5 String Advice

[Mlucas]

Hi,

I'm looking to get my hands on a 5 string bass, I have a low budget (£300 down) but I don't mind wither it's pre-owned or not. Anyway, does anyone have any recommendations for either passive/active, 34 scale 5 string? I play primarily pop-rock, metal and blues. If more info is needed I'll be glad to fill you in!
Thanks!

[Sean]

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=52452&hl=five+string"]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=...;hl=five+string[/url]

try this thread...

[Mlucas]

Brilliant, thanks very much!

[LiamPodmore]

Fender Squier Jazz Bass Deluxe V Active. Got one sat on my knee right now. pick 'em up on ebay for £270.

Liam

[dannybuoy]

I recommend the Yamaha BB415, a bargain at only £269 delivered:

[url="http://www.rattleanddrum.com/product/3110/yamaha-bb415-bass-black-pearl-5-string"]http://www.rattleanddrum.com/product/3110/...-pearl-5-string[/url]



I bought one from the same shop last year. With both pickups on it has plenty low-end boom and top-end growl required for metal, plus it can do a decent P-Bass impression with just the neck pickup which is perfect for the blues. It's the best cheap 5iver going IMHO, and has a narrower nut (easier to play) and tighter low B than the Fender USA P5 I owned before it.

[Mlucas]

That sounds like a decent bass, what is the B like in more detail? Tight is always good, how does it handle in terms of volume and tone compared to the other strings? E.g some basses have quieter or more bassy B strings? That may just be the string type/make though

[dannybuoy]

I think a lot of it has to do with the strings and setup. I thought the B was a bit weak with the standard strings, but put some DR Sunbeams on it and it sounded spot on, with the B was very balanced with the other strings. I've since put some Dunlop nickels on and messed with the setup and the B doesn't sound as great now, I think I need to raise the action on it a bit, or try out another set!

[Mlucas]

Nice, I think I'll have to pop down to my local dealer and try it out, from your description it seems like a definite contender, thanks for the suggestion!

[Sean]

[quote name='Mlucas' post='1076153' date='Jan 3 2011, 11:38 AM']Nice, I think I'll have to pop down to my local dealer and try it out, from your description it seems like a definite contender, thanks for the suggestion![/quote]

Where do you live? I have an orange BB415 that I've modded to make the B tighter - here's the review I did and the extra additions not noted here are new Hipshot string trees. You're welcome to try if you're close enough.

[cureswhatailsye]

I go with a set of XLs which is Medium bottom/regular lite top, so that the B is a pretty heavy gauge relative to the other strings. That and a good setup keep my sub £500 Active Jazz V sounding pretty sweet in those sometimes murky depths!

[Mlucas]

[quote name='Sean' post='1076769' date='Jan 3 2011, 08:59 PM']Where do you live? I have an orange BB415 that I've modded to make the B tighter - here's the review I did and the extra additions not noted here are new Hipshot string trees. You're welcome to try if you're close enough.[/quote]

North Yorkshire, around the York area

[mcnach]

My black MusicMan SUB5, active, might be available very soon. With a black scratchplate (none-more-black bass) but I also have the original aluminum one.
A bit more than 300 pounds, but a hell of a bass.
PM me if interested.

[DaveB]

Yamaha RBX375 is worth a look in that price range, great bass.

[BigJim]

[quote name='DaveB' post='1080895' date='Jan 7 2011, 11:49 AM']Yamaha RBX375 is worth a look in that price range, great bass.[/quote]

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=101128&hl="]http://basschat.co.uk/index.php?showtopic=101128&hl=[/url]