• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Spec Bass Search - 35" 5 String

#61
getBAK said:
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.
Click to expand...

I had a 35" Schecter ... it was OK ... I got tired of it and sold it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nuage420
#64
So far we have the following that meet original spec:
  • ESP LTD AP-5
  • Maruszczyk (seems to basically be custom)
  • Spector
  • Schecter MA-5
  • Schecter CV-5 (sorta)
  • Jericho Alpha 5
  • A few custom or semi-customs
The ESP is interesting, but man I gotta get over that headstock.
Don't really want to deal with a custom build - that's a big leap of faith.
Spector - hmm hadn't considered, need to check into this.
Schecter's - I wish I could actually find some of these on a the shelf somewhere.
MA-5 - I've always had a (negative) thing about 'signature' instruments. But this one doesn't actually say 'Michael Anthony' on it anywhere I can find, so maybe I'll be ok
Jericho - interesting... unlikely I'll find one, but interesting.

It's a better list than I started with.
Now I just gotta find a few of these to play.
 
  • Like
Reactions: bdplaid and AncientNoob
#66
getBAK said:
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.
Click to expand...
I bought this Spector new for about 8-9 hundred bucks over 25 years ago.I guess it's the company's entry to a budget line though the price wasn't all that budget all those years ago.I never became a big 5 stringer but this 35" neck supports very low action with no buzz or flabby B. The EMGs sound nice and it plays easy, though a bit on the heavy side.
IMG_20220316_232631.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: AncientNoob
#67
getBAK said:
So far we have the following that meet original spec:
  • ESP LTD AP-5
Click to expand...
AP-5 is a 34" just to point it out. But if 19mm spacing and the neck is amazing. It's an ultra thin U with a very flat radius on the fret board. And if you notice the lower horn is cut super low. Makes for a very comfortable and fast playing neck with easy access to the entire board. It's also a 6 bolt neck joint. look for a B stock or used 700-800 I think I got mine B stock for about 800 off reverb and the only thing I added were the vintage tuners to kill the "metal only" looks.
 
  • Like
Reactions: stingray69
#68
When you said 35" scale the first bass I thought of was Spector. Most of their 5's are 35" and with EMG's if you got a P5 pickup would take a few mins to swap it... Their euro line is absolutely worth the money. Dingwalls neck pickup is a decent P sounding pickup if you ever thought about stepping into that fantastic realm.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Nuage420 and AncientNoob
#70
getBAK said:
So far we have the following that meet original spec:
  • ESP LTD AP-5
  • Maruszczyk (seems to basically be custom)
  • Spector
  • Schecter MA-5
  • Schecter CV-5 (sorta)
  • Jericho Alpha 5
  • A few custom or semi-customs
The ESP is interesting, but man I gotta get over that headstock.
Don't really want to deal with a custom build - that's a big leap of faith.
Spector - hmm hadn't considered, need to check into this.
Schecter's - I wish I could actually find some of these on a the shelf somewhere.
MA-5 - I've always had a (negative) thing about 'signature' instruments. But this one doesn't actually say 'Michael Anthony' on it anywhere I can find, so maybe I'll be ok
Jericho - interesting... unlikely I'll find one, but interesting.

It's a better list than I started with.
Now I just gotta find a few of these to play.
Click to expand...
Last time I'll say it, but I really do think you should also consider a Lakland 55-02.
 
Last edited:
#73
UPDATE
Well folks, I broke my own rules. I came across an in-stock new Yamaha BBP35. I played it. bought it on the spot and took it to a gig 2 hours later. It is spectacular. An order of magnitude better than my BB435.
Is the B-string as tight as my 35" MTD, nope, and it's worth it.

View attachment 4628184
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: red_bassist, Jazzjames, Double E and 3 others
#76
getBAK said:
UPDATE
Well folks, I broke my own rules. I came across an in-stock new Yamaha BBP35. I played it. bought it on the spot and took it to a gig 2 hours later. It is spectacular. An order of magnitude better than my BB435.
Is the B-string as tight as my 35" MTD, nope, and it's worth it.

View attachment 4628184
Click to expand...
One of the few bursts that I find attractive. Congrats!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back