Well I've never really got *that* much into playing 5s, but I've always found this really playable, and others who've played it have said the same. I put the C string on when I got into Victor Wooten and wanted to learn More Luv, but even when it had a B string on it still felt good. It could do with someone putting the work in to finish it, but its a nice playing/sounding/looking bass - I've only decided to sell it as I'm moving and I need to justify my new Warwick to the Mrs!