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Why are 5-string P-basses so rare?
- Thread starter Riff Ranger
- Start date
A 5 string Precision Bass is kinda like a 7 string Telecaster. Adding that extra string kinda kills the minimalist appeal these instruments have for so many.
My P5 is in the block...
It was a tough decision, but I recently picked up a new (used) 5 String. The more I post about it, the more I want to hold on to it!
For Sale - Fender Precision 5 String Standard with Upgrade!
It was a tough decision, but I recently picked up a new (used) 5 String. The more I post about it, the more I want to hold on to it!
For Sale - Fender Precision 5 String Standard with Upgrade!
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It is pretty slick - looks great playing live, the pick guard blends right in with the body and you get this reflective flat black look! I have a Modulus Q5 heading my way! Can't handle both guitars....not cool enough.
I bought one of the Squier 5-string P Basses.
Aside from a wider neck and the extra key, it's (to me) remarkably like a P Bass with an extra string, it feels and sounds exactly like a Precision Bass, which frankly amazes me. I thought it would be far more different in character by adding the wider pickup and extra string, but it really feels and sounds like a plain old Precision . . . . that goes a bit deeper when asked. The neck's a bit rounder and fatter than my preferred flatter shape, but no real concern.
These have become a minor sensation, and if you're thinking about a P5, if you get a rare chance at a used one (guys are REALLY hanging on to them), I heartily recommend them.
Aside from a wider neck and the extra key, it's (to me) remarkably like a P Bass with an extra string, it feels and sounds exactly like a Precision Bass, which frankly amazes me. I thought it would be far more different in character by adding the wider pickup and extra string, but it really feels and sounds like a plain old Precision . . . . that goes a bit deeper when asked. The neck's a bit rounder and fatter than my preferred flatter shape, but no real concern.
These have become a minor sensation, and if you're thinking about a P5, if you get a rare chance at a used one (guys are REALLY hanging on to them), I heartily recommend them.
Oh, I got one. I love it so much, I had to get a four-string Fender to match!
And I agree; it feels remarkably similar to a four-string, but then again, I have played four- and five-strings almost from the beginning, so I've never noticed the difference as much as those who came to five-strings later.
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I think there's two things at work when it comes to the 5-string Precisions (whether you ponied up for the Cali-made Fender, or the remarkably close Squier version):
I think it just may be too ingrained that a Precision is the classic, Swiss Army Knife, FOUR string bass, and guys figure (like I did) that surely you'd lose that adding the fifth string. Guess what, you don't.
And also, I think somehow guys think a five-string, in these days of exotic woods, electronics, and hardware, just can't work in that simple format of a single passive pickup and two knobs. In this setting, I'm not sure that the elegant simplicity of a Precision may not work against it. I look at it the other way: I love my active basses and all the folderol of modern builds, but on the other hand, there's no battery, no three band EQ to get lost in, etc., it just gets out of the way and you just play.
I think it just may be too ingrained that a Precision is the classic, Swiss Army Knife, FOUR string bass, and guys figure (like I did) that surely you'd lose that adding the fifth string. Guess what, you don't.
And also, I think somehow guys think a five-string, in these days of exotic woods, electronics, and hardware, just can't work in that simple format of a single passive pickup and two knobs. In this setting, I'm not sure that the elegant simplicity of a Precision may not work against it. I look at it the other way: I love my active basses and all the folderol of modern builds, but on the other hand, there's no battery, no three band EQ to get lost in, etc., it just gets out of the way and you just play.
I think this is true. OF course the minimalist thing does not appeal to me, so I've got a Squire (after Mods) PJ That is exactly what I want. A NOS Fender 5 string split pickup that as far as I can dell does not sound different from a 4 sting pickup (and I might add that while I wonder how a 3-2 set can have both sides balanced, mysteriously, it does) And also has an Ultrajazz hum cancelling pickup so you don't have any single coil hum from J pickup. Has that nice wide P-type neck that I just love. I really can't figure out why Fender doesn't make these things even in Squier. Of course Fender does make a P fiver for some coin, but Sire makes a PJ sort of like mine for much less.
Here’s my Fender American Professional P5.
The bridge and tuners are Hipshot and I replaced the stock mint pickguard with plain white.
I added a string retainer on the B string.
I also got a thicker B. This helped a lot.
It’s my only bass so I use it for everything.
I like the simplicity of one pickup. I like the classic look and sound of a Fender P.
On the other hand, the B string lets me play more modern music. The high mass bridge is more of a modern touch. The stock V Mod pickups where one of the reasons I went with the American Professional and they also have more of a modern sound.
I agree that I’m a small market, but it works for me.
I may eventually get a matching 4 string down the road, but this one is all I really NEED.
@Aaron Houts One Bass (and pickup) To Rule Them All.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Fender is the domain of 4 string basses ...
They make a few 5 string basses
no 6 string … unless you count the short scale bass VI
No 8 string basses
No 12 string basses
They make a few 5 string basses
no 6 string … unless you count the short scale bass VI
No 8 string basses
No 12 string basses
Looking back at this thread, I see I was arguing with folks who didn't even seem to comprehend the FACTs I was typing out. What a waste of my time.
That will not be me anymore!
That will not be me anymore!
