New bass advice needed...

Skeedish

I'm wanting to buy my first bass guitar, but I'm not wanting to start off with something low level that I'll have to upgrade from after a short time. I've got slightly under R10 000 to spend on a bass and maybe an amp (with the leftover cash), and I'm not 100% sure on what I should buy. I'm needing it to have a good sound to play with at live shows, it must be a 5-string, and I'm wanting to tune it to ADGCF.

Ideally I'd get an Ibanez K5, but I don't want a signature bass. Right now I'm thinking that an Ibanez SR505 is the next best option, and while most reviews on it are positive, some do say that it has a fret buzz, and one review said that it doesn't play well at low levels so I'm not sure if it will be able to handle the tuning.

Can anyone give me any helpful suggestions?

AlanRatcliffe

You're approaching it right - spend as much of your budget as you need to to get the right bass. You can upgrade amp later if needs be and use the PA to flesh out the amp sound in the meantime.

The K5 might be the better bet, just because it is designed specifically for someone who tunes down. Otherwise it's just a modified SR series bass, so if you like the Ibanez skinny necks (their biggest limitation, IMO) you should like either.

Don't sweat that the K5 is a signature model. If it's a good bass for what you want to do, go for it - its about what you do with it more than whose name is on the headstock.

As usual, the best thing to do (if possible) is give both a try and see if one of them speaks to you more than the other.

Skeedish

Thanks I've asked around and I've been recommended things like an Ibanez ATK, a Stingray 5 SUB and a Lakland 5501. I now just need to find where to try these out. What good bass outlets are there in Johannesburg and nearby? I know of Andy McGibbons and thats about it.

AlanRatcliffe

Lakland are imported by Marshall Music (if I'm not mistaken). Stingray and Sub5 are two different models of MusicMan basses, imported by Bothner's (BTW, I would love to own a Stingray myself, but they are pricey) - you might not find those anywhere other than Bothner's. Ibanez are T.O.M.S., but you'll find the basses and guitars everywhere.

I'm not really clued up on the retail stores in JHB, but Andy's, Marshall's, T.O.M.S. and Music Connection spring to mind. Maybe the guys in the area can help narrow it down as to which would be best for bass shopping.

Vintage-Vibe

Just remember the K5 will feel like Kate Moss compared to the other 2 - ESPECIALLY the MusicMan !
That EQ sweep on the K5 is POTENT !

Music Man will suite driving straight 8th note rhythms, especially with a pick - K5 LOVES aggro Korn/Incubus S.C.I.E.N.C.E slap hip-hop/heavy thing !

free2rhyme

If you aren't into signature basses, try out an Ibanez BTB series, I use a 4 string in my home recordings. great tone, active EQ, Bartoloni pups...similar to the K5... If you can get hold of the first edition K5, they apparently have better wood and electronics compared to the new editions (so I've heard)

I used to have an Ibanez srx505, it was a lovely bass only downside is that it weighed about as much as 2 Gibson Les Pauls ?

Replaced it with a USA PJ bass, it was ok but eventually found out it wasn't the sound I wanted

BUT - In my opinion, the btb blew the srx out the water...

for me Warwick is my bass of choice

I wanna upgrade it to a Warwick double buck when I get the $$$

Neps

Skeedish wrote: Thanks I've asked around and I've been recommended things like an Ibanez ATK, a Stingray 5 SUB and a Lakland 5501. I now just need to find where to try these out. What good bass outlets are there in Johannesburg and nearby? I know of Andy McGibbons and thats about it.

Andy Mac's on Jan Smuts, Music connection on Jan Smuts. You can also try TOMS in Braamfontein, Marshall in Woodmead, and if you're desperate, try MusicMate either in Cresta or in Fourways.

There is also a bloke in Randburg, on 3rd ave, right across the road from Toyota on Malibongwe (towards Linden) that does 2nd hand guits and basses. I almost bought a USA Strat from him for 5k, and he does th setups and repairs of the things aswell. And he knows what he is talking about (quite a bargain shop)

Skeedish

Thanks for everyone's advice, it really helped ?

I've bought myself an Ibanez BTB550 which sounds better than any other bass I've tried (I didn't really fancy the K5, and couldn't find a SR505), and to me sounds exquisite. Since its not such an expensive bass I got myself an overdrive effects pedal (which gives god-forged distortion) and a Roland Cube-30X amp - I'll borrow something bigger for gigs.

Again, thanks ?