One hundred dollars per question
January 7, 2010 10:28 AM Subscribe
After an unexpected windfall, I have around $500 to spend on a five-string electric bass. I haven't purchased a bass in over 20 years. Help!
I currently play a four-string Fender Jazz, and I am excited about getting a five string, because I think it will add some great range to the stuff I play.
I have no specific brand loyalties. I would just recommendations for five-strings around the $500 price point, and perhaps what it is about that particular that makes you recommend it.
I currently play a four-string Fender Jazz, and I am excited about getting a five string, because I think it will add some great range to the stuff I play.
I have no specific brand loyalties. I would just recommendations for five-strings around the $500 price point, and perhaps what it is about that particular that makes you recommend it.
Response by poster: You know, I wanted that title to be "One hundred dollars per string". Dangit.
posted by DWRoelands at 11:15 AM on January 7, 2010
posted by DWRoelands at 11:15 AM on January 7, 2010
Best answer: I've gotta second the Schecter Stiletto. I got mine at a guitar center for about $600 new, so I bet with some searching you could find a used one for under $500.
Plays great, came setup nicely from the factory, and the EMG active pickups give me a surprisingly warm signal.
posted by baltimoretim at 11:41 AM on January 7, 2010
Plays great, came setup nicely from the factory, and the EMG active pickups give me a surprisingly warm signal.
posted by baltimoretim at 11:41 AM on January 7, 2010
I was in your shoes a couple years ago, and I wound up finding a Spector for under $500.
There are a bunch on ebay usually, and there are some really nice Korean-made and Czech-made Spectors out there. Pretty much all of the American made ones were out of my price range - even on ebay, but the Korean one I bought is wonderful. I prefer the 35" scale length, and the Spectors have a great bridge setup and even if it has passive pickups, it probably will have the active EQ setup, which is super-cool. Even if you buy it and it needs a little setting up, you'll love it.
posted by glycolized at 12:07 PM on January 7, 2010
There are a bunch on ebay usually, and there are some really nice Korean-made and Czech-made Spectors out there. Pretty much all of the American made ones were out of my price range - even on ebay, but the Korean one I bought is wonderful. I prefer the 35" scale length, and the Spectors have a great bridge setup and even if it has passive pickups, it probably will have the active EQ setup, which is super-cool. Even if you buy it and it needs a little setting up, you'll love it.
posted by glycolized at 12:07 PM on January 7, 2010
I'd actually go play at a few at stores just to see what you like (and especially what you dislike), and also try talkbass beyond the other places listed to buy.
Ended up with a Peavey Cirrus ("ohmigod, I love this neck and the action...") when everything was said and done.
posted by quintessencesluglord at 5:36 PM on January 7, 2010
Ended up with a Peavey Cirrus ("ohmigod, I love this neck and the action...") when everything was said and done.
posted by quintessencesluglord at 5:36 PM on January 7, 2010
Response by poster: My decision driven largely by the recommendations here, I bought a Stiletto...
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/roelands/4335708412/
I am ecstatically happy with it.
posted by DWRoelands at 12:33 PM on February 6, 2010
http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/roelands/4335708412/
I am ecstatically happy with it.
posted by DWRoelands at 12:33 PM on February 6, 2010
This thread is closed to new comments.
I picked up a five-string Schecter Stiletto about a year ago and have had no regrets about it. Neck-thru construction, great tone, and a beautiful instrument to look at. I used to play an old 4-string Ibanez GSR that was a lot of fun and a bit lighter to carry, but I'd say the Schechter is a good buy and you can probably find them used in the $400-600 range.
posted by gauche at 10:35 AM on January 7, 2010