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Upgrading to 5-string

M

Mr Yumz Yumz

Mar 15, 2012
2
0
#1
Hi, just joined the forums, seems like a great place!
I've decided to get a 5-string bass, but my budget is only $300. I've been looking, and the Ibanez Gio GSR205FM and the Schecter Guitar Research Riot Deluxe 5 seem like pretty good basses for their price, and I was wondering if anybody has used them and your opinion on them. I'm also open for suggestions, as it stays around the $300 budget :)

EDIT: Forgot to mention, the music I mostly play is hard rock/metal
 
#2
Look around for used gear first - that way you can get more for your money and not get stuck with a piece of crap that you get frustrated with in a week. Some of the MTD Kingston stuff can still be found @ $350.00 ish and they feel great!
 
#3
+1 for used stuff esp basses where they are selling to upgrade.................You can get good used 5 string for under $500 for sure............Take your time and see what gc,samash and the other mega stores have in their used dept. , also CL might turn up something good ...good luck ....:cool:
 
#4
Welcome to the forum! Ijuse thought I'd say that the switch to a 5string is not an upgrade, especially a $300 one. 5 strings are different not better. I find a 4 better for most things; and yes I have both.
if you want an inexpensive 5, consider a Yamaha BB425. Good luck!
 
#6
Alright, I took your advice and looked around for used basses. I found an Ibanez SR405 for a good price, and the reviews seemed pretty positive, I'd just like to know if you guys have any opinions on it before I decide to buy it.
 
#7
Ibanez makes some pretty decent stuff if you're on a budget. However,
I would also check out the Yamaha BB stuff too. At $300 level, used would
be the best option to getting a better bass for less money. If you want new,
save up a few more coins and get something better. My first 5 was an Ibanez,
sounded good, neck felt good, just the string spacing way too narrow.

Good luck!
 
#9
If you get the SR405, play it a bit first and make sure the neck is adjusted well, without any obvious buzzes. The Ibbys are great playing basses, but the necks are a little twitchy, and like to move around. Change the strings one at a time, if you can manage it, so as to leave the neck mostly tensioned to minimize movement.

A Used Dean Edge 5 is also a great bass for the money.
 
#10
:cool:

Look around for used gear.
$300.00 is not a lot of money to get a good playing bass.
If your going to jump to 5-string, make sure your getting a bass that plays well and is set up.
If it was me I would save more money before I jump to 5-string and get a better quality bass. (At least $900.00)
In the long run you will benefit from this, and make your 5-string experence better.
 
#13
I would definitely go with the schecter. Amazingly sounding and very nicely built basses for a very affordable price.

Can be very nice and fun to play if set up just right. I have a stiletto custom 5 and it plays like a dream. I wouldnt be suprised if the one your looking at did too.

What can i say? Its schecter.
 
#15
Hi Yumz, welcome to the forum.
Everyone will have their favorite, but it depends on what you what.
34" or 35", 19mm string spacing or tighter, active or passive.
For me, I was recently looking for an inexpensive backup 5-string, but it had to be 34, passive, and wide string spacing. I got a Squier Affinity 5, very nice for the price so far.
I used to have an Ibanez BTB that was awesome; one of the older, less expensive ones should fit your budget.
 
#16
There are tons of excellent used basses for under $300. More money often just buys something more trendy.

I have 3 excellent pro level 5 string basses from Peavey, Yamaha and Fernandes that cost $200 or $250.

floatingaxe is on the right track, decide what features you want. Then we can probably recommend a specific model. Even better find a handful of models you like and then cruise the for sale section to see what's in season. If you don't know then look for something that's selling a bit under market and if it turns out to not be to your liking you can get your money back and try again.
 
#18
grooveunit said:
The Ibbys are great playing basses, but the necks are a little twitchy, and like to move around.
Click to expand...


This hasn't been my experience - I've probably owned close to a dozen Ibbys, and other than an sr535, every one of them had very stable necks... The sr905 I currently have has a fantastic neck - fast, great fretwork, and extremely stable...


- georgestrings
 
#19
If I were shopping for a 5er, and had $300 or so - I'd look for an sr505 for 34", and either a Spector Legend or Schecter Stilleto for a 35"... Also, Peaveys can be a bargain on the used market - definitely go used, though...


- georgestrings
 

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