• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Please, I need help picking a bass.

SteveC

SteveC

Supporting Member
Nov 12, 2004
31,651
46,771
60
NE ND
#1
I have tried so many and I can't seem to find what I want. I want a 34" scale 5 string. I like a more modern tone, but still want some growl. Most recent tries have been Modulus Q5 (35" scale just doesn't work) and a Sadowsky M5-24 (too modern, no growl) which is for sale or trade.

I think a bass with jazz pups (noiseless/no hum) and an active preamp is probably what I'm looking for. I play jazz, pop/rock, church, musicals, etc.

A Sadowsky MV5 seems like a possibility - love to trade my M5-24 for one. Any other thoughts?
 
#4
I agree with warwicks,but i threw it up theres some people who like their necks. I'd still say go with the jazz deluxe. I've got the MIM version and its a awesome instrument,and I know the MIA has everything I love about the MIM and nothing I hate. The MIMs are heavy as sin,but still have the same electronics. So the MIAs, are lighter,higher quality,better hardware with the same great electronics. The necks are comfortable even for a 5 string,and the B string is pretty good for a 34" scale.
 
#5
How do you like your string spacing? As I recall, you're in Grand Forks. Tough place to shop basses - even driving the five or six hours to Minneapolis wouldn't get you much - our bass shopping sucks with the single bright spot being Planet Bass.

That might be an idea, though: Give Tony a call and pick a date to go there. http://www.planetbass.com/. I've only been there just after he moved and didn't have all of his inventory unpacked. I suppose some poor Twin Cities bassist could make a scouting trip. Post a request in the Minnesota Bassists Club thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470659&highlight=

KO

Added: Planet Bass has a nice used Nordy five string...
 
#6
Steve,

I think the MV5 Sadowsky would make sense, especially if you then get it equiped with the Vintage Tone Control. A MS-5 or a UV70 could be very nice too. If you were to pick one up in the used market and it turned out not to be your cup of tea, I would guess you could turn it around with minimal or no loss. Another bass I really like is the Fender Marcus Miller 5.

Happy Hunting.
Bones
 
#8
kraigo said:
How do you like your string spacing? As I recall, you're in Grand Forks. Tough place to shop basses - even driving the five or six hours to Minneapolis wouldn't get you much - our bass shopping sucks with the single bright spot being Planet Bass.

That might be an idea, though: Give Tony a call and pick a date to go there. http://www.planetbass.com/. I've only been there just after he moved and didn't have all of his inventory unpacked. I suppose some poor Twin Cities bassist could make a scouting trip. Post a request in the Minnesota Bassists Club thread: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=470659&highlight=

KO

Added: Planet Bass has a nice used Nordy five string...
Click to expand...

String spacing - I have had both narrow and wide. The Sadowsky I have now fells a little wide for me. My Yamaha is good, maybe a little narrow. I'm not sure what the exact measurement is.

I have dealt with Tony in the past. I will keep an eye on his site.
 
#9
5string5fingers said:
I'd still say go with the jazz deluxe. I've got the MIM version and its a awesome instrument,and I know the MIA has everything I love about the MIM and nothing I hate. The MIMs are heavy as sin,but still have the same electronics. So the MIAs, are lighter,higher quality,better hardware with the same great electronics. The necks are comfortable even for a 5 string,and the B string is pretty good for a 34" scale.
Click to expand...

There is a MIM Jazz 5 Deluxe at a local store. I did play it and thought it was pretty nice. Maybe a "stepped up" MIA version would be worth a look.

Any other makers in that $1,500 range come to mind?
 
#11
This becomes allot of fun. I did this hunt a while back now for a 34" scale 5 string classic jazz growly bass - the Sadowsky was to modern for me and a Fender New American standard felt and played great but the tone was dead.

You may want to look into an Alleva-Coppolo while they are pretty pricey the basic models are more affordable then people think.
 
#12
Just trade your current Sadowsky for a Sadowsky JJ or some other really nice active Jazz. It's really that simple.:) I happen to like the Fender Jazz Deluxe V a great deal, and its spacing is a mm closer than the Sadowskys. I think its tone is a bit less active or modern, but that tone can be dialed in if you want want. YOu way also want to check out older Jazz Deluxes with the Suhr electronics. Check out some Sharay Reed clips, and see if you dig his sound since he uses the older Suhr electronics Fenders.

BTW, for the last time, keep your Yamaha.:) It's worth way more to you than any dollar amount you can get for it.:bassist:
 
#14
Dr. Cheese said:
Just trade your current Sadowsky for a Sadowsky JJ or some other really nice active Jazz. It's really that simple.:) I happen to like the Fender Jazz Deluxe V a great deal, and its spacing is a mm closer than the Sadowskys. I think its tone is a bit less active or modern, but that tone can be dialed in if you want want. YOu way also want to check out older Jazz Deluxes with the Suhr electronics. Check out some Sharay Reed clips, and see if you dig his sound since he uses the older Suhr electronics Fenders.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I just need to decide which 34" active jazz might work. I'd like to try a Sadowsky MV5. Can't find one or someone to trade yet. I'll keep trying. I wish Lakland 5's were 34" scale.


Dr. Cheese said:
BTW, for the last time, keep your Yamaha.:) It's worth way more to you than any dollar amount you can get for it.:bassist:
Click to expand...

Don't worry, I won't sell the Yamaha. I have learned that much. It's my safety net and I would never get anything for it compared to what it's worth to me.
 
#16
Good point about Lakland. I have a 4 string USA JO that I actually love more then any other bass. My initial goal was to get a 5 string version of that bass.

I did pick up a 5 string USA JO and tried to make the 35" scale work for me but I eventually gave up, it never did become comfortable.
 
#19
My MIM P Bass is 8 lbs. 6 oz., this is average?

I hear people talk about weighty basses. What is heavy for a bass? Strats and Teles are favored in the 7.5 to 8.5 lb. range by many players, (or 3.4-3.86 kg) according to one long post that I read recently.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back