Hello, friendly bassist community - I've been playing 4 string for the last 35 years, and I'm increasingly finding myself needing that lower register... and momentarily tuning down just doesn't really cut it. For the last 29 years, my main bass has been this Pedulla MVP4 with the JJ configuration. I love everything about it, but I don't know if that design is best suited to a 5 string. Clearly, I'm a little bit spoiled with this as my point of reference, but I've consistently found myself underwhelmed with the low B on most basses. They often feel dead or floppy. With that in mind, should I stick with Pedulla and look for an MVP5? I haven't seriously shopped for basses in a long time, and never for a 5, so I'm not sure what are some of the "must try" basses out there.
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Recommended 5 string basses?
- Thread starter kpsta
- Start date
This List...
If you're in Chicago see if Lowdown bass has any instruments in stock to play but you're not likely to see one in a shop.
If there's a Talkbass GtG in your area, I recommend getting there and basking in the instruments folks bring.
I've found Ernie Ball's to be a bit heavier than I like, but there's no denying they play and sound great. Hunting down a USA made Peavey Cirrus is worth it even though they aren't made anymore. They are almost always great bargains and they have fantastic B's. Shockingly good instruments and not too hard to find and a USA made Millenium (similar to Cirrus, but bolt on, and in a mm/J layout) is worth playing though harder to find.
If you're in Chicago see if Lowdown bass has any instruments in stock to play but you're not likely to see one in a shop.
If there's a Talkbass GtG in your area, I recommend getting there and basking in the instruments folks bring.
I too found Ernie Ball MusicMan too heavy until the 2018 Stingray Specials came out.
Best bass I’ve ever purchased . I’ve yet to see a 5 string that weighed more than 9lbs and some ounces .
[QUOTE="lowdownthump, post: 22467976, member: 44461" I’ve yet to see a 5 string that weighed more than 9lbs and some ounces .[/QUOTE]
Ken Smith Black/White Tiger 5'ers. They weigh 9.11 pounds and upwards easy!! Spector NS5XL (USA) are quite heavy also.
Ken Smith Black/White Tiger 5'ers. They weigh 9.11 pounds and upwards easy!! Spector NS5XL (USA) are quite heavy also.
Ken Smith Black/White Tiger 5'ers. They weigh 9.11 pounds and upwards easy!! Spector NS5XL (USA) are quite heavy also.[/QUOTE]
I was referring to the new Stingray Special 5’s.
The new Ernie Ball basses are supposed to be significantly lighter than previous models.
Good luck with you search!!!!!
Good luck with you search!!!!!
I was referring to the new Stingray Special 5’s.[/QUOTE]
I misread you post. My apology!
Good to know, that's very a very comfortable weight. My goal these days is closer to 8 pounds but I'd totally rock a 9lb Stingray5.
