Spec Bass Search - 35" 5 String

[Riff Ranger]

Could you rout for different pickups if you find something that meets your specs in all other regards?

That’s a thought. Depending upon how Precision-y a neck pickup one wants a split in a soapbar housing might do, as some have suggested, though builders generally put those soapbars closer to the neck than the traditional Precision position. Slap a big Stingray pickguard on there, though, and nobody will know how thoroughly dug out the thing is.

 

[Nuage420]

The MTD's B is very quick and focussed almost like a piano. The B on my Lakland is nowhere near as quick, whilst not flabby, it just doesn't speak with the immediacy of the MTD. I actually like this on the Lakland as it sounds a bit more vintage.

Speaking of MTD... my Kingston Super 5 and the LTD AP-5 were extremely comparable for fit finish and playability. I have a US Super 5 being built.

 

[Windreaper]

This topic is obviously well discussed here on TB but I honestly think it's more to do with the bass's construction than the scale length. The scale length will have an influence, but I've played 34" basses with really tight and quick B strings, and 35s with terrible ones.

The relationship between string speaking length, stiffness, and mass is physics, very thoroughly researched in the piano world. String design in the bass region is about striking a compromise so that a string can vibrate at a given pitch without being excessively long or excessively stiff (hence outer windings are used to increase string mass without noticeably changing its stiffness).

The takeaway here is that if you increase the speaking length/scale, you can use a lighter string. Whether or not this is noticeable, musically pleasing, and a million other factors, fall into the realm of the subjective, which is why we have extensive threads about the topic that don't go anywhere. So, if the OP has a reason to want a 35" scale bass, don't suggest basses that don't fit OP's criteria (not aimed at anyone in particular).

 

[Nuage420]

Sandberg California VM Greenline 5-String Soft Aged Creme Pre-Order | Chicago Music Exchange | Reverb

here ya go CME ordered a 35" 5 string. It's a little over budget but call them direct amd they will likely work with you. That being said Sandbergs are worth every bit of that extra.

 

[Thundar]

Could you rout for different pickups if you find something that meets your specs in all other regards?

This! I have seen Lakland 55-60's and DJ5's that have had the pickguards replaced with a pickguard routed for a P pickup....I've always wanted to do this myself but I have a couple of Squier Jaguar 5 strings that are P/J's, and they play quite well even though they are 34"

 

[Nuage420]

This! I have seen Lakland 55-60's and DJ5's that have had the pickguards replaced with a pickguard routed for a P pickup....I've always wanted to do this myself but I have a couple of Squier Jaguar 5 strings that are P/J's, and they play quite well even though they are 34"

Yea the P thing ruling out Lackland is really doing OP a disservice
A 55-02 Custom with a P installed checks all his blocks

 

[getBAK]

I'm not very concerned about the P-looking thing. I've personally found that nothing sounds like a P-pickup except a stepped P-pickup. Ergonomically I've never gotten along with J-style neck pickups. Would I be willing to consider a soap bar pickup if it sounds like a Stepped-P, I guess. Put I'd need to play it to see that it's right.

Guys - I was really clear about what I'm looking for here. Anyone spending time to comment I appreciate it, but... reading comprehension.

 

[Nuage420]

I've personally found that nothing sounds like a P-pickup except a stepped P-pickup.

You're not wrong, and I get that. I prefer them for looks and tone as well. As far as mass produced basses unfortunately the classic P is rare in a 35" scale. I'm blown away that CME has one coming and actually wonder if it's a typo. Thier Night Hawk line has a classic P and killer looks but for some reason they only send them out as 34" unless you order a custom build. Which isn't really that much more.
Bartolini soap bars are mostly Ps. They have a model that can be wired to be a P a J or a Bucker. The Dingstrand Nordwall is a P in a soapbar shell. There's more options going that route than trying to fund that stepped P.

 

[getBAK]

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.

I've had a Kiesel/Carvin bass built for me a few years ago. I actually had one of the first basses built with the P-electronics config (piezo pickups in each saddle along with a MM pickup and J Pickup, great value. Last I checked, they don't do a 35" scale

I own a Yamaha BB435 - again great bass, wrong scale.

 

[bdplaid]

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.

You almost described a Sandberg. Price might be a bit higher.

 

[NKBassman]

This topic is obviously well discussed here on TB but I honestly think it's more to do with the bass's construction than the scale length. The scale length will have an influence, but I've played 34" basses with really tight and quick B strings, and 35s with terrible ones. My two basses which have B strings are both 35" and both have DR fat beams, and they couldn't be more different. The MTD's B is very quick and focussed almost like a piano. The B on my Lakland is nowhere near as quick, whilst not flabby, it just doesn't speak with the immediacy of the MTD. I actually like this on the Lakland as it sounds a bit more vintage.

Here's Tim Lefebvre's new 30"(!) 5. Yeah it sounds like a short scale, but that B sounds pretty usable to me.

Good for Tim. lol
I'd be game to try a short scale 5 and would be happy to be proven "wrong", but I prefer my 5s to be longer scale until proven otherwise. Even my new 35" Dingwall Super P5 has me curious about their 37" models.

 

[NKBassman]

The relationship between string speaking length, stiffness, and mass is physics, very thoroughly researched in the piano world. String design in the bass region is about striking a compromise so that a string can vibrate at a given pitch without being excessively long or excessively stiff (hence outer windings are used to increase string mass without noticeably changing its stiffness).

The takeaway here is that if you increase the speaking length/scale, you can use a lighter string. Whether or not this is noticeable, musically pleasing, and a million other factors, fall into the realm of the subjective, which is why we have extensive threads about the topic that don't go anywhere. So, if the OP has a reason to want a 35" scale bass, don't suggest basses that don't fit OP's criteria (not aimed at anyone in particular).

On the 34" 5s I have played, I found I needed at least a 135 B string to get the feel I wanted, which was very hard to find without ordering custom string sets.

 

[_One//Man//Mutiny_]

These basses are sweet and can be found pretty easily under $500. Not the greatest MM pickup but it works with the p or just play the p by itself. With the coin you’d save you could drop some serious electronics in it
Schecter Stealth 5

 

[Bass control]

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.

You have to play a Lakland. they have the best 5 string neck in the bass world ( 4 string as well ).

 

[neal rapp]

HMMMM
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yes perfect fit
(so why can’t this be love )

 

[Double E]

These are not in production but certainly ticks all of your boxes... they come up on Reverb from time to time and more sparingly here on the TB classifieds.

They were made by Jericho for just a few short production runs. I have one like the one pictured below. I really enjoy playing it however it doesn't get too much time in my rotation since I have some other really nice basses.

Jericho Alpha 5, this version is known as "Blacker"... the other option "Black" had maple neck and headstock with chrome hardware but the same satin black finished.
The fivers have all Hipshot hardware, Stew Mac Golden Age pickups with passive VVT controls, 35" scale , 1.75" nut and 17mm bridge spacing.

 

[Nuage420]

These are not in production but certainly ticks all of your boxes... they come up on Reverb from time to time and more sparingly here on the TB classifieds.

They were made by Jericho for just a few short production runs. I have one like the one pictured below. I really enjoy playing it however it doesn't get too much time in my rotation since I have some other really nice basses.

Jericho Alpha 5, this version is known as "Blacker"... the other option "Black" had maple neck and headstock with chrome hardware but the same satin black finished.
The fivers have all Hipshot hardware, Stew Mac Golden Age pickups with passive VVT controls, 35" scale , 1.75" nut and 17mm bridge spacing.

View attachment 4623796

I would love to get my hands on one of these!

 

[noahw1]

Reverend came to mind but I think they're all 34" scale.

 

[AncientNoob]

Aren’t all Spector 5’s 35” scale? Even the performer and legend series I believe…
Personally, I’ve recently started targeting an NS Pulse 5 as my next “must have”. EMG PJ’s, and at about 1100-1200, can still swap out the TonePumpJr for a Tone Capsule and still come in under budget.

 

[tb-player]

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.

Call John Scott at Bluesman Vintage Guitars just outside of Nashville. He will build it to spec and I'm pretty sure he can keep you around $2k. Tell him I sent you and he'll take good care of you.