Recommendations for a Modern 5 String Bass

[IronSpatula]

I know you don't like the aesthetics of Dingwalls, but have you tried one? A combustion 5 would be my go-to for your criteria. Maybe having one in your hands would make you reconsider, maybe not... Just a thought.

The higher-end BTBs are solid, but BTB 5 strings tend to feel unnecessarily massive in my hands. If I was looking at Ibanez I'd favor a nicer SR (something with Nordstrand or Aguilar pickups) or even an EHB (but aesthetics are certainly in play again with a headless multiscale, haha).

I like @jTrolt's KZ/ZX recommendation. I really liked the KZ but found it a bit on the bright/thin side. Sounds like the ZX may solve that problem.

 

[Chalotrejo]

Zon Standard, Legacy or Sonus, light and sounds great, a little on the expensive side, but worth every cent. www.zonguitars.com, download the catalog.

 

[Yahboy]

I have multiple basses but I need to fill a hole in my collection. I'm looking to add a modern, 5-string bass.

Here are my preferred criteria:

• 5 strings (BEADG)
• Active bass with passive option (or at least quick access to a battery door) or passive bass
• If active, I'd prefer a three band EQ
• 24 Frets with good high fret access
• In the 8-10 lb weight range
• Side-mounted jack (or front mount but no strat-style jacks)
• Punchy but versatile tone. Something which could play metal, funk, or jam band music.
• String spacing can be anything between 17-19mm
• I prefer a flatter radius fretboard (12" or greater)
• 34", 35", or multiscale scale length (but I would like something that doesn't require hard-to-find strings)
• Solid (or better) B string
• New or used is fine
• Ideally doesn't require some special case/gig bag due to shape (or includes said case or gig bag)
• Max budget is $2K but I could go a little higher for a "keep it for life" bass that ticks all the boxes

I've already owned a Yamaha TRBX605 and a Spector Legend 5. While there were things I liked about both basses, I didn't love them and want to move on to something which makes me really happy.

I currently own a Reverend Mercalli 5, Fender Jazz 5, and Yamaha BB735a so I want something different from those tones. I play in a cover band that gigs regularly and focuses on rock/punk/country but those needs are covered by my current stable. I'm looking for something different and suitable for my side projects/jam sessions which cover more genres and require more versatility.

I'm looking to try out an Ibanez BTB locally as I think that might be a good fit but I haven't gotten one in my hands yet. I don't like the aesthetics of Dingwalls or EBMM Bongos (which I could probably find used in my budget) but I'm open to other suggestions.

What else should I consider in my search?

Thanks!

Charvel Pro Mod PJ V.

 

[jdwinva]

Elrick

5 String Basses - Elrick Bass Guitars

www.elrick.com

 

[blizzard]

Ibanez EHB1505 is a good shout if you don't mind headless.

 

[Snake101st]

I know you don't like the aesthetics of Dingwalls, but have you tried one? A combustion 5 would be my go-to for your criteria. Maybe having one in your hands would make you reconsider, maybe not... Just a thought.

+1, the new SP1 would be worth a look, too - waiting on a green 4 string, myself, as a big fan of the Z3 5 string I have:

SP1 - Dingwall

dingwallguitars.com

Can also recommend a used kiesel JB or P, I have a multiscale JB5 that looks kinda like Adam Neely's that I got for a steal, and it's great:

 

[SunByrne]

Sire M5/M7 or a Yamaha TRBX605 ticks all of the listed boxes for way under budget. Like, you could buy one of each new and still be under budget. The TRBX605 now comes in an Indigo Blue color that I think looks amazing. Yamaha QC is great; I own two Yamahas (though not one of those) and they're rock-solid. Edit: Dang, missed in the OP that you did the TRBX 605 previously. Disregard. Sire M5/M7 still stands, though.

I don't need another bass and I'm not really in the market for one but if $2k fell out of the sky and I had to spend it on a bass, I'd get a Spector NS Dimension 5 immediately. I want a multi-scale and a neck-through and am intrigued by the Fishman pickups. However, it doesn't quite check all your boxes since the Fishman system doesn't do passive and it's only 2-band.

 

[funkinbottom]

Maybe the Schecter CV5? Passive with switching options for series/parallel. I play 31"scale 5's these days, however, If I played long scale basses I would seriously be considering this bass. A good friend has one and it sounds/play killer. Only 3 finish options though, white, burst and natural.

 

[aguacateojos]

Used Euro Spector?

 

[John D Harris]

Almost, missing 24 frets.

Still a heck of a good, versatile bass guitar for the money, just two frets short.
Is that a deal breaker?
I love the Lakeland neck!

 

[mikeswals]

They were mentioned in the OP, @PrestoZoom said they don't like the look.

I have to mention because of the tone.
Musicmans will crush nearly anything else in their price range.
No weird string lengths or gauges needed, and they play just as comfortable as a StingRay model. Musicman never needed to do anything special to get one of the best B string sounds since 1987.

If the OP can get away with 22 frets, then a newer StingRay Special is well within range

 

[joeLowB]

@PrestoZoom , this is a very useful thread for me as well right now. Watching and learning. Thanks to all.

 

[pb9717]

Take it from a guy that’s sworn off 5 strings. This ticks all your boxes. 24 fret, 3 band, 8lbs 1 oz, flattest neck on earth. Stupid fast player, a you already know how good Ibanez can be. I highly recommend this over a BTB ( which will never come near 8lbs)

I put Sadowsky Soapbars in this ( needed a little “hole expansion” ) and its killin.

 

[basspraiser]

A Lakland 5502 ( import) or 5594 ( US made) without a doubt

 

[PrestoZoom]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. Some responses:

• I love Yamaha basses and my BB735a is a "keep forever" bass. My TRBX605 is just lacking in punch. I love the way it feels but the B string isn't great and the tone is just too mild. I could change the preamp but I'd rather just buy something better.
• Dingwalls just don't do it for me. Sorry for those who love them.
• I like Stingrays but they are not the sound I'm looking for. I've played many Stingrays and own a Ray35 so I'm certainly familiar with the tones available but that's not what I want here.
• MTDs look interesting. There are some drawbacks - I can't play one before I buy it, I've had bad experiences with Bartolini tones, and I don't love the idea of buying an expensive Chinese version of a hand-made bass (see also Dingwall). I will try to find one and play it in person before I move on.
• Ibanez SRs are off the table because I hate strat style jacks
• I've never liked any Sire basses I've played. They just feel cheap to me. Again, apologies to those who love them.

I've played Laklands and they are great basses. I may be willing to overlook the less-than-24-frets problem but I have a lot of 21 and 22 fret basses already. I feel like a Lakland won't offer tones that my Mercalli, Fender, and Yamaha don't already cover.

I think it's likely that I will end up with a higher-end Spector (like a DImension multiscale) or an Ibanez. I'm not opposed to headless basses but I think I'd prefer the BTB style. I like something with a little mass to them and the EHB's feel almost too light. I also need to see a few Bongos in person to see if I can deal with the look. I think they would be another great option if I can get past the weird body style. I'm also going to check out some Schecters like the SLS Elite 5. The Fishman Fluence pickups look interesting and it's not as "heavy metal" looking as their other basses.

To clarify, my current collection includes:

• Reverend Mercalli 5
• Fender Player Jazz 5 with Aguilar pickups
• Yamaha BB735a
• G&L Tribute L-2500
• Spector Legend 5 with EMG pickups and preamp
• Squier Vintage Modified Precision V
• Squier Classic Vibe 70s Jazz V
• Sterling by Music Man Ray 35
• Yamaha TRBX605

I'm going to sell or trade some of those and the goal is to get the collection down to 5-6 basses. I will keep the Reverend, Fender, and Yamaha BB for sure. I like the Spector (but may replace it with a better Spector) and the G&L (but need to replace it with a lighter L-2500). I'll probably keep the Squier Precision because it's a good beater and plays very well. The TRBX, Squier Jazz, and Ray 35 will likely be sold or traded. Those are good basses but I' m looking for better than "good".

 

[Mastiff_5]

Maruszczyk Frog 5.
All you are asking for, and INCREDIBLE quality. I am in love with mine.
I have the BassCulture soapbars with a Sonar 3 preamp.
Hits your list perfectly, and SO versatile!!!

 

[Bob_Ross]

Lakland Skyline 55-02 checks all the OP’s boxes.

Almost, missing 24 frets.

Ha! I've been playing a 55-02D for 15 years and until you mentioned it I'd never even noticed that it doesn't have 24 frets!
But you're right, only 22.

 

[Paul New]

The BBP35 despite looking just like it is very unlike the 735A.

But that’s not what you want for sure.

I think you want something built by Spector.

 

[Dincrest]

I would recommend trying a BTB in person if you can. Those basses are a very different animal to Soundgears (what with their large bodies and wide necks) and they can be heavy. Expect a BTB to be in the 9-10 pound range. Consider weight and balance (especially since a BTB will likely hang differently than a Soundgear). Is this a bass you can shoulder for a long gig?

A bass may tick off all your checkboxes, but may not give you that "OH YEAH!" feeling when you strap it on and play it. On the other hand, a bass that doesn't meet all the criteria might feel amazing to play.

So best of luck in the search and try as many in person as you can.

 

[PrestoZoom]

I would recommend trying a BTB in person if you can. Those basses are a very different animal to Soundgears (what with their large bodies and wide necks) and they can be heavy. Expect a BTB to be in the 9-10 pound range. Consider weight and balance (especially since a BTB will likely hang differently than a Soundgear). Is this a bass you can shoulder for a long gig?

A bass may tick off all your checkboxes, but may not give you that "OH YEAH!" feeling when you strap it on and play it. On the other hand, a bass that doesn't meet all the criteria might feel amazing to play.

So best of luck in the search and try as many in person as you can.

Yes, I think I need to try a BTB in person to see if it works. The shape is different enough that I have concerns but those won't be resolved without touching one in the real world. There's one in a local shop so I will likely visit tomorrow and see how it feels.

Most of my basses are in the 10 lb range so I'm not too scared about weight. My Reverend is the lightest and my L-2500 is almost 12.2 lbs. I've gigged the L-2500 and my 10+ lb Fender jazz at 3-4 hour shows and didn't have problems (but felt it the next day) so weight isn't the main factor here.