The 5 String Thing

[bassfrenzie]

After decades of resistance (Fender J Freak) I have succumbed to the nagging curiosity & finally given in to the 5 string impulse.

I'm considering starting inexpensive (on the Rez we call it cheap) & going with a Schecter 5. Heard only good things about the Schecter.

Any advice and or comments would be appreciated & helpful.

 

[armybass]

Cheap is fine as long as it has a good B string. If is some cheap bass with a floppy, useless B string it might be less than inspiring for you and give you few reasons to play the 5er. You can pick up good 5's for cheap used.

 

[dhagler]

I too am a Fender J fan. You can get a 5 in either American or Mexican in both passive (standard) or active (deluxe).

 

[Happynoj]

+1. Why not get a 5 string jazz?

 

[Stealth]

A Schecter 5 would be a decent start, though I've heard their quality is a bit of a hit-and-miss - best test well before purchasing.

 

[vates]

How about G&L Tribute L-2500? Give it a try.

 

[dhagler]

How about G&L Tribute L-2500? Give it a try.

+1. If I were to ever leave Fender it would be for a Tribute L-2500.

 

[mello_bedwetter]

I always used a 4 but I ran across an Ibby SRX505 for a decent price so I got it. It sounds good but I still favor my 4 string Geddy.

 

[JonathanD]

How about G&L Tribute L-2500? Give it a try.

5 string jazzes are no good IMO.
Schecters are very well made IMO.
G&L 2500 is as good as any $1000 bass and better than most.
Jonathan

 

[Mastermold]

I got my Squier P-bass with passive jazz pickups for just $250 and it's got a fantastic low B string, big and fat. For the blues and rock I do, it's great. And better still at $130 the SX Jazz fiver looks good too, but that's just based off word of mouth here as I just ordered it.

 

[bassfrenzie]

I'll get a J5 or a P5 when I can afford it for sure.

Starting cheap, heard good things about Schecter.

I have used a Squier 4 for blues rock with no major complaints.

Speaking of pickups...I hardly EVER use the bridge pickup on the J or P .
I find I get enough crunch when I need it with just the tone - relying on my amp settings (Yorkville 200 watt/15 + Hartge 2 10 ex cab) primarily.

What think ye?