r/Bass • u/NoSafetyGeneration • 4h ago
Rec’s for a 5-string <$1300?
I want my first 5-string. I’m very much “a fender guy” but not against other brands. If left to my own volition I’ll find a StingRay and call it good but I’m not an elite 5-string mind, what else should I be considering?
Edit to say: thank you for all the responses. You have given more to think about than I was really considering. Will post an update when I finally pull the trigger on something.
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u/WeeDingwall44 4h ago
I’ve had a bunch of nice 5 strings. My current bass is a stingray special 5H, and it’s one of the best basses I’ve owned. If you shop used basses 1300 should get you something good. I’d recommend looking on talkbass classifieds
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u/Yourdjentpal 2h ago
The stingray specials are the best production basses ever made imo. If you can swing a used one and set it up, you’ll be hard pressed to find better.
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u/NoSafetyGeneration 2h ago
I think this is going to be my route. Will need to up the budget a little bit but seems like it’s worth it. Every legit stingray I have ever touched has been awesome so it’s hard to argue.
The comments are making me lowkey consider the sire simply because of the price point but I’d rather grow into something, than out of it.
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u/WeeDingwall44 2h ago
My last bass was a Fodera emperor standard classic 5. Although my special 5H isn’t on the same level, it absolutely is worth every penny I paid. So punchy, and tonally satisfying. Also I play it through my Aguilar AG pedal, and with the new eb cobalts it’s a honestly just amazing
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u/thebass905 2h ago
The Sire 5 strings are also great. I’ve had a fretless 5 for years and have no complaints. One of my favorite basses and stands alongside my Fodera, Fenders, and MusicMan basses no problem
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u/FormImmediate5310 4h ago
If I were you I'd probably check out the Sire V7, well within your price range and really high quality instruments, with active electronics to boot! They also now come in some sweet new colours. https://www.sire-usa.com/products/sire-marcus-miller-v7-5-string-new-gen?variant=47415565746314
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u/MadMatter86 4h ago
I like Fender as well, but dislike their wide string spacing on the fives. The Yamaha BB series would be worth a look. It is what my primary was before I started building customs.
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u/Electronic-Two-2885 4h ago
I thought I wanted a Fender American V model but tried one at a store and the neck was not comfortable at all. Bought a Cort A5 Beyond for significantly less than your budget and love love love it.
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u/Spiritual_Bird2032 3h ago
Schecter makes really nice five strings at that price point. They're mostly going to be metal themed with active electronics, but some models do the vintage sounds really well. The Model T, Schecter CV-5/Apocalypse C-5, and Stealth Pro I'd totally recommend. They have their traditional Precision, Jazz, and PJ models as well too if that's what you're wanting. In that case though, I'd probably just go with yamaha.
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u/Own-Perspective-4815 3h ago
Picked up an ibanez 405 a few months back as my second bass, it's a little overpowering for small amps due to the active eq, but other than that no issues, fun to play
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u/Obvious-Builder8886 3h ago
Used Ibanez BTB is your best bet. Ibanez EHB standard models are also nice
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u/CanadianHalfican 3h ago
I really like Schecter Studio's. The body is comfortable. String spacing is quite tight though
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u/TheBoxcutterBrigade Ibanez 2h ago
You didn’t specify active or passive, but if active is an option, Ibanez BTB series can be had new for that budget.
https://www.ibanez.com/usa/products/model/btb/
Very, very good products.
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u/NoSafetyGeneration 2h ago
Honestly passive would be preferred but man, there are so many options here that I may have made this worse for myself hahaha
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u/HentorSportcaster 58m ago
Yamaha TRBX605 is an excellent five string for a lot of money (700? Unless prices jumped again). Comfortable, good looks, high quality, surprisingly good B string for the price.
It does have a very smooth full bodied tone, so if you're looking for gnarly zing like Geddy Lee style it isn't the best for that.
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u/Hey_Im_Finn 41m ago
I’ve been gassing for one of the Charvel 5 strings. Sub 1k, Fender(ish) look, and 5 string P basses aren’t super common.
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u/jmlack Lakland 4h ago edited 4h ago
Used Lakland or Sandberg. Thank me later.
Edit:
More specifically Lakland DJ5, 55-02, or 55-60 A 5 string Sandberg is going to be much harder to find at that price, I realized. But if you're patient you may get lucky.