Why are there no Fender Precision 5 strings?

[ShoeManiac]

And speaking of Sandberg, Alto is now a Sandberg dealer. I can't recall having seen a Sandberg Precision 5 string there, but it might be worth checking out.

 

[jlepre]

I saw that, but they are way more expensive than I want to spend for a backup bass. I might have to start saving for a better bass.

 

[seansbrew]

You mean one of these?
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[jlepre]

That's a beauty! Still in the $1K range is more that I need to spend for a backup bass. I was really hoping to find a Mexican Fender, but they don't seem to exist in 5 string.

 

[sidez81]

I had one of those Squire P5's with the J p'ups man it sounded fat and played so well and CHEAP!!! Traded it for some cash and an ISP decimator... I think about it more than my ex girlfriend.

 

[cyclomatic]

You mean one of these?
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Right bass, wrong pricetag!

Schecter Diamond-P is definately "mim priced"
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_n...d-keywords=Schecter+Diamond-P+Custom+5-String+

Or you could try this Crestwood. Priced like it was made in my basement!
http://www.amazon.com/PB975TS-5-Str...UTF8&qid=1340030380&sr=1-3&keywords=Crestwood

Maybe MTD caught your eye?
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=sr_nr_n...gston+CRB+5,n:!11965861,n:11971311&sort=price

I'm sure none of these will satisfy for true P flavor...but then again what else besides a P does?
Maybe a used G&L Tribute L-2500??

 

[jlepre]

I had one of those Squire P5's with the J p'ups man it sounded fat and played so well and CHEAP!!! Traded it for some cash and an ISP decimator... I think about it more than my ex girlfriend.

I've seen one of those recently. How is it a P with J PUPS?

 

[Chef]

That Schechter looks neat...

 

[Hapa]

if not just for honorable mention. The Nordstrand Nordy vP5 if not but a halo product. I have yet to play a better bass that has more playability, tone, mojo, better build quality and true P character. Its American made sounds like a P and plays a lot better.

 

[Chef]

The Nord is a totally killin' product.

It's also waaaay beyond his stated "Fender MIM" pricepoint....

Great basses though, no doubt!

 

[jlepre]

I've got a line on one of these, and was wondering how close it nails a Pbass tone?

Anyone?

Try a MTD CRB 5 it is a great P5 that's in your price range. I took the pick guard off mine.
It is my first 5'er and is doing me well, I love the MTD neck. They are 34" & 19 mm spacing.
MTD's do not fall in MF-GC discount exclusions so when they have their 15-20% off sales you can get a smoking deal on them.

Here is a Ed Friedland review.

 

[laneline]

Hey John, Ed's demo sounded pretty close to P territory to me.
Oddly he didn't do a tone sweep, my guess would be that he had tone dialed up at least halfway. But I would think with your amp
it would get you to P-land. Seems like a good value. Good luck with your quest, all the best, Rick

 

[jlepre]

Thanks Rick

 

[cyclomatic]

Hey John, gotta killer price quote for you from Music123 on an MTD Kingston CRB 5-String Tobacco Sunburst w/Maple. Expires 6/28, you interested?

 

[jlepre]

Sure send me a pm

 

[chuck3]

interesting thread John, I had been wondering the same thing myself.

 

[peledog]

I think, initially, extended range basses were primarily used (and seen) in a jazz or RnB setting - and for whatever reason, P bass tones didn't translate, hence the lack of demand? But nowadays, with a whole bunch of drop tuned music, and the advent of nu-metal, we've seen 5ers and 6ers pop up way more often. Then in the 2000s, retro/tube/analog/flats made a come-back - now maybe the demand for Precision 5er is finally catching up. Hard to say - the P bass in the simplest bass, when treated right, can be used for almost anything - or maybe it's lack of a more 'focused' tone had ERB players looking for different PUP arrangements. You'd think the most popular bass model of all time would have a decent demand with 5 string players.

 

[jlepre]

Peledog,
That was a very interesting view on my original question. You make a very good point. Thank you for taking the time to reply.

 

[johnnyt]

I think, initially, extended range basses were primarily used (and seen) in a jazz or RnB setting - and for whatever reason, P bass tones didn't translate, hence the lack of demand? But nowadays, with a whole bunch of drop tuned music, and the advent of nu-metal, we've seen 5ers and 6ers pop up way more often. Then in the 2000s, retro/tube/analog/flats made a come-back - now maybe the demand for Precision 5er is finally catching up. Hard to say - the P bass in the simplest bass, when treated right, can be used for almost anything - or maybe it's lack of a more 'focused' tone had ERB players looking for different PUP arrangements. You'd think the most popular bass model of all time would have a decent demand with 5 string players.

I do think its strange that a P5 wasnt made sooner. I have an '08 model and love it! In fact, its my only 5. Im considering a sandberg p too. Yes, other companies make them too, lull, schecter, etc. but its strange that there isnt a cheaper example available from fender or squier.

 

[jlepre]

+1000!
I believe that would fill a nitch that has been ignored by most manufacturers. On the other hand Fender might be afraid it would steal from their MIA line.