Recommend me a 5-string P/J!!!

[Greenman72]

I'm in the market for a new bass.

Must-haves:
- 5 strings
- P / J pickups
- passive electronics
- not a Fender, Squier, or Jackson
- not an Aria IGB-STD (already have one)
- not a Yamaha (already have two)
- preferably a FSO (Fender-Shaped Object)

Price is a consideration, but I'm willing to pay for what I get.

I also listen with my eyes a lot, too. If that means anything.

Any recommendations?

 

[jmlee]

Spector Eurobolt - well, it *is* active but so nice!

 

[bholder]

Sounds like it might be a job for Sire:

Sire Marcus Miller P5 5-String

THE SIRE P BASS WITH ROSEWOOD FINGERBOARD Fused with a Rosewood fingerboard material, the Sire P5R is geared up for max power playing and flawless bass playing routines. Adopting Bass Legend Marcus Miller’s preferences, one can produce remarkable vintage and modern tones for studio recording and...

www.sire-usa.com

(Edit: Oops, yeah, their PJs are active, apparently). I tried.

 

[bholder]

Ibanez, perhaps?
TMB35 | Talman Bass | ELECTRIC BASSES | PRODUCTS | Ibanez guitars
generally kinda FSO, not that Fender ever made this shape)

 

[Ggaa]

Warwick Streamer(not a FSO). Sadowski Metro.

 

[Snake101st]

Dingwall SP1 > imo. I liked the 4 string so much that I had to sell another bass to get a 5er asap.

Fantastic bass. Traded the gold pickguard it came with for that red one with a friendly TBer, and it sounds better than any PJ I've played with DR Pure Blues on it.

 

[Heiwa]

Not Fender but FSO lol.

 

[funkinbottom]

Not too long ago a friend of mine had Kiesel make a 5 string P/J. I think it was just south of 2k. Very nice bass.
Maruszczyk will also make one for you. Many options.
Sandberg Califonia VT
All those sites have a configurator to play around with. Not sure of turnaround time on any of them.

 

[Greenman72]

Sorry—should have mentioned “no multiscale”.

 

[Gecko 5]

For sale 2025 Bluesman Vintage El Dorado 5 PJ/Updated

For sale is my Bluesman Vintage El Dorado 5 string PJ. Black nitro light relic finish with a 4 ply Tortoise shell pickguard. The body is roasted Paulonia. Neck is roasted maple with a rosewood fingerboard. 1 7/8” at the nut. Neck profile is what they call “chunky”. I received this bass in May...

• Gecko 5 (+100 /0 /-0)
• Aug 21, 2025
• Updated Mar 17, 2026
• Views: 2K
• Reaction score: 11
• Comments: 14
• Category: For Sale: Bass Guitars

$2,500.00

$1,900.00

21 watching

 

[Chuck M]

Ibanez SR655. They are active/passive. Great playing basses and a nice one can be had for about $500. Nordstrand pickups in that model.

 

[KeepItMoving]

Ibanez SR655. They are active/passive. Great playing basses and a nice one can be had for about $500. Nordstrand pickups in that model.

My sentiments exactly! I have the 4-string version; it’s got great tone, solid build quality, and is one of the most comfortable basses I’ve ever played (though I am a longtime Ric person so my standards may have been lowered).

I treat mine as a passive bass - I don’t think I even have a battery in it. The only limitation is that you only get half the rotation on the tone control but I’ve never found it to be an issue.

Adding about visuals - if you can find one of the natural finish ones they definitely have a look that’s nicer than the price would suggest.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

You could get a passive Sandberg VT5 (the white one).

 

[jjcarswell]

I'm in the market for a new bass.

Must-haves:
- 5 strings
- P / J pickups
- passive electronics
- not a Fender, Squier, or Jackson
- not an Aria IGB-STD (already have one)
- not a Yamaha (already have two)
- preferably a FSO (Fender-Shaped Object)

Price is a consideration, but I'm willing to pay for what I get.

I also listen with my eyes a lot, too. If that means anything.

Any recommendations?

Roscoe Classic 5 p/j. Mine came passive but I installed an Audere preamp…….great bass

 

[Yahboy]

Charvel Pro Mod PJ V ~ Active/Passive .

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/de...ecf1abb75bcf5ac2fb&_index=production_products

I own the 4 string version, and i mod it fully passive . A500K/ 250MN , no tone control.

 

[MochaFiend]

You're describing the Lakland 55-64 with the optional J pickup.

Not cheap, but FSO, 5 string, passive. I've never heard anyone complain about their Lakland.

https://www.lakland.com/product/usa-series-55-64/

 

[TomB]

If you can find a Valenti grab it!

 

[BassBrass]

Reverend Mercalli 5. The J is an M but you won't mind especially when soloed.

 

[Sean150]

Sorry—should have mentioned “no multiscale”.

Why? Have you tried one?

 

[Adjectives]

Maruszczyk is awesome, check em out!