Which Mid-level active 5 string for gigging?

[Dr. Cheese]

Since you don't mind modding, get a 55-01 or a MTD Kingston.

 

[G On Bass]

+1,000 on the Lakland. 55-01 or 55-02.

Link Removed has some used ones around and he takes great care of his stuff. I am not affiliated in anyway with him or his shop, but I have bought stuff from him and he is a great dude.

Check the classifieds here as well.

 

[JonathanF]

I just got a Cort/Elrick Josh Paul 5-string the other day, $500 incl. a gig-bag. I believe you can get them for a better price in the US. They feature a 35" scale which you want, have 24 frets with great access to the upper register (Elrick's design), Hipshot hardware, a nice flamed maple top...

Only thing I might change is the electronics- it has the Bart MK-1 system (like the Lakie 55-01) and when you crank up the treble you get some hiss. Also, haven't checked the electronics cavity yet but I think it might need some shielding. Otherwise, I like the sound. I don't think I'm gonna be upgrading anytime soon...

Good luck

 

[apertes5]

IMO, the KSD-5 (ken smith's fender rip) is the best bass for the money that you can find around. A bit heavy, but it sounds great, feels great, and is very versitile. Again, for the price, it may be your best bet

 

[markkoelsch]

First, I would look at a Peavey Cirrus BXP. I had the chance to A/B it against an American Cirrus recently, and it stacked up very well. Sure, the nearly $2000 American bass had nicer wood (it was a Bubinga model), but I do not think it was $1300 or dollars nicer. The electronics are the same, and with that thay were both dead quiet. With a little tweaking in setup they would play the same. For my money, the BXP Cirrus is probably the best bass you can get for under say $1500, and is clearly better than some over that price mark. As always, your mileage may vary.

Mark

 

[Baird6869]

35" scale, active, mid-priced...sounds like a Lakland 55-01 or -02 to me.

+1. Built like a tank and relatively inexpensive used. Likely in the $500-600 range for the -01 and $700-800 for the -02. The -02 is a much better bass IMO....

 

[T. Brookins]

Alnico pickups!
Decent buffered preamp!
Blocked and bound neck!
Body size just right!
Good balance!
8 different sounds: splittable humbucker- all convincing! Awesome 70's Jazz bite!
What a great workhorse!

 

[Kirk P Brosius]

Hey mills,

Take a peek at Human Base. Their BassX.oc5 is a very cool axe. Mine's been here, in Western Colorado, for about two months and me and the boys are really liking the tone and playability!!

All of the above listed basses are good recommendations, good luck!!!

Regards, Kirk

 

[HaPpYfAcE]

I'm a Lakland guy, but I'm not sure I'd go with a 55-01 or 55-02 in your situation. Would be tragic to lose one of those to a bar fight.

just thinking about it makes me sad.

hehe. <3 my 55-02

 

[JazznFunk]

Lakland 55-01 (new) or used 55-02. You'll never need another...

 

[two fingers]

OK... I know you said no Ibanez but the BTB necks are much beefier than all the other series. I LOVE mine. I own a lot more expensive basses but it's one of my main giggers. You can find them used for around $400-$500 all day long. It has WIDE string spacing so be ready for that. I promise you won't regret it. Feel free to shoot me a PM if you have any questions. Good luck!

 

[lanceropolis]

I have a fender jazz V with the tobacco burst, flame finish and the pao ferro fretboard. It's a great bass, and I would highly recommend one.

 

[Blues Bass 2]

I was going to make a suggestion but then I noticed this thread is over 4 months old. Wonder what Millsbass got?

 

[JonathanF]

Hey mills,

Take a peek at Human Base. Their BassX.oc5 is a very cool axe. Mine's been here, in Western Colorado, for about two months and me and the boys are really liking the tone and playability!!

All of the above listed basses are good recommendations, good luck!!!

Regards, Kirk

For me that'd be more of a high-end bass, but if it's mid-range-ish in proportion to his budget, I'd say that that's the way I'd go of all the options in this thread.