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[Recommendation] 5 String (34"), 24 fret, 18mm SS, Lightweight, under 5K

phillipkregg

phillipkregg

Jun 8, 2010
3,681
5,824
Nashville, TN
#1
Hey guys,

So I think I've gotten to the point where I know what I like in a bass, so I wanted to get some input from everyone.

  • Basically I want something light weight - but with good balance (doesn't everyone?). I define "light" as below 9 lbs.
  • Needs to be 5 strings and 34" scale length (33" would also be nice)
  • 24 Frets is ideal... but I'm willing to entertain basses that have at least 21
  • I don't like 19mm string spacing - too wide for me. I'd prefer 18mm but would consider less. I really like Music Man string spacing as well, but their 5 string necks are too narrow for me and I often make the G-string slip off the edge of the fingerboard when playing.
  • 5 Grand is my arbitrary cutoff... I'm not exactly what you'd call a "high-roller", but I know quality doesn't come cheap so I'm willing to save up for the perfect fit.
I love the Sadowsky M-24 5 strings, but their string spacing is 19mm from what I have researched.

Roscoe also makes a hell of a great bass, but their scale length is 35" for fives. I've also checked out Elrick, and love their Ex-Pat 5, but alas, it's also 35" scale.

My preference is for the instrument to have a "classic" vibe to it - nothing too crazy modern (although I also have a MM Bongo that I love so I'm willing to entertain ideas :) )

This should narrow it down for all you masters of bassdom... now any suggestions???
 
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#3
phillipkregg said:
Hey guys,

So I think I've gotten to the point where I know what I like in a bass, so I wanted to get some input from everyone.

  • Basically I want something light weight - but with good balance (doesn't everyone?). I define "light" as below 9 lbs.
  • Needs to be 5 strings and 34" scale length (33" would also be nice)
  • 24 Frets is ideal... but I'm willing to entertain basses that have at least 21
  • I don't like 19mm string spacing - too wide for me. I'd prefer 18mm but would consider less. I really like Music Man string spacing as well, but their 5 string necks are too narrow for me and I often make the G-string slip off the edge of the fingerboard when playing.
  • 5 Grand is my arbitrary cutoff... I'm not exactly what you'd call a "high-roller", but I know quality doesn't come cheap so I'm willing to save up for the perfect fit.
I love the Sadowsky M-24 5 strings, but their string spacing is 19mm from what I have researched.

Roscoe also makes a hell of a great bass, but their scale length is 35" for fives. I've also checked out Elrick, and love their Ex-Pat 5, but alas, it's also 35" scale.

My preference is for the instrument to have a "classic" vibe to it - nothing too crazy modern (although I also have a MM Bongo that I love so I'm willing to entertain ideas :) )

This should narrow it down for all you masters of bassdom... now any suggestions???
Click to expand...

Hello Phillip. Regardless of make, I hear you describing a custom instrument. If true, then most custom builders should be able to make a very nice bass for you that is well below your budget.

In other words, though you should be open to suggestions for stock instruments, I would focus on finding a builder for a custom one. Happy hunting!

P.S. - Builders who make stock models often also do custom work. Invalid Link Removed.
 
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#4
an Ibanez BTB33 maybe?

BTB33_NTF_1P_01.png


the catch is not all are bellow 9 lbs.
 
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#5
Snaxster said:
Hello Phillip. Regardless of make, I hear you describing a custom instrument. If true, then most custom builders should be able to make a very nice bass for you that is well below your budget.

In other words, though you should be open to suggestions for stock instruments, I would focus on finding a builder for a custom one. Happy hunting!

P.S. - Builders who make stock models often also do custom work. Invalid Link Removed.
Click to expand...

Thanks, maybe custom is the way to go... I just wanted to see if maybe there was a stock instrument out there that I wasn't thinking of at the moment.
 
#7
Custom 34" Spector?

Helium Body Wood w/ Chambered side wings... Helium Bridge (aluminum w/ brass saddles)... Hipshot Ultralights to shave off a bit more weight... Has .66" spacing (16.75mm)...

With 4K being your budget you can do a Forte USA build.

EDIT: Just noticed you said 5K... Well, Forte will leave you a bit more... NS build you are very close...
 
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#8
SLaPiNFuNK said:
Custom 34" Spector?

Helium Body Wood w/ Chambered side wings... Helium Bridge (aluminum w/ brass saddles)... Hipshot Ultralights to shave off a bit more weight... Has .66" spacing (16.75mm)...

With 4K being your budget you can do a Forte USA build.

EDIT: Just noticed you said 5K... Well, Forte will leave you a bit more... NS build you are very close...
Click to expand...

I honestly don't see many Spectors around this neck of the woods, but I will definitely look into one. They look like great instruments.
 
#10
They don't show it on their options list, but Roscoe will do 34" (and shorter) scale on the Custom or Signature models. A 5 string Custom starts at $4000, and I'm not sure what the upcharge is for a different scale length, but if you keep it fairly simple, you could probably get one within your budget.
 
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#13
phillipkregg said:
I honestly don't see many Spectors around this neck of the woods, but I will definitely look into one. They look like great instruments.
Click to expand...

I don't know about all Spectors but, in my experience, with their forward bridge placement they play like 35's (the reach) if that might be of concern to you. You can find talk of it here on TB. I own one as described.


I played a Lull Brian Beller last year. Incredible and versatile. Looks great. The neck might be a bit chunky (deep) but it is 18mm spacing, 24 fret, available in 34" about $3200. I suspect it's a bit more than 8lbs but very well-balanced. You can exercise and negate weight anyway... I play a 10 and 11lb for hours each day and when I am not in shape I can feel it a bit, otherwise they are a piece of cake. Good luck.
 
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#14
phillipkregg said:
I honestly don't see many Spectors around this neck of the woods, but I will definitely look into one. They look like great instruments.
Click to expand...
Hello. If interested take a look at the Spector that I have for sale. It's Brand New. I ordered directly from Spector, and chose some custom options that may be up your alley. It's 10.2 lbs., so a bit heavier than the 9lbs. you're looking for, but it doesn't feel that way. Also, so there is no confusion, this was crafted in the Czech shop.

For Sale - 2017 Spector Euro5 LX (Dropping down to 00)
20170523_171504.jpg
 
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#17
You should definitely look into Maruszczyk basses:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

German company, handcrafted in Poland. Excellent build quality, countless custom build options at unbeatable prices. (while having fair pays towards the Team at the Same time, should that be of your concern)
 

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