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

[Anders Barfod]

What about the yamaha bb1025/2025 or the trbx505. They all have 18mm string space and 34" scale which i think is a minimum for a good B string.

 

[77stingray]

+1 on the Muckelroy!

 

[jjk2007]

Another one for the Muckelroy!

 

[phillipkregg]

Used Zon 5 string. You could probably get a new one for under 5K but it's been a while since I checked prices. Zon builds amazing basses.

Thanks for the suggestion, I really want to like graphite necked instruments but I've never been able to. I've played some very fine modulus and Geoff Gould basses, but something about the sound of graphite just doesn't appeal to me.

 

[phillipkregg]

Get a Muck!

Have Brady Muckelroy build you exactly what you want. I've not found a finer bass than the one he built me. Exactly to my specs, and you could almost get 2 for your budget.

Thanks for the suggestion I will check them out

 

[joebar]

Pedulla makes 34 scale with 24 feet.
Used thunderbasses come up around the 2K mark.
They have a 17.5mm option

 

[phillipkregg]

The Mike Lull M5 checks all of your boxes.

I'm really digging the Lull basses too. They're kind of hard to find around here but I'll keep my eyes out.

 

[nostatic]

Most Lull 5-strings are 35" scale. There are 34" scale ones out there, but not a lot.

 

[dougde]

Used Zon 5 string. You could probably get a new one for under 5K but it's been a while since I checked prices. Zon builds amazing basses.

Definitely Zon is a perfect choice. Between 2k and 4K there are plenty of Zon options, including custom builds. Since I got mine nothing else comes out it's case.

 

[kesslari]

Thanks for the suggestion, I really want to like graphite necked instruments but I've never been able to. I've played some very fine modulus and Geoff Gould basses, but something about the sound of graphite just doesn't appeal to me.

Not to push it, but Zons have a very different sound than Geoff's basses (current and Modulus). Warmer.

 

[Dave W]

I'm really digging the Lull basses too. They're kind of hard to find around here but I'll keep my eyes out.

As @nostatic points out, most Lulls in the wild are going to be 35". You'd likely need to contact them directly to make a 34".

Most Lull 5-strings are 35" scale. There are 34" scale ones out there, but not a lot.

 

[phillipkregg]

Not to push it, but Zons have a very different sound than Geoff's basses (current and Modulus). Warmer.

I've never actually seen a Zon out in the wild, but I'll keep my eyes out. That's exactly the problem I had with the other graphite neck basses, they sounded too bright and sterile. I had to do a lot of EQing at the amp level to get a warmer tone.

 

[phillipkregg]

Get a Muck!

Have Brady Muckelroy build you exactly what you want. I've not found a finer bass than the one he built me. Exactly to my specs, and you could almost get 2 for your budget.

His basses look really nice! Thanks for the suggestion. (He's a heck of a player too)

 

[Musicfreak1988]

I love the Sadowsky M-24 5 strings, but their string spacing is 19mm from what I have researched.

IIRC, if you go Sadowsky NYC, you have the choice between 18 of 19mm string spacing.

4-string:

20-24 frets
1.5 or 1.75" nut width
9 or 12" fretboard radius
19 or 20mm string spacing

5-string:

20-24 frets
1.75 or 1.875" nut width
18 or 19mm string spacing

 

[lowfreqgeek]

His basses look really nice! Thanks for the suggestion. (He's a heck of a player too)

You're welcome! He's a great guy, and a fantastic player, which I think really comes through in his instruments. I've not played a better playing bass, and I've got some great basses.

I think my next fretted 5 will be another Muck. Mine is a fretless, which has become my #1 since I got it. I paid right around $2k for a more basic model, but it was built exactly to my specs.

Good luck with your search!

 

[dougde]

I've never actually seen a Zon out in the wild, but I'll keep my eyes out. That's exactly the problem I had with the other graphite neck basses, they sounded too bright and sterile. I had to do a lot of EQing at the amp level to get a warmer tone.

Check out the Mosaic Pro line. Wood necks - not composite. I love mine. Maple neck - super warm tone - easiest playing instrument I own.

 

[DonaldR]

Production basses that comes to mind:
- Yamaha TRBX505 (I have one it's crazy good for the price)
- Ibanez Talman 605

 

[wfleslie]

You won't find anything lighter than a Warwick Hot Rod 5 Custom 2005. A truly professional instrument. 7lb. 35" scale though.
Be careful with 34" 5 string basses, as the B string tension isn't as good and most end up with a muddy sound. Check them out before you buy.

 

[davidchampoux]

Definitely check Mike Lull basses. Exactly what you need.

 

[bbh]

These are especially light if torrified (baked to dry it out). I looked at getting one way back but it just never came together. I think we were looking at around 7.5 lbs.
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