Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

[alex1fly]

What are some good 5 string basses under 500 bucks? Cheaper the better. Instrument quality in the 300-500 dollar range has really increased since I last bought a bass. Squire even has multiple models to choose from... though I can't help but distrust them being a Fender guy for so long. Peavey, Ibanez, LTD... what can I expect from these lower line basses?

Is there a good bass guitar forum online?

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

I have a Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V in Sunburst. It's a great bass. Extremely resonant, like a punch to the chest. It's got a really wide neck, 2" nut width on that beast, so it might be harder to play if you have smaller hands. It's not a problem for me, though. The Squier Affinity Jazz Bass has a smaller nut width if you don't think you'd be able to handle the wider neck. Squier also has the P-Bass Special V and the SQ MB-5. Those both have the 2" nut width, though. Peavey has a bass called the Millennium BXP if you're looking for something more Jazz bass style, but don't want to go with a Squier.

If you don't want to go with a Squier or Peavey, maybe you should try an Ibanez SR or a Yamaha BB.

 

[thespricket]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

rondo?

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

I have a Squier Deluxe Active Jazz Bass V in Sunburst. It's a great bass. Extremely resonant, like a punch to the chest. It's got a really wide neck, 2" nut width on that beast, so it might be harder to play if you have smaller hands. It's not a problem for me, though. The Squier Affinity Jazz Bass has a smaller nut width if you don't think you'd be able to handle the wider neck. Squier also has the P-Bass Special V and the SQ MB-5. Those both have the 2" nut width, though. Peavey has a bass called the Millennium BXP if you're looking for something more Jazz bass style, but don't want to go with a Squier.

If you don't want to go with a Squier or Peavey, maybe you should try an Ibanez SR or a Yamaha BB.

Thanks for the info. 2 inches may be a little wide, but I'll just have to see... I used to think LP necks were too big but now I love mine! Now I just have to decide what kind of pickups I want... I really dig punchy and compressed bass tones like that of Incubus and Dave Matthews Band, but their bassists have used a lot of basses over the years.

 

[baritone]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

check out ibanez

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

Thanks for the info. 2 inches may be a little wide, but I'll just have to see... I used to think LP necks were too big but now I love mine! Now I just have to decide what kind of pickups I want... I really dig punchy and compressed bass tones like that of Incubus and Dave Matthews Band, but their bassists have used a lot of basses over the years.

If that's what you like, maybe you should look at Warwick's Rockbass line of basses. They sound a lot like their more expensive Warwick counterparts, probably because they use the same pickups in the Rockbasses. They only have one 5-string model for under $500, though.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navi...-electric-bass-guitars?N=100001+306314+202224

If you're worried about playing on a really wide neck, perhaps you should give Dean basses a try. Their Edge 5's have really slim, very narrow necks with tight string spacings. Only 1-11/16" nut width on the Edge 5's.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Edge-5-5String-Bass?sku=519803
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Edge-Q5-Quilted-5String-Bass?sku=519807

 

[alex1fly]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

If that's what you like, maybe you should look at Warwick's Rockbass line of basses. They sound a lot like their more expensive Warwick counterparts, probably because they use the same pickups in the Rockbasses. They only have one 5-string model for under $500, though.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/navi...-electric-bass-guitars?N=100001+306314+202224

If you're worried about playing on a really wide neck, perhaps you should give Dean basses a try. Their Edge 5's have really slim, very narrow necks with tight string spacings. Only 1-11/16" nut width on the Edge 5's.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Edge-5-5String-Bass?sku=519803
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Edge-Q5-Quilted-5String-Bass?sku=519807

Those Deans look pretty awesome. I'll definitely check those out next time I make it to GC. A smaller neck and string spacing will be helpful since guitar is my main instrument. I hope the the pickups are decent, because I'd rather not have to swap them, though I know I'll have to swap pots. I'll have to do some research on whether passives or actives will be better for me. Have you played on either of the Deans?

 

[JOLLY]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

I've got a 5 string Kramer that plays and sounds really good. I got it from www.musicyo.com a few years ago. I don't think they make the same model anymore though.

 

[73roadrunner]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

check the used market dude.. I bought my first bass a few weeks ago.. it was a 1980's Kramer Forum IV bass that I payed 209 for.

 

[sufferinrewind]

Re: Cheapest 5 string - Squires?

Those Deans look pretty awesome. I'll definitely check those out next time I make it to GC. A smaller neck and string spacing will be helpful since guitar is my main instrument. I hope the the pickups are decent, because I'd rather not have to swap them, though I know I'll have to swap pots. I'll have to do some research on whether passives or actives will be better for me. Have you played on either of the Deans?

I haven't played any Dean basses, but I've played a bunch of Dean guitars and owned a few and they've all been solid.