Looking for something different (5 string left handed)

[-Virtue-]

Ok this may be a hard one but I'm looking for a new 5 string bass, one problem is I'm left handed, so they are hard to come by anyway. My max price is around £300 but i'm looking for something a little left-field (no pun intended), hell anything unusual or off the wall is right up my street, At the mo I'm playing restrung righties. I've done some research and there is a good few options available to me! At the moment its a toss up between these:

[URL=http://www.thomann.de/gb/esp_ltd_b_55_black_lefthand.htm]ESP LTD B-55 Black[/URL]
[URL=http://www.thomann.de/gb/steinberger_guitars_spirit_xt_25_standardb_stock_2.htm]Steinberger Spirit XT 25[/URL]
[URL=http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shine-Left-Hand-Extreme-Guitar/dp/B00A4ER550%3FSubscriptionId%3DAKIAI6PTL7SRMRVNQ7LQ%26tag%3Dguitarman-21%26linkCode%3Dxm2%26camp%3D2025%26creative%3D165953%26creativeASIN%3DB00A4ER550]Shine SB35L[/URL]

As for playing the bass upside down....its surprisingly easy and comfortable. The only reason I want a proper left handed bass is at the moment im lending a bandmates' bass, and have acquired a right handed squier and want my own.

I know all the horror stories about changing the nut and stuff but simply filing the holes works, the bridge has been tweaked and it all works fine and dandy, the only issue is the strap limits you to around the 12th fret (because its on the lower arm), but thats no biggie. As for neck diving and balancing etc its actually very comfy and doesn't dive at all, and ive learnt how to play near the neck so the controls dont get in the way at all.

BTW, before you ask, ive been playing guitar for 10 years left handed so there is no way or point in trying to teach myself right handed considering im in a band as well, it would be impractical to learn whilst I'm trying to learn songs and gig.

[LeftyJ]

The Spirits are fun instruments. I haven't played or even seen the other two in real life, so I can't comment on those. I'd also recommend looking at a used Cort Artisan B5, they're very versatile, very comfortable and the wenge neck feels great and fast. You probably won't find a new one within your budget, but a secondhand one should be well within reach. I have owned the 4-string version and it was one of the best playing basses in its price range I have ever laid my hands on. Versatile electronics too, Bartolini-licensed.

[Silvia Bluejay]

I really don't see why you should subject yourself to torture by upside-down instrument when there are lots of good, relatively cheap lefty models around. Ibanez and Warwick (Rockbass) spring to mind.

[DorsetBlue]

I have the shine (note your link was the 4 string version, which has a basswood body (I think) and JJ pickups. The 5 stringer has a (at least) 3 piece Ash body with JM style pickups. Was playing mine last night for the first time for ages (just couldn't get on with a 5 stringer a few months ago). Really quite enjoyed playing it last night, although it really really needs a setup as the action is all over the place coming direct from the importer (just down the road from me in Poole). If you have a limited budget, its not a bad option but the neck is quite widish - if you are a J type person then the Ibanez is probably hard to beat (not tried one other than holding it).
Someone mentioned the Cort B5. I have the B4 and again, although I was struggling with the wider neck a few months ago, got it back out last week and absolutely fell in love with it again. Great sound and very very well built (essentially the same as an Ibanez SR600/605, just different electronics (same pickups) and wider neck). However unless you can get one secondhand or B Grade (Thomann.de?) then the cheapest price I have seen is about £450 from the American Guitar Centre in Kent (via Ebay) who I got my B4 from.

[-Virtue-]

[quote name='bluejay' timestamp='1384249456' post='2274354']
I really don't see why you should subject yourself to torture by upside-down instrument when there are lots of good, relatively cheap lefty models around. Ibanez and Warwick (Rockbass) spring to mind.
[/quote]

all the models I posted are left handed...the only lefty ibanez is the GSR205L and no place ive looked deliver to the uk

[quote name='DorsetBlue' timestamp='1384254585' post='2274415']
I have the shine (note your link was the 4 string version, which has a basswood body (I think) and JJ pickups. The 5 stringer has a (at least) 3 piece Ash body with JM style pickups. Was playing mine last night for the first time for ages (just couldn't get on with a 5 stringer a few months ago). Really quite enjoyed playing it last night, although it really really needs a setup as the action is all over the place coming direct from the importer (just down the road from me in Poole). If you have a limited budget, its not a bad option but the neck is quite widish - if you are a J type person then the Ibanez is probably hard to beat (not tried one other than holding it).
Someone mentioned the Cort B5. I have the B4 and again, although I was struggling with the wider neck a few months ago, got it back out last week and absolutely fell in love with it again. Great sound and very very well built (essentially the same as an Ibanez SR600/605, just different electronics (same pickups) and wider neck). However unless you can get one secondhand or B Grade (Thomann.de?) then the cheapest price I have seen is about £450 from the American Guitar Centre in Kent (via Ebay) who I got my B4 from.
[/quote]

There are no lefty ibanez guitars on thomann unfortunately, And doh! yeah i meant to post the 5 string shine, I was looking at the red one.

As I said, I wanted something a little alternative looking so a Jazz bass probably wouldnt suit my image, I'm really considering the Steinberger, since it just looks cool and is probably the most radical bass i can find within my pricerange. It really is difficult to find lefty 5 stringers

Edited November 12, 2013 by -Virtue-

[DorsetBlue]

Peavey?

http://www.gak.co.uk/en/peavey-millenium-5-bxp-lh/5155

[-Virtue-]

now that is nice!!!