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What Is a Good 5 String Bass For Smooth Jazz?

#104
Gee Phil said:
Hello All,

I've been listening to a lot of today's smooth jazz and I've noticed they use a lot of 5 string basses.
Does anyone have a suggestion on what would be a good 5 string bass for jazz/smooth jazz?
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Pretty much any bass you like to play will work for smooth jazz as long as the leader is cool with it. I used my Zon Legacy Standard fretless 5 as my main gigging bass for several years, played it like a fretted bass when that's what I wanted (including slapping), cut it loose as a fretless when that's what I wanted. Sometimes a combination of both. You don't have to use what others use unless maybe you're trying to sound identical to another player's tone. That's another story.

Here's something I've found to be generally true... if you find a bass that you really like to play AND you can play, you'll sound good. Could be a $250 import or a $25k boutique. The converse is also true. If you don't like playing a bass or haven't gotten yourself up to speed the results may not be pretty. Just find a bass you like and keep it moving.
 
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#106
Gee Phil said:
Gentlemen,

I didn't mean to open up a can of worms or is that a barrel of serpents on the subject of smooth jazz or jazz in general.
I just needed some info on 5 string basses for smooth jazz.
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It's all good; we're just having fun with your thread, sorry ;^)

What Brad said is truth. Find an instrument you like to play within your budget and you will be all good. I lived and worked in ABQ for most of 2012 and 2013. Listened to the smooth jazz station there ALL the time. Pretty sure Grandma's would have a 5 that would float your boat. GL
 
#109
AngelCrusher said:
Curious what you are leaning towards now that you have a bunch of suggestions.

I think a used bass towards the top of your range could yield the best results.
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I agree that used could get you a killer bass like a Peavey Cirrus, high end Ibanez, G&L L-2500, etc. Probably the lowest priced new option would be a Sire V7, but those are online order only, and the supply is not constant.
 
#110
Dr. Cheese said:
I agree that used could get you a killer bass like a Peavey Cirrus, high end Ibanez, G&L L-2500, etc. Probably the lowest priced new option would be a Sire V7, but those are online order only, and the supply is not constant.
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Cirrus is a very very solid option. I'm warming up on 5 string one now. I do prefer my Lakland J with a Preamp, especially for smooth stuff. A jazz bass into an outboard pre is super versatile. But the cirrus has serious mids, which is awesome. Its what got me looking at Ken Smiths and other Boutique J's. I wanted something in the middle of these two basses.

Also found I prefer a 34 inch scale if I have a choice . Mainly due to string tension. For years I played in lower tunings for work I was doing and now that I am in standard, I still prefer a lower tension feel.
 
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#111
Hopi76 said:
When I picture smooth jazz bassist, I typically picture either a custom or boutique J inspired bass, or a higher-end Ibanez or Yamaha with soapbar humbuckers and, mid scoopable preamp.
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Yep. Although I tend to think more in terms of soapbar pickups than J-style pickups, a high-quality J works as well. Either way, a high-quality, super-quiet onboard preamp is a must. IMO, smooth jazz is all about the refined, active sound.

A few other makes/models that would fit right in are:

1) Peavey Cirrus 5
2) MTD 535
3) G&L M2500

Hopi76 said:
Personally, I think it's one of the best genres for bass, and the most fun to play.
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I agree. Though I much prefer to play it than to listen to it. ;)

MM
 
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#112
AngelCrusher said:
Cirrus is a very very solid option. I'm warming up on 5 string one now. I do prefer my Lakland J with a Preamp, especially for smooth stuff. A jazz bass into an outboard pre is super versatile. But the cirrus has serious mids, which is awesome. Its what got me looking at Ken Smiths and other Boutique J's. I wanted something in the middle of these two basses.

Also found I prefer a 34 inch scale if I have a choice . Mainly due to string tension. For years I played in lower tunings for work I was doing and now that I am in standard, I still prefer a lower tension feel.
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I know what you mean because I keep my Cirrus four destuned a whole step.
 
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#113
Dr. Cheese said:
I know what you mean because I keep my Cirrus four destined a whole step.
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Interesting. Yeah it is TIGHT right now. When I switch to the Lakland (which is a 35 too), the difference is dramatic. 24 frets and a 35 inch scale is...a great bass for metal. Lol, but that type of tension is excellent for downtuning, but can be demanding at standard - at least to me. I am pretty dynamic with my right hand.
 
#114
AngelCrusher said:
Interesting. Yeah it is TIGHT right now. When I switch to the Lakland (which is a 35 too), the difference is dramatic. 24 frets and a 35 inch scale is...a great bass for metal. Lol, but that type of tension is excellent for downtuning, but can be demanding at standard - at least to me. I am pretty dynamic with my right hand.
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All jokes aside, a detuned Cirrus is almost perfect for metal. You can detune to C and still hit the high notes of a Fender in standard tuning will acceptable string tension. 35" scale is perfect for detuning.
 
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#116
Bucephylus, you lived in ABQ for a year?
Yes the OASIS is a pretty good smooth jazz station.
There were two other stations before that one at one time.
I've talked to Steve Hill at Grandma's a few times and bought a couple items from him.
They have some nice basses there.
I'll go back and see what could be worked out.

Hey AngelCrusher,
In reference to what I'm leaning toward considering my current financial situation:
Low End would be a Sire Marcus Miller V7 5 string
Up from there: MTD, Used Cirrus, Ibanez, Warwick Rockbass Corvette.

You guys are OK in my book, all of you.
Thanks for sure,
Phil
 
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#118
"I agree. Though I much prefer to play it than to listen to it. ;)"

so true
also from what I know of the G&L m2500 that would be a good choice -- capable of a refined polite clean tone and as growly as you want to be under other circumstances
 
#119
Dr. Cheese said:
Not exactly smooth jazz in my opinion either. Smooth Jazz in my mind is very commercial and radio friendly. It is quality music, but it is the kind of music that works well as background music for cocktail parties.
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The only smooth jazz concert I ever went to was the Rippingtons, Tom Scott, and Tuck and Patty about 20 years ago. The main thing I remember it was and is the only concert where the audience was talking through the entire concert. It was like nobody was there to listen to the music, everybody around me was yapping away through every set to the point I had to get up and find a quite place to stand so I could hear the music! I believe Kim Stone of the Rippingtons was playing a Tobias. Jim
 
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