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What bass would you buy?

npbassman

npbassman

Apr 25, 2002
594
874
Indy
#1
OK let's play a game! You have $1500 to spend on a new 5-string bass. ($2,000 if you really fall in love with something). You play everything from classic rock, disco, 80's hair stuff to what's on the radio today and have used a Modulus Q5 as your go-to bass during 5 years of gigging. That's what feels like home but you're looking for a little more warmth while still retaining that strong, clear low B.

I've been kinda looking at the Carvin SB5000 but what would you buy?

Thanks for reading! Mike
 
#5
The Q5 Imo is one of the top 5 bangers ever made. If it were me I'd consider trying other strings, flats, and/or changing out the pickups before I'd drop serious money on a new bass.
My '91 Q5 is stock with the EMG's and I've had no problem dialing in the tone I want between the onboard controls and eq on any of my amps. A lot of guys don't like the EMG's but I like 'em just fine.
 
#10
I have a number of recommendations... If you like the graphite sound, you could get a Moses neck on a Warmoth 5 string Jazz body with whatever pickups and preamp. G&L M2500 or L2500 is always a solid choice. Musicman Bongo is a solid choice though, if it were me, I'd go with the Stealth line for the ebony fingerboard. Reverend Mercalli 5 is a bit below your price range, but I feel they'd be worth checking out. Lakland Skyline is another noteworthy design for their versatility (5505 or the 5 sting jazz). If you're willing to go used you could always get a used Modulus, US Lakland and many other great designs in that price range.
 
#13
Lakland, used. Maybe a decent Fender Jazz. No P-Bass,not versatile enough.
The market is saturated with really good used gear for a fraction of the cost of new.
i.e. My local CL recently had every Eden amp & cab made listed on there all for 1/2 the price of new.
Have fun shopping.
 
#17
Brand new Lakland 55-02 as another TB member suggested.

ImageUploadedByTalkBass1389364386.996912.jpg

For 2k you can do a few more upgrades.
 
#18
there was a thread about Lakland custom builds at 34 inch scale and eventually moving them into production. If I was OP I'd look into that.

But for me, I like what Joseph Zon produces. Might be possible to find a used USA Zon in that range.
 
#19
american standard precision.

no need to have anything else since that's what i play. a lot of people are almost pornographic about their tastes but my life is simple.

edit: balls to it, give me 2 MIM for that price and i'll pull the frets out of one of them. then i'll put the $500 in change towards a new amp.
 

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