After playing a 4 string bass for almost 45 years I'm looking to make the transition over to a 5-string. I obviously realize that I need to go out and play a number of them before making a decision. However, I thought that some of you may be able to provide some suggestions/recommendations. I'm currently playing a 1971 P-Bass and a Pensa J-4 Custom. I would like to keep the budget under $2000 and would consider active or passive electronics. So far I have looked at,not played,The G&L L-2500 ,Music Man 5HH, Lakland Skyline deluxe 55-02,and the Fender American Std.P-Bass V-5. Do any of you own these particular Basses? I really need some guidance.Thanks in advance for your suggestions.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
Suggestions for 5-string Bass
- Thread starter jcalo
- Start date
hi buddy,
<joke on>
you have done that big step
....don't wait another 45 years to do the next: go for a boutique-modern-24frets-one
...and don't wait another 45 years to change that seventies rock-blues cover band: go for modern one x2
</joke off>
peace, only a joke 'bro (I love our Leo, but you are considering only Leo/leo clones....)
m.
<joke on>
you have done that big step
....don't wait another 45 years to do the next: go for a boutique-modern-24frets-one
...and don't wait another 45 years to change that seventies rock-blues cover band: go for modern one x2
</joke off>
peace, only a joke 'bro (I love our Leo, but you are considering only Leo/leo clones....)
m.
When trying things out, make an effort to decide what scale length (34 or 35... or longer) and what string spacing at the bridge (usually between 17 and 19mm) you like, as well as what neck profile pleases you. If you discover definite preferences in these areas, your choice will narrow down quite a bit. I find 34" more comfy, but IME/IMO 35" (or longer) tends to provide a better sounding B. Your P is probably 34"/19mm, and that may be the easiest transition (it's what I prefer as well). If the 35" feels right for you, however, I'd go with a Lakland. A used Elrick or Pedulla would be sweet as well. Many choices...
Purely opinion, but I've never been real impressed with Stingray 5-strings. They B just seems floppy compared to the other strings, and it was tough for me to get much tone out of it rather than just booming bass.
If you can handle the extended scale, the Lakland **-02 models sound delicious!
If you can handle the extended scale, the Lakland **-02 models sound delicious!
If you slap I would really reccomend you try out a zon sonus 5. If you like it you should be able to get one used for under 2k.
I know many will agree that the neck (graphite) and the Bartolini pickups in the zon make it a joy to play. I owned one for about 7 years and traded it and since moved back to fenders......If I had the money right now, a zon, pedulla or a peavey G V is what I'd be purchasing. But that's just my opinion
I know many will agree that the neck (graphite) and the Bartolini pickups in the zon make it a joy to play. I owned one for about 7 years and traded it and since moved back to fenders......If I had the money right now, a zon, pedulla or a peavey G V is what I'd be purchasing. But that's just my opinion
I think you would be good with the Lakeland...those are great basses for the money. The scale might throw you, its a really long bass (im almost 100 percent sure its a 35 scale). You might be sorta thrown by the feel but ull get used to it.
I own a Stingray 5 HH and a USA Precision 5 and have owned a different Stingray 5 and a 55-02 (and would love to try an L-2500 some day). They're all pretty different basses and I've really liked them all. I'm currently sticking with the SR5 with rounds and the P5 with flats and feel like those two will cover as much tonal range as I'll need.
My short and sweet answer - go with the 55-02 if you're comfortable with a 35" scale and wide spacing I loved mine and sold it only because it wasn't comfortable for me to play. A lot of people will say "You'll get used to it, I did, just play it and it and you'll stop noticing the difference". Wrong!!! Some people might not notice but others will and after working at it for a year and a half I had to admit it I was one of those unfortunate people. That was a bitter pill to swallow because I think it sounded the best of the basses I've owned (it had the Bartolini electronics, the LH-3s were just coming out when I sold it) and it was easily the most versatile.
If you want tonal versatility and prefer 34" scale and narrower spacing then I'd say the Stingray 5 is the best bet out of the ones I've owned. I've never had an L-2500 but I'm guessing it would also be different but also very versatile.
If you really love the Precision you have and you want to keep that sound, then the Precision V is a great bass as well. It doesn't get much simpler than that but it works so well in so many situations that you really can't go wrong with it. I've only had mine a week and a half but I can't stop playing it. In fact, I haven't even touched my Stingray since I got it (though I'm sure that will change opnce the honeymoon is over)
One other thing, if haven't already done it, considered buying used and look in the For Sale forums here. I've bought several basses here, have gotten really good deals on all of them, and with one exception they've been in absolutely phenomenal condition. Any of the ones you've asked about could be bought for half the price of your budget, so you could either save yourself $1000 or buy two great basses for that kind of money.
My short and sweet answer - go with the 55-02 if you're comfortable with a 35" scale and wide spacing I loved mine and sold it only because it wasn't comfortable for me to play. A lot of people will say "You'll get used to it, I did, just play it and it and you'll stop noticing the difference". Wrong!!! Some people might not notice but others will and after working at it for a year and a half I had to admit it I was one of those unfortunate people. That was a bitter pill to swallow because I think it sounded the best of the basses I've owned (it had the Bartolini electronics, the LH-3s were just coming out when I sold it) and it was easily the most versatile.
If you want tonal versatility and prefer 34" scale and narrower spacing then I'd say the Stingray 5 is the best bet out of the ones I've owned. I've never had an L-2500 but I'm guessing it would also be different but also very versatile.
If you really love the Precision you have and you want to keep that sound, then the Precision V is a great bass as well. It doesn't get much simpler than that but it works so well in so many situations that you really can't go wrong with it. I've only had mine a week and a half but I can't stop playing it. In fact, I haven't even touched my Stingray since I got it (though I'm sure that will change opnce the honeymoon is over)
One other thing, if haven't already done it, considered buying used and look in the For Sale forums here. I've bought several basses here, have gotten really good deals on all of them, and with one exception they've been in absolutely phenomenal condition. Any of the ones you've asked about could be bought for half the price of your budget, so you could either save yourself $1000 or buy two great basses for that kind of money.
Another issue to consider is modern v. vintage tones. The Fenders (inc. the g&l and ebmm) are more vintage-y than the Lakland, IMO.
FWIW, I owned an L2500 and loved it. One of the coolest things about it was that it could approximate (some would say "nail"; I say that's laying it on a bit thick) the sound of St. Leo's 3 most popular previous designs - P, J and MM.
And that G&L was stolen. Amberburst, maple 'board, ser# clf 13233. Give a shout if you see it.
FWIW, I owned an L2500 and loved it. One of the coolest things about it was that it could approximate (some would say "nail"; I say that's laying it on a bit thick) the sound of St. Leo's 3 most popular previous designs - P, J and MM.
And that G&L was stolen. Amberburst, maple 'board, ser# clf 13233. Give a shout if you see it.
