Budget 5-String options

[Luke67]

Hi, Everybody.

I'm an intermediate player, played 4-Strings for a while, and just been invited to a Limp Biskit tribute band (mostly played with 5-Strings). I have a quite decent 4-string Jazz Fender, and still have to invest in amp+cabinet, so I wanna stay within the budget-end of the range.

Never played 5-Strings before.

I'm between Squier Affinity Jazz, Yamaha
and Ibanez (both PJs). Any thoughts? Other recommendations? Are they all similar, considering the range? Or should I runaway from any of these and why?

Thanks!

 

[B-Mac]

Hi, Everybody.

I'm an intermediate player, played 4-Strings for a while, and just been invited to a Limp Biskit tribute band (mostly played with 5-Strings). I have a quite decent 4-string Jazz Fender, and still have to invest in amp+cabinet, so I wanna stay within the budget-end of the range.

Never played 5-Strings before.

I'm between Squier Affinity Jazz, Yamaha
and Ibanez (both PJs). Any thoughts? Other recommendations? Are they all similar, considering the range? Or should I runaway from any of these and why?

Thanks!

I have the 4 string version of this and love it.
Dean Hillsboro 5 V J-Style 5-String Bass Black | Reverb

 

[Moving Pictures]

Given your options, I would look hard at Yamaha and Ibanez. The Squier Affinity I found to be just OK, whereas the the other tend to be more consistent in quality. Now if you can move up to a higher level Squier that would be worth investigating.

 

[Luke67]

I live in Australia, don't remember seeing them around (or online). But I'll mind it if I come across one.

Thanks for the tip!

I have the 4 string version of this and love it.
Dean Hillsboro 5 V J-Style 5-String Bass Black | Reverb
View attachment 5291542

Use the edit icon to pin, add or delete clips.

 

[Snert]

Ibanez SR. Very common in Australia, both new and used, and 5 string SRs have been available since the mid 90s and are fairly consistent in neck feel throughout the era.

 

[BaldyLee]

What’s your budget?

 

[GTHintz]

Id probably be looking ibanez, jackson, warwick, peavey, dean, yamaha.

 

[Luke67]

I'd like to stay below AU$500.

 

[pocket_groover]

I have a Yamaha TRBX305. Been played at many gigs. I like the feel and sound.

Here's a thread from a couple of years ago:

https://www.talkbass.com/threads/inexpensive-fiver.1519801/

 

[GTHintz]

I'd like to stay below AU$500.

Going used you'll definitely be able to do that.

 

[Dabndug]

Yamaha BB235 can be had for AUD 500 new. If you're patient, a used BB435 would land in that ballpark.

 

[MtManiac]

- Sterling Ray5 or Ray35
- Harley Benton (several models)

 

[Maxi Funkl]

Sire V3

 

[themickster]

I'd like to stay below AU$500.

Ibanez GSR205 can be below that, mate. All three of the brands you named are good.

 

[Dabndug]

As an aside, AUD 500 = USD 340ish.

New Ray 5s and Sire V3s are around AUD 700 new.

 

[tpa]

Most basses will work well if you want them to. Besides brand-nerding you could consider (a) active/passive circuit (b) string spacing (16 or 19mm will feel quite different) (c) neck (fat or slim) (d) scale length (e) body size and weight etc etc. price etc. etc. color. If you are a pedal person you may not need an onboard 3 band tone control - but a mid-control is a nice feature (my main bass hasn't - that's how I know).
The best thing to do is to try a few and keep those you like.
If you come from 4 string, the narrow Ibanez'es will feel different, but you may end up falling in love with them. If you do you can start looking for a fancy one.

 

[Nighttrain1127]

Look at Sire 5 Strings maybe used they are well regarded.

 

[Five or Six]

How much time do you have to make the transition from 4 to 5? I ask because that may be an issue time wise? If you can handle what they do on a 4, why the need to spend the money for a 5?

 

[Tim Skaggs]

Used USA Peaveys are still affordable and some of them are incredibly good basses for the price. Some of the non-US made Peaveys are also good basses and can probably be bought even cheaper.

 

[Barticus]

I'd like to stay below AU$500.

go with an Ibanez SR series, you can easily stay within that budget and it’ll fit the look of the band a bit better