First of all, some background. I play in a heavy rock band, and we frequently tune to standard C (C F A# D# on 4-string bass), and on occasion we drop the C to an A#. I've been using a MIM P-Bass for this tuning, but it's just not cutting it in terms of both tone and playability.
I've decided to look into 5-strings because they're designed to be tuned low... makes sense, right? The way I see it, I'll actually be tuning most of the strings UP a semitone, which should allow me to use lighter gauge strings. The only problem will be the low C/A#, but I imagine I could swap in a low B from a heavier set. Ideally I would like something with a longer scale length than 34", because I think it would allow me greater flexibility with tunings and strings, but this point is not essential.
I suppose the basis of what I'm looking for tonally is "vintage, with modern features." I like flexibility, but what I'm really looking for is serious old-school rock and roll thunder - added tonal options are gravy. I like my basses to be generally Leo Fenderish in design, but I'm open to pretty much anything as long as it meets a few requirements, vintage tone being the first. If vintage tone can be achieved while also retaining a wider palette of tonal options, even better.
Now we come down to the nitty-gritty...
I like small necks with a narrow string spacing. Jazz and MM style necks are nice. The MAXIMUM string spacing I would want would be the MM 17.5mm. The neck is critical to my playing style, because I have small hands, and I play almost exclusively with a pick.
This brings me to my final criterion: Because of my picking style, I like to have a large gap between the neck pocket and any pickups. The gap found on P-Basses is good, but ideally I would like even more room.
To sum up, this is what I'm looking for:
-5-string bass for vintage heavy rock and metal tones (C F A# D# G# tuning)
-generally Leo Fender style
-narrow string spacing, small neck
-plenty of room between the neck and pups to accommodate my picking style
-35"+ scale (not absolutely essential)
-fairly clean and simple design (no fancy tops, burst finishes, gold hardware or elaborate inlays)
At this point I am not actively looking to buy, so price is not a consideration. Thanks for taking the time to read all this!
I've decided to look into 5-strings because they're designed to be tuned low... makes sense, right? The way I see it, I'll actually be tuning most of the strings UP a semitone, which should allow me to use lighter gauge strings. The only problem will be the low C/A#, but I imagine I could swap in a low B from a heavier set. Ideally I would like something with a longer scale length than 34", because I think it would allow me greater flexibility with tunings and strings, but this point is not essential.
I suppose the basis of what I'm looking for tonally is "vintage, with modern features." I like flexibility, but what I'm really looking for is serious old-school rock and roll thunder - added tonal options are gravy. I like my basses to be generally Leo Fenderish in design, but I'm open to pretty much anything as long as it meets a few requirements, vintage tone being the first. If vintage tone can be achieved while also retaining a wider palette of tonal options, even better.
Now we come down to the nitty-gritty...
I like small necks with a narrow string spacing. Jazz and MM style necks are nice. The MAXIMUM string spacing I would want would be the MM 17.5mm. The neck is critical to my playing style, because I have small hands, and I play almost exclusively with a pick.
This brings me to my final criterion: Because of my picking style, I like to have a large gap between the neck pocket and any pickups. The gap found on P-Basses is good, but ideally I would like even more room.
To sum up, this is what I'm looking for:
-5-string bass for vintage heavy rock and metal tones (C F A# D# G# tuning)
-generally Leo Fender style
-narrow string spacing, small neck
-plenty of room between the neck and pups to accommodate my picking style
-35"+ scale (not absolutely essential)
-fairly clean and simple design (no fancy tops, burst finishes, gold hardware or elaborate inlays)
At this point I am not actively looking to buy, so price is not a consideration. Thanks for taking the time to read all this!
