Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Christmas is coming... and #1 son has put an Ibanez SR505 on his list. That's a bit rich for me this year, but I might be able to stretch to an SR305.

I'm not too familiar with this end of the bass market. He's currently playing a Yamaha RBX170 4-string, which we upgraded a while back with a set of EMG Select pickups - he likes the sound and feel of it, but wants to expand the scope a little.

Any unsung, lower-priced gems out there?

Rondo Music sells some very nice low-end instruments.

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

blueflamerick wrote:Rondo Music sells some very nice low-end instruments.

http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

Thanks - have you played any of these?

I have not played any of the 5 strings, but I have played one of the SX 4 string basses. It played, looked, and felt better to me than a cheapo Squier or low-end Ibanez Soundgear. I also have 3 of their Telecaster copies. All are great guitars. I'd buy from them again.

Quick update:

1) Low-end (no pun intended) 5-strings seem to be hard to find. One of my local stores had just one - an Ibanez SR205 - but they seem to have cleared out a few brands since the last time I was there. GC had many more - but the only ones that fit the budget were a Squier Deluxe Jazz Bass Active V, and an Ibanez SR305.
2) The Squier just felt lumpy, frankly. Everything about it seemed to be a little too big, and a little too crude. The best way I could describe the sound is 'floppy'. It was tuned up to pitch, but even on the back pickup, it didn't seem to have a lot of 'bite'.
3) The Ibanez, for an extra $20, felt much nicer. I preferred the closer string spacing, and it was altogether more refined, and tighter. It will be a much easier transition from the Yamaha than the Squier, I think.

The Ibanez will probably be the choice. They only have one in stock, hanging on the wall. It's clearly not in absolutely brand-new condition, so maybe a little wheeling and dealing is in order

I've heard alot of good things about those SX instruments. Good quality for the money spent, though I have heard nothing about the 5 strings basses so far.
I don't know what your budget is but these Peavey Millenium 5's seem nice
Peavey Millennium BXP-5

For a bit more:
Peavey Millennium 5 AC BXP 5

Too bad the OLP guitar line is kaput. In my opinion, they made the best low priced 5 string bass, which was a licensed copy of a StingRay5. Maybe you could find one used. They were about $250 USD new.

rickenbrother wrote:I've heard alot of good things about those SX instruments. Good quality for the money spent, though I have heard nothing about the 5 strings basses so far.
I don't know what your budget is but these Peavey Millenium 5's seem nice
Peavey Millennium BXP-5

For a bit more:
Peavey Millennium 5 AC BXP 5

Too bad the OLP guitar line is kaput. In my opinion, they made the best low priced 5 string bass, which was a licensed copy of a StingRay5. Maybe you could find one used. They were about $250 USD new.

Good choice Joey,

You can't go wrong with a Peavey...great basses at a great price!

SORRY, I'm partial!

I'd spotted the Peaveys on the Sweetwater website - they're certainly in the right ballpark for price. I'm a big fan of their stuff also - had a Patriot bass back in the mid-80s which was killer. Have to see if I can find one in a store around here; I'd really like to play it first if I can, rather than buying blind.

I loved the OLP stuff too - never played a bass of theirs, but I had an MM4 (Music Man Silhouette copy) for a while, which was a sweet guitar.

If you have a Sam Ash near you, they usually have Peavey basses in stock.

David, I have an SX Jazz bass that is a really nice bass for $120 shipped. It will need a full setup and new strings, but I tried The MIM Fenders, the Squiers, and then after reading the threads on Talkbass took the plunge with an SX and am very happy with it. Sounds better than the Fender, Squier, and also the Seymour Duncan Squier. The fives are also supposed to be very nice.

Thanks for all the advice, folks.

There's a brand new, still wrapped in foam stuff in a box, Ibanez SR305 hidden in my house, waiting for Christmas Day. The remebrance of a $50 GC gift card that I'd forgotten about clinched the deal...

Don't tell him! I think I've done enough pleading poverty over the last few weeks that he'd be happy with a CD or two

I'm sure the Ibanez SR305 is a fine starter 5 string bass. I hope he enjoys it and makes some cool music with it.

rickenbrother wrote:I'm sure the Ibanez SR305 is a fine starter 5 string bass. I hope he enjoys it and makes some cool music with it.

You're right; he does; and he already is