Buying a 5 String Bass Sight Unseen

[Overgeared]

So i'm looking to get a 5-string as there are some songs I am needing to play that go below E. I'd rather play the correct note than an octave above on my 4-string. The problem is with the demise of PMT there are no instrument shops in my city, with the exception of 1 that usually only has 2nd hand gear in and can be very hit and miss in terms of what basses they have at any one time. I have found a nice looking Cort C5 Deluxe on Reverb that is within my price range so was wondering what people's opinions on buying a bass sight unseen from the 'net? It seems to be from a music shop in another city so I'm a little bit more reassured than if it was a private seller.

Alos, how does a Cort compare to a 4-string Squier Jazz or Precision in terms of neck feel (I have one of each)?

Thanks

[itu]

When you get the bass, check the setup and do string set tests to find the right combination for you. If the bass feels good in your hands, the right strings can do miracles (playability & sound). 

[HeadlessBassist]

Firstly, remember that Reverb prices are always 'jacked up' significantly from what the seller actually gets.

 

I'd say the Cort A5 series are always a better bet than the Squier, which mainly have a very cheap preamp in them. There are some passive ones, but you don't see them come up very often.

 

The CORTs are always really nice and consistent basses. If you get the Bartolini preamp and pickups you're getting a good all-round bass. Some of them even have MarkBass preamps.

 

I'll PM you another option as a buyer, too.

 

Buying sight unseen is always going to be a gamble. But I sympathize with you on the demise of most of the big music shops these days.

 

 

[Len_derby]

As @HeadlessBassist alludes to above, it depends on your own attitude to risk. I have bought basses unseen, but only from this forum and from people who have good feedback. 
In your position I think I’d put a Wanted add on Basschat and stipulate that you need to be able to collect/take delivery or meet-up.

Good luck.

[BigRedX]

In the last 35 years I bought a total of 3 basses that I tried before parting with my cash. The fact that I don't own any of them now, but do own 3 basses that I bought on-line either direct from the manufacturer or off eBay without being able to play them first should say something. IME it is impossible to make a proper decision about the suitability of an instrument until you have put it to its intended use. If you play in a band that means at least one rehearsal and ideally one gig.