Think i might want a 5

[thisnameistaken]

Haven't gone above 4 strings for about... ten years, but I'm considering buying a 5. Any ideas?

I think I'd like a MM pup and a P pup too - does anyone make a bass with that config?

Nothing exotic-looking, something traditional preferably, pickguard maybe.

And I'd rather not pay over £700.

Am I basically stuck with finding a used G&L L2500? I love the sounds they've got but I find they don't look too inspiring. Bit "flat". Anything else I could look at?

[Shockwave]

[quote name='thisnameistaken' post='221880' date='Jun 19 2008, 02:03 AM']I think I'd like a MM pup and a P pup too - does anyone make a bass with that config?[/quote]

Fender 5 string P USA Deluxe. You can find one second hand for around that money.

[thisnameistaken]

Ah, never seen one of those. Looks just the job.

I don't really trust Fender after some bad experiences with their basses in the '90s though. Have to find one to try in person rather than looking on the internets.

Any other ideas?

[MythSte]

Have a look at the sandberg PM series, cracking basses and seem to be just what your after

[Kiwi]

Sandberg have the MM/P pickup configuration but the MM pickup is not in the MM position. However as a special order I'm sure they'd rout it in the correct place without too much fuss. I've been looking for an MM/P 5 myself and I don't know of any maker who makes MM/P basses with the MM in the stingray location, usually it seems to be put in the jazz coil position. Odd to say the least.

How about bagging a used MIJ P bass and having a friendly luthier install an MM pickup for you? You could also bag a Stingray 5 and have a P-bass pickup installed but its probably going to be harder to get a P-bass pickup for a 5 string.

[thisnameistaken]

The Sandbergs look nice, doubt they show up on the used market very often though. I can't pay a grand for a bass.

Getting a MM pup added to a Jap Fender sounds like a good idea and I hadn't thought of it, but again I'm wary of buying a new Fender and having it go completely to **** within six months like the last two did, so I'd probably want a used one just for the reassurance that someone else has already broken it in.

Looks like I'm going to be scouring music shops and the web for some time...

[chris_b]

Check out a Lakland. I know it's a MM/J config but the tone will be as good as you can get. You should be able to find a good used one for less than £600.

[EBS_freak]

[quote name='chris_b' post='222161' date='Jun 19 2008, 02:08 PM']Check out a Lakland. I know it's a MM/J config but the tone will be as good as you can get. You should be able to find a good used one for less than £600.[/quote]

+1

(and you'll love the 35" scale for a tighter sounding