What 5-String Should I Try?

[backin82]

The EBMM SR5 and Sterling 5 are different enough from the Stingray 4 that I would give them some serious thought. They can get a similar sound to what you're used to, but with the 3-way switch and a little EQ, they can do a lot more, IMO. I'm less a fan of the HH/HS versions of those, but those are very nice, too.

Another serious contender, and one of my personal favorites, is the EBMM Bongo 5. I have an HH, but I wouldn't mind an HS. Or better (for me), a fretless HS w/Piezo. Sure, they can do a "Stingray-esque" vibe, but they definitely don't stop there (or even start there, really). Very versatile, and far warmer than I first imagined it would be before I tried one. With everything flat, it sounds warm and clear - very supportive, and a great fit in rock/pop/country/blues scenarios. The 4-band EQ can do just about anything, though. I often get a pretty close "Pbass" approximation with the front pickup and some EQ adjustments. Close enough for rock'n roll, anyway. If I need closer, I pull out my Pbass. Of course, if you're after a Jazz bass, the Bongo isn't gonna do it, but it's very usable bass with an excellent feel and nearly perfect balance and great tone, with a B-string as good as anything out there.

Right behind, or maybe parallel to the Bongo, is a G&L L2500 with the "K-switch" option (single coils). That is an altogether different animal, but fabulous quality, fit, finish, and TONE. G&L also offers the M2500, with slightly more modern pickups and a more conventional 3band EQ. Since you're also interested in a Jazz 5, they have the MJ5, which is basically the same bass as the M2500 with a Jazz-style pickup. Not single coil, but a linear 'bucker like Sadowsky and others use.

I've played a Bongo and didn't care for it too much. It could have been the amp / cab I was playing through at the time, but something about the Bongo didn't really work for me. Is the string spacing tight or something? I can't remember what it was specifically, but the ergonomics weren't my favorite either. Of course, that was probably 5 or more years ago since I've played one.

 

[40Hz]

What impact does the scale have? Does it create longer distance between frets?

Yes.

It's a slight difference in the case of a 35" scale. But many players can feel it in the lower positions and some find it uncomfortable. So it's something to be aware of if you're considering buying one.

 

[backin82]

Yes.

It's slight in yhe case of 35"

I'm probably not a fine-tuned enough player to notice much! I have wide hands and long fingers, so anything with larger frets / string spacing is sometimes better.

 

[40Hz]

I'm probably not a fine-tuned enough player to notice much! I have wide hands and long fingers, so anything with larger frets / string spacing is sometimes better.

You'll only know if you try one. It doesn't bother me very much, and my hands are pretty average sized from what I've seen. Still, at the end of a few hours, I can feel it if I've only been playing my 35" 5-string. But I'm sure some if it is because my main bass is a standard scale 4-string. If I put in more time stretching to play that extra scale length and reaching over for that low-B string, that would probably cure it for me.

You can get used to almost anything if you put the time in to acclimate. Just be careful not to injure yourself in the process.

 

[FrenchBassQC]

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.

Also look at the used market for either a Mike Lull or a Valenti, they're showing quite a lot here.

 

[bassyogi]

Have you looked at Bacchus yet? They seems to get a fair amount of love on here. There is a place up in Canada that sells them. Given the current exchange rate, you get alot of bang for your buck. I think the website is vsnguitars.com maybe. I think the owner is on talkbass too... Ned maybe?

 

[40Hz]

Funny thing about a 5-string...

About half the players I've seen that use one do one of two things: They either spend so much time playing with a heavy hand down on that low string that all you can hear is this low rumble and hardly any actual notes - or - they play it exactly like a 4-string and pretty much only use the 5th string as a glorified thumb rest.

And let's not even get into proper string muting if you're talking about these guys...

I mean seriously, what's the point of playing a fiver if you're not going to do it in such a manner as to benefit from what one of these basses can bring to the table?

I swear that 2 out of 5 people who have a 5-string bass slung around their necks mostly only got one because they thought it looked cool.

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I'm tempted to tell them: If you're gonna play a fiver, play it AS a fiver! That extra string and longer scale wasn't put there for cosmetics!

Different tools call for different techniques. And maybe different talents as well.

Or so I think at least. (And I could be wrong. )

 

[5stringDNA]

One of the nicest things about a 5'r is that you have more flexibility with your hand positions. I play mostly 5's 95% for hand positions and about 5% for the range. I like playing closer to the 5th fret and not using a lot of open strings. I have a low-B and high-C tuned 5, in addition to a 6 now. All mostly for hand position and scale pattern playing without open strings.

 

[backin82]

Funny thing about a 5-string...

About half the players I've seen that use one do one of two things: They either spend so much time playing with a heavy hand down on that low string that all you can hear is this low rumble and hardly any actual notes - or - they play it exactly like a 4-string and pretty much only use the 5th string as a glorified thumb rest.

And let's not even get into proper string muting if you're talking about these guys...

I mean seriously, what's the point of playing a fiver if you're not going to do it in such a manner as to benefit from what one of these basses can bring to the table?

I swear that 2 out of 5 people who have a 5-string bass slung around their necks mostly only got one because they thought it looked cool.

Maybe it's just me, but sometimes I'm tempted to tell them: If you're gonna play a fiver, play it AS a fiver! That extra string and longer scale wasn't put there for cosmetics!

Different tools call for different techniques. And maybe different talents as well.

Or so I think at least. (And I could be wrong. )

I use it for the following reasons:
1a: It allows me to play certain lines without moving up and down the neck as much.
1b: It allows me to get a low B, C, or D when needed (and I use this a LOT at church).

2: Good thumb rest during some songs.

Not sure how other people use their low B string, and really don't care. To each their own!

 

[dgrizzly]

Lakland Skyline 5502. You can solo the MM pickup or split it to get a jazz bass tone. Super versatile, great B string and extra comfortable neck. Best bass I ever bought ($850 used).

 

[40Hz]

I use it for the following reasons:
1a: It allows me to play certain lines without moving up and down the neck as much.
1b: It allows me to get a low B, C, or D when needed (and I use this a LOT at church).

2: Good thumb rest during some songs.

Not sure how other people use their low B string, and really don't care. To each their own!

Well...what can I say to that? But that's me. Always trying to make the world a better place. You know the type.

 

[scowboy]

It makes playing in Eb a breeze!

On the 35" scale topic. I have found that I notice after a few hours of playing. It's a fatigue thing for me. I can do it for a while then my hand really starts to protest. Sonically I know people say they sound better I don't hear it. I get more benefit and sustain from a tapered B string than anything.

And yes it's 95% position and 5% the extra low notes. I never hang on anything below a D except for the occasional accent. We played a few songs in B over the weekend and I found myself ending songs on an open B a few times ... it's dramatic

 

[JonW]

If I were looking for something a little different from the normal Fenders and MM's in a 5 string (and maybe I will some day)... I'd look at a Warwick fretless of some sort. Have not tried one yet. But I'd like to. Seems to be different enough from the usual to warrant a look.

 

[Rapisme]

The FBB custom medium scale 5 string I'll have listed in the next couple of weeks!

 

[backin82]

It makes playing in Eb a breeze!

On the 35" scale topic. I have found that I notice after a few hours of playing. It's a fatigue thing for me. I can do it for a while then my hand really starts to protest. Sonically I know people say they sound better I don't hear it. I get more benefit and sustain from a tapered B string than anything.

And yes it's 95% position and 5% the extra low notes. I never hang on anything below a D except for the occasional accent. We played a few songs in B over the weekend and I found myself ending songs on an open B a few times ... it's dramatic

Great post! Depending on the band / style, I've recently started playing a 4-string in drop D when the low D is a prominent note in the song.

 

[backin82]

Lakland Skyline 5502. You can solo the MM pickup or split it to get a jazz bass tone. Super versatile, great B string and extra comfortable neck. Best bass I ever bought ($850 used).

I've never played a MM-J layout. I've seen a lot of them in this search, though. Guess I need to play one and see what I think.

 

[basspraiser]

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.

Congrats Doc!!!

Knew you could not stay away for long!

To the OP..the 5502 is an extremely versatile bass... It is active but... Very good for almost all types of music... Great for a church gig.

If you must have passive a DJ5 or 5564 (p bass) would be a great choice.

 

[basspraiser]

Yes.

It's a slight difference in the case of a 35" scale. But many players can feel it in the lower positions and some find it uncomfortable. So it's something to be aware of if you're considering buying one.

Lakland is 35" but they move the bridge so the difference is not really that big...

Also... One of the beauties of a fiver is NOT having to go to the lower position to get the F or G

Granted an F on the E string did have a bit more grind than on the B... But the tone is the same

 

[DwaynieAD]

My MiM fender jazz V was the only five string I didn't get rid of.

 

[sonicblue62]

Yamaha BB425X. Passive, way under your budget, and I swear it is the best 5 string I have ever owned.