ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 (edited) Hi all, Looking to buy my first 5-string. I've played them in the past but never owned one. My requirements are under 9lbs, 19mm string spacing and under £1000. I've sort of narrowed it down to three contenders, so just looking for any opinions... 1) Cort GB Modern 5 - new, £1000 2) MTD KZ5 (fitted with Aguilar Big Singles) - used, £700 3) Yamaha TRBX505 - new, £450 Really struggling to decide on one as they all seem to tick the boxes. The only one I have tried (and will be able to try) is the Yamaha, and it seemed... ok. Only tested it quietly in a shop so didn't get a great sense for the sound, but it seemed like nothing special, a bit bland. Was comfy to play though, even though it is 18mm rather than 19mm. I like the look of the MTD and have heard great things about the asymmetric necks, but it has the factory preamp which apparently is subpar, and also not a big fan of single coil pups due to the amount of noise. The Cort also has single coil pups (Nordys rather than Aggies) and the bass hasn't been out for very long. But all the reviews say it's fantastic (although slightly aware that all the reviews on Youtube seem to be sponsored by Cort). Just not a big fan of the two color schemes but it's not a dealbreaker. Any advice from current owners would be amazing 🥰 Edited January 19, 2023 by ReeV0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
40hz Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 (edited) KZ5 by a mile. I had the standard model with factory preamp and MTD P/Us. If the quality of the B-string is your primary concern, the MTD is in another league to pretty much anything else - let alone your other choices. I found the standard Pre-amp nicely voiced - a lot of that biting MTD sound was present. I think people began this trend of swapping them out because it's the done thing to do with them, rather than just using their ears. The standard pickups I had (double coils though) were practically silent. Good luck in your hunt! Edited January 19, 2023 by 40hz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 6 minutes ago, 40hz said: KZ5 by a mile. I had the standard model with factory preamp and MTD P/Us. If the quality of the B-string is your primary concern, the MTD is in another league to pretty much anything else - let alone your other choices. I found the standard Pre-amp nicely voiced - a lot of that biting MTD sound was present. I think people began this trend of swapping them out because it's the done thing to do with them, rather than just using their ears. The standard pickups I had (double coils though) were practically silent. Good luck in your hunt! Thanks for your input. I am actually leaning towards the MTD, but I used to play an Ibanez SR1205 with Nordstrand Big Singles, and when solo'ing one pickup, it was so noisy! Not sure how the Aguilars compare Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I picked up a KZ6 this week, still getting used to it but it does have a real nice B string. The preamp is... fine? I'm still dialing it in. Can't say I've noticed the asymmetric neck, but I'm very taken with the playability -- it's definitly the most "articulate" bass I've played, very responsive to your technique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 Thanks for the input. I'd actually love a Lakland 55-02, but every one I've seen has been over 9lbs A Fender Jazz is another nice option but they're typically over £1000 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I have a Lakland 55-02 - very nice basses certainly worth considering. If you decide on the Yamaha option I'd be looking for an older TRB rather than the TRBX. There are a couple available on ebay/ gumtree currently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 The Cort looks nice but you're better sticking with the used market imo, that £1k bass swiftly becomes a <£600 bass whereas the MTD will likely hold its value even if you don't take to it. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ebenezer Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 The 55-02 for me, is the most comfortable 35 inch scale 5, but as you mentioned you will be very lucky to find one 9lbs or under.....how about the new Cort/ Elrick 5...it would tick a lot of boxes for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Owen Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 8 minutes ago, velvetkevorkian said: The Cort looks nice but you're better sticking with the used market imo, that £1k bass swiftly becomes a <£600 bass whereas the MTD will likely hold its value even if you don't take to it. This is the advice you are looking for. I am biased and love my MTD Kinsgton. But that aside, it has hit it's resale floor and it will be an easy way to get your money out again if 5 is not for you. I know we all dream that we will bond with THE ONE but the reality is that what we are looking for changes and not taking a huge 40% hit on money in an instrument is a very good thing. Preamp yes or no? As soon as the drummer and guitarmageddon kick in, no one is going to be saying "dude, you tone was speaking to me. Your subtle lift at 2Khz let me see into your soul." More bass? Yes. More treble? Yes. Less of both? Yes. I am aware that this is a contentious opinion. 2 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Jack Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Paging @chris_b Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I would get the used MTD, is that the one that's been floating around on FB for ages? A lot of bass for the money and less of a gamble although I suppose the new basses could be returned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 14 minutes ago, lemmywinks said: I would get the used MTD, is that the one that's been floating around on FB for ages? A lot of bass for the money and less of a gamble although I suppose the new basses could be returned. It was this one https://reverb.com/item/64478379-mtd-kingston-z-5-bass?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=android-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=64478379 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I think the MTD Super 5 would be worth a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 17 minutes ago, Lfalex v1.1 said: I think the MTD Super 5 would be worth a look. Haven't been able to find one used unfortunately. Think I'd prefer the humbuckers to single coils... I play heavy rock Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lfalex v1.1 Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 25 minutes ago, ReeV0 said: Haven't been able to find one used unfortunately. Think I'd prefer the humbuckers to single coils... I play heavy rock Ah.. they're about £1200 new. Sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taa Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 4 hours ago, ReeV0 said: 2) MTD KZ5 (fitted with Aguilar Big Singles) - used, £700 By far MTD KZ 5 , it is a nice upgrade as well , nice pups you could get OBP-3 fitted too and you have a great bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 (edited) *I know I've mentioned this before, but*☺️ There may be flexibility on price.... PM me 😉 Edited January 19, 2023 by Conan 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheGreek Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 Yep, add a good ACG to the list. Or one of the two AJRs currently for sale here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taa Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I have my STR 5 on sale as well here , far better than the 3 mentioned on £950. I just didn’t know we were allowed to promote/mention them here... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lemmywinks Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 2 hours ago, ReeV0 said: It was this one https://reverb.com/item/64478379-mtd-kingston-z-5-bass?utm_source=android-app&utm_medium=android-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=64478379 Yeah that's the one I was looking at, seems like it's gone now. Very nice looking basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 (edited) @ReeV0 - I'd really recommend buying second hand. You'll get either twice the bass for the same money, or the same bass for half the money. If you then decide you've made the wrong choice you can just sell the bass on, probably break even and buy something else! Ive been doing it for YEARS and still love playing a new bass which may or may not end up being kept! Loads of great second hand basses on here... Two good options mentioned above. Also worth looking at the Brubaker NBS1 5 string for sale (no affiliation to me). Edited January 19, 2023 by binky_bass 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ReeV0 Posted January 19, 2023 Author Share Posted January 19, 2023 2 minutes ago, binky_bass said: @ReeV0 - I'd really recommend buying second hand. You'll get either twice the bass for the same money, or the same bass for half the money. If you then decide you've made the wrong choice you can just sell the bass on, probably break even and buy something else! Ive been doing it for YEARS and still love playing a new bass which may or may not end up being kept! Loads of great second hand basses on here... Two good options mentioned above. Thanks, I usually buy used but prices seem to have shot up, whereas places like Peach Guitars have very good new prices Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
binky_bass Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 4 minutes ago, ReeV0 said: Thanks, I usually buy used but prices seem to have shot up, whereas places like Peach Guitars have very good new prices Most sellers are open to negotiation. The ACG, STR and Brubaker would all be twice the asking price if bought new, if not more. There's a nice 5 string Overwater too which is probably £1500 at least less than the 'new' price. Gotsta buy what's right for you! For me, personally, a bit of negotiation with a keen seller often nets you a great deal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chyc Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 I've played the Yamaha TRBX 605, which essentially is the one you played with fancier wood. I did not get on with it at all. I ordered it in at PMT to try before I buy, thinking it would tick all the right boxes, but it didn't. I found the cheaper basses there, like the Sterling SUBs to be far better for playability and tone. I'd note that prices have gone a bit bonkers now so I don't know if the price differentials are the same. It's clearly a marmite bass. When it was no longer reserved for me and PMT put it on the shelf, it was gone within two weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted January 19, 2023 Share Posted January 19, 2023 24 minutes ago, chyc said: ...prices have gone a bit bonkers now Amen to that 🤔🥺 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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