[Search for users] [Overall Top Noters] [List of all Conferences] [Download this site]

Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

548.0. "Suggestions for 5 String Basses" by POLAR::CALDWELL () Fri Mar 25 1988 10:35

    I thought this might be a good opportunity to look for some advice
    from the south side of the border.
    
    Up here in the Great White North, (Ottawa, Ontario area) I have
    found that there doesn't seem to be much choice in an instrument
    I am very interested in obtaining.
    
    As a jazz and soul fanatic, I find more and more that my bass
    just seems to run out of strings. I need a five string bass....
    with a low B, not a high one.
    
    The only instrument I have seen and treid is a Yamaha. At Canadian
    prices, it is out of my reach (lists at $1700.00 Can., and can be
    bought for $1400.00). I have heard that Ibanez makes some around
    the $700 - $800 range (Canadian).
    
    Is there anyone out there who might be able to make some suggestions?
    
    My current axe is a Fender Elite P bass (active), and I love the
    sound of it. I would like to find something that will come close
    to that sound. I would very much prefer a neck with a fairly wide
    string spacing, and, I would guess at U.S. prices, something that
    would come in around $400 - $500, or less. 
    
    Thanks in advance for any suggestions.
    
    		Barry
T.RTitleUserPersonal
Name
DateLines
548.1vote for GuildTALLIS::KLOSTERMANStevie KFri Mar 25 1988 11:0815
    
    	Guild makes an awesome 5-string based on their Pilot series.
    A bit out of your price range, alas, starting at around $700,
    more for the active EMG electronics.  I tried one of the Ibanez
    5-strings and it was decent, but the price on it was still >$550
    w/o active electronics.  Unfortunately, there's not that much of
    a market for budget 5-strings.

    	Although I haven't checked recently, there's probably good deals
    in the used market.
    
    	Remember, though, when you go to the lower string you have to
    also consider the frequency response of your amp and speaker setup.
    A lot of (particularly older) setups will cause the sound to breakup
    on those low notes.      
548.25 String and BeyondOTOO01::ELLACOTTFreddie's RevengeFri Mar 25 1988 11:2510
    	Did you see UZEB monday night????
    
    	I did. The bass player used a 6 sting fretless, an ARIA Andy
    West model I think.
    
    	Back to the point. Check out Dominic's Music, they had a nice
    5 string headless bass, under $700, and a wider neck for the extra
    sting and a low C string.
    
    FE 
548.3Carvin, as usualSRFSUP::MORRISPMRC will censor YOUR music!Fri Mar 25 1988 11:476
    
    Try Carvin.  They do all mail-order and have excellent stuff.  The
    5 string can be had new for around $500.  You have choice of colors,
    materials, hardware, and best of all, a 30-day money back trial
    basis.  I don't remember the number, but you can call 800 information,
    and if that doesn't work, try 619 info in Escondido, California.
548.4How ambitious are you?BARTLS::MOLLERVegetation: A way of lifeFri Mar 25 1988 13:2415
    You might want to consider Warmoth. They make bodies, necks and
    sell the other parts for 5 and 6 string bass guitars. If you don't
    mind assembling and setting up the guitar yourself (as well a
    finishing), you can get an exceptional instrument. They are located
    near Tacoma Washington (actually Puyallup Washington). I don't recal
    the phone number. They are not cheap, but they are top quality (I
    visited the factory - a converted home - the living room was the
    show room, The Den was the computer operations (an IBM PC), and
    another bedroom was the shipping department (Full of boxes). They've
    been making parts for the last 15 years & will custom make anything
    & guarentee thier workmanship. They have a catalog. See any issue
    of guitar player (in the last 5 years) and you'll find thier phone
    number.
    
    							Jens
548.5You beat me to it.MIST::CARSTENSENFri Mar 25 1988 15:5210
    
    Hey Jens,  I was gonna mention Warmoth!!
    
    A friend of mine just had a 5 string bass neck custom
    built by Warmoth.  He had it made extra wide to accomodate
    the fifth string.  It's a really nice neck and I think
    it cost him about $350.
    
    Frank
    
548.6Check Out WarmothRUGRAT::POWELLDan Powell/274-6608Fri Mar 25 1988 18:2312
    I bought a Strat neck from Warmoth recently (built to my specs)
    and am very pleased with the quality. I called them three times
    to ask questions and each time they've been very pleasant and helpful.
    Their catalog costs $2, and usually has some type of discount coupons
    inside. (I got my neck for 33% of normal list)
    
    Warmoth Guitar Products, Inc.
    11610 80th Ave E.
    Puyallup, WA 98373
    206-845-0403
    
    Dan