Terry M.

Yes it's a NAMM 2026 release. Andertons have one as per below link: https://www.andertons.co.uk/ibanez-btb805ms-fnl-5-string-multi-scale-bass-guitar-florid-natural-low-gloss/ Ibanez definitely could do with more exciting finishes like this in my opinion.

Steve do you like the Florid Natural Low Gloss Finish? The colour specifically not necessarily the bass

I'm not talking about Yamaha basses in general. I'm a fan of the brand but specifically the TRBX605FM wasn't the one for me from a feel point-of-view. If that model works for you that's great.

It felt poorly assembled and didn't give me any confidence it would last too long. Really lacked "substance" in my hands. As you may have read previously my reference points are two German made Warwicks.

Being London-based I was in Yamaha Music on Wardour Street two Sundays back and tried...a TRBX605FM. It did nothing for me,felt ever so flimsily built. I would pick either of the Japanese TRB5 (MK1 vs MK2) models however. They look and feel different but I like them equally. In fact visually the slap-cut contour on the MK1 isn't to my taste so maybe not so equal after all...

Sometimes these creep into your £500 price criteria Steve,the Indonesian-built Yamaha TRB1005/J series. The original Japanese TRB/TRB mk2 from the 90s early 2000s really do it for me also. You have any experience with any of these?

Be great if you get to try one sometime.Or not but at least you'll know either way ☺️ Flat feeling fretboards which may or not matter to you.

Can I assume you're avoiding any BTB's with the far eastern Barts?

My Warwick Broadneck 5s with 20mm spacing I would say has spoilt me. Space and comfort for days (for me) while for some it's too much like playing on an aircraft runway. Great there's something for everyone out there 😀

I spotted that too and nearly pointed it out until you said that the mystery £500 purchase had other leanings 👍

Steve what basses do you like regardless of cost?

That's fair Steve. So if it was me I've had very good luck with Squiers so would look at another one. I know you don't like them however 🙂

https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/bass-collection-sb315-5-string-bass-guitar-made-in-japan-lovely-bass-/1499771017 Oh all right then 😆

You're correct. All Broadnecks are German only.

Hi Steve. It played effortlessly but I didn't plug it in as I was short for time and had a train to catch out of Southampton. It was light as well if that's an important factor. Nice thickish neck and wider string spacing (18mm at least) if that's what one likes.

This one @Cornwall Steve

The red Yamaha I posted and possibly the link I posted to the Sire. The Sire not your thing? You said you would take one over a Squier (I think Squiers are great) Apologies for the double posting of the Yamaha suggested by @Jakester earlier.

I can't disagree with this to be fair.

https://bassbros.co.uk/product/2010-ibanez-btb675/ That's your lot from me 🤣

https://www.theguitarstoreonline.co.uk/products/sire-marcus-miller-p5r-5-string-bass-in-tobacco-sunburst-pre-owned I literally played this yesterday in the store when I was briefly in Southampton with work.

16.5mm apart from the Broadneck 5s. I have really low action on both my Broadnecks.

Based on German Warwicks (I have two) and EBMM SR5's (I've had a few) I really wouldn't pay too much attention to the scale length. I tried a Lakland Skyline 55-02 in Guitar Guitar recently and the B string on that example sounded awful to my ear. There are good and bad B strings in every scale length. I personally believe it's for mainly for marketing purposes.

No we don't agree. I never said Metal is noise. I don't think it's appropriate to blare out any loud music in a guitar store where gear is tried out by potential customers. Metal is not my aesthetic choice but it's still music played by often very talented individuals.

Not getting something doesn't automatically qualify it as nonsense in my opinion.