Passive 5 string?

[ric4682]

I've played and owned a lot of basses (mostly 4 strings) and I definitely prefer passive basses to active by a decent amount. Some exceptions are active circuits with a passive tone control. I have a hard time finding passive 5 strings that aren't Squiers or $2000+
I don't really have a chance to go try many out, and most guitar stores I go to don't have many, if any, passive 5's. I really want one though.
There's a Revered Rumblefish on Craigslist a few hours from me. I've also been looking at the new American Standard Dimension basses, but very few people have tried them it seems. I've heard good things about Gibson's (now discontinued) EB 5 strings.
What are some good basses?

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Fender would be the most common passive fives. I prefer Lakland, who also makes several passive Jazz and Precision style fives. Lakland Skyline fives are all well under $2,000.

 

[ric4682]

I forgot all about Lakland! Those are sweet. Anybody ever use any versions on the Godin Shifter basses? Those look pretty neat.

 

[Rib 13]

Carvin and G&L have passive 5ver models.....used Carvins can usually be found on eBay that are well within many folks budget (and the price isnt bad for New passive models)

 

[bass32]

Fender's passive American Standard Precision Bass V list at $1,449.99 on most online shops.

 

[Dave Siff]

I love my Fender American Standard P-bass 5-string. I'd definitely check out that Reverend Rumblefish if you can, those are great basses and they don't pop up too often.

 

[Dbassmon]

American Made Fender P 5
Passive, classic, American made. THIS
For Sale - Fender American Standard P5 no affiliation with this bass, just an example of what you can find if you look

 

[gillento]

Reverend Rumblefishes RL5 are GREAT basses, I have 2 of them.
But my bass of choice is a passive Nordstrand VP5 !

Used to have a few Lakland DJ5 as well. Great passive JJs.... !

 

[dabbler]

Have you considered a Sire?

Yes they are active, but have a passive tone control (which is always in the circuit) and can be played passive.

 

[chris_b]

I have a passive Fender Am Std Jazz V and a Mike Lull PJ5.

I know the Lull is over budget but a good used one can be close. Having played several passive basses, I'd break the bank to get the Lull. It's no contest. Your money buys so much more bass.

 

[twinjet]

I've played and owned a lot of basses (mostly 4 strings) and I definitely prefer passive basses to active by a decent amount. Some exceptions are active circuits with a passive tone control. I have a hard time finding passive 5 strings that aren't Squiers or $2000+
I don't really have a chance to go try many out, and most guitar stores I go to don't have many, if any, passive 5's. I really want one though.
There's a Revered Rumblefish on Craigslist a few hours from me. I've also been looking at the new American Standard Dimension basses, but very few people have tried them it seems. I've heard good things about Gibson's (now discontinued) EB 5 strings.
What are some good basses?

G&L L-2500. Versatile, easy on the eyes and solid build quality. Those Magnetic Field Design pickups sound real hot!

Resale value on those basses doesn't hold, so you could probably fetch a good deal.

 

[Imaginary Pony]

Warwick Corvette. Even their Rockbass line is super

 

[gillento]

Have you considered a Sire?

Yes they are active, but have a passive tone control (which is always in the circuit) and can be played passive.

The same bass will sound different with a real passive circuit compared to an active preamp in bypass.
I tried this with different basses at different price points (Fender, Sadowsky, Nordstrand, ...)
So I do understand the urge to get a 100% passive bass.

 

[hrodbert696]

Carvin and G&L have passive 5ver models.....used Carvins can usually be found on eBay that are well within many folks budget (and the price isnt bad for New passive models)

I believe that Carvin's 5ers are all active and there isn't a passive option standard - you might be able to request it as an option 50.

The obvious one that came to mind for me is the Yamaha BB series - love my BB415. The current incarnation would be the BB425x. New price is $599 I believe.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I believe that Carvin's 5ers are all active and there isn't a passive option standard - you might be able to request it as an option 50.

The obvious one that came to mind for me is the Yamaha BB series - love my BB415. The current incarnation would be the BB425x. New price is $599 I believe.

The Yamaha BB425 or BB1025 would be great choices. The Carvin P5 does come passive if that is how you want it.

 

[Wallsb21]

The ibanez sr505 has passive bartiloni pups with an active pre amp, the active pre amp really helps bring out the passive tone. It's a nice thin bass with a fast neck and plays great, it's definitely going to be my next bass.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

MTD CRB5. I have 2 of them . Great basses. 19mm spacing, comfy assemetric neck profile, tone for days. Perfect intonation. Excellent build quality . The scale length is 34 and the B string is awesome. Different looks than your standard Fender or copy.

 

[Charmand G]

Yeah, Warwick Rockbasses... The Doublebuck and the Corvette Passive does the job. The Passive does great with a bit of overdrive.

 

[hrodbert696]

The Yamaha BB425 or BB1025 would be great choices. The Carvin P5 does come passive if that is how you want it.

Why so it does. I hadn't noticed that before.

 

[ric4682]

Those Yamaha's look pretty great! I've heard that you have to really search to find a Fender with a great B string which is the whole reason I'm buying a 5 string. I have a decent P bass right now and I'm just not into it. I think I prefer two pickup basses. Those P5's are gorgeous though! I had a passive German Corvette for a little bit and for some reason I didn't jive with the tone. It was super punchy, but didn't really seem to fill up the room with thick, syrupy bass. I don't know how to explain it. Anyone ever tried Reverend's new offerings for bass?