Recommend Me My First 5 String Bass

[HeyyyyyJoe]

Hey guys, I'm in the market for a 5 string bass. Been playing for about 8 years, starting some new projects and would like the option of a B string in the mix. I don't want to spend more than $400USD at the moment. I've been looking at the Squier Deluxe Active Jazz 5, and Rondomusic doesn't have any 5'ers in stock that catch my attention... I have no problem changing pickups in the future if the stock pickups are lacking, so with that said, recommend me my first 5 string!

 

[Derek Balonek]

Depends on what kind of sound you want. Squiers are usually a good choice, since they're pretty good quality for the price. I would also recommend Ibanez, they make solid five-strings for a good price.

 

[Legattabass]

2nd the Ibanez suggestion. Loving my SR505. Note: the older Korean models have slightly different controls and a slightly chunkier (still super comfy) neck. The newer Indonesian models have a flat, very smooth neck.

 

[G-Rant]

Hi there,
I would suggest either...

Ibanez SR405 or SR505
Peavey Millenium or Cirrus BXP

All are excellent all around instruments with great construction, some nice options and good sound. I started my 5-string career on an Ibanez SR and played it for 5 or 6 years before "moving up".

Also, you should keep an eye out on sites like TalkBass and Kijiji for great deals on used instruments. You could likely land a really nice, used 5-string that would otherwise be out of your price range.

Cheers. Let us know what you end up with!

 

[Melik]

Yamaha BB series basses

 

[Lovep]

There are a couple of inexpensive Lakland 55-01s on the classifieds. (assuming you are comfortable with 35 inch scale).

 

[CoreyP]

At that price point I'd go Ibanez as well. Definitely go play a bunch of things in a music store and find what's comfortable.

 

[AgIdoc]

Squier DAJV. have it, love it, rock it nearly daily these days

$329 brand new from the local mom & pop.

 

[AmadeusXeno]

I would either get the Squier you already mentioned or go with an Ibanez as others have already suggested. The Ibanez has a slimmer neck and tighter string spacing if you don't mind that. If you want string spacing more like a 4 string and don't mind a wider neck the Squier might be more of what you're looking for.

 

[Din Of Win]

I just went through the "My First 5-string" thing a few months ago!!

Best advice... go out and try things! What works for one TB'er may not work for you, and vice-versa. I got a ton of reccomendations for a Squier active 5'er. I played one, and it sounded great... but the neck was just uncomfortable with me. I loooooove Peavey, but the Dyna 5, Foundation 5, and Cirrus 5 i tried also weren't for me. Then i got to the Ibanezes, and in a sea of SR's, i found a shining beacon... the 1-year run wunderbass... The Ibanez CT. I snagged it for about $330, and i am in total love with it!!

TL;DR - Go try as many 5'ers as you can!!!