Cornwall Steve

I think I know every BTB that's currently on or has recently been on the market. And considering there are circa 140 models in the entire BTB range that amounts to only a disappointing few. The 845V - the shorter 33'' Volo model - looks very nice however I think I prefer the longer scale. The 17mm spacing for me might also be a bit of a deal breaker too. There was one for sale last Summer not too far from where I live. I wanted to go take a look but I just didn't have the money at the time. I'm not interested in any of the older/earlier models (i.e. the 405) and with the more modern ones I'm not keen on the bland 'flat' natural finish models. Does get a bit frustrating when you spy an especially nice example available for sale in Japan or USA but shipping and tax add up to being a killer 😖

My next bass after this one (this one being what this Thread is all about) will be a Lakland 55-01/02 or a G+L 2500 Tribute However the mystery £500 purchase seems to be leaning towards a Sire V8/M5 or 7, a Cort Space 5, or an Ibby BTB 5 string (though only certain models)

And neither is the SGC Nanyo Bass Collection my thing either. I've played a 5 string version of one a couple of years ago and it just didn't appeal to me.

I have to agree. I like quirky. I like different. Traditional style J and P basses are all very well and everyone has/had one but sometimes we all yearn for something different. But lets face it, is it really all down to looks. We're choosing a musical instrument. At the end of the day and shouldn't we should be prioritising what the bass plays like, sounds like, etc, etc.... As the old sayings go, 'looks aren't everything' and 'beauty is in the eye of the beholder'. Having said that gut reaction tells us we ain't gonna pick up a bass every day we haven't fallen in love with 😍Yep, bass players too are shallow people 😂

Many thanks for your reply Mark Interesting you should nominate the Jackson X (let's just call it that because it's model title is too long - even for me 😳).The on line reviews seem positive and favourable but, like you say, you very rarely see them up for sale. And that might be because bass players have bought them and don't want to sell them, or nobody has bought them in the first place. Not sure its what I'm looking for exactly, but I'm curious probably because I'm a sucker for anything quirky.l

I've had a couple of basses off Tony in the past. They're above market value but both in great nick. I had the SX version of this bass which was okay but not my thing. I believe the bass collection version are well regarded by some but not me I'm afraid. Just out of interest Terry what would you buy for yourself if you wanted a 5 string with 18mm spacing and a budget of £500 give or take ?🤔

And I wish I could find a 5 string black one for £420. Cheapest I've ever seen in such a good condition as yours is £500 P.S. Such a shame Cort only make 'em in the two colours. I think they've missed a trick there

Sounds intriguing however I still have a 1972 Fender Precision (4 string in boring old traditional sunburst) my Grandfather bought for me in 1973 so not really after another Precision. That red P5 is a real looker though 😍

I had a black Hohner Professional B bass (4 string - same as the Jack but with a headstock). Very nice sounding and easy neck to navigate. Active had stopped working so mine was Passive only (a common fault but it was 35 years old !) Sold it just before Christmas as I'm selling off nearly all of my 4 strings basses.

and amusing animation too 🤗

Thanks for re-sending the link Terry 👍 It looks very nice especially with the roasted neck. Very attractive colour combo. Does it play/sound as good as it looks?

Not that I'm complaining 😂 And 'Yes' I love Sires. I have 4.

Can't see a link to a Sire Terry, just Cort GB Custom, Yamaha 735, and a Ibanez BTB

It looks very nice. The 5 string Space is definitely a strong contender (I've never owned a headless before and always fancied one)

My grateful thanks to everyone who has replied with your observations, suggestions, etc and for sign posting suitable bass candidates up for sale. However, revisiting the wording of my original Post what I especially wanted to know is what 5 string for £500 ish you'd go for ?🤔

Hi Simon. Many thanks for your reply and observations especially on the M6 and Spector. The M6 is a really great looking instrument however interesting what you say about the B string and the QC. The Cort Space 5 appears to me to be a better all round option ? I have a 4 string Spector Legend Classic. I love it. I too would go for an Icon (or another Spector 5) but I'm concerned about the string spacing , as you point out. Guess I just need to try one out.

Come on Terry empty out your pockets. You always come up with something interesting for me 😂

I saw this on the Bass Bros website. TBH the jury is still out on the natural flat finish and the lack lustre bartolini 's 😔 There was another 675 sold recently very close to where I live. But I bought another Yammie instead so cleaned out the piggy bank. Thanks for the heads up though 👍

Yep, seen this already. Looks a very nice bass though I confess I know nothing about this particular model, but looks interesting after seeing on line reviews. Thanks for the heads-up 👍

That's great 👍 Thank you for that

I have a Cort. I like its build quality but not its bartolini's I have several Yamaha 5's. Again, love the build quality but pick up's on some are muddy and lack lustre (RBX and BBN. The older BB's are a different ball game) I have no experience of Sadowsky. How would you rate them compared with Lakland 55 or G + L Tribute 2500 ( but outside of my current budget 😕)

Yep, I believe the Fortress has a reputation for being a tad heavy. 17.5 is slightly on the narrow side. 18-19 is my aiming point however I ask myself 0.5mm is that really a deal breaker ?🤔 I guess I'll have to try and find one and see for myself.

Warwick Rockbass Corvette anyone - or does the narrow string spacing rule these out 🤔

I think my experience with a five string SR would amount to the same, so I shy away from the SR range on string spacing and skinny necks.

Thank you very much 🙏 for writing such a comprehensive overview sharing your knowledge and experience. Folk working in music shops ought to be a go too when it comes to obtaining advice from pain in the backsides like me. Truth is where I live we have one small half decent guitar shop serving the whole County and even I own more basses than they stock. Nearest decent store is a 5-6 hour return trip to Bristol twice have journeyed and twice I've returned having seen nothing of any inspiration. The more higher end stores specialising in the more decent 'boutique' basses are a two day trip away with prices I can only dream of. So, like 90% of members I rely on BC to share knowledge and experience from folk like you. And it's a tremendous help 👍 SX - a few years ago I bought a cheap Bass Collection copy. It was okay but I didn't hang on to it because it was very average. A typical beginners bass. Nothing wrong with that. I just outgrew it quickly so moved it on (for a hundred quid!) IBANEZ - again, back in the day, I bought a SR300. Fine for a couple of months but underwhelming and it's put me off SR's ever since. I've tried re-considering the 'higher end' models 505/605/705 but put off by the tight string spacing on the 5's. Leaned more towards a BTB I do own an Ergodyne EDC which is a beast - just wish it's a 5 😢 SIRE - I have four (1 five string V7 fretless, 1 five string M2, and 2 four string V7 fretted, 1 ash, 1 alder). I like Sire very much. As everyone agrees they're good for the money - especially secondhand. I'm always looking at their constantly changing models and new colours however my main gripe is too many are retro fitted with generic hardware especially the preamps M6 - I think you're the first person I know who has actually acquired one of these. I love the look of them but none available secondhand and expensive brand new. However I've noticed Andertons have cut their prices so perhaps the M6 isn't flying off the wall quite as expected 🤔 CORT - I have a B4 AS + fretless which is nice to play, very light, and very well finished. Again I wish it was a 5 too but not made as a five string. I keep looking at the various 5 string J style Cort basses but they're more 'also runs' and not sure whether they'd end up being keeper SQUIER -sorry but they just don't do it for me. I don't see them as anything other than a budget brand beginners bass. I'd take Sire over Squier any day BTB - the dark horse. Get the feeling this is a Marmite bass. Love it or hate it. Lots and lots of different models at various price points. I'm not a fan of the 'flat' brown wood effect finishes on many of the more recent models and the older ones look quite dated to me. As a player that plays only sitting down I like the extended lower horns for knee balance and with arthritic hands appreciate the wider string spacing but not the wide necks that accompany that. Not overly keen on Bart pick ups favoured by Ibanez and chosen for so many of their bass models ! Huge depreciation on them too. Can I ask, having owned 5 or 6 you elected to sell these on? What did you like/dislike about the BTB ? The Search continues .....