has that in spades. Been very stable setup wise. I run the typical 45-130 set on it, usually the Fender nickel rounds or GHS Bassics.
The usual nitpicks for these are the weight (it's a grown man's bass, for sure) and the electronics 'need different pickups and preamp' which is just silly to my ears, not to mention I'm not sinking all that extra money on a Squier and losing my shirt when the time comes to move it. I find it's just fine, and very useable. As a matter of fact, I'm going to buy the Precision Five version of this, they sound that good to me with these electronics.
Of course, no case with Squiers, but mine rides around in a Fender FB60 bag.
This man's opinion.
This has my attention. I played an ibanez sr305edx yesterday(5string). Had a decent amount of buzz from that B string and its a 34''. Is it because of that? As I am looking at getting a 5 string as well ,is it better for me to go with one with a 35" for a good sounding B?
I've never played a Fender or Squier with a great B string. I played okay ones.
A SUB has never found its way into my hands, but I plucked B strings on MM basses that were way better than anything Fender I ever touched. I'm not saying Fender is incapable of building a bass with a decent B string - but there are many out there that are sub par compared to others in the same price range. I'd never go for a Fender/Squier 5 string blindly.
A SUB has never found its way into my hands, but I plucked B strings on MM basses that were way better than anything Fender I ever touched. I'm not saying Fender is incapable of building a bass with a decent B string - but there are many out there that are sub par compared to others in the same price range. I'd never go for a Fender/Squier 5 string blindly.
just to give you some idea of the 5 strings in my stable that i use for a rock cover band:
G&L M2500
Yamaha BBNE5 Nathan East
Guild Pilot Pro 5
Yamaha TRBX 505
I gig the nathan east primarily. has great tonal adjustability with the midrange knob. the G&L has the most killer B string of the bunch but only just barely-they are all good. the guild is probably last here. that is my bass when we do our “80’s theme” gigs which are pretty popular around here right now. but after all the guild is nearly 30 years old and was a GREAT 5 string in 1994 when it was built.
But the TRBX is just killer for the money. i played it yesterday when we were the house band for an open mic/jam at a local bar. i don’t mind others playing it and every 5 string player that plays it comments on how easy it is to play even if they play a pretty different 5 string.
somebody mentioned that tone is something that you can change but feel isn’t. i kind of agree with that. you need to try some stuff and see what feels good in YOUR hands. i prefer my necks to be on the narrower side so the above work pretty well for me- the TRBX feeling and measuring the narrowest. (the nathan east specs the same but with a micrometer actually measures wider than the TRBX which is 1 and 11/16”) my experience would say the above basses are great instruments if they feel good to you. of course there are lots of other great instruments so try all of them that you can!
G&L M2500
Yamaha BBNE5 Nathan East
Guild Pilot Pro 5
Yamaha TRBX 505
I gig the nathan east primarily. has great tonal adjustability with the midrange knob. the G&L has the most killer B string of the bunch but only just barely-they are all good. the guild is probably last here. that is my bass when we do our “80’s theme” gigs which are pretty popular around here right now. but after all the guild is nearly 30 years old and was a GREAT 5 string in 1994 when it was built.
But the TRBX is just killer for the money. i played it yesterday when we were the house band for an open mic/jam at a local bar. i don’t mind others playing it and every 5 string player that plays it comments on how easy it is to play even if they play a pretty different 5 string.
somebody mentioned that tone is something that you can change but feel isn’t. i kind of agree with that. you need to try some stuff and see what feels good in YOUR hands. i prefer my necks to be on the narrower side so the above work pretty well for me- the TRBX feeling and measuring the narrowest. (the nathan east specs the same but with a micrometer actually measures wider than the TRBX which is 1 and 11/16”) my experience would say the above basses are great instruments if they feel good to you. of course there are lots of other great instruments so try all of them that you can!
It's a myth as I've played 5s with less than 34" scale with stellar Bs.
It most likely needs a set up. Most basses right out of the box do to a greater or lesser extent.
Might be outside your price range a bit but an LTD AP-5 is well worth saving up for, definitely my all around best sounding bass that I've owned.
JeezyMcNuggles
Inactive
- Feb 23, 2018
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- I suck, but nobody really notices
Not really, a buzz is caused by a poor setup usually. When I say a poor "B", I mean it doesn't have a clear tone. Especially the lower notes (B - D) are just low freq indistinguishable rumblings. "E"and higher are ok, but playing the 4th string (E) is a much clearer tone.
Whoa thats alot of great suggestions! Really appreciate it guys. Will definitely go try the basses before buying them. I will prob try the yamaha trbx and bb as suggested! Unfortunately, i live in Malaysia and its almost impossible to get my hands on a lakland and most schecter models. Shipping costs alone will cost quite abit! Will prob also try out a ray35 rather than a sub.
- Feb 5, 2013
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- Endorsing Artist: Used Fender Lead Sleds and Hartke cabs with bent grills
I called some vehicle wrap places around my city and asked if they have any scraps, I pulled all my electronics from it, cleaned it with windows cleaner (Windex), put the wrap material on, and used a razor blade to trim the edges and cut out for my pots. I didn't use a heat gun but I heard I could/should of used one to stretch the material, but I couldn't imagine a better outcome, it has held up quite nicely. It is taking a little bit of a beating from my abusive playing but I could do it again... If the wrap lasts 3-5 years what more could I ask. My bass was made to make war... I mean it was made to be played so by golly that's what I'ma do!!!
