TRBboy

It's all personal preference really, you just need to experiment and find what works for you. In the last 12 months (since moving to 5s exclusively), I've gone lighter and ended up on .040"-.125" (previously Rotos, but now back on D'addario Prosteels). I was on a mission to make my basses as easy to play as possible, and combined with a low action and a lighter touch, I now find my basses so much easier to play. My hands feel much quicker and less inhibited getting around, is generally much more comfortable and easier to play. If it's any help, I did a little poll last year to find out what other 5 string players use: http://basschat.co.uk/topic/179671-5-string-players-what-gauge-strings-do-you-use/page__mode__show

Got to be an Ibanez Soundgear for a narrow 5er.

With the MM pup being so far back on the Sandbergs, it is as ghostbass says, more like a p/j on steroids. The MM actually works out to be more "in balance" with the p pup than a j would, and obviously you've got no worries about hum. You still get that great Bridge pup sound, but without any of the negatives, or weakness sometimes associated with a j pup.

[quote name='wombatboter' timestamp='1369046621' post='2084138'] The neck is actually a bit thick but I've got big hands so that's not really a problem.. I'm not used to playing five string anymore so I have some problem picking it up actually but every now and then I need a 5 for certain situations so I bought this one and I'm getting used to 5 a bit more.. Recorded this clip this morning to give an idea.. not the best sound through my recording device but it beats writing about it. [media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJeyHepwiys&feature=youtu.be[/media] [/quote] Thanks for that man! Nice playing btw!

Personally, I couldn't give a rats ass what the neck looks like, as long as it feels right. I don't generally get on with painted necks, too sticky (and I'm really not sweaty at all). Like Pete said, 1200 grit paper makes a maple neck that's gone shiny over time feel silky smooth again, although I must confess I've only ever done it on cheap instruments!

Save up a little more and buy a Sandberg Basic Ken Taylor! It doesn't get better than that IMHO.

[quote name='wombatboter' timestamp='1368876004' post='2082533'] They are pretty similar actually.. the 5 sounds a bit "beafier" but the controls deliver the same crisp sound as my 4-string. Price/quality Sandberg gives the best there is imo.. Used them in all sorts of bands and they get the sound across.. That mid-boost makes sure you get the bass sound you want in any lousy sound situation. I sold my Wal bass and I thought I would regret it but I can get pretty much that same "nosy" sound from these basses.. This is my 4 string (you've got a good memory :-)) [/quote] Yeah, I always remember that pic of you biting it! How does the neck feel on the custom? I know your tm2 is a 4 so it's not a fair comparison, but I would imagine the custom feels a little finger and flatter across the back. Damn it, got gas for a custom now!

[quote name='wombatboter' timestamp='1368875163' post='2082517'] Bought this Sandberg 5 Custom here on bass.chat and still very pleased with it.. had Wal, Ken Smith, F bass in the past but this one easily reaches the same level of craftsmanship for a much lower price.. [URL=http://s162.photobucket.com/user/wombatboter/media/SandbergCustom001_zpsf5cdfbdc.jpg.html][IMG]http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t247/wombatboter/SandbergCustom001_zpsf5cdfbdc.jpg[/IMG][/URL] [/quote] WOW! Nice. Let me know if you want to sell. ..... Wasn't it you who had the California TM2 with rarewood top? If so, how does the custom compare?

Could well be the jack socket, but could also be a short of some kind. Usually the shielding (whether it's copper tape, graphite paint, or whatever) is in constant contact with part of the circuit, or part of the jack socket, and this drains the battery. Have a look at the wiring and see if the shielding is contacting the circuit anywhere (other than the earth)

I LOVE that white Clover!

I know it sounds lame, but there is really only one answer: The one that feels and sounds right for you!

Sandberg Electra VS4 if you want something different? Otherwise, I'd keep an eye out for a Fender Classic 50's Precision. I bet the MTD is great though, but there do seem to be mixed reviews about the Kingston range (although if Ed rates it, it must be good!).

Pretty sure sandberg offer a 6 string california (jazz shape) as standard. I would guess you could get one new for sub £1500, but that is only a guess. There's a couple on their website.

Just make your own, it's so easy (and cheap)! I used Van Damme cable and Neutrik jacks from studiospares.

I know exactly what you mean, it's great when you just find that bass that feels perfect in your hands! I've always found that whenever I've had several basses, there's always one which feels and sounds best, and thus gets used most. This ultimately ends up with me moving the others on. When I got my black KT5, I really felt like that was as good as it could possibly get for me, so I sold my others and ordered a custom spec KT5. So now I just have the two of them, which makes me happy Well, I do have a Yamaha BB605 too which I can leave out in the living room without worrying about the kids getting their grubby mitts on it!

I tried one on one of my leads before realising that they don't really work with most active instruments! You still get that bang when you push it in...... From the neutrik silent jack web page: [b]ATTENTION![/b] [color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]For use with instrument (guitar) applications only. Damage may occur if connected to amplifier output.[/size][/font][/color] [color=#333333][font=Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif][size=3]Please note that the signal isn't muted with some types of active electric guitars which are equipped with tip-ring-sleeve jacks thtat tap to activate the guitar power supply.[/size][/font][/color]

Very sad news indeed, seemed like a top guy and very humble despite his talent. Chi was a huge influence on me in my early years of playing. A great loss. RIP

Don't know if I'm being thick here, but who made it? Looks great by the way!

I pay £25 for a really top-notch teacher, I think £40 is too much and would certainly put me off. Mind you, if the teacher was banging on about who they've played with, etc, it would probably put me off anyway...... they're usually the types that are just out to rip people off and massage their ego.