I'm a newbie wondering about a 5 string that has that P-bass tone ... (other than fender 5 string P) ... What are your experiences and if you had to recommend one such bass that is currently available on the market, what would it be? Currently playing G&L Tribute series, like it okay ... just thinking about upgrading to something closer to the fat P bass tone with 5 strings.
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"P" sound from a 5 string ...
- Thread starter lsbland
- Start date
In my experience, nothing sounds quite like a P-Bass. That being said, the Fender P5 is a lovely instrument. I recommend it as your first choice. However, I know Yamaha makes a P/J 5er, as does Rogue. Sadowsky and other custom shops do as well, but if you want P tone and 5 strings, go with Fender.
They say the Lakland 55-02 can give a good P, J, and MM vibe, but not exact tone.
Yamaha BB415 is supposed to be pretty good for the price.
The G&L's like you have are supposed to do the same.
Guys like Valenti, Sadowsky, Lull, Alleva-Coppolo all make P5's, but are pretty pricey.
Yamaha BB415 is supposed to be pretty good for the price.
The G&L's like you have are supposed to do the same.
Guys like Valenti, Sadowsky, Lull, Alleva-Coppolo all make P5's, but are pretty pricey.
Most definately. 34" scale 5er's are all about neck stability and how well (tight) the neck pocket is IMO.
Thats not to say that some affordable 5er's dont have both things, you may just have to weed few a few to find a good/great one.
I also wonder how much string tension effects the B string on 34" scale basses. I wasn't exactly pleased with my last 5-string Jazz B-string, but I always played rounds on it. I have a 5-string P on the way that I want to try flats on. I wonder how the higher-tension flats will effect the elusive tight B-string on the 34" scale?
Any one have any comments on this theory?
Any one have any comments on this theory?
If the P sound is specifically what you're after...
I'd just get a P-bass. Anything else is a waste of time/energy/money. Close... but not exact...
If you just want to get in the ballpark, many basses can offer a somewhat similar 'vibe'... including your G&L.
The B sting on 34" basses can be excellent or poor... depends on the quality of the bass and string choice.
Musicman 5-string basses have excellent B strings.
I've had an L2500 and an American Standard Fender P5---the L2500 never really quite got the P-tone--did it's own cool version of it--burlier but less distinct. The American Fender P5 IS a five-string Pbass. Mine had an excellent B string, great neck, superb build. If I played fivers still I would most certainly still own it. Not having played a 35" Lull or what-have-you, I'm sure they're great basses, but I would think the scale would detract somewhat from the "p-ness" of it.
I've got an Alleva-Coppolo KBP5 (5 string 34" scale passive P bass) and I've got a set of Labella Jamerson flats with a .128 B srtring and it sounds incredible...
That all being said there were two very recent threads on this exact topic and the guy that started the thread went with a Valenti. I'll try to dig up both links....
EDIT:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=590013
BC Rich. Most of their basses including 5 strings use bridge and neck P pups. Plus active eq. Most versatile P pup basses I know of.
Given a choice I prefer a 35" scale for a five string, but it's not crucial. It's only 3% more length. I've played and own 34" scale five strings with fine B strings.
My suggestion on a budget is the Yamaha BB415. On three times that budget the Fender P5. Then Alleva Coppolo. If you want a convincing P Bass tone, get a P Bass pickup.
KO
+1. I couldn't pass up a deal (sweet price PLUS $100 Fender rebate) and picked up a new '09 MIA Fender PbassV. I like it so much that a couple of my other basses have been feeling neglected lately...
lolI can't tell you the mystical combination that makes one better than another, but yeah, there's definitely a difference. I've played a few of both 34's and 35's that were less than stellar, IMO. I always wanted a Pbass as well, but was worried about the 34" scale thing as too. I was quite relieved though, the B-string on my P5 is AWESOME. The best thing I could say is to just get out there and play a bunch, get the one that feels and sound right to you.
I bought my P5 specifically with the idea of putting flats on it. I put on a set of D'Addario Chromes and the difference is crazy... I strung them through body which probably helps, but my 34" scale P5 feels as tight or tighter than all of my 35's!
5sg.
