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Sub $600 5 string - 34" or less - 18mm spacing or more?

#41
aah_scary said:
@JACink What about Harley Bentons, they're pretty good for the money and have lots of 5 stringers in stock. I'm sure at least a few will have 18mm string spacing. :)

Thomann - Welcome Home!
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I am a fan of Harley Bentons and own 4 of them, but at the moment I am a little pissed with Thomann. Lately their customer support seems to be going down hill (I have been a client of theirs, both personal and for business purposes for around 17 or 18 years).
 
#44
aah_scary said:
Ah that's fair enough. Is Gear4Music an option for you in Spain?
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Yes, any European distributor will deliver to Spain (even those in the UK for the time being). FWIW, I am not refusing to order from Thomann, if I decide on an HB then it will obviously be from them, but I am looking at alternatives and if somewhere else has it for a similar price, then I will give them a chance (I have been very loyal to Thomann in the past, and always purchased from them if they had it, but I think that they want other companies to get a chance, that's why they suck lately ;) )
 
#45
JACink said:
Yes, any European distributor will deliver to Spain (even those in the UK for the time being). FWIW, I am not refusing to order from Thomann, if I decide on an HB then it will obviously be from them, but I am looking at alternatives and if somewhere else has it for a similar price, then I will give them a chance (I have been very loyal to Thomann in the past, and always purchased from them if they had it, but I think that they want other companies to get a chance, that's why they suck lately ;) )
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Ah okay, was just making sure, I know delivery prices to other parts of Europe could be pretty high! There's a great selection on there though! :)
 
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#47
Dr. Cheese said:
I have TMB605 that I absolutely love, and is $599 street in America. I traded a nice bass for it, so I paid very little cash for mine.



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This is a very good suggestion
If prices are higher in Spain/EU (as I suspect they are), there is also the TMB105 version that has the physical same dimensions with a P/J pickup configuration and mahogany body for less than half the price.
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I've been really impressed with all the Talman/TMB series ibanez basses.

TMB105_BK_1P_01.png
 
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#48
Check out Martin Kelly. You'll be happy with a quality brand new bass for only $469 or less, or more.
 
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#50
Eilif said:
This is a very good suggestion
If prices are higher in Spain/EU (as I suspect they are), there is also the TMB105 version that has the physical same dimensions with a P/J pickup configuration and mahogany body for less than half the price.
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
I've been really impressed with all the Talman/TMB series ibanez basses.

TMB105_BK_1P_01.png
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I can't seem to find these in Europe.

It's strange but Ibanez seem to have a very limited selection of 5 string basses in Europe compared to the US. Maybe I haven't found the secret stash yet but I gave up looking for a Mikro 5 string after about 2 years searching. It seems they were never sold here.


Edit: I found a better selection, but still no tmb105
 
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#51
JACink said:
Thanks, I checked those out and they look like nice basses (although 35") but by the time I factor in shipping and import duties, it would be closer to $1k.
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Funny I never stop to think that this Forum is international. In my small mind I think everyone on here is from US. And while I have 34" 5 strings that sound nice. IMO 35" is the right scale for a thunderous, free vibrating B string. I read your post more closely and saw the 34" Duh!!!!
 
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#52
JACink said:
I can't seem to find these in Europe.

It's strange but Ibanez seem to have a very limited selection of 5 string basses in Europe compared to the US. Maybe I haven't found the secret stash yet but I gave up looking for a Mikro 5 string after about 2 years searching. It seems they were never sold here.


Edit: I found a better selection, but still no tmb105
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There is guy in Germany with a TMB605 with a video on YouTube. Contact him through YouTube.
 
#53
JACink said:
I am looking for a budget 5 string bass, under $600 (new), which has a maximum scale of 34" and at least 18mm spacing.

I currently own 2x 5 string basses with 16.5mm spacing, which I find a little tight for some of the stuff I would like to play (although I don't hate it).

The reason is that I am planning on placing an order for a custom 30" bass and would like to spend some time on an 18mm (or more) 5 string before placing the order.

My current 5 strings are a cheap HB ABG and an ESP Ltd B205SM. I reallly like the Ltd, but would like that extra little bit of space between strings. I would also like to have 2x 5 strings available, one BEADG and one EADGC.

I know that used is going to be the recommendation from most, especially as I will probably end up selling it once I get the custom, but to be totally honest, used gear in this country is just not worth it. The usual price is around 80% of the new price, so I would rather lose $120 over the next year and having the option of returning the bass if I don't like it, than deal with the hassle of buying something used (which is usually over 4 hours drive away, so I would also be buying unseen).

So, could you please enlighten me as to options that fit the bill.
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As others have already said, the Sire V7 is $600.00 and has all the things you are looking for.
 
#54
3 pages almost, and nobody has mentioned a Squier Jazz V? Mine was a floor model, but it was <$300 out-the-door, new-ish. 18mm spacing. 34" scale. Good resale value. Actually sounds really good - just pretty heavy.
 

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