A leap into 5er-land?

[MiltyG565]

I like the idea of a 5 string, i really really do, but yeno, all too often, most 5er guys play coffee tables on their chests. That's fine and all, but i don't want to be one of those guys, so going for some boutique bass is a definite no go for me (because i'm almost certain not to like the shape or have the money). So, as a compromise, i was looking at the stunning fender deluxe 5 string jazz bass, the one with 21 frets, for that extra little push on the high notes I'm sure you all know exactly what i am talking about, and i'm also sure i'll get a little bit of hate, but here's a couple of links-

[url="http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/americandeluxe/american-deluxe-jazz-bass-v-five-string"]http://www.fender.com/en-GB/products/americandeluxe/american-deluxe-jazz-bass-v-five-string[/url]

[url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_american_deluxe_j_bass_v_rw_wt.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_american_deluxe_j_bass_v_rw_wt.htm[/url]

So, do you guys have any experience with this particular instrument? is it recommended, or a bit of a hit and miss affair? got to say, it really does look stunning in that wine red! I may invest in one over the summer when i'm back to work (hopefully).

[stingrayPete1977]

Tried one when I bought my first Ray5, hated it! I am sure there are good ones out there and maybe with a pack of proper strings and some tools I could of made it much better but I am not the only person to say they are like a 4 string with a B string rather than a 5 string.

If you like that I would be having a serious look at a Mayones Jabba Classic 5

Hand made, gorgeous, bang on the same budget and different to everyone else [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Jabba_5_Black.html"]http://www.bassdirec...ba_5_Black.html[/url]

Edited December 14, 2012 by stingrayPete1977

[stingrayPete1977]

OTOH I like the Oly white Fender

Edited December 14, 2012 by stingrayPete1977

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1355477104' post='1898781']
OTOH I like the Oly white one
[/quote]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1355477005' post='1898780']
Tried one when I bought my first Ray5, hated it! I am sure there are good ones out there and maybe with a pack of proper strings and some tools I could of made it much better but I am not the only person to say they are like a 4 string with a B string rather than a 5 string.

If you like that I would be having a serious look at a Mayones Jabba Classic 5
[/quote]

Each to their own i suppose. I'll have to get a go on a 5 string at some point. No point dishing out £1400 then deciding i don't like it. But it's the neck thickness that i think i wouldn't like, but that fender has the strings sat right at the edge of the fretboard, which is good, makes the neck slightly narrower, and easier to play i suppose.

[stingrayPete1977]

I also like this [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Apeiron_H.5.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Apeiron_H.5.html[/url]

As the 5 feels totally different to a 4 you soon adapt to the neck profile and width, find one that feels like you could get the hang of and your brain will adapt to it.

The thing many people find with the Fender 5s and the reason they are no where near as popular as their share percentage wise in the main stream as their 4s is that B string that feels like it is part of another bass, they dont flow over all 5 strings somehow, almost like the spacing for the B is further away than the rest of the strings are to each other, strangely this affects the more expensive ones more IME, I played a nice Sqier P5 a while ago active with a J pickup too, Nice

[chris_b]

I've never played this Fender, but I definitely wouldn't buy a new bass as my first 5.

You can buy a much better bass (of the non-coffee table kind) for that money from the BC For Sale section. The GB Spitfire, the Sadowsky Metro and Lakland JO for instance are all “Fender Jazz” basses that would outclass any Fender, IMO.

I'd say that moving to 5 strings was a good move, but I’d save a new bass until I'd decided that 5ers were my thing.

I bought a Stingray 5 from Loot as my first 5 string bass. It wasn't the best bass I've owned but it was good enough to get me through the transition period.

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1355479709' post='1898829']
I've never played this Fender, but I definitely wouldn't buy a new bass as my first 5.

You can buy a much better bass (of the non-coffee table kind) for that money from the BC For Sale section. The GB Spitfire, the Sadowsky Metro and Lakland JO for instance are all “Fender Jazz” basses that would outclass any Fender, IMO.

I'd say that moving to 5 strings was a good move, but I’d save a new bass until I'd decided that 5ers were my thing.

I bought a Stingray 5 from Loot as my first 5 string bass. It wasn't the best bass I've owned but it was good enough to get me through the transition period.
[/quote]

cheers, but i do like the fender. and i've never had a new bass i want to get some of that new bass smell!

[chris_b]

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1355479850' post='1898835']
....cheers, but i do like the fender. and i've never had a new bass i want to get some of that new bass smell!...
[/quote]

I understand, but what do you do if you decide, as a lot of players do, that 5 strings are "not your thing"?

I'd keep the new bass, the Fender of your dreams, for the next one.

I find the cases smell new rather than the bass, but nothing shines like the finish of a new bass.

[stingrayPete1977]

I agree with Chris, a second hand Ray 5 will possibly keep you happy for years and you can sell it for what you paid if you hunt wisely (or lose lots of money if you buy new like I did although I am not selling so its no biggie).

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='chris_b' timestamp='1355480465' post='1898852']
I understand, but what do you do if you decide, as a lot of players do, that 5 strings are "not your thing"?

I'd keep the new bass, the Fender of your dreams, for the next one.

I find the cases smell new rather than the bass, but nothing shines like the finish of a new bass.
[/quote]

Yeah, cheers! I might go and borrow a 5 from someone for a few days at some point, see how that goes, then decide whether i want to get my own 5er.

[Musicman20]

In my experience of going into 5 string territory (it took me a LONG time to make the jump as I wanted to get the right bass) it is always best to try them out, but realise also that your hands and muscle memory will adjust once you've had it, no matter what the spacing/scale.

A few things I found out are below, but this is just what I found:

35" scale = better B? FALSE. Any well constucted 5 string bass can have a good B string. It ISN'T just about the B...its about balance. I tried 6 or more Lakland 35" Skyline basses and not only did I start disliking the B, I disliked the high weight and the poor QC for a pretty expensive bass. I also found the D and G strings didn't have the presence to match the huge B tone.

Fender - good at 5 string basses? I tried a normal passive American Precision the other day, and it was a 5 string. Lovely bass, and well worth the money. The B blended nicely with the other strings. It wasn't perfect, but its good for what it is!

Fender Deluxe (2010 ish onward) 5 string basses? Never played one, sorry, but the aesthestics are great. It's great that there is a passive/active switch but I'm not sure I'd bond with the pre-amp and noiseless pups. I need to try one.

Musicman 5 string basses. I'm biased, because I LOVE the Musicman Stingray and I have since I first saw one back when I was learning. I always said to myself 'if I get a 5 string it'll be a Ray 5'. I spent about 18 months faffing with Laklands, trying all sorts of basses, trying to find the 'one'. What did I go back to? Musicman Stingray 5, and I ordered a HS. It is beautiful, lightweight, well made, great pre-amp, fantastic electronics, great spacing (I can almost slap on it now...getting there) and a timeless tone. There is a reason why these basses are almost an industry standard 5 string, (more so in the 90s). This led me to love the Musicman 5 string package, and now I have 3 with another on the way. Musicman designed it as a totally new bass, not just a Stingray with an extra string. Those pickups are great for a well balanced tone, and a nice tight punchy B string. Made in the USA, great after service, good quality hardshell case. They used to be about £1400 so if you shop around you could get a bargain. If you are really daring, try a Bongo.

Its all quite a personal thing...you need to bond with it.

Edited December 14, 2012 by Musicman20

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1355480590' post='1898856']
I agree with Chris, a second hand Ray 5 will possibly keep you happy for years and you can sell it for what you paid if you hunt wisely (or lose lots of money if you buy new like I did although I am not selling so its no biggie).
[/quote]

Here's the thing, i still can't decide whether i like the rays or not. There's something about it... can't put my finger on it. i'll have to dive into ray land at some point again.

[stingrayPete1977]

Why do need all them musicman basses Gareth?

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1355481098' post='1898868']
In my experience of going into 5 string territory (it took me a LONG time to make the jump as I wanted to get the right bass) it is always best to try them out, but realise also that your hands and muscle memory will adjust once you've had it, no matter what the spacing/scale.

A few things I found out are below, but this is just what I found:

35" scale = better B? FALSE. Any well constucted 5 string bass can have a good B string. It ISN'T just about the B...its about balance. I tried 6 or more Lakland 35" Skyline basses and not only did I start disliking the B, I disliked the high weight and the poor QC for a pretty expensive bass. I also found the D and G strings didn't have the presence to match the huge B tone.

Fender - good at 5 string basses? I tried a normal passive American Precision the other day, and it was a 5 string. Lovely bass, and well worth the money. The B blended nicely with the other strings. It wasn't perfect, but its good for what it is!

Fender Deluxe (2010 ish onward) 5 string basses? Never played one, sorry, but the aesthestics are great. It's great that there is a passive/active switch but I'm not sure I'd bond with the pre-amp and noiseless pups. I need to try one.

Musicman 5 string basses. I'm biased, because I LOVE the Musicman Stingray and I have since I first saw one back when I was learning. I always said to myself 'if I get a 5 string it'll be a Ray 5'. I spent about 18 months faffing with Laklands, trying all sorts of basses, trying to find the 'one'. What did I go back to? Musicman Stingray 5, and I ordered a HS. It is beautiful, lightweight, well made, great pre-amp, fantastic electronics, great spacing (I can almost slap on it now...getting there) and a timeless tone. There is a reason why these basses are almost an industry standard 5 string, (more so in the 90s). This led me to love the Musicman 5 string package, and now I have 3 with another on the way. Musicman designed it as a totally new bass, not just a Stingray with an extra string. Those pickups are great for a well balanced tone, and a nice tight punchy B string.

Its all quite a personal thing...you need to bond with it.
[/quote]

Cheers for that, it really helps Sound and look and balance of a musician, but there's just something about the ergonomics of the neck which i need to try out again. I think a jazz neck is the only one that would ever really suit me

[Musicman20]

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1355481351' post='1898874']
Cheers for that, it really helps Sound and look and balance of a musician, but there's just something about the ergonomics of the neck which i need to try out again. I think a jazz neck is the only one that would ever really suit me
[/quote]

No problem! All the Musicman 5er necks are virtually the same (apart from wood differences, paint, board material etc) but the spacing is tighter than most 5 string basses...so this might helps as its more 'Jazz' like. It depends if you like the profile though.

[Musicman20]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1355481290' post='1898872']
Why do need all them musicman basses Gareth?
[/quote]

Dunno haha. I don't collect much apart from gear, and I spend the rest on clothes. I don't have a car now (and won't until I live outside the city centre) so I'm just careful with money and buy ace stuff.

My girlfriend encourages it.

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1355482274' post='1898897']
No problem! All the Musicman 5er necks are virtually the same (apart from wood differences, paint, board material etc) but the spacing is tighter than most 5 string basses...so this might helps as its more 'Jazz' like. It depends if you like the profile though.
[/quote]

I was talking more about the profile.

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='MiltyG565' timestamp='1355481123' post='1898869']
Here's the thing, i still can't decide whether i like the rays or not. There's something about it... can't put my finger on it. i'll have to dive into ray land at some point again.
[/quote]

I am biased like Musicman20 but I do like other stuff so the same approach can be had with the Fender if you can find a used one, Im just not sure about them. All the stuff Chris b mentioned is worth a look

[Truckstop]

Why not try something like the Ibanez SR505 or Yamaha RBX775 etc?

Seeing as you have a massive budget, why not spend a few hundred on the aforementioned (second hand) to see if you can actually get on with a fiver and then move them on at no loss to yourself?

I find 5 strings very personal. I've owned Stingrays and Fender 5's and hated them. The ESH I have now is pretty close to perfection for me even though it's certainly not as expensive. It's just a really well designed 5 string!

Truckstop

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='Musicman20' timestamp='1355482367' post='1898901'] Dunno haha. I don't collect much apart from gear, and I spend the rest on clothes. I don't have a car now (and won't until I live outside the city centre) so I'm just careful with money and buy ace stuff. My girlfriend encourages it. [/quote]

It was tongue in cheek really but I get your point, my car is worth less than most of my basses and is free to tax and MOT exempt

[Musicman20]

The problem is, budget 5 string basses can put you off the whole idea of a 5 string. It did with me for 10 years or more! (Tanglewood 5 string back in the day....awful).

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1355486996' post='1898995']
It was tongue in cheek really but I get your point, my car is worth less than most of my basses and is free to tax and MOT exempt
[/quote]

It's either very old, or very new. My wager is something like a Ford Ka? (new).

[stingrayPete1977]

Nowhere near!

[stingrayPete1977]

Clues in the MOT exempt (not too new to need one)

[MiltyG565]

[quote name='Truckstop' timestamp='1355486593' post='1898988']
Why not try something like the Ibanez SR505 or Yamaha RBX775 etc?

Seeing as you have a massive budget, why not spend a few hundred on the aforementioned (second hand) to see if you can actually get on with a fiver and then move them on at no loss to yourself?

I find 5 strings very personal. I've owned Stingrays and Fender 5's and hated them. The ESH I have now is pretty close to perfection for me even though it's certainly not as expensive. It's just a really well designed 5 string!

Truckstop
[/quote]

I don't have a massive budget. I am hoping to return to work by april/may time, then work until september. Most of the money i get shall be spent on musical goodies to make up for lost time and earnings I don't want to faff about too much with below par second hand instruments because it's a real heartache, and nearly put me off bass altogether at one point! Yamaha is a no go for bass or guitar beyond a budget option IMO.