Which 5 string for $1000?

[Johnny Morales]

I play mostly hard rock and funk - I don't currently own a bass - I'm a guitar player and previously had a MIA Jazz Bass and a Stingray but sold them both.

Might be playing bass with a group of friends so I wanted to pick up a new bass.

Which one of these 5 strings are best for $1000. Another alternative would be just getting a MIM Fender and using that in case the band doesn't materialize (less cash out of pocket).

1) New MIA Jazz 5 for $975
2) Carvin Bunny Brunel ~$950
3) Lakland 55-01 - $700
4) Other (need to keep it well under $1000 if possible)

 

[MichaelJordan]

Schecter Stiletto Custom 5... and its only $550 or so

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Baird6869]

Used Lakland 55-02, Stingray 5 or MIA Jazz. All 3 are in the 700-1000 range used.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

I'd go with the Jazz 5 given the choices you give, however I would also add a used StingRay 5 to your list of potentials.

 

[stuonbass]

Of those you listed, I would go for the Jazz for a funk vibe. I own both Jazz bass and 55-01 and I would pick up the jazz for funk over the Lakland every time.

 

[fokof]

You'll have a lot more for the 1000 with the Carvin....

What would be you color/wood options/ etc.. with the other ones ?

 

[WRXbase]

If you have to go new, I'd go with a Ibanez BTB 5-stringer. Solid construction, 35" scale, versatile tone.

Used? Options are only limited by how much time you're willing to look.

 

[Bobby King]

I recently bought a used (Japanese made) Yamaha TRB5 for under $500 and it's a great bass. These were over $2000 new, Some of the Yamaha stuff is seriously undervalued, IMO.

The new American Standard 5 string Jazzes are good. Some of the older ones are so-so.

The Skyline Laklands can be decent, but some are better than others. Try before you buy.

 

[waynobass]

Lakland.

Laklands are far more consistent than Fenders. Plus, the Lakland is more versatile; more tone combinations.

 

[Phantasm]

I'd suggest looking for a used 55-02, especially if you can find one with the bartolini setup.

 

[NineSpine]

Used or Tribute G&L L-2500

 

[Dr. Cheese]

In terms of new basses, American Standard Jazz Vs are very, very nice instruments that come with excellent cases also. It offers classic looks and classic tone. It is also extremely well made. I know I absolutely love mine.

 

[LDonnie]

+1 on Music Man and G&L basses.

 

[allexcosta]

Used Lakland DJ5

 

[scottice]

Used Ibanez SR-905 maybe?

New SR755
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6384545

Good thread on Ibanex 5 string models here from last year:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6384545

 

[Dom Phenom]

Dingwall Combustion maybe?

 

[G On Bass]

Without question a used Lakland 55-02. Active/Passive with P/J and MM sounds (or close approximations) built in.

 

[Double Agent]

IMO, the MIA Jazz will work best for the styles you listed and bunch of other styles as well. When in doubt, you know a Fender will do the job pretty much every time.

 

[dave64o]

I'd go with the Jazz 5 given the choices you give, however I would also add a used StingRay 5 to your list of potentials.

I own a Jazz V (Deluxe actually, so it's not quite what you're looking at) and still own one of the two Stingrays I've had. Those were my thoughts exactly.

I also had a 55-02 with the Bartolini's and tonally it was easily the most versatile bass I've ever owned. The conventional wisdom seems to say that the Bartolini electronics are "too polite" but I was always able to get enough aggressiveness to suit me. I never played one with the newer Lakland electronics but from what I've read here a 55-02 with those may also be a good fit for you.

 

[Johnny Morales]

What about the lower level Ibanez's? Any good?