Spec Bass Search - 35" 5 String

[getBAK]

I'm evaluating options and want to see if there's any instruments I'm missing
What I'm looking for (specifically, if it doesn't meet these specs I'm not interested)

• 5-String
• 35" Scale
• Fretted
• P-Bass Style Neck Pickup
• Bridge Pickup can be a J, MM or Soapbar
• Passive Pickups (not mission-critical)
• No headless basses
• Under $2000 new

I'm aware of Jackson and Charvel neither of which are interesting to me. The Schecter CV-5 is interesting (I'm not sure about the aesthetics), but it's unconventional and I need to find one to play.

This combo seems have limited options, I'm wondering what I'm missing. Anything else come to mind for you guys?

Before the multiscale folks chime in, I already have a Dingwall Combustion.

 

[Riff Ranger]

I think that Schecter’s about it if you’ve already ruled out the options from Charvel and Jackson. The out-of-production but not-hard-to-find Ibanez SR655 has everything but the scale length; some Kiesel models have everything but the headstock. Good luck Hopefully this thread will turn something up; I’d like to know.

 

[slagheap]

Lull will make you a real good one... er, for about $4500.

 

[getBAK]

HMMMM
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[Smurf-o-Deth]

Before the multiscale folks chime in, I already have a Dingwall Combustion.

 

[halcyo]

The Lakland 55-02 has a “jazz” style pickup at the neck, but if you’re running mostly that neck pickup, it actually sounds quite P-bass-ish to me. Then it has a 3 way switchable humbucker by the bridge, to get kind of: 60’s jazz/stingray/70’s jazz positions.

It’s active/passive, but honestly it’s not an overly “active sounding” bass to me. The preamp is rather polite and subtle.

It check your other specs, including 35” scale.

 

[SamOfzo]

Maruszczyk has several models available with these specs. If you keep it light on options you can stay below of 2000$.

Home | Public Peace Custom

For example:

 

[21DaHoagie12]

Maruszczyk will build that for you for around $2000 to your exact specs.

 

[rashrader]

ESP LTD AP-5. At around 1k, you can drop any electronics and pickups you want into it and you’ll still come in under budget.

 

[Windreaper]

Sandberg Panther is another option - the 5-strings are 35". The neck pickup is a P-style split-coil affair under the soapbar housing. Doesn't quite sound like a traditional P, however. Sandberg VM5s are also available in 35", but those might not fit in your budget.

 

[NKBassman]

The Lakland 55-02 has a “jazz” style pickup at the neck, but if you’re running mostly that neck pickup, it actually sounds quite P-bass-ish to me. Then it has a 3 way switchable humbucker by the bridge, to get kind of: 60’s jazz/stingray/70’s jazz positions.

It’s active/passive, but honestly it’s not an overly “active sounding” bass to me. The preamp is rather polite and subtle.

It check your other specs, including 35” scale.

+1. Get a used Lakland Skyline 55-02 for $8-900 and call it a day.
IME the bridge humbucker settings were pretty subtle, but the neck J on mine really did have a P-ish tone to it. Close enough, anyway. The neck was also really stable, I don't think I ever had to adjust it once in the couple of years that I had that bass.

 

[Eon Sky]

Maybe a used Spector Rebop or other bolt-on if you happen to get lucky and act fast?

 

[Slevage]

The under $2k new limits your choices.

Raise your budget a bit and shop used. Your prospects will greatly increase.

 

[Nuage420]

Sandberg or Maruszczyk will be the best options.

 

[Nuage420]

@Lowend65 is the P purely for looks? Many soapbars are Ps or reverse Ps under the shell. And some can be wired to be either.

 

[Killing Floor]

Kiesel. Hand made. Ebony board. You can choose pickups/electronics. You can build a 5 as you like for that price shelf.
They make a very good product. I have a PJ 5 string, the build quality is fantastic. Super easy to deal with.

 

[Killing Floor]

Kiesel. Hand made. Ebony board. You can choose pickups/electronics. You can build a 5 as you like for that price shelf.
They make a very good product. I have a PJ 5 string, the build quality is fantastic. Super easy to deal with.

Here’s an example of an in stock. Not a bad spec out for the price. Hand made in USA. So you figure $2-300 more to custom order. Lots of body and neck options, just an example.
Kiesel Guitars

 

[Nuage420]

Kiesel. Hand made. Ebony board. You can choose pickups/electronics. You can build a 5 as you like for that price shelf.
They make a very good product. I have a PJ 5 string, the build quality is fantastic. Super easy to deal with.

Great call I forget about them way too often

 

[SaxBass]

A reality check with Kiesel: I inquired about new build time recently and I was told there's about a 26 week wait. I'm happy for them that business is so good, but I suspect it could challenge some folks' patience.

 

[Killing Floor]

A reality check with Kiesel: I inquired about new build time recently and I was told there's about a 26 week wait. I'm happy for them that business is so good, but I suspect it could challenge some folks' patience.

That's pretty quick by comparison to most of the other named builders.