Budget 5-string

patman · October 05, 2009, 09:07:50 AM

Anybody got ideas for a good budget 5-string?

My main concern is neck stability/quality...electronics are generally replaceable, ...finish and appearance don't really matter...but neck stability and playability does matter. I've had too many basses where I've had to fight with the truss rod to want another one.

exiledarchangel · October 05, 2009, 10:36:21 AM

If I ever were thinking about a budget fiver, I'd check those Schecters, they are very well made basses for that amount of money.

http://www.schecterguitars.com/
http://www.thomann.de/gr/search_dir.html?xsid=d7febd56291639275ebc71ea7039c863&sw=schecter+bass&x=0&y=0

Also you can also check Cort basses.

http://www.cortguitar.com/
http://www.cortguitar.com/2009_prices.pdf
http://www.thomann.de/gr/search_dir.html?xsid=d7febd56291639275ebc71ea7039c863&sw=cort+bass&x=0&y=0

They look kinda modernish, but what fiver doesn't?

uwe · October 05, 2009, 11:01:16 AM

Anything from Ibanez or Yamaha won't give you issues. They are better 5-string builders than Ric, Fender or Gibson, because they design 5-string basses from scratch as opposed to adapting their 4-string classic designs to 5-strings.

Chris P. · October 05, 2009, 01:49:32 PM

Try the Vintage brand. I believe jhs.co.uk

luve2fli · October 05, 2009, 02:19:22 PM

If you want to spend just a bit more money, go for the Sterling by Musicman Ray35 ...... killer and well under a grand.

OldManC · October 05, 2009, 07:06:01 PM

http://www.zzounds.com/item--SCESTE5

I played the earlier version of this model a few years back and it was the best feeling 5 I'd ever touched. Granted, I haven't played a lot of fives, but if I were going to buy one I'd look at this first.

Here's the one I played. Nice looking bass as well and sounded great in the store.

patman · October 06, 2009, 07:15:48 AM

Thank you for the suggestions...

I will research them more...all of these choices are a little more "modern" than I usually go , but what the hell...

Seems like the Schecter's and Ibanez's keep popping up the most when I ask this question...As my son has an Ibanez 4 that I like, I'll likely start there. I got a lot of people suggesting Schecter, also, so I will definitely check this out, as well as seeing if I can lay my hands on an EPI pro T Bird 5 in town here.

I like the look of the Yamaha BB's--looks more like familiar territory--especially the passive one, but saw several Harmony Central reviews where it appeared that the neck was not stable...

Anybody have experience with lower end Peavey basses (not $1500 Cirrus) lately? Any good?

PhilT · October 06, 2009, 09:28:12 AM

My daughter's ex-boyfriend had a Peavey Millenium AC BXP. He loved it, sounded good, easy to play and cheap. Stood up to being thrashed to death in a nu-metal band as well.

Highlander · October 06, 2009, 05:31:16 PM

There are some really cheap 5 stringers up at the moment (eBay UK) from Germany, I think it was; one was a black fretless... £99

lowend1 · October 13, 2009, 05:19:19 AM

Rondo Music and the SX brand are the best bang-for-the buck out there, bar none. Not perfect, but with a decent setup and fret dress they are totally serviceable and then some, plus they are aesthetically pleasing for the most part. I have four of their 4-strings and I love 'em. Kurt's stock is a little low right now - there is a new headstock design coming and he is selling off the old first (the old one is nicer IMHO, so don't hesitate too long if you like them). The return policy is tops - you can return for a full refund including return shipping if you provide proof.

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

godofthunder · October 13, 2009, 05:49:05 PM

Quote from: lowend1 on October 13, 2009, 05:19:19 AM
Rondo Music and the SX brand are the best bang-for-the buck out there, bar none. Not perfect, but with a decent setup and fret dress they are totally serviceable and then some, plus they are aesthetically pleasing for the most part. I have four of their 4-strings and I love 'em. Kurt's stock is a little low right now - there is a new headstock design coming and he is selling off the old first (the old one is nicer IMHO, so don't hesitate too long if you like them). The return policy is tops - you can return for a full refund including return shipping if you provide proof.

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

I agree SX are great bang for the buck, try one if you don't like it send it back! He is my SX '75 J wanna be, plays way better that any 70's Fender I have ever owned. SX puts most of the $ into wood, finish and fit. Hardware is serviceable as are the electronics and pups though the first thing to do is put on a good set of strings, then maybe change out the pups not necessary they are good right out of the box but as with ANY bass it will need to be set up.

lowend1 · October 13, 2009, 08:41:30 PM

Quote from: godofthunder on October 13, 2009, 05:49:05 PM
I agree SX are great bang for the buck, try one if you don't like it send it back! He is my SX '75 J wanna be, plays way better that any 70's Fender I have ever owned. SX puts most of the $ into wood, finish and fit. Hardware is serviceable as are the electronics and pups though the first thing to do is put on a good set of strings, then maybe change out the pups not necessary they are good right out of the box but as with ANY bass it will need to be set up.

Got the same bass, Scott - 'cept with the tort pickguard - and it's a sweetie. Been resisting taking off the chrome covers, but I just can't get my hand in a comfy position. The neat thing about the SXs is that they are all a little different - but I've never gotten a complete dog.