Purchasing first 5 string bass [Poll]

[RandomRaab]

Hello all,

I am looking to purchase my first 5 string bass, and wanted to ask the community their opinion.

I've been playing with a Reggae - Rock group for some time, and have always wanted a 5 string bass.
I've gotten a big burst of 'gas' and am now committed to make the acquisition.

My budget is <$1k. The less, the better.

The basses I am considering:
I currently play on a Euro 4LX and am absolutely in love with anything from Spector. I definitely would like to add another beauty to my collection.
A Euro 5LX would be ideal, but I have also been eyeing the Coda 5, and it is well within budget.
Anyone had any experience with them?

Additionally, I have a great lust for the Warwick streamer series. The unicorn for me is the Streamer Stage II 5 string.

Another consideration is a Squier 5 string, that I would customize and put new pups, etc inside.

What are your thoughts?

 

[BassCliff]

Hi,

My next 5-string purchase will be one of these with a p/j pickup arrangement.

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Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

 

[chris_b]

I voted for other because I think you should also be considering Lakland 5's. Mine has one of the best necks in the business.

 

[garp]

I think you should be less focused on brand and more focused on tone. That requires playing a lot of instruments.

There are lots of 5-string basses that might fulfill your needs, including but not limited to Fender, Ibanez, Lakland, MTD and Yamaha. Of course, there's nothing inherently wrong with finding comfort in the Spector range. But if you discover that a Squier P5 ultimately delivers what you want, then that's the right answer.

 

[Spectre1966]

Another "other" vote....I have an Ibanez BTB405QM....great 5 with amazing tone capabilities.

 

[Stevorebob]

In that price range, check out a Sterling by Music Man Ray35ca.

 

[RHA III]

Have you checked the classified section here yet? Lots of good deals in your price range. A couple of USA Peavys around 4-5 hundred bucks.

 

[chris_b]

Have you checked the classified section here yet?

Yes. If you go for a good used bass you'll get much more for your money and loose less when you decide to change instruments.

 

[bassbenj]

People can't tell you what you like! If you are in love with Spector (to me they look great but just don't do anything for me otherwise) then just go grab a Euro 5LX. You got the cash and are already in love, so why not?

On the other hand if you aren't sure about a 5er and don't want to spend it all until you are sure, then the suggestions here are excellent too. If you aren't into the Fender thing grab a lower end Ibanez 5er and see if it's you. If you are leaning toward a Fender thing, grab an SX from Rondomusic.com and see what you think.

While it makes a lot of sense to test the waters before you leap, I have to say that I just jumped into the deep end of the pool by falling in love with an Alembic 6 string blank plank fretless bass and HAD to have it before I ever played a 6 string OR a fretless. I can tell you for about a year it was WAY too much bass for me, but I've never been sorry I did that! Follow your heart!

 

[Glazenn]

G&L L2500, Tribute or used MIA.
Both within your budget.
Great tone and very versatile.
17 mm string spacing at the bridge though.

 

[Killed_by_Death]

G&L L2500, Tribute

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[wintremute]

Talk to @MarkoYYZ with Hammersmith. I currently have a 5-string custom on order.

 

[BassinCT]

The Spector Legend 5 model is a great bass for under $800. Versatile, and if you like the Spector neck dimensions and bridge string spacing, there's a contender.
happy hunting!

 

[TrustRod]

What are your thoughts?

Any of those in the hands of a decent musician will work tonally, even the Squier and you don't have to change the pickups. Looks are a different thing, so just pick what you like and turn the knobs on your amp till it's close to what you want.

OK, just buy the Coda5, what a sexy J style beast that is For reggae turn off the bridge pickup and everyone who can't see it will hear a P bass.

 

[DrummerwStrings]

Good suggestions & advice - I agree with trying some basses, especially if you're not fixed on the pickup type. But if you have GAS for a particular bass, do it. Look for used, too.

My $0.02 is check out the Sire Marcus Miller 5 strings as well.

 

[P. Aaron]

I am a fan of American Fenders: the Precision V and the Dimension Deluxe 5. Both are quite nice for the money.

BUT, you gotta play what you like.

 

[Doner Designs]

Also consider stringing BEAD and see if you miss the G.

I sometimes buy single strings but usually just get a 5 string set and toss the G.

 

[Dluxe]

Mid 1990's Hamer Cruisebass 2Tek 5 strings can be had for a song. Made in the USA too. My 1995 is passive. I believe the 1996 and later models are active.

 

[japhy4529]

I used to own a Euro 5LX and it looked and sounded great! You can sometimes find a used one for around 1k.

 

[morgansterne]

these are cheap, but if you see a peavey grind 5, try it out. There's not a lot of high end on the pickups, but it might work for a reggae type genre.
That was my first fiver and something about that thing made it super comfortable to play. I've tried alvarez, ESP, squier CV (yes I am cheap) -- that peavey felt the best.