Which 5 String Jazz Should I Get?

[jmattbassplaya]

Hey guys,

So between my tax return, yearly bonus, personal savings, and money earned from selling gear I have a little change in my pocket going jingle-ling-aling. I've grown to really like the tones of jazz basses, and I'm soon going to be in need of a new 5-string.

I was wondering which 5 string jazzes people suggest. I do think I'd prefer an active bass, and I like basses that can have low action on a relatively flat fingerboard. 35" or 34" are fine.

Price range: upwards of 2k and I don't mind buying used.

Thanks!

 

[kittywithabanjo]

Check out the performance jazz basses fantastic value

 

[pedroims]

I am very happy with my DJ5, low action in a great neck, weight is also good at 9.2. I run mine with a tone hammer but you can always add a j retro onboard.

Another option I will look at is a used Sadowsky but I must confess that I have never tried a 5 so I dont know how the neck feels.

Good luck and looking forward for your NBD thread

 

[chris_b]

Lots of fantastic basses out there to try.

I settled on Lakland and Lull.

IMO you can't beat those guys.

 

[hondo4life]

I happen to love my SX fretless 5 string jazz. It has been a great neck and body on which to add the parts I want.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

As long you like it, you can't go wrong. How much do you want to spend?

 

[jmattbassplaya]

As long you like it, you can't go wrong. How much do you want to spend?

Upwards of 2k, though I could do a hair more. Sadowsky basses somewhat have my attention as I have never owned one before.

 

[Dark Horse]

I'd probably look for a used Sadowsky

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Upwards of 2k, though I could do a hair more. Sadowsky basses somewhat have my attention as I have never owned one before.

If you can spend $2,000-$2,200, you will have your choice of plum used Sadowskys. Good luck in your search!

 

[Jim Carr]

In the ~$1500 range, look for a used Valenti Jazz 5-string with a 35" scale and either a Sadowsky onboard pre, or Aguilar pre.

On the other hand, a Modern Valenti Jazz body, but with Sadowsky soap bars, Sadowsky preamp, and 35" scale is my current #1 for modern urban R&B, Gospel, GoGo, Reggae, etc. Such a big booty—but in a good way! Again, in the ~$1500 range used.

 

[Bassworship1]

Bacchus Woodline 24DX basses are some of the best bass you will find.

 

[jmattbassplaya]

In the ~$1500 range, look for a used Valenti Jazz 5-string with a 35" scale and either a Sadowsky onboard pre, or Aguilar pre.

On the other hand, a Modern Valenti Jazz body, but with Sadowsky soap bars, Sadowsky preamp, and 35" scale is my current #1 for modern urban R&B, Gospel, GoGo, Reggae, etc. Such a big booty—but in a good way! Again, in the ~$1500 range used.

I have a Sadowsky pre in my Modulus Funk4 that is to die for!

 

[Big Hoss]

I'm out as all my suggestions would be passives...

 

[Burwabit]

Upwards of 2k, though I could do a hair more. Sadowsky basses somewhat have my attention as I have never owned one before.

I would follow your inkling here. I did and have been more than impressed. IMO, a lightweight used Metro is the best available instrument under 2K.

 

[Dave W]

I'd be looking at Lull, Lakland, and Sadowsky.

 

[MoeTown1986]

I happen to love my SX fretless 5 string jazz. It has been a great neck and body on which to add the parts I want.

Why would he buy a Geo Metro with a BMW M3 budget??

 

[MoeTown1986]

I just purchased a Fender American Jazz Deluxe V and love it. I was looking into sadowskys, laklands, lulls, M-basses, Nordys, ect. but finally just decided to stick with the original. I haven't regretted my decision. I did swap out the pickups for SJ5's and the preamp for an Audere and man, does this thing growl.

 

[hondo4life]

Why would he buy a Geo Metro with a BMW M3 budget??

Because it's not a Geo Metro, it's a Miata.

 

[MoeTown1986]

Because it's not a Geo Metro, it's a Miata.

Lol fair enough

 

[AngelCrusher]

Active or Passive and vintage or modern tone?