What medium-low cost 5 string has the tightest B string?

[AmpliFuzz]

Hi all. 1st post here. This place rocks

I'm thinking about switching to a 5 string, and I'd like to know if there's some consensus about who's got the tightest B in the moderately priced (1000 and downwards, or some better stuff that can be found used at good prices) production models area.

Thx,
AF

 

[The Penguin]

The bass with a 130 DR lo rider will be the tightest

I think the string matters more than the bass for tension.

 

[fcoda]

Stingray , all Lakland Skyline models , KSD , newer Fender Jazz and P Deluxe with 4 over 1 tuning. You really need to try them for yourself as the string spacing will vary.

 

[The Codfather]

I use a Yamaha RBX765A (I think the RBX775 is the current equivalent?) strung with D'addario XL's and the "B" string is lovely and tight, much more so than it was when the same bass was strung with Ernie Ball Slinkys.

So I'd agree with The Penguin, strings definitely do matter in the case.

 

[AmpliFuzz]

The bass with a 130 DR lo rider will be the tightest

I think the string matters more than the bass for tension.

Yes. But don't interpret 'tightest' literally

There's a lot of talk on the forum about the dreaded flabby B, and how it seems to depend on the bass' construction too, not just the string gauge.

 

[Machines]

My RBX775 isn't bad at all - I've tried better but only on £1000+ basses.

 

[Pickebass]

KSDs are good choices, as well as some of the Schecter models. In particular the california customs (do they make these anymore??)

 

[rhp335]

I went through that same decision making process last year and although I couldn't actually try all the basses I wanted to, I liked the response on a Spector ReBop the best. It's a 35" scale and just seemed to be the best sounding of the 5's I was able to preview. It's been my primary gigging bass since I found it.

Having said that my Warwick Corvette 5str has a pretty good sounding B, and it's a 34".

 

[lug]

Best bet would probably be one of the Ibanez BTB's in that price range.

 

[Michael Jewels]

Best bet would probably be one of the Ibanez BTB's in that price range.

I agree.

I have a 1205E, which has a killer B string, but I've heard the 555 series have a B which is just as good. $699.99 www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-BTB555MP-Electric-5String-Bass?sku=515086

Mike

 

[allenhumble]

Stingray , all Lakland Skyline models , KSD , newer Fender Jazz and P Deluxe with 4 over 1 tuning. You really need to try them for yourself as the string spacing will vary.

+1 on the Lakland Skylines. I have a 55-01 that I picked up new for less then 700.00 you can get the 5502 for less then a grand. Very solid B string.

 

[MakiSupaStar]

Warwick Corvette 5 string standard. This is a great bass that you can find used for under 1k. Check out the made in Korea ones too. Usually they have pretty good quality at a real value.

Carvin LB75 - I picked this up new for around 800 bucks. Great buy. Good tone and has features that you often find on more expensive guitars. Neck-thru body etc. Not so great on the resale, but I'll never sell her.

 

[BartmanPDX]

+1 on the Lakland Skylines. I have a 55-01 that I picked up new for less then 700.00 you can get the 5502 for less then a grand. Very solid B string.

+1. All the Laklands I have played have had a very solid neck joint, and all the 5-string Skylines have graphite bars. Combined with a 35" scale, they've all had very tight B strings.

Strings DO make a difference, BTW.

 

[scuba steve]

i think the cort curbow i play from time to time has a pretty good low b string, imo.

 

[The Crimson Eye]

Where do you guys see Lakland 55-02s for under a grand? I'm currently in the market for one but can't seem to find them for under $1200.

I'll second Schecters, from the ones I have tried they have a very solid sound. But you have to bear in mind that "low-medium cost" is fairly subjective as someones budget that allows them to get multiple customs a $700 will be considered cheap.

 

[yellofury]

try before you buy
alot of people has said that the Spector 5s have a tight B
but I still thought the B on my 5 was kinda floppy and useless the first 3 frets......still all basses are not the same even by the same company

 

[needmoney]

Lakland 55-01. Solid.

 

[Figjam]

Lakland 55-01 with a ernie ball power slinkies.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Carvin LB75 - I picked this up new for around 800 bucks. Great buy. Good tone and has features that you often find on more expensive guitars. Neck-thru body etc. Not so great on the resale, but I'll never sell her.

Really? I own three of the Carvin four-strings (LB70 model), and have demoed the LB75 on my occasional visits to Southern California, but have always found the B string too flabby for my liking. Since I've rarely played any B string that was as tight as I'd like it, I've been wondering if I'm just not a five-string kind of player...

MM

 

[fcoda]

Used Skyline 5502s can be found for under 1000 -