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Recommend a 5 string bass to me

#61
If you want a new instrument, I'll cast another vote for the Yamaha TRBX305. I bought one a couple of months ago, and it sees more play time than my other much more expensive instruments. It's probably not for you if you're looking for something that feels more like a Jazz, but it's compact, light, has 24 frets, and is put together very well.
 
#62
markmeloney said:
have you ever tried a sire? I haven't tried one yet. Marcus Miller endorses them but I wonder how much of that is because he's payed to say that. besides, he plays fenders and I've always hated the way fenders feel, so my guess is if he truly likes the sire basses I probably would hate those too.
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Do a search here on TB. Lots of threads about Sire basses. I read nothing but good things about them, people saying they are a tremendous value. If I were in the market for a Fender style bass or an active fiver, I would probably take a chance on one based on the majority of glowing reports.
 
#63
electracoyote said:
Do a search here on TB. Lots of threads about Sire basses. I read nothing but good things about them, people saying they are a tremendous value. If I were in the market for a Fender style bass or an active fiver, I would probably take a chance on one based on the majority of glowing reports.
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I've learned that buying a bass without thoroughly trying it out for myself only leads to disappointment. tastes vary greatly from person to person. I'd have to sit down with one for a good hour. but damn they're cheap as hell
 
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#64
You're really missing out with looking at new only, but that's up to you. If you went used you could find a bass that would sell for up to $800 new. $400 is going to end up being a mediocre 5 string bass unfortunately. If you can add $200 to it and get a Sire, that's going to be a much better bass for you. I'm just trying to suggest something that you won't regret later. Again, it's up to you.
 
#66
If you are able to find an Ibanez SR505 from the 1996 builds, those have a vari-mid control, which is sweepable. VERY very useful. Nice neck. Close spacing and thin, which I personally prefer. The more modern
SR 505's just have a mid +/- and it's not nearly as effective.

Also in my stable is an older Schecter C-5. It has the perfect tone and the perfect look for an original R&B act/Blues Hall of Fame vocalist I perform with from time to time. Very classic looking bass, cherry/red with white binding. Turtleneck, sportcoat, a few gold chains....yes, lol....and long blond hair. It's way cool, not my normal style of music but really fun, and the bass is a total looker.

Good luck with your search.
Schecter C-5.jpg
 
#68
I would put the sire V7 a notch above my MIM Jazz 5 finish AND sound wise. Also a bit better than the few G&L Tribute 5's i've tried in stores, but that is without a set-up to my liking.
I haven't tried the Sterling by Musicman Ray 35, but have read good things about them, a used one might be in your price range and I really like my EBMM Stingray5
 
#70
Big Kahuna said:
P.S. If you are looking for a more modern sound, perhaps find a TUNE TWB, or even a TWX series. They have a very modern growl that works bigtime for my original project.

And I agree with many of the posters here who say to shop used.

-Kahuna
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Tune.
That's an excellent choice.
Especially since I own a TWB63WN.
Snapshot_20160124_1.JPG

But the OP says in post #7 he's not interested in "modern looks"
 
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#75
Jean Rodriguez said:
Something told me that I would get one of these types of responses. Better to get it out of the way now rather than later. Now, why not recommend a legit brand or model instead of being a cynical troll?
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He hasn't recommended a legit brand for several reasons:
- you know the brands: you have been playing for 8 years
- you also know that so long as you buy a recongnised brand, you are fine quality-wise
- following from point 2: you know that it all comes down to feel and preference
- you also know, that this type of question will simply result in a list of every type of 5 string brand available.

In reality, I see this type of question and think that this is a troll question.

So, I'll help you: buy a 5-string from one these manufacturers:
- Fender / Squier
- Ibanez
- MusicMan / Sterling by MM
- Yamaha
- Cort
- Carvin
- Lakland
- ESP / LTD
- Sandberg
- Warwick
- G&L
- Gibson / Epiphone
- MTD
- Tobias

Which one? I have no idea - find out which one feels right for you; the quality will be fine for any of them. If you buy new for $400, the chances are that they are all made out of the same factory in Indonesia.
 
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#76
Lowness said:
.......he hasn't recommended a brand because



He hasn't recommended a legit brand for several reasons:
- you know the brands: you have been playing for 8 years
- you also know that so long as you buy a recongnised brand, you are fine quality-wise
- following from point 2: you know that it all comes down to feel and preference
- you also know, that this type of question will simply result in a list of every type of 5 string brand available.

In reality, I see this type of question and think that this is a troll question.

So, I'll help you: buy a 5-string from one these manufacturers:
- Fender / Squier
- Ibanez
- MusicMan / Sterling by MM
- Yamaha
- Cort
- Carvin
- Lakland
- ESP / LTD
- Sandberg.

Which one? I have no idea - find out which one feels right for you; the quality will be fine for any of them. If you buy new for $400, the chances are that they are all made out of the same factory in Indonesia.
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This is about where I am with this thread, and ones like it.

I took a tour of 5 strings on eBay to see what is "out there." I filtered for prices listed at $450 max (just curious what $50 over the OP budget brings into the mix). The ones I recognize that is consider are lower end J-type basses from Fender (I think the J is generally suggested as a good 5). A Warwick Rockbass popped up, which could be pretty decent. A couple of Schecters also showed up. I've got no experience with any of them, but those seem to be the safest bets.

Used for cost effective options.

Play it first.

Good luck and happy hunting.
 
#78
Jean Rodriguez said:
why not recommend a legit brand or model instead of being a cynical troll?
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Not trolling. It's very good advice. Do some homework. You can find a used G&L L2500 Tribute - an excellent bass for the money - for that kind of money if you shop around and play it smart.

G&L L-2500 Tribute 2010s Solid Finish or Sunburst Price Guide

Here's one for $500 - not taking offers though.
G&L L-2500 Tribute 5 String Bass

Find one that's taking offers and offer $400. You might be very pleasantly surprised.

If you want a new decent 5 for $400, look to Yamaha and Ibanez:

Yamaha TRBX305 White

Ibanez SR305E SR Standard 5-String - Navy Metallic

But IMO you'll be making a mistake.
 
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#79
A G&L would be pretty killer and could be in your $ range---I had a Trib L2500 and a USA one at different times, and honestly, the Trib played and sounded just as good as the USA. In fact, I think I liked the neck better on it too. The USA fit and finish was better, but not by a huge margin. Crazy versatile basses, those L2500s...
 
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#80
Without a shadow of a doubt get the Ibanez SR505.

Absolutely phenomenal bass. The owners and online reviews are all shining. I owned the bass and played professionally with it for many years.

You can totally get it used from here, Amazon or eBay.
 

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