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Thinking of getting a 5-string

#21
peledog said:
I've heard good things about the USA Peaveys. And if I had the cash, I might give the Nathan East Yamaha a whirl.

But, there's a deal pending for the Spector NSCR 5 - I just love the Spector necks. I'm hoping the string spacing will not be an issue for me.

On my trek back from Carvin, I'll probably stop buy Guitard Center and check out the G&Ls - maybe MTD or two and the Ibanez that was suggested in this thread.
Click to expand...

If you can find one, the U.S. made Peavey Millenium is also a good option.

As for the Ibanez, I've owned several SR's since they were introduced. They are well built and great playing basses, but there are better sounding basses out there for the same price or less. They aren't IMO/IME very versatile, however, this can be overcome with a different preamp.
 
#22
I recently went into a local shop and tried a variety of Peavey 5-strings. My concern is primarily playability, and of course this will be subjective. I found the Peavey Grind 5 the best, the Korean Cirrus came second, the USA Cirrus third, and the Millennium fourth, but I still preferred my Tony Tsai (good job really, that saved me some money). However, I did finish up with a Grind 6 as a result when one came up very cheap on ebay.
 
#23
Well, the Carvins are amazing. The SB5000 and the B50 are real stunners. The neck on the SB is really, really smooth.

It's a bit out of my price range and seeing that I have a time issue (for an upcoming gig), I may have to borrow one, or get one at, or under, my budget.

The G&Ls - Tribute are great. Really thick tone. But again, a bit above my budget. They didn't have any Peaveys at the GC I went to. Weird. I did try the Ibanez SR755. Didn't feel that comfortable in my hands. Tried the Schecter 5er that was there too, the Studio-5 - just can't dig the neck.

So, it's back to Spector for me. Looking at some used ReBop 5ers - and I've seen a couple of deals for Euros at my budget (amazing, considering their cost brand new - $2k+)

Quick question - how do you mute the B-string - is there a technique that I'm not aware of? I always seem to get ringing from the B-string.
 
#24
@peledog re: Muting the B String

I've never used a thumb rest or laid my thumb on the pickup while playing. I use my thumb to mute the preceeding strings as I pluck with my fingers. I think I read about that technique in a magazine a very long time ago (like between 1995 - 1997). I tried it, it felt comfortable & the habit stuck.
 
#26
peledog said:
I've never really played one. Always thought it wasn't for me, but the band I'm in requires one (we play droptuned anyway)

So...

What's a new or used 5er that wouldn't break me money-wise, but is competent enough to play casino shows (I love the IEMs at the casinos :bassist: )

Anyway, should I get a 35" scale? I'm leaning towards a Spector Legend Custom 5er or a used ReBop 5er, but I've also been looking at Ibanez, Fender and Sterling by MM. My budget would be around $700.

I'd like to try out the Yamaha TRB 5er, but they seem to be hard to find (used). I'm open to suggestions and makes/brands (keep in mind the budget). Lakland Skyline, MTD Kingston. Schecter??

Help! :hmm:
Click to expand...


In April, I was able to get a Warwick Corvette 5 active/passive used from Craigslist for $720 with case and a new set of strings!

This is probably the best sounding bass in my arsenel...they are versatile....but they are a little heavy .....but that's the price you pay i guess.
 
#27
The Carvin SBs are really great basses. My New SB5000 is so comfortable it feels easier to play than my four string G&L which i also love. Save man save!!
this one's mine...
ef48cc8a.jpg
 
#28
Lakland Skyline 55-02 - GREAT variability and quality for a little more than your budget (used).

you can also look at the 55-01 series....these are really nice and are cheaper...not as much variability than the 55-02 but still nice and the same feel!

good luck!

Doug
 
#29
I just got my first 5'er 3 weeks ago after 15 years of exclusive four string playing. Stumbled onto a 2002 MIM Fender Jazz V from CL for $300 when calling about custom carvin ad and I LOVE IT. I actually just played my first gig with it last night and it was great. Getting used to it took a bit and I definitely missed or soft fretted a few notes last night but all in all I can't see going back to my fours anytime soon. As a matter of fact i don't play my fours deliberately. I keep the 5 on the stand right out in the open so anytime I have even a few free minutes I just grab it and just keep increasing the comfort level. My 4 string Jazz Bass actually feels really small on the neck to me now. Also learning positioning for new and old material has been great too, its really nice to just play linear and not have to grab down for low notes. I am also not partial to playing open strings so having a low E right at the 5th great is great too.
 
#34
Thanks for all your suggestions and comments.

I found a Rebop 5er for $500. Not sure I'll get that one yet.

Also, been looking at used Laklands on CL. I'd love to get an EBMM - but don't think I can spring for it this year.

@southpaw420 That SB in red, what a beauty!!!

I'd like to fill out my stable with another Spector or two, an EBMM, a Fender Jazz, a G&L fretless and either a Lakland or MTD 5er. One can dream, right?
 
#37
The first thing you should do is go play several by various brands to see if you can find one youd be comfortable with neck and playability wise. For slimmer neck fivers Ibanez Soundgears are great choice. Nice ones by then start at around $350 with the sr305. Lackland would benice if in your price range and if your comfortable with the neck. Nothing worse then an otherwise great bass whose neck is just awkward and uncomfortable to you.
 
#39
Hey mate I had me an Ibanez soundgear SR45GN for 8 years. That thing was really decent, nice sound, holds its tuning really well and not too expensive. An earlier post I saw had an ibanez Sr405qm. Very similar to that. But mine had a thinner neck. Nice when playing finger style cos you don't have to stretch but a bit of a nuisance when slapping due to the strings being close together so consider this when buying a 5'er. Maybe even try a cheap fender 5? that would be sweet too.
 

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