30th Birthday - Bass purchase/order to celebrate!

[Musicman20]

Hi everyone

I am 29 in 4 days and counting. I would like to start thinking about ordering a bass for my 30th that my girlfriend and family are going to contribute towards.

I know its still a LONG way off, (thankfully) but I realise some of my options will take a little extra time.

Basically, I want an absolute belter of a 5 String Jazz Bass, (possibly MM Humbucker). No messing about, no corners cut, no cheaper options. I want to go all out!

I have a lot of options in mind....but I want it to be the perfect 5 string Jazz.

So, budget? Id say no more than £2200, possibly upto £2500 if its REALLY special.

Ive given up on finding a 5 string that I like between £900-£1200 so this is why I thought Ill just save and wait to see what other options I have.

So, my options so far are:

Overwater
Sei (if I can afford it)
Roscoe
Fender Custom Shop (again if I can afford it and if they actually make high end 5 stringers)
Ernie Ball Musicman Stingray 5 H or HS (yep, these are well within budget....around £1300-£1400 new)
Lakland US (again if its within budget...Im guessing these are more)

So...tons of scope. I would put Alleva down, but they are out of budget

What are your views? Should I go for a more 'custom' option, or a more off the shelf model?

I dont want second hand, and I basically want no problems with QC which ive had on the other 5'ers Ive tried to buy recently, (poor paint, misaligned logo, poor pickguard cutout, etc).

What sound do I want? - Vintage with bite. I love the tone of a passive jazz, but a wicked East pre-amp might tempt me. I dont want anything too polite.

Style - Again, more towards the vintage bodyshape, but Im willing to try something new with colours or have a very nice piece of wood and have no colour. If I go for the Jazz 5 it would be perfect to have blocks and binding!

I could be cautious and go for the Stingray 5, but im not sure as yet. I can probably afford that in 6 months.

If it is well under budget...eg £1400 or something, I have no problem with this. I only put the budget to say what I would spend. Id like to spend less, wouldnt we all, but I think I have to be realistic.

If Im honest, Ive seen some nice basses for around the £1400-1800 mark...which isnt so bad.

Thanks

Gareth

Edited March 1, 2010 by Musicman20

[StevieC]

Hi Musicman,

May I add to your dilemma a Sandberg California MM 5 Stringer. It's Jazz shaped, bubinga faced with two MM Humbuckers. Mine sounds great, is a joy to play and isn't too heavy. Should only cost you £1200-£1400 quid.

Stacks of tonal variation in the 3-band controls as well. I'm local to you so PM if me if you fancy a bash.

Steve

[sk8]

what about full custom?

Zoot
Shuker
ACG
RIM

etc etc

[Musicman20]

[quote name='sk8' post='760657' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:53 PM']what about full custom?

Zoot
Shuker
ACG
RIM

etc etc[/quote]

I did think about full custom....but Im not sure I could ever choose exactly what I wanted!

It is an option though.

[JTUK]

Happy birthday in 4 days time Gareth,
You know what I am going to say....but I'll say it anyway.

Commision a Jazz5 from Sei, pick your core woods and finish and I think you'll go for paint.
East pre and Barts.
I also think you would prefer a dark wood board, so get that blocked and bound.

So, basically, a vintage vibe with a modern bite to the sound. If you are ever down my way, you can try mine.

Fine tuning stuff would be to run the pre off 18v which I think is better, which pups, soaps or singles looking design and the colour of hardware which should be chrome. Maybe a subtle flame or birdseye neck, not too OTT,
Side LEDS an option, but no one really uses them and I have no idea how long the battery is supposed to last anyway.

Forget the money, you'll not go too far over it, IMV

[supabock]

[quote name='JTUK' post='760664' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:55 PM']Happy birthday in 4 days time Gareth,
You know what I am going to say....but I'll say it anyway.

Commision a Jazz5 from Sei, pick your core woods and finish and I think you'll go for paint.
East pre and Barts.
I also think you would prefer a dark wood board, so get that blocked and bound.

So, basically, a vintage vibe with a modern bite to the sound. If you are ever down my way, you can try mine.

Fine tuning stuff would be to run the pre off 18v which I think is better, which pups, soaps or singles looking design and the colour of hardware which should be chrome. Maybe a subtle flame or birdseye neck, not too OTT,
Side LEDS an option, but no one really uses them and I have no idea how long the battery is supposed to last anyway.

Forget the money, you'll not go too far over it, IMV[/quote]


A Mega +1 on that one....... I thought for a minute you were talking about my Sei Jazz 5

[peted]

[quote name='Musicman20' post='760663' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:55 PM']I did think about full custom....but Im not sure I could ever choose exactly what I wanted!

It is an option though.[/quote]
If you explain to Jon Shuker the kind of sounds you're after he'll guide your specification to best match that sound.

[BigRedX]

As well as the other choices mentioned you should also consider Overwater. If you like that sort of thing they do some tasty looking super-J basses.

Personally if I was in the market for the ultimate 5-string Jazz I'd get myself down to The Gallery and talk to Martin. Remember they've a whole shop full of fantastic basses, so if you're unsure about any points you can try the basses in stock and let Martin know what you like (or don't like) about them. I found this very useful when I was unsure about weight/tone issues of using certain woods and again when it came to choosing pickups. Being able to play with the features I wanted to know more about helped considerably when faced with what looked like overwhelming choices.

Finally remember that guiding you towards what you want from a bass is part of the job of the your chosen luthier,and if they can't do that then you should look elsewhere. Don't feel as though you need to have every aspect of your bass mapped out by yourself before you meet them. I went to see Martin of Sei Bass knowing that I wanted a Flamboyant Offset 5-string fretless bass. I had a photograph of a Nordstrand bass for colour reference and I said I wanted to be able to get that Mick Karn Japan fretless tone. Martin did the rest.

[DaveDDF]

If I had that kind of budget, I'd definitely go full custom.

Wish I'd had something like this for my 30th! :brow:

[Clarky]

Hi Gareth

How about one of these with a r/w board? - Nordstrand Nordy 5 in seafoam green, yummy. From BassDirect

[KiOgon]

Break the mold - go for a Skjold [url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Skjold_Lions_Pride_B.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...ns_Pride_B.html[/url]
Highly recommended

[OutToPlayJazz]

A nice 5-string Status S2-Classic like mine (either headed of headless.) Easily within your budget & I'll bet they have a nice one on stock at the factory, too. Only problem is that it'll overshadow all your other basses and you won't want to play them anymore...

Failing that, the best all-wood 5-stringer I've played was an MTD535 that Molan had. Amazing sounding bass!

Edited March 1, 2010 by OutToPlayJazz

[thodrik]

Top end 5 string jazzes with a £2500 budget, so much choice!

Since it is a long way way off you could try a few models to see which bass feels like 'your' bass.

Any combination of Sandberg, Nordstrand, Sadowsky, (the metro range is around the £2000 mark anyway). Overwater as well are known for making great 5 strings as well. I don't know the pricing of the US Laklands, Alleva Coppollo or the Fodera NYC range, but they are also in the same bracket of high quality Fender J-style basses. You could also try Fender as well, you just never know you try one that for some reason plays like a dream!

For the 'wildcard' I would suggest trying out a Vigier Excess five string that is coming out in a few months. Not vintage at all and some people don't like the lack of a truss rod, but if its like my four string it will pack on hell of a punch and will be built like a tank!

With any of the listed brands in this thread though, quality control should not really be an issue.

Happy hunting!

[woodster]

Overwater J5!!!

Biassed......? Moi....?

[EBS_freak]

Suhr Jazz Bass...

[url="http://www.suhrguitars.com/classicJ.aspx"]http://www.suhrguitars.com/classicJ.aspx[/url]

[ErlendDL]

What you want is a Dingwall [url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/pdf/SuperJspecsheet.pdf"]Super J[/url] 5-string...

[url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/html/products_superj_tn_gallery.html"]Super cool interactive finish selector thingy.[/url]

[JTUK]

You haven't got that much time, if the build time is around 8 months...check with the luthier.

[JMT3781]

Shuker or a Nordstrand... do it!

Bass direct have a couple of lovely Nordstrands in stock

Or check out the shuker website, i was stuck on what design i wanted for my special birthday custom, every idea i came up with myself was silly, so i seeked inspiration on the website!

[Platypus]

[quote name='Clarky' post='760866' date='Mar 1 2010, 04:09 PM']Hi Gareth

How about one of these with a r/w board? - Nordstrand Nordy 5 in seafoam green, yummy. From BassDirect[/quote]

Ha, that one's mine now, bought on here from Kevin Lindsay..

Edited March 1, 2010 by Platypus

[Musicman20]

[quote name='JTUK' post='760664' date='Mar 1 2010, 12:55 PM']Happy birthday in 4 days time Gareth,
You know what I am going to say....but I'll say it anyway.

Commision a Jazz5 from Sei, pick your core woods and finish and I think you'll go for paint.
East pre and Barts.
I also think you would prefer a dark wood board, so get that blocked and bound.

So, basically, a vintage vibe with a modern bite to the sound. If you are ever down my way, you can try mine.

Fine tuning stuff would be to run the pre off 18v which I think is better, which pups, soaps or singles looking design and the colour of hardware which should be chrome. Maybe a subtle flame or birdseye neck, not too OTT,
Side LEDS an option, but no one really uses them and I have no idea how long the battery is supposed to last anyway.

Forget the money, you'll not go too far over it, IMV[/quote]

Thanks! Yep, Sei are definitely one of the options I want to consider. Shame Im absolutely nowhere near London You are right on blocks and binding though!


[quote name='BigRedX' post='760854' date='Mar 1 2010, 04:00 PM']As well as the other choices mentioned you should also consider Overwater. If you like that sort of thing they do some tasty looking super-J basses.

Personally if I was in the market for the ultimate 5-string Jazz I'd get myself down to The Gallery and talk to Martin. Remember they've a whole shop full of fantastic basses, so if you're unsure about any points you can try the basses in stock and let Martin know what you like (or don't like) about them. I found this very useful when I was unsure about weight/tone issues of using certain woods and again when it came to choosing pickups. Being able to play with the features I wanted to know more about helped considerably when faced with what looked like overwhelming choices.

Finally remember that guiding you towards what you want from a bass is part of the job of the your chosen luthier,and if they can't do that then you should look elsewhere. Don't feel as though you need to have every aspect of your bass mapped out by yourself before you meet them. I went to see Martin of Sei Bass knowing that I wanted a Flamboyant Offset 5-string fretless bass. I had a photograph of a Nordstrand bass for colour reference and I said I wanted to be able to get that Mick Karn Japan fretless tone. Martin did the rest.[/quote]

I am definitely considering Overwater. The website has some very nice looking basses! I also like the other models they do that arent J basses...the Perception. I dont want anything neck through...thats not my taste.


[quote name='Clarky' post='760866' date='Mar 1 2010, 04:09 PM']Hi Gareth

How about one of these with a r/w board? - Nordstrand Nordy 5 in seafoam green, yummy. From BassDirect[/quote]

I do love that colour. More options! Hhahaha.


[quote name='thodrik' post='760955' date='Mar 1 2010, 05:11 PM']Top end 5 string jazzes with a £2500 budget, so much choice!

Since it is a long way way off you could try a few models to see which bass feels like 'your' bass.

Any combination of Sandberg, Nordstrand, Sadowsky, (the metro range is around the £2000 mark anyway). Overwater as well are known for making great 5 strings as well. I don't know the pricing of the US Laklands, Alleva Coppollo or the Fodera NYC range, but they are also in the same bracket of high quality Fender J-style basses. You could also try Fender as well, you just never know you try one that for some reason plays like a dream!

For the 'wildcard' I would suggest trying out a Vigier Excess five string that is coming out in a few months. Not vintage at all and some people don't like the lack of a truss rod, but if its like my four string it will pack on hell of a punch and will be built like a tank!

With any of the listed brands in this thread though, quality control should not really be an issue.

Happy hunting![/quote]

Thats the thing...ive got a lot of options! I was thinking Sadowsky but if im honest, i dont want to part with £1800+ on a non-US Sadowsky. Dont get me wrong, the finish and fit is flawless on the ones I tested, but the sound wasnt what I was looking for.

The rest Im definitely going to consider. Thanks

[quote name='ErlendDL' post='760995' date='Mar 1 2010, 06:00 PM']What you want is a Dingwall [url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/pdf/SuperJspecsheet.pdf"]Super J[/url] 5-string...

[url="http://www.dingwallguitars.com/html/products_superj_tn_gallery.html"]Super cool interactive finish selector thingy.[/url][/quote]

I do like the idea of a Dingwall, but the fan frets are too 'modern' for me. Im only 28, but im old school!


[quote name='JMT3781' post='761198' date='Mar 1 2010, 09:08 PM']Shuker or a Nordstrand... do it!

Bass direct have a couple of lovely Nordstrands in stock

Or check out the shuker website, i was stuck on what design i wanted for my special birthday custom, every idea i came up with myself was silly, so i seeked inspiration on the website![/quote]

Shuker did come into my mind...but I think....although not 100%, that id like to get something that isnt totally custom...just a really nice tweaked model thats to my specs.

Thanks everyone. A LOT of choice....keep it coming.

[Flanker]

Celinder or Alleva Coppolo are what you need but not quite in that budget new - get a nice broken-in used one - seriously they are in a different league IMO.

If that's out I would definitely consider a Japanese bass too . Atelier Z /Moon/ Bacchus etc.

I emailed Atelier Z tonight asking about Jazz basses as I also have a birthday coming up later this year.

Small world!

(If your budgets 3k mine should be 5k)

Edited March 1, 2010 by Flanker

[thodrik]

[quote name='Musicman20' post='761338' date='Mar 1 2010, 11:01 PM']Thats the thing...ive got a lot of options! I was thinking Sadowsky but if im honest, i dont want to part with £1800+ on a non-US Sadowsky. Dont get me wrong, the finish and fit is flawless on the ones I tested, but the sound wasnt what I was looking for.

The rest Im definitely going to consider. Thanks[/quote]

Yeah, if you weren't into the non-US Sadowsky sound I'm not sure you'd get on with a US one either. Sadowsky's have a certain sound to them that bassists either take to or they don't. You are never going to get a really vintage sound even running it passive, every one I've tried has had a certain modern 'zing' to it.

I did end up buying a Metro for £1500 new. In a comparison with a Mk 1 Wal, a 1971 Fender Jazz and an Overwater Perception it was a clear winner for me, and was cheaper to boot. The stigma of it not being a 'proper' US Sadowsky was an issue at first for me, but it is the same bridge and pick up as the NYC models and they are generally finished to a high standard which is comparable to other basses in the price range. It really is a proper Sadowsky bass, except without the extra options, bells and whistles that make the NYC range a bit more special. This does make them more of a real workhorse bass than a special one of kind bass though, so you are maybe right in looking elsewhere if you want something a bit more unique.

The only thing that ran the Sadowsky close was a Sandberg JM, with the pre-aged finish putting me off more than anything to do with the bass.

Those were all 4 strings though and a different player would probably rank the basses in a completely different order!

[KiOgon]

[quote name='Flanker' post='761349' date='Mar 1 2010, 11:20 PM'](If your budgets 3k mine should be 5k)[/quote]

So for next January - mine should be £6K

[throwoff]

You could go Fender Custom Shop for that money quite easily
or Warwick CS

Edited March 2, 2010 by throwoff

[7string]

Apart from an obvious Sei bias, I'm going to throw [url="http://www.carvinworld.com"]Carvin[/url] into the mix.