Oh, I'll keep that in mind then. Never thought about that.
I'll probably spend a good $600 on my next "main" bass (probably a Schecter Session Riot 5 or a Spector Legend 5 used), but for now, keeping it cheap.
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One of those "help me choose a bass" threads, cheapy 5-string edition
- Thread starter SpasticTastic
- Start date
Oh, I'll keep that in mind then. Never thought about that.
I'll probably spend a good $600 on my next "main" bass (probably a Schecter Session Riot 5 or a Spector Legend 5 used), but for now, keeping it cheap.
I own a TRBX. Excellent quality. Sheckter is a good brand. The stiletto is awesome. I heard bad things about the Sub basses.
Opposite of everything I've heard. I've read they're even better than Squiers in the same price range.
The sound of the SUB basses is great, but the quality leaves a lot to be desired. The ones I've played have been shoddy in the neck finish department to say the least.
I'd have a look at the Yamaha TRBX305. Looks like the best quality budget fiver out there at the moment.
I'd have a look at the Yamaha TRBX305. Looks like the best quality budget fiver out there at the moment.
Up until last week, I had never even played a 5 string. I was in a music store, and tried out the entry level Ibanez. It was $199.00. I'm used to playing a RIC and a Precision. Anyway, the Ibanez was awesome. I almost bought it right then and there. Light as a feather, set up with low action, sounded great for a $200 bass, and the neck was not too different than my Precision.
But yeah, I'd try a few different ones before making a decision.
But yeah, I'd try a few different ones before making a decision.
Too bad it's out of your desired budget, but the SBMM Ray35 is totally killer for the money. I wish I could comment more on the SUB series. I did play a 4 that was actually quite nice and had no issues, but beyond that I honestly don't know. If you are looking for a solid workhorse that will be gig worthy, seek out an Ibanez SR305DX. Necks aren't quite as skinny as the newer models, but are very comfortable. They were a common model and can be found fairly easily, and should fall in the $200.00 range.
Initially, they advertised the Ray5 as a foreign wood, but I forget the name. The SBMM guy posted on TB that despite what their site said, the Ray5 bodies were basswood. If their site now says "solid hardwood," then they are probably just leaving the door open to use whatever is cheap and available. That is no different than Fender's "specifications subject to change without notice."
I will say that the Ray5 is the only under $750 five string that I have ever bought and kept. If you want a 35" bass with two pickups, though, you might look at Peavey. I have a Cirrus BXP that was a gift and is a great player. My only knock against Peavey fiver is that I've had two (the BXP and a koa-bodied USA model) that had B strings with volume issues. I have been able to adjust pickup height on the BXP so that it is not much of a factor, but I parted with the US-made Peavey. (I am a big Peavey fan and know there are many 5-string Peaveys out there with great B strings. Those aren't the ones I end up owning, unfortunately.)
I can't quote it because the thread is closed, but on this page, SBMM says that they originally planned to use Jabon on the Sub basses, but ended up going with basswood.
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/sterling-by-music-man-sub-ray4-and-ray5.871370/page-7
http://www.talkbass.com/threads/sterling-by-music-man-sub-ray4-and-ray5.871370/page-7
I do like the new Yamaha TRBX basses, the 305 is close to the budget at $350. But what I'd really consider, if you're willing to go used, would be a BB415 or BB425x. You can usually find one of those in the classifieds for around $300 or so.
Finally got a chance to get back on. 
How are the lower-end Ibanez ATK's? And I'd like to try the lower-end Yammys if I can get the chance. I like the BB series stuff, since they seem to be the only 5-string P/Js.
How are the Spector Performers, by the way?
EDIT: Forgot about the Squier Jag 5-string. I like how it's a P/J, but I'm not sure if I'd gel with the Jag shape.
How are the lower-end Ibanez ATK's? And I'd like to try the lower-end Yammys if I can get the chance. I like the BB series stuff, since they seem to be the only 5-string P/Js.
How are the Spector Performers, by the way?
EDIT: Forgot about the Squier Jag 5-string. I like how it's a P/J, but I'm not sure if I'd gel with the Jag shape.
I was looking for the same and something a little different sounding than my Spectors. I picked up a Sub ray4 and liked it so much I just picked up a ray5.
Their built better and sound better than a $300 bass should. No neck / build issues here and I'm picky about that. The body wood is way too heavy and dense to be basswood, I kinda like the satin finish on the neck as well. Frets and neck edges are good ( nothing 10 min with a block and 500 grit can't fix on most basses) which was surprising. They get the more modern stingray sounds well. ( raspy, deep and clear) they don't do the dead 70's funk tones well though imo ( maybe with flats? But that's not my thing). Having said that, I'm upgrading both with aggi pups and pre's. Don't sweat the neck pickup thing, the mm pup n location has enough grunt n grind and can be smooth on the top end if desired. Really good solid, great playing and sounding ( with a good B) bass for little money. Will it replace my spectors? No. But they do give me something different that sounds great and fills a need I have at the moment. Are the other rays better? Sure but for me not 1000$ better.
Their built better and sound better than a $300 bass should. No neck / build issues here and I'm picky about that. The body wood is way too heavy and dense to be basswood, I kinda like the satin finish on the neck as well. Frets and neck edges are good ( nothing 10 min with a block and 500 grit can't fix on most basses) which was surprising. They get the more modern stingray sounds well. ( raspy, deep and clear) they don't do the dead 70's funk tones well though imo ( maybe with flats? But that's not my thing). Having said that, I'm upgrading both with aggi pups and pre's. Don't sweat the neck pickup thing, the mm pup n location has enough grunt n grind and can be smooth on the top end if desired. Really good solid, great playing and sounding ( with a good B) bass for little money. Will it replace my spectors? No. But they do give me something different that sounds great and fills a need I have at the moment. Are the other rays better? Sure but for me not 1000$ better.
I would suggest that you go to GC.. Play a Schecter, Play a Squire and play an Ibby and a Sterling. If I am not mistakenm they all have different string spacings.. Find out what is comfy for you first.. then look in the used market to get the most bang for your buck.
In that price range I would also consider Link Removed.
In that price range I would also consider Link Removed.
Like I said, GC is most likely not an option. Nearest one doesn't seem to stock the 5-strings I want.
And Rondo does seem to be an option. I like this one a bit.
Link Removed
I was also thinking about getting an older Peavey. The Foundation 5 and Dyna Bass 5 seem pretty awesome. I've always wanted a TL-Five, but they get pricey.
And the Jag 5 is still looking really nice.
Starting to not like the Ray5, though. Don't think I'm digging the sound of Stingrays in general.
I know, blasphemy and whatnot.
And Rondo does seem to be an option. I like this one a bit.
Link Removed
I was also thinking about getting an older Peavey. The Foundation 5 and Dyna Bass 5 seem pretty awesome. I've always wanted a TL-Five, but they get pricey.
And the Jag 5 is still looking really nice.
Starting to not like the Ray5, though. Don't think I'm digging the sound of Stingrays in general.
I know, blasphemy and whatnot.
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The OP may have made up his mind, but for those reading this that are also interested in a cheap 5, here's another vote for the SBMM S.U.B. Ray5. First Ray of any kind I've ever owned, and third 5-string, all under $400. Solid, good finish, loud, good setup out of the box, and lots more bottom than I expected for a design that's famous for it's treble. I love the thing, and I play it way more than my other basses nowadays. Give it a try before you buy, and through a decent amp.
