What 5-String Should I Try?

[backin82]

Been playing for about 10 years. In a little bit of a music lull right now - just playing at church a couple times per month. I have a full-time (non music) career and will likely only play music on the side randomly from here on out.

My current basses are:
MiM Fender Jazz (4-string)
Cort A5 (5-string)
EBMM Stingray (4-H)

I'm looking for another 5-string to compliment my current basses. Given the style(s) I usually find myself playing, I've found fewer uses for the 'Ray these days. It was great for my 3-guitar rock band, but these days it doesn't get much love. I prefer a 5-string about 75% of the time, and will occasionally bust out one of the 4-strings depending on the setlist. I feel like I have plenty of tonal options between the 'Ray and the J, but I'd like a similar range of sounds in 5-string configuration.

So....what are some good 5-stringers to compliment my Cort? I'd probably prefer something with a bolt-on neck, and probably something passive, but I'm not limiting myself to just that setup. Price range is probably in the $1,000 - $1,500 range ($1,500+ if I sell the Stingray).

I've considered a few Lakland models, but some of them come with the exact same MK-1 pickups / pre that my Cort has. The DJ-5 looks pretty cool, and *might* sound more like my Fender (just guessing...). My best music store options are (sadly) GC and a few small shops, but none of them have nice gear really. Its super tough to find good stuff around here.

Thoughts?

 

[anavar]

1.5k budget

jeez man you have a massive list you can pick from.

Try checking out a HH 5 string stingray or sterling. ESP are putting out some really cool Jazz basses these days. they looks stunning.

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[1stnamebassist]

If you want to save a ton of cash and get a great bass check out the Sire Marcus Miller. The guy at a church I attend has one and I checked it out yesterday. Really nicely put together and sounded fantastic when he did a solo at church of all places. I'm not a 5 stringer or a jazz fan but this was really quite impressive. Its active as well as passive. Check it out!

 

[skeeler]

I'm looking for another 5-string to compliment my current basses....Price range is probably in the $1,000 - $1,500 range...

This is a bit of a left-field suggestion, but how about a BTB33? It's 33 inches and tuned EADGC, so it would certainly give you new options. They are marked at 1000 USD.

 

[MMiller28]

Why not go for something new and exciting and try a fretless? Ibanez has some attractive options for less than your max budget.

 

[MrLenny1]

Used Pedulla bolt ons can be had in that price range.
Bartolini PU's are very different from what you currently have.

 

[backin82]

This is a bit of a left-field suggestion, but how about a BTB33. It's 33 inches and tuned EADGC, so it would certainly give you new options. They are marked at 1000 USD.

Interesting. I've never done the higher string thing before, and would definitely prefer a lower extension as opposed to higher, especially given my novice abilities and typical styles of music I'm into.

 

[backin82]

Used Pedulla bolt ons can be had in that price range.
Bartolini PU's are very different from what you currently have.

My Cort has Barts, actually. Not sure if they're the same ones that typically come on the Pedullas, though. Whatever I get, I'd like it to sound much closer to my J bass rather than my Stingray.

 

[backin82]

Why not go for something new and exciting and try a fretless? Ibanez has some attractive options for less than your max budget.

Haha...not sure about that. Who knows? Maybe I'd love it. I guess I shouldn't rule out at least trying one sometime.

 

[mmbongo]

Roscoe. Step up to the next level and get a Bass you'll keep forever. They can easily be had used in your price range which is fantastic for a completely hand made in the USA instrument.

 

[P. Aaron]

I still like my Fender American Standard Precision V and my American made Deluxe DimensionV. Both are very nice. The Dimension is a bit more modern sounding if that's part of the tone you're seeking, and it still has a Fender warmth & vibe.

 

[japhy4529]

I'd check out a used Spector Euro 5LX. Great basses. Made in the Czech Republic w/ mostly US components.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

MTD KZX or AG5

 

[backin82]

keep the recommendations coming, folks! I'm compiling a great list so far......then to just track some of them down and try them out.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Only the cheapest Lakland, the 55-01, has MK-1 Barts. All of the other Skylines have USA made pickups. I am taking delivery of a DJ5 Skyline this Friday, that I played the store for months before I put it on layaway. I already know I love it.

If you don't mind waiting maybe a month for delivery, you could order a Sire V7. They $499 for alder or $599 for ash. I have played fellow TB'er, Stingray69's V7, and it is easily equal to A Fender Jazz Deluxe in build, but with a much better preamp, and superior overall electronics.

 

[backin82]

Only the cheapest Lakland, the 55-01, has MK-1 Barts. All of the other Skylines have USA made pickups. I am taking delivery of a DJ5 Skyline this Friday, that I played the store for months before I put it on layaway. I already know I love it.

If you don't mind waiting maybe a month for delivery, you could order a Sire V7. They $499 for alder or $599 for ash. I have played fellow TB'er, Stingray69's V7, and it is easily equal to A Fender Jazz Deluxe in build, but with a much better preamp, and superior overall electronics.

Just looking at photos / specs, I really like the DJ5, Sire V7, and Sadowsky j-style basses. The DJ5 has a cool factor that I can't get over. I can't explain it. The Sadowsky basses are out of my price range (maybe someday), but I love that they make a 24-fret j-bass. I know nothing about Sire guitars, but I'll keep looking at them just on the price alone.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Just looking at photos / specs, I really like the DJ5, Sire V7, and Sadowsky j-style basses. The DJ5 has a cool factor that I can't get over. I can't explain it. The Sadowsky basses are out of my price range (maybe someday), but I love that they make a 24-fret j-bass. I know nothing about Sire guitars, but I'll keep looking at them just on the price alone.

I agree with you on the DJ5's cool factor. I have almost pulled the trigger on one maybe three times, this time there is no backing out! If you like Sadowsky style basses, Skylines have similar necks in that they are a full 19mm spaced at the bridge. The biggest difference is that Skyline neck profiles are thicker while Sadowsky necks are pretty thin.

The Sire V7 sounds too be true, but they honestly play and sound like $1,500-$2,000 basses.

 

[wpc1996]

I play a ebmm stingray so I say that, or a lakland 55-01 or 02, warwick corvette standards you can find used for 700-1200 bucks, and ibanez btb basses are fantastic, and of course theres dingwall

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I play a ebmm stingray so I say that, or a lakland 55-01 or 02, warwick corvette standards you can find used for 700-1200 bucks, and ibanez btb basses are fantastic, and of course theres dingwall

I am a 55-02 fan, Dingwalls are different, but certainly worth checking out.

 

[40Hz]

I'd check out a used Spector Euro 5LX. Great basses. Made in the Czech Republic w/ mostly US components.

Agree. Can't go wrong with a Spector fiver.

Also something worth looking at might be a Spector SpectorCore if you want to try something a little different. They come in 4 and 5-string versions as well as fretted and fretless models. Lots to like. Got a chance to try one a few weeks back and I was totally blown away with the range of tones and the great neck. If I were buying another fretless right now, I'd definitely put it on my short list. The 5-strings run for around $950 street if you're buying new.

Most people demoing one of these on YT tend to crank the treble up to the hilt. But if you set it for something warmer, and use the piezo to roll in just a little hint of frission, I think it would be ideal in a church or worship service role. This guy (below) has it set closer to the way I like it for this type of bass - and shows where I think this bass really shines sonically. Pop a set of LaBella Copper White Nylons on it and it would be the last word for anything even remotely near its price range. Check it out...