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One of those "help me choose a bass" threads, cheapy 5-string edition

SpasticTastic

SpasticTastic

Dec 22, 2012
530
387
Louisiana
#1
Basically what the title asks. Trying to choose a cheap-ish 5-string bass for a budget. Need something within the next few months that I can get to start off with, and eventually use as a backup once I get a hold of better 5-string.

Pretty much looking at the poll choices. Sterling SUB Ray5, Omen Extreme 5 (the tobaccoburst one), Schecter C-5 Deluxe, or the Squier Jazz Deluxe Active 5.

I know the Squier and the Sterlings get tons of love around here, but I'm curious about the 2 Schecters. How do they compare?

Also, I don't mind going used, and the most I'd spend used is probably $300 - $350.

EDIT: Should mention I won't be doing TOO much downtuning. I mostly play in Eb, but do plan on using the low B.

EDIT2: I just realized there's no poll. I forgot to add it. :( Oh well, shoot me with your favorite sub-$350 (used or not) 5-strangers.
 
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#4
I personally was GASing over a Yamaha TRBX, but I came accross the Esp Ltd BM-205, and I loved the finish. I then got it as a present from my beloved for Christmas, and so far I love it. It is my only 5 string, but I do not have GAS for another (at least not yet!)

85522_l.jpg
 
#5
Ibanez SR305 - active 3-band EQ, super nice thin (front to back) neck, and excellent QC for the price. The LTD pictured above also has a an active 3-band EQ, but the D-style necks are rather chunky if that's what you're after. I've had 2 of them, and sold both ... just didn't like the necks at all.

The best advice I can give is just go to all your local music stores including GC, and try stuff out. They have a huge selection of used gear at their website too or try the TB classifieds.
 
#7
SpasticTastic said:
Had a feeling that would be the first suggestion. :P

Any reason? Better quality? Prefer the MM tone?
Click to expand...

People do love MM tone! I've been looking for what kind of wood the body is on a SUB. I can't find out. The MM website just says "solid hardwood". This rings my alarm bells. They might as well have listed it as "solid wood byproducts"
Anybody know what they are trying to hide?
 
#9
You might also look into a Cort bass, as their factory probably makes 70% if the basses you are considering anyway.

But yes, Ibanez, ESP Ltd., Schecter, Dean, Yamaha, Squier, and others all do a decent quality active five string. Maybe if you narrowed it down some more, it could help - pickups, preamp, weight, looks, and so on.
 
#10
I did try my best to narrow it down to one of those 4 I mentioned in the OP. I meant to make it a poll, but I messed up.

But if I were to pick my preferences...

Neck: Round profile, but narrow spacing, although it doesn't exactly matter.
Pickups: No specific style, but I prefer having two of them. The Sterling gets a pass.
Scale length: Prefer 35'', but it doesn't matter since my next bass will for sure be 35''.
Weight: Honestly doesn't matter. I can deal with light or heavy.
Looks: Prefer classic-styled basses, but I do get along with the Spector shape. Hard to explain what I really like, but I know I don't like super-abstract shapes, most singlecut basses, and pointy shapes. My favorites would be either the P shape (or its derivatives ala Music Man or G&L) or the J shape.
Preamp: Completely optional. Doesn't matter.
 
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#11
I am/was in your same situation until yesterday. Wanted a cheapish 5 string before commiting to something more permanent/costly sometime down the road. I was considering a
Squier Jazz Deluxe Active 5 just like you as well as an Ibanez 305, an Ibanez 405 (used), and a Yamaha TRBX305 (more like $400). Ended up finding a used G+L L2500 for $350 just yesterday. Should arrive sometime next week, so I'll see then if I made the right choice.
 
#12
A used Tribute L2500 is to my mind a great choice --if you can find one in your price range.
I've become a real fanboy for anything G&L, but I like narrow string spacing. You may want to try one. My local independent has a tribute l2500 for 475.

Check guitar center used listings
 
#13
wrench45us said:
A used Tribute L2500 is to my mind a great choice --if you can find one in your price range.
I've become a real fanboy for anything G&L, but I like narrow string spacing. You may want to try one. My local independent has a tribute l2500 for 475.
Click to expand...
Agreed. The narrow spacing is one of the reasons I picked it. I have an SR500 4 string and I very much like the narrow neck. I have very stubby fingers. I tried a 5 string Fender P once and the neck felt huge in my hands.
wrench45us said:
Check guitar center used listings
Click to expand...
Yep. But he'll be a day late to get the one I found. :smug:
 
#14
I would definitely go for the ESP LTD BM-205, they're great basses stock & sound even if you stick EMG's in it.

Solarmist said:
The LTD pictured above also has a an active 3-band EQ, but the D-style necks are rather chunky if that's what you're after. I've had 2 of them, and sold both ... just didn't like the necks at all.
Click to expand...

I wouldn't call the B205 neck at all chunky, even ESP call it 'Extra Thin U' & to me it feels thinner than an SR.
 
#16
MrTaff said:
I would definitely go for the ESP LTD BM-205, they're great basses stock & sound even if you stick EMG's in it

I wouldn't call the B205 neck at all chunky, even ESP call it 'Extra Thin U' & to me it feels thinner than an SR.
Click to expand...

Was actually one of my ideas if I went with a dual 40HB/40HB pickup setup. Get the EMG 40P/40J pickups and make a semi-P/J. Wish I could find some proper 5-string P/J's for the price, though.

eban3 said:
Cort Curbo
Click to expand...

I don't mind Cort, but not that model. Only one pickup and the shape looks too small and wonky for my taste. :(

EDIT: Here's a few other basses I found that I like, from Cort.

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And this one from Aria...

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Problem is, that I'm not sure how much these cost, plus I can't find an Aria dealer here in the US that sells that model.
 
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#17
Lakland Skyline 5501 or 02. Super value used and lot's of them around. I don't know about some of these $300 basses but the Lakland is much more like it's pricey big brothers. You'll have more fun right off the bat and have a bass you're more likely to keep for a while. If you can spend $6-700 that is.:)
 
#20
SpasticTastic said:
Even used, that's way over my budget. I'd like to spend that much on a bass, and I plan to, but I want something affordable but solid that could hold me off until that.
Click to expand...
Yeah you sound just like me. There's a gorgeous Lakland 5 string for sale on the TB classifieds, but I just couldn't justify spending that much. Even though it's a very good price for that bass. Maybe try one of the Yamahas if you get a chance. The one I tried had a comfortable neck and seemed to have good sustain.
 

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