Well, i have had both and have to say, i preferred the 5501, i found it cut through the mix better than the 5502...Also, there is a lot of love for said bass on talkbass...the pickup sizes bart mk1/p2 gives a lot of options for upgrades along with the preamp.....plus, if it's good enough for mononeon it's good enough for most...Oh, and the most comfortable 35 scale bass i have played.