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Recommend a 5 string bass to me

#82
Jean Rodriguez said:
I'll make a long story short. I was informed that the acceptance letter for the university that I applied for would be sent this week and upon hearing this, my parents said that they would get me a new bass as a college acceptance present if I get accepted. This would be a great opportunity to get my first ever 5 string bass since I've playing 4 strings exclusively for 8 years. Now, I can't get carried away with the budget of the bass (I believe it is a $400 budget, more or less). So, recommend me a 5 string bass at that price point. I've been playing 4 strings for so long that I don't know what to look for in a 5 string.
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For my money? I saw it suggested already- a used G&L L2500 Tribute. I have 3 different 5 strings and I seem to reach for that one the most over my Lakland 55-01 Skyline and my Carvin. Lots of useful tones once you get used to the electronics- they're a little different because even in active mode, the bass & treble controls are roll-off only. But dont let that fool you, you can have a blast tweaking your way through all the different sounds you can find. A nice thing about them is they can function either active or passive too.
I'd also definitely suggest going to a music store and trying out some different 5's before you buy anything. You're probably going to find that certain models are more comfortable in your hands due to the added neck width and different string spacing. I'm not very picky on those matters, but you might be. I'd hate to see you spend that money for something sight unseen and have it NOT be comfortable in your hands.
 
#85
I understand wanting to buy new; it's the only way that I shop.

But as soon as your budget is limited to $400, you have to understand that you'll be shopping for crap. Double it, and you can get a quality instrument, but $400 isn't going to get anything that you won't want to dump in a year, so keep saving.
 
#86
tfer said:
I understand wanting to buy new; it's the only way that I shop.

But as soon as your budget is limited to $400, you have to understand that you'll be shopping for crap. Double it, and you can get a quality instrument, but $400 isn't going to get anything that you won't want to dump in a year, so keep saving.
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I might be able to go a bit higher. Seeing as the majority of the books can be obtained on PDF format and most professors give handouts or tell you exactly what to print or copy, I will save a bit of money on books. My mom said that whatever is saved from having to buy materials will go towards the bass budget. I already have things such as backpacks, pens, pencils and notebooks aren't expensive so I say that a few bucks will be saved. That being said, I've read a lot of good things about the Squier VM Jazz bass. Any thoughts on that?
 
#88
tfer said:
I'm not a fan of anything Fender. I'm sure they are fine, but they aren't for me.

If my budget was limited, I'd be looking at ESP. I use their 6 string LTD model, and can't recommend it highly enough. I'm sure the 5er has the same quality.

B-205SM
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I found that model used on eBay for $380. It does look more appealing than the Squier, I'll give you that
 
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#89
Update. I informed my mother about the used model. She has never liked the idea of purchasing instruments online and told me to go to the music stores that I know during the week and try out as many basses as I can and inform her on what I find. Aside from doing that, I'm also going to check the local classifieds
 
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#90
Jean Rodriguez said:
Update. I informed my mother about the used model. She has never liked the idea of purchasing instruments online and told me to go to the music stores that I know during the week and try out as many basses as I can and inform her on what I find. Aside from doing that, I'm also going to check the local classifieds
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Your mom and I agree.

The advantage of new, is warranty, and a store to return it to.
 
#91
tfer said:
Your mom and I agree.

The advantage of new, is warranty, and a store to return it to.
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I can understand where she's coming from. My first electric guitar was purchased on eBay and it came it a small crack on the headstock (it was an Epiphone). Since I was novice at that time, I didn't think much about it and continued using the guitar. One small fall later and the headstock snapped right where that crack was. After that, even I've been a bit afraid of buying online (I bought my violin bass through musician's friend and it was only because of their warranty and because you couldn't buy them locally at the time)
 

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