Need help picking a 5 string "branch" [Archive]

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TheHeathBar

02-02-2009, 02:31 PM

Hey guys!

I've currently reached the point in my playing that i can't stand my bass anymore...

Its lead me through hours of jam sessions with or without the band, but it seriously needs to be retired.

Honestly i never thought it was ment to be played...

its one of them basses that came in a starter pack... Fender Squire P-bass, with a 15 watt Fender bass amp. with a total cost of $300, i've come to the conclusion i need a new one after putting $300 into it. (new pick-ups, strings whatever)

Currently i have a pretty good set up... but im sick of my pedals makeing up for my basses shitty sound.

Ok down to the point... i was looking to buy a 5-string bass for somewhere around $400.

I was looking at the schecter omen-5.

Seems like a good bass, plucked its strings a few times at my local music store and i really enjoy the Humbucker pick-ups, i get a better sound for the kind of music i play.

So guys post your suggestions and thanks in advance.

*btw me and my band typicaly play a more "agressive" music style

*Metal-core, deathmetal whatever...

DaveMustaine12

02-02-2009, 03:02 PM

From my experience, Schecter has very poor quality control. I used to have a Schecter Custom 6 string bass and a Schecter 4 string Elite. One had problems with the preamp, the other with the tuning pegs.
Normally, I would recommend a Fender, but since you want a 5 string, Ibanez might be a good choice.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-SR505-Bass?sku=517942
I know this^ bass costs a little more than you wanted to spend, but it could be a very good investment. Great bass for the price; Bartolini pickups are great for metal IMO.

TheHeathBar

02-02-2009, 03:15 PM

Hey man that bass doesn't look too bad there...

but again the price tag kinda kills me...

anymore suggestions?

FunkMetalBass

02-02-2009, 03:45 PM

Used. Used. Used.

For your price range, look into Dean, Ibanez and even MIM Fenders.

Best suggestion I can make is the age-old "go to the store and try everything you can."

TheHeathBar

02-02-2009, 03:57 PM

old age is the funnest :)

3-4 hours in guitar center playing on a amp alittle too loud...

its funn annoying the **** outa people...

FunkMetalBass

02-02-2009, 04:18 PM

old age is the funnest :)

3-4 hours in guitar center playing on a amp alittle too loud...

its funn annoying the **** outa people...

It's also fun to have sex with sheep.

Regardless, playing many instruments under $600-ish will be the best way to figure out what you are looking for.

Then you can just look used and get it for about $400.

Wham.Bam.Done.

Tripp_chaos

02-02-2009, 09:04 PM

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Affinity-Active-5-String-Jazz-Bass-V?sku=512618

I had this bass for 4 years with dif pickups (I think) worked wonders for some hardcore/metal/rock got it at a local store b/n for like $300-ish had the ugliest color but the best sound, then again it was upgraded from a 4 string sears bass (cardboard box with rubberbands)... I was surprised about the sound from this though being anti-cheap fender...

Spaceman Spiff

02-02-2009, 09:07 PM

My friend has a Schecter Omen 5, it's a pretty decent bass. I actually think it has a good sound.

psbassplayer

02-02-2009, 09:28 PM

i'd have to agree with spiff on this one. i love my schecter. but i also agree with funkmetalbass! try everything, and used instruments can be as good as new ones, imo sometimes better.

m-dirnt_fan101

02-03-2009, 01:21 AM

for the money, not much will beat a MM SUB

but as posted before, go to a couple guitar shops and play a bunch untill you find one that you like.

you might even find something at a pawn shop

:amaze:

02-03-2009, 02:47 AM

check graislist.com

i've gotten some great deals on bass gear there.

jake_kinney

02-03-2009, 08:35 AM

If you still looking try considering a ESP, I know with my b-206 I can get a nice growly aggressive tone with DR high beams.

Personally I think it suits metal very well and most of the 400 series basses are around 400-500 bucks.

FunkMetalBass

02-03-2009, 08:40 AM

Oh man, how could I forget ESP? They were even on my list in my head before I responded.

TheHeathBar

02-08-2009, 10:23 PM

Hey guys i've found my solution!

soo i went down to guitar center today and found a absolute steal!

i ended up picking up the shecter stelleto elite!

it was on clearance for only $395! pretty awesome for a $650-700 bass

well im happy, it plays like a charm... sounds like the beast i was looking for...

its also pretty sexy too :P

thelowsoundofbass

02-09-2009, 12:15 AM

Well I was going to come in here and suggest an older peavey, but it looks like you found your solution. I have a TL-5 that I paid $400 for and after a set up it plays better than my fbass did (worth several thousand) and sounds just as good. Old MIA peaveys are a steal and a half. Foundations, TLs, GV and the like are all great basses and super cheap.

lowsound

psbassplayer

02-09-2009, 02:05 PM

FunkMetalBass

02-09-2009, 03:50 PM

DaveMustaine12

02-09-2009, 04:34 PM

I am not a big Schecter fan. I had a Custom 6 string bass with preamp problems and Elite 4 with a tuning peg that broke. The basses are nice, but Schecter QA is not that great. I hope you don't have problems with yours. Otherwise a great buy if you are into EMGs.

Tripp_chaos

02-09-2009, 05:14 PM

It depends on where you get it... There's a local music shop(chop-shop) that takes the really good parts out of the basses and switches them for the low end crap so they can charge like 600$ for a 200$ practice bass and still charge full price for the once good bass...
/rant

TheHeathBar

02-09-2009, 10:38 PM

hey thanks for the feedback guys!

im super happy about this buy!

best thing is today i get to show it off to my band mates!

blow their asses away!