Quality 5 String

[Musicman20]

UPDATE
I’ve had a good test of 5 string basses recently, ranging from £1000-£1400.

I’m looking for a really good Jazz style 5 string, which has the ability to do just normal passive single coil Jazz tones, but perhaps with that little extra active ommphh.

Firstly, I really enjoyed the feel of the EB Stingray 5 string. This isn’t a Jazz style bass but it had a really comfortable neck and the pickup had that comfortable resting position. I find with my Stingray and Jazz I play much better with my fingers because of how the pickups are placed. Even though EB basses aren’t ‘the rage’ at the moment in the UK, I definitely think their basses are excellent quality. The tone?! Punches just like I want.

Secondly I tried a Fender Jazz 5. Granted, it wasn’t a USA model, but that wasn’t available. This was a Mexican Jazz, and the neck/string height wasn’t comfortable for me. I know it’s much cheaper, but it really didn’t feel anywhere near as good as my USA model.

Thirdly, I played a fair few Laklands Skyline models in a fair few stores! The 55-02 really didn’t suit me for some reason. Its not a style of bass Id normally consider, and the active elecs weren’t to my liking. I know these have a lot of fans, but this bass was overshadowed by the JO5. The JO5 was great. The neck was incredibly easy to play. I didn’t even realised I was using an extra string. Once I jumped back onto a 4 string, it felt weird! So, its ultra vintage, it has that Jazz tone, and it goes deep! My only worry is that perhaps it might struggle with it being only a passive design, but this is probably nonsense. The DJ5 I tested was such a brilliant looking bass. The block inlays and binding are a visual treat! DJ5 was a breeze to play. Lovely thin neck, lots of Jazz tone. Same worry that it is just passive…but that B sounded great as did the JO5.

Now the DJ5 has gone….Im in limbo waiting for something to set my sights on for my next purchase (probably mid 2010). Im starting my quest now so I get it right first time.

What I wanted to know was has anyone played any other 5 string basses that just ooze quality and vintage vibe, but aren’t over £1500? Or are near that price?

With my first ever 5, I don’t want to go custom. I haven’t got a clue about what I would possibly want from a custom, so that’s waiting until I’m older.
I am now willing to test the water with other more modern manufacturers as well, just to get a broad view of all the 5 string basses available.
I wouldn’t mind going for a manufacturer who specialise more in 5 string basses. I know the new Fender P 5 is a great instrument, but Id like a Jazz ish tone.

I’ve been looking around at Clover Argo basses, other Clover basses, possibly Roscoe, I did consider Spector due to their excellent finishes, but Im not sure I can handle the bodyshape!

Im going to visit the bass specialists and check out all the 5 string options. I have no worries about a rig built more for 5 string now; the LM3 and Bergantino will handle it with ease.

Anyone want to chime in?

[TDM]

A Shuker perhaps? I don't think you can ooze more quality than that, and you can have as much vintage vibe as you want!

Either that, or buy a Spector and deal with it.

Edited September 23, 2009 by thedonutman