Musicman20 Posted July 11, 2009 Posted July 11, 2009 (edited) Ok...Ive come to the conclusion that my next bass is going to be a 5 string. I was hoping to save for a fair while til my 30th (nearly 2 years away) for an Alleva Coppolo, but my gas for a 5 might hit me before then. Basically, Ive only had one 5 string, when I was young. It was an awful Tanglewood...the B was flat as hell even with new strings. So...I want to move into the world of 5 strings. I would probably look at between £700-£1200...unless I can hold off for the Alleva, or indeed a Sadowsky. I like, as you are probably aware, tradtional body shapes. I really dont get on with small bass bodies....but I might be convinced. I wouldnt mind some active electronics, but nothing crazy. I am aware most low b's sometimes need the active elecs. Id like 2 single coils...J Bass style. I did gas for an EB MM 5 a few years back, but I am aware 5's have come on a long way. Suggestions? I think I'd like to try a manufacturer I've never used before. Thanks Edited July 11, 2009 by Musicman20 Quote
XB26354 Posted July 11, 2009 Posted July 11, 2009 Or even Lakland Joe Osborn 5 - it has passive JJ and there's a nice one in natural for sale here. Quote
JTUK Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Agree with either Lakland or MM as a lot of bass for the money...or that money. but..... can your rig take a low B.. ? and that note needs to be defined so spend all your focus on that, IMV... as you have found out, I guess. Also, are you hearing the move to a 5...or just want one...? Will you chop back to a 4.... if so, then get a comparable string spacing with the one you are already comfortable on I had major major hassle swapping over and I could not go back ... it took more than a few months Quote
chris_b Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 I wouldn't get an AC as my first 5 string bass! A lot of people switch back when they find they prefer 4 strings! With your budget I'd try a Lakland first. In my opinion, you won't get better for the money. Also, when you get your 5 string put the other basses away. Don't keep switching between them. You'll find it easier to make the transition if you only play the 5 string! Quote
Chris2112 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 It might be worth trying a Warwick Thumb 5 string, they have always been one of the best 5 strings around IMO. Not to mention that every other Thumb seems to be a 5 string! I'm gasing for one already having just got a Warwick Thumb 4 string (though I don't really get on with 5 strings). I'd advise you not to spend a massive amount on your first 5 string, as you may well find that they just aren't for you, as I did! Quote
Musicman20 Posted July 12, 2009 Author Posted July 12, 2009 [quote name='bubinga5' post='538167' date='Jul 11 2009, 09:36 PM']Lakland 55-02 ...enough said[/quote] Hey thanks. Had a look on their site. Nice looking bass...the soundclips sound great. I might have to look into a Lakland. [quote name='XB26354' post='538173' date='Jul 11 2009, 09:44 PM']Or even Lakland Joe Osborn 5 - it has passive JJ and there's a nice one in natural for sale here.[/quote] Thanks. How do passive elecs handle a low b? Is it something I dont need to even worry about? [quote name='JTUK' post='538267' date='Jul 12 2009, 08:14 AM']Agree with either Lakland or MM as a lot of bass for the money...or that money. but..... can your rig take a low B.. ? and that note needs to be defined so spend all your focus on that, IMV... as you have found out, I guess. Also, are you hearing the move to a 5...or just want one...? Will you chop back to a 4.... if so, then get a comparable string spacing with the one you are already comfortable on I had major major hassle swapping over and I could not go back ... it took more than a few months I think Id just like a 5 for versatility. I got quite used to my old crappy 5 string, but sold it on for the MIJ Fender I still have. Im hoping the LM3 and the Aggies can quite easily handle the low b. What do you think? Thanks[/quote] [quote name='BeLow' post='538370' date='Jul 12 2009, 11:34 AM']You could throw money at it, or if you want a good budget instrument that won't embarass you sound wise how about a Squire Jazz deluxe. I have two hand made Shuker 5's and my own design MM5 copy, but the Squire does a good job at a fraction of the price, served me very well at a gig last night where I don't think the Shuker would have fitted in. If you pick one up secondhand they are phenominally good value for money and would be a stop gap while you save. PS Lakland 55-02 9s a very nice bass but 3 - 4 times the price, I think I saw a Squire change hands for about £170 a while back.[/quote] Ill also take a look at these! [quote name='chris_b' post='538375' date='Jul 12 2009, 11:43 AM']I wouldn't get an AC as my first 5 string bass! A lot of people switch back when they find they prefer 4 strings! With your budget I'd try a Lakland first. In my opinion, you won't get better for the money. Also, when you get your 5 string put the other basses away. Don't keep switching between them. You'll find it easier to make the transition if you only play the 5 string![/quote] I agree on the AC. Im mainly a 4 string man...so the AC will 99% be a 4 string. Lots to think about on that one, and also whether its an AC, or a Sadowsky. Does anyone have experience with Sadowsky Metro 5's? This looks stunning! [url="http://www.sadowsky.com/media/metro/thumb/photos/UV70-RW-ALD-5-3TB.jpg"]http://www.sadowsky.com/media/metro/thumb/...W-ALD-5-3TB.jpg[/url] Thanks Quote
Chris2112 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 After having played a good number of Sadowsky Metro basses, I feel that they are pretty overrated. Very pricey for what they are, when I found cheaper alternatives to be superior! Quote
bubinga5 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 [quote name='Musicman20' post='538401' date='Jul 12 2009, 12:22 PM']Hey thanks. Had a look on their site. Nice looking bass...the soundclips sound great. I might have to look into a Lakland. Thanks. How do passive elecs handle a low b? Is it something I dont need to even worry about? Ill also take a look at these! I agree on the AC. Im mainly a 4 string man...so the AC will 99% be a 4 string. Lots to think about on that one, and also whether its an AC, or a Sadowsky. Does anyone have experience with Sadowsky Metro 5's? This looks stunning! [url="http://www.sadowsky.com/media/metro/thumb/photos/UV70-RW-ALD-5-3TB.jpg"]http://www.sadowsky.com/media/metro/thumb/...W-ALD-5-3TB.jpg[/url] Thanks[/quote] Sadowsky...in a word awsome, better than anything mentioned here IMHO, expensive now mind, Your looking at the igh end of £1800.. I used to have an RV5 and the tone was supreme among basses Quote
Fraktal Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Passive electronics can handle a low B string as good as active ones, and sometimes even better. A perfect example of this would be, surprisingly, a very cheap bass, the warwick rockbass streamer standard 5 strings, passive MEC soapbar pickups and no pre. Clean, defined and punchy lowB, with an even signal output compared to the E string. No wool there. You should really try one, that bass has always surprised me. Quote
bubinga5 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 (edited) [quote name='Chris2112' post='538416' date='Jul 12 2009, 12:38 PM']After having played a good number of Sadowsky Metro basses, I feel that they are pretty overrated. Very pricey for what they are, when I found cheaper alternatives to be superior![/quote] UHH???? Sadowsky overated? Pricey for what they are?...there that price because they make some of the best instruments in the world.....it is all a matter of opinion of course.......some may say the best preamp in the business.. I would love to know what cheaper basses have you found to be superior to a Sadowsky?? Edited July 12, 2009 by bubinga5 Quote
phil_the_bassist Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 I've recently traded a SR5 for a Sandberg California JM custom (cheers Nathan!) and altho it's a COMPLETELY different beast to my 'ray, it's a top notch 5er and will be a keeper in my rack along with my other SR5 and my modded-to-two-p'ups Steiny Synapse (cheers Lee!) Haven't played a Lakland or Sadowsky, but if you see a Sandberg, you might like to keep 'em in mind! Quote
bubinga5 Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Also, when you get your 5 string put the other basses away. Don't keep switching between them. You'll find it easier to make the transition if you only play the 5 QUOTE>>>> This is not always the case,...I play 4's 5's 6's, and i never have problems going between any of them..There is no reason why you cant go back to a 4 if you have played a 5...why would there be? If you play them all the time you get used to it Quote
soopercrip Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Iv, got a Yamaha BB605 sat gathering dust if you'd like a borrow for a bit see if 5 strings are your bag? Barely used from new. PM if your interested I'm only 30 miles top side of hull Andy Quote
plumbob Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 Yeh I was going to suggest a Yamaha The BB's or the Trb's are great . Even the earlier Trb's pop up on here for sale from time to time at great prices for what they offer Quote
51m0n Posted July 12, 2009 Posted July 12, 2009 (edited) Thought about Clover? [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Stock_XP15.5.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...ock_XP15.5.html[/url] [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Stock_Apeiron_H.5.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...peiron_H.5.html[/url] Nice kit. I tried the XP15.5 when I got my Roscoe (it was a toss up between the two). The Roscoe won for me, but I love that kind of body shape over something more classic... In terms of the switch you will need to make technique adjustments in all probability. I've begun the mover from a moving anchored RH thumb to a floating (constantly muting) RH thumb to damp the extra strings better. Was having trouble with the low b warbling. I've been at it for about 3 practices and its nearly there already! As for switching back and forth I have been so delighted with my Roscoe that I really havent much, mainly over to the fretless if at all. Get a bass that really calls to you and you'll have the same experience, get any old thing and you might find the effort not worth the reward. Edited July 12, 2009 by 51m0n Quote
Musicman20 Posted July 12, 2009 Author Posted July 12, 2009 [quote name='soopercrip' post='538832' date='Jul 12 2009, 09:33 PM']Iv, got a Yamaha BB605 sat gathering dust if you'd like a borrow for a bit see if 5 strings are your bag? Barely used from new. PM if your interested I'm only 30 miles top side of hull Andy[/quote] Hey thanks! Ill give you a PM if I get some time to come and check it out [quote name='51m0n' post='538901' date='Jul 12 2009, 10:24 PM']Thought about Clover? [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Stock_XP15.5.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...ock_XP15.5.html[/url] [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Stock_Apeiron_H.5.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...peiron_H.5.html[/url] Nice kit. I tried the XP15.5 when I got my Roscoe (it was a toss up between the two). The Roscoe won for me, but I love that kind of body shape over something more classic... In terms of the switch you will need to make technique adjustments in all probability. I've begun the mover from a moving anchored RH thumb to a floating (constantly muting) RH thumb to damp the extra strings better. Was having trouble with the low b warbling. I've been at it for about 3 practices and its nearly there already! As for switching back and forth I have been so delighted with my Roscoe that I really havent much, mainly over to the fretless if at all. Get a bass that really calls to you and you'll have the same experience, get any old thing and you might find the effort not worth the reward.[/quote] Hey thanks....I always liked the look of the Clovers....very nice basses. I will put them on the 'list' of ones to try Quote
rjb Posted July 13, 2009 Posted July 13, 2009 How about a Sandberg California? I have my eye on a P5 at the moment. Their price from new comes right into your budget. Quote
greyparrot Posted July 13, 2009 Posted July 13, 2009 [quote name='rjb' post='539118' date='Jul 13 2009, 09:29 AM']How about a Sandberg California? I have my eye on a P5 at the moment. Their price from new comes right into your budget.[/quote] How about my sunburst saowsky RV5 metro? the best 5 working 5 string out there, beats all of em! £1100. Quote
StevieC Posted July 13, 2009 Posted July 13, 2009 [quote name='thedontcarebear' post='539133' date='Jul 13 2009, 09:59 AM']Yeah, Sandberg![/quote] Absolutely! I love my California MM. Plays like a dream. Steve Quote
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