Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 [font=Verdana][size=3] Hi All[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] After having tried to simplify my playing with just using 4 string basses, I find myself missing having a 5 string bass, so I’m looking to get a cheap or reasonable priced 5 string to get back into it.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] I was thinking of the Sterling by Musicman Ray35 as it seems to fit what I’m looking for, then I saw the Sub Ray 5 and it seems really good value for the money. Does anyone have any experience with these 2 basses and is the Sub 5 usable as it is or does it need upgrading? Also how heavy are these basses?[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] Any other ideas for a similar 5 string would be appreciated. I’m happy to swap out electronics to get the sound I want, so the main thing is the feel and spec of the instrument: 34” scale, 18mm string spacing, light weight, well balanced, cost under £1000 (ideally as cheap as possible but still a good instrument). If I can afford a bit more then the Sandberg basses look great but that’s stretching things too far for now.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] Thanks all [/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 I had a sub ray 5, it was very good and fairly light. Don't have it any more but it was good while I had it. I think the spacing is less than 18mm, in fact I know it was. Loads of stuff less than £1000 that is excellent (most things i have in fact), although I don't know instruments that have 18mm spacing so can't advise. Are there not Yamaha fitting in that category? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1498902571' post='3327842'] I had a sub ray 5, it was very good and fairly light. Don't have it any more but it was good while I had it. I think the spacing is less than 18mm, in fact I know it was. Loads of stuff less than £1000 that is excellent (most things i have in fact), although I don't know instruments that have 18mm spacing so can't advise. Are there not Yamaha fitting in that category? [/quote] [font=Verdana][size=3] Thanks, string spacing wise I don’t want 19 or 16.5, so anything in between is fine. I’ll have a look into Yamaha.[/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 (edited) I have a Yamaha BB425 for sale in the classified... 18mm spacing at the bridge.... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/305975-yamaha-bb425-black-excellent-condition-now-l250/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url] 6 months play from new in very good nick. Edited July 1, 2017 by Paul S Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1498909773' post='3327912'] I have a Yamaha BB425 for sale in the classified... 18mm spacing at the bridge.... [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/305975-yamaha-bb425-black-excellent-condition-now-l250/page__fromsearch__1"]http://basschat.co.u...__fromsearch__1[/url] 6 months play from new in very good nick. [/quote] [font=Verdana][size=3] Hi Paul[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] Thanks for letting me know. The bass looks really nice and a great price, however a bit too heavy for me though. Good luck with the sale.[/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 How about a secondhand EBMM Stingray 5? That'll be well within your budget for a standard model and you won't need to change the electronics. Depending on the year you can choose from ceramic or alnico pickup Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timhiggins Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 These get mostly great reviews and the price allows plenty of scope for modding if necessary https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_mb_5_sb_deluxe_series.htm?glp=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI27PRk5Do1AIVp5PtCh3BywTgEAQYBSABEgJl0_D_BwE Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 Thanks for the suggestions, much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='Delberthot' timestamp='1498913220' post='3327945'] How about a secondhand EBMM Stingray 5? That'll be well within your budget for a standard model and you won't need to change the electronics. [/quote] If a Yamaha BB425 is too heavy a Stingray 5 is going to be even heavier. A Sterling 5 wouldn't be, though - much lighter. I have one that is considerably under 9lbs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1498920776' post='3327992'] If a Yamaha BB425 is too heavy a Stingray 5 is going to be even heavier. A Sterling 5 wouldn't be, though - much lighter. I have one that is considerably under 9lbs. [/quote] [font=Verdana][size=3] Under 9lb for a sterling 5, that sounds ideal. Now I’ve just got to find one to try out![/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6feet7 Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 I've a Cort Jeff Berlin Rithimic V. Absolutely brilliant bass. 8 1/2 lbs and there's a brand new one on ebay for £799. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bolo Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 Either are good value, or try a spector. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 There's a Ray 35 for sale on Belfast gumtree for £500. Well worth a look as it's been modded by the guitar tech owner. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 1, 2017 Author Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='machinehead' timestamp='1498928670' post='3328070'] There's a Ray 35 for sale on Belfast gumtree for £500. Well worth a look as it's been modded by the guitar tech owner. Frank. [/quote] [font=Verdana][size=3] Thanks for the heads up [/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
interpol52 Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 If you can find one then a USA Sub5 is a good choice. I've just got one and I love it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 [quote name='interpol52' timestamp='1498938587' post='3328166'] If you can find one then a USA Sub5 is a good choice. I've just got one and I love it! [/quote] Agreed. I have a USA SUB 4 and it's superb. High quality at a low cost. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 2, 2017 Author Share Posted July 2, 2017 [font=Verdana][size=3] Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I really appreciate them all.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] From what’s been said here and what I’ve heard the SUB or Sterling Ray35 do sound ideal and the new version of the Yamaha BB basses are said to be lighter so that’s a possibility as well. I prefer to try before I buy, so the next step is finding these basses near by - not so easy in rural Dorset! So might have to end up just buying something to give it a go and hope for the best.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3] interpol52 & Frank: USA SUB? I thought they where made in Asia?[/size][/font] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
machinehead Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 [quote name='Ian Davies' timestamp='1498977308' post='3328279'] [font=Verdana][size=3]Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, I really appreciate them all.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3]From what’s been said here and what I’ve heard the SUB or Sterling Ray35 do sound ideal and the new version of the Yamaha BB basses are said to be lighter so that’s a possibility as well. I prefer to try before I buy, so the next step is finding these basses near by - not so easy in rural Dorset! So might have to end up just buying something to give it a go and hope for the best.[/size][/font] [font=Verdana][size=3]interpol52 & Frank: USA SUB? I thought they where made in Asia?[/size][/font] [/quote] The original SUB bass was made in USA between 2003 and 2005. (Or thereabouts.) The story is that they were taking sales away from the Stingray and so losing them money. Whether that's true or an urban legend , I don't know. Frank. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delberthot Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 [quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1498920776' post='3327992'] If a Yamaha BB425 is too heavy a Stingray 5 is going to be even heavier. [/quote] True - exactly why I changed from a Stingray 5 to a Sterling 4 with a Hipshot so I could go down to Low B when needed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilco Posted July 3, 2017 Share Posted July 3, 2017 I was thinking of off loading my Sire Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5 string complete with Sire gigbag. Has an 18mm string spacing & would come in at under half your budget! PM me if interested. Cheers, Wilco Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted July 11, 2017 Share Posted July 11, 2017 Look at Spector's Korean ranges, I love my Spectorcore and others say the Legend is great. Super value, well within your price range and brilliant quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Davies Posted July 11, 2017 Author Share Posted July 11, 2017 [quote name='Grahambythesea' timestamp='1499745565' post='3333258'] Look at Spector's Korean ranges, I love my Spectorcore and others say the Legend is great. Super value, well within your price range and brilliant quality. [/quote] Thanks for the idea. Spector are great basses but I've tried them in the past and the ergonomics didn't suit me. Maybe I should give them a try again as I want to keep an open mind and don't want to miss out on possibilities. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaconCheese Posted July 11, 2017 Share Posted July 11, 2017 [quote name='Wilco' timestamp='1499076839' post='3328938'] I was thinking of off loading my Sire Marcus Miller V7 Vintage 5 string complete with Sire gigbag. Has an 18mm string spacing & would come in at under half your budget! PM me if interested. Cheers, Wilco [/quote] My vote is for the Sire, best basses under 1000 quid hands down. They are suitable for any pro gig. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jrixn1 Posted July 11, 2017 Share Posted July 11, 2017 How about a G&L L2500 Tribute. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BassBunny Posted July 12, 2017 Share Posted July 12, 2017 [quote name='jrixn1' timestamp='1499797408' post='3333711'] How about a G&L L2500 Tribute. [/quote] The Swiss Army Knife of basses but all the ones I had were heavy. Surprised no one has mentioned the 'M' word. http://basschat.co.uk/topic/254344-the-official-maruszczyk-club/ You'll get exactly what you want from Adrian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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