Best 5-String Bass Under £500

[@pgpete]

This vid needs a 2020 update

[@Atilla8huno]

with more lights/bright background :)

[@ritwikghosh8174]

Sire enter this market and sir basses is really good but i like warwick but price really high 😪

[@johnr374]

2020 update: sbmm stingray 5 is still the best option

[@rchrd3353]

@@johnr374 i've tried the ibanez, yamaha, and stingray 5 all this year and the stringray was easily my least favorite. least comfortable and sounded worst. no contest. i think the only way it would ever be worth choosing is if you really wanted that single humbucker tone it's known for. the other 2 were a close call but i prefered the yamaha for the bigger string spacing. the jackson looks cool and i hope to try it soon.

[@rasmillion]

@@rchrd3353 I agree the sterling preamp sounds crap, just replace the preamp.... or spend a bit more on a real mm stingray

[@nimrod1975bce]

When are you going to do the Bass version of "SOUND LIKE..." ...???

[@KrprnKJ]

nimrod1975bce oh yeah, don't even play bass but "sound like" rex brown or geddy lee would be damn interesting.

[@mrpositronia]

Steve Harris or Geddy Lee would be lovely.

[@andrewpappas9311]

I know they've done Royal Blood but I'd love to see one again

[@mrpositronia]

I saw that one, but as I'm not really familiar, it was lost on me! :^S

[@sajti256]

Nolly Getgood :D

[@alemalia6888]

here it is from my thirty years of experiencing music that Ibanez stands out from the rest ,,it has a killer tone and high versatility

[@richardhawkins2647]

I'd like to see this done again, taking the Yamaha 305 and comparing it to the Schecter Omen-5, the Schecter Stiletto Stealth-5, the Ibanez SR305E, the Yamaha TRBX505 and maybe a Yamaha BB 435 and maybe any others that have come along.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

As a massive Yamaha fanboy this pleases me 😅

[@helloitsnicko]

Oh lord the B string on the jazz bass being (I presume accidentally) tuned to a C made me feel a bit unwell boys. Great vid though!

[@zoomosis]

It's odd they didn't notice that!

[@noahwilson5275]

Hey Nick!!

[@magaman49]

Ayy nick!

[@dansmith8161]

sup Nick!

[@DirtyAncom]

I actually have the Yamaha Trbx and it's stellar! Been having it for more than two years now, been using it with my band for a few months, really easy to play and to find your tone

[@munguiax]

Yeah, I have a white one and it's a sexy beast, so many tones!

[@jmwreck]

I have the misty green and I really like the versatility of the bass

[@CarlyWaarly]

Have the red, excellent bass!

[@jatza07]

The Greenman hmmm

[@user-xw6uh3yp7g]

The Greenman John myung uses a bloody 6 string and there’s no doubt he has more technical skill than Justin chancellor

[@metemercan1147]

sweet Christ can we please take a moment to appreciate how hard Lee rocked that Ibanez bass like DAAAAMN. Someone please let me know if he was playing an existing tune or if he was just noodling. cheekiest quintuplet clusterfuck I've ever heard, really putting that Ibanez through its paces. great playing lads loved it

[@arissp4950]

1)ibanez 2) yamaha 3) sub 4) jackson 5) squire

[@lanceunderpants]

The ibanez sounded like absolute shit.

[@gutbucket260]

@@lanceunderpants Word !

[@alvinwe8396]

@@gutbucket260 r/ChristIsWatching

[@suikerpapas7830]

I think yamaha would be my go considering its one of the cheapest as well

[@pilgrim3387]

@@suikerpapas7830 the 505 version is just under the 500quid mark giving choice between both passive and active.

[@robertcuff5704]

They are talking about buying a 5 to quickly play in Eb??? More like you buy a 5 String to play some Drop A DJONT

[@samiam5557]

you don't know what your talkin' about Sir

[@domagojoinky8262]

Eb is one of those dreaded keys on 4 string bass. But it can be done. Eb on 6th fret of A string sounds good . If tuned down a half step, than the key of Eb will sound even better on 4 string because we now have low Eb. On five string the keys with 3+ flats are easier to play, and low B string gives people an option to go lower.

[@rotom223]

I'm a jazz studies student and I personally tune all the basses I own to Eb simply cause it has a lot more versatility in terms of playing with horns. Playing standard messes me up now haha.

[@joshstarkey8883]

rotom223 If you had a 5 string with an additional B flat (or tuned BEAD minus a half step) you'd be kinda like a weird "string tuba"

[@DJProfessorL]

DJ0NT

[@rickrolli7091]

I have the Ibanez and it's easy to play, light weight and has a lot of bang for the sound. Thanks for the video. That was cool to see the differences.

[@ivanecheagaray8744]

I’m still waiting for the review of the squier vintage modified jazz bass!

[@alvinwe8396]

@Logan Searle poopy doopy

[@RowanAldridge]

I'm looking forward to those Sires coming in. I'm considering a V9 as my bass to bring to uni but I'll have to try it first of course.

[@mikemagnum9357]

The best sub-500 bass I've ever played and/or owned is the Cort Action series. It's offered in 4 or 5 string and the Powersound pickups (don't turn your nose up until you hear and play it) are extremely versatile and have lots of low end and mid range punch. The action is as smooth as butter and is comparable to many of the higher end basses I've played. It's not a Fedora, Tobias, or Mayones, but it'll stack up to any Fender, Ibanez, Warwick, or Schecter..and I've had them all. Best of all, you can grab them on Amazon for about $250

[@diehard82]

as the owner of a TRBX-305 i agree :)

[@KnapfordMaster98]

I bought a Jackson concert bass (4 string version of this one, basically) because of this video and I love it. Absolutely adore the feel, plays like a dream.

[@shuruff904]

I've never ever liked Jackson basses. Too flat, heavy, and just awkward. I'll stick with my Sr400 or Stingray 24...

[@Morphoidism]

@@shuruff904 I think it just depends on the genre. Jackson is near perfect for things like rock and metal, but I'm not sure if it could do things like funk or jazz.

[@azarealbheri6876]

This topic needs a 2023 version...with 'both' of you testing out the entire line up of bases

[@bobbyzig3879]

The Yamaha still wins. For the most part the line up will be the same basses.

[@talhacamci5603]

Splendid review! I have owned an RBX375, the predecessor of that Yamaha, for 16 years now. The build quality and playability of that bass (despite its thick neck profile) are probably unmatched at its price range. Understandably won the battle here despite being the cheapest.

[@vassyjointaccount6799]

The way you guys do your reviews is by far the best on line - anywhere.

[@marike1100]

The new Yamaha BB435. That bass is perfection, P/J Alnico single coil pups, strung through body, 6 bolt miter neck joint, et al. $549 in the states, but there is a BB235 that is more basic.

[@timothymckane6362]

I got the Jackson JS3V Concert 5 String Bass, and it plays well. Minor gripe is that the nut is not trimmed well; it's basically sharp at the edges. It's way under 500 British Pounds for the price.

[@Vuryom]

Know amy better for the same price?

[@Vuryom]

Any**

[@drphalanges1520]

What's funny about this is I was down to the Ray and the Yamaha when I was shopping for my bass. I picked the Ray and I just love it to bits. I made the right choice for me, and I think I'll pick up the Yamaha next.

[@andresbarva9315]

The Ray is Amazing for me

[@jameslewis2635]

I have an older Yamaha TRB model base which I use with a Fender Rumble 100 watt combo and I can confirm that this rig is a really good setup. But the fact that the Yamaha bass came out on top of another bass almost twice its price just shows how good the value is on these instruments. The only problem I have with my bass is that the bridge lacks enough adjustment to get all my strings intonated properly while using a light guage (bearing in mind a light guage for a 5 string bass is still fairly massive). I do notice that the bridge is one of the things that has changed between my model and this one which could well fix that issue.

[@luciosalustiano5837]

Maaaan, the Yamaha and the SUB series just KILLED! Pretty versatile, amazing tone, not expensive and beautiful looking! I tested the TRBX in a store and I just fall in love. Light, comfortable, big and full tone, just amazing! For me: 1:Yamaha TRBX 305 2:Sterling SUB series 3:Squier Jazz Bass (.. small hiatus ..) 4:Ibanez SR305E (.. another hiatus, but longer ..) 5:Jackson Omen5

[@johncrafton8319]

I love my SR300E, and my brother gigs with his SR505 regularly. Great basses for the money. Great basses period.

[@joshstarkey8883]

My favorite sounds were from the Jackson and the Ibanez.

[@UBRLND-X]

Would be cool to review left hand affordable basses availability as well as what’s the best option for a southpaw, since almost all manufacturers severely limit left hand options at all levels

[@Studio1215]

Agree, but they won't. I'm looking for a lefty fiver right now and the only ones in this group are the Ibby and Ray5 that I've seen. Between them, I gotta go with the 505. I'm looking for ease of play and overall tone.

[@UBRLND-X]

@@Studio1215 I would say for ease of play look at the Ibanez Sound gear 5string. Their wizard necks cannot be beat for playability. I have a Ray5 and the neck feels cumbersome, much like a fender to me. Nut its early days and the electronics are decent. Good luck!

[@ElSolitarioPerpetuo]

I need that Yamaha 😍

[@2Timone7]

Right there with you, bruh. $400 US on Musician's Friend.

[@blackie75]

Tonally and looks wise, I preferred the Musicman/Sterling Ray5 over the others, but I've heard others mention that the string spacing is a little on the crowded side.

[@beornthebear.8220]

I love that bottom end. it took a little getting used to the fact the closest string to my hand was a B instead of an E, but now I don't want to go back. Also, with a 5 string you can hit the 5th fret of the 5th string and the open 4th string, and rattle the place. I also love active electronics.

[@Eliseo_M_P]

Never thought about that double E trick! Will definitely try that out once I get a 5-string.

[@adammartin8026]

The G string on that squire is barely on the fretboard... that would drive me nuts

[@gmilanovc]

These two have such good chemistry together 👌👌🤘

[@Bass.Player]

Jackson is a 35" scale. 17/18 mm string spacing

[@TheGoldenTuba]

9:40 - HOLY CRAP!! NICE!!! \m/

[@bobbyfields7359]

Great review! And I love that you rated them honestly and picked a favorite!Those Yamaha TRBX 305 and 505 are awesome! Fit, Finish and Feel are incredible especially for the money! The Squier that completely blows my mind is the Affinity 5 String! I’ve picked up and played more of them than I can count and they feel awesome! Much better than the other Squiers, I don’t know why that would be seeing how they’re half the price. The necks are consistently straight and hold up over time. It’s a great time to be a guitar player!

[@Mr.Goldbar]

I have the Sterling, but i consider getting another affordable 5 string with soapbars I think about the Jackson, but i don't think i can ever find one in my country

[@sanfordyeti]

Bar Goldstein Get it internationally shipped and then have it re-set up by a local luthier

[@Mr.Goldbar]

Manuel Eduardo i don't really like to take risks while purchasing guitars though

[@hoehere_Gewalt]

For me, soundwise, the Jackson rocks it, but I'm not that much of a jazz player as I am a Metalhead

[@saleusus]

Literally dave ellefson's bass from megadeth

[@SoundsofDecay]

I like the Yamaha most out of those. The 5-way switch is actually a mid freq. shift. I used to swear by Soundgears (and owned an SR505 for a long time) but I've gone off them a little over the years...they are usually consistently the best bang for your buck (playability/versatility/lookswise) in most price brackets to be fair. The Jazz sounded like a Jazz, great but you might as well get a MIM Fender or a Sire. Quite liked the other 2 but never played them myself.

[@candelariocardenas8783]

That Yamaha! Dang

[@ewetoo]

The Jackson sounds like my Washburn XB125, a tone only a doom metal guy could love. For me it's between the Yamaha and the Ibanez. The Squire wasn't set up properly and is too wide (4-string version is much better). I'd like to see a comparison between the top Yamaha TRBX and BB's they've got different specs to the rest of their respective lines, but definitely don't overlook the TRBX 405/505 either or the Ibanez SR405.

[@kingstumble]

String spacing is such a personal thing. My first proper bass was a 1962 Precision which had a 1 3/4"(45mm) nut and which I played exclusively for over 20 years. Eventually I tried a Jazz bass and could not get used to the much narrower neck and string spacing. I quickly reverted to the Precision!

[@andy_stinson]

The Ibanez and the Squier were my favorites. Everything else the B string sounded too muddy and dead

[@robertobrien2903]

I used to own an Ibanez SR505 (older model that didn't have the switch) and thought it was great.

[@user-jq4fz6co8b]

Out of all the basses in the price range, the Yamaha is DEFINITELY the one to beat--they rival basses that are double their price. And, I love that they fall within the Stingray sound (which is my preferred bass sound), but is much more comfortable to play. I'm a guitarist who loves to jam on bass sometimes, and with a lot of MMs, the necks on their 5 strings make me feel like I'm really stretching and it's uncomfortable to play over long periods. The Yamaha makes the transition less awkward. GENERALLY, I prefer Ibanez for their SRMS and BTB stuff, but those are 900-1500 basses and they seem to be CONSTANTLY out of stock.

[@AlistairMaxwell77]

if your 505 finish is worn , sand down and apply an wood varnish/stain and thin clear lacquer . if its still intact you can protect with wax or do a clear lacquer over it as is.

[@Millstudios-Ally]

Been using a BBn5 for 20yrs ...no reason for anything else ...in this vid to my ears the yammy had the tighest B string sound although the Ibanez was pretty close ...but why spend more ..YAMMY all the way

[@olavjorvik94]

I have that Yamaha in that color. I belive the pickups are actually passive, but the preamp is active, so the bass don't work without battery anyways. I always use the Slap-setting, Bass in neutral position, because the bass boost pot is extremely powerful, treble on full and go between the pickups. Very nice bass for the money. Since I only use one preamp setting, I'd like it to be passive, so I don't have to change battery all the time. Maybe I'll just get a P Bass, can't get more simple than that?🤔

[@iamalpharius9483]

Do you have truss rod issues? My friend has one and the neck is about always warped.

[@GB-db3wy]

I have the 305 5 string and I am running it with Yorkville bassmaster xs400 amp head and my god it is crushing.

[@klaymeister]

I've owned the S.U.B., Squier, and Ibanez. All great.

[@looniethemoonie5353]

My first bass was a early 90s Jackson concert v. Paid $330 for it and I still have it... although it’s just a body and a neck waiting to be refurbished.

[@KeeperOfPoops]

i love the Musicman Stingray, it's my favorite bass of all time the slap sound is amazing and it just screams awesome, my 5 string i have is an Ibanez SR305 it's battery powered so it's an active bass which is a bit iffy but i might get a Stingray 4 string at some point cos their slap sound is unmistakable and it's so killer

[@kawffeytheinkredible3295]

I’m shopping for my first bass. And I have absolutely NO experience with guitars. I know the general consensus is to start on a 4 string but I have an opportunity to get a 5 string cheaper than a 4 string of the same brand (sterling by musician). So my question is, is it a good idea to go ahead and get the 5 string as a complete novice?

[@rustyshackleford8489]

i mean its just one more string to learn. No big deal. No sense in getting a 4 string then a 5. Because imo once you go to 5 you don’t go back to 4.

[@markdavidofficial4274]

Learn on a 4 string. Do the sterling and get one used

[@Luisdej]

Get the 5 man

[@kawffeytheinkredible3295]

I got the 5

[@rustyshackleford8489]

Kawffey the inKredible good! What bass did you get?

[@mjkiii9603]

Man it may just be me... but that Yamaha sounds amazing!

[@mrpositronia]

I bought the Spector Legend 5 string standard in the store back in July for around £400 ish. Apart from the electronics being a bit wonky, it's a lovely bass.

[@Mabufu381]

i bought the pete iewers signature ibanez years ago, to this day that thing has not went out of tune unless i damn well made it go out of tune. its got a mono-rail bridge that's honestly fucking unreal, and the pups do just about every sound short of a rick. was £300 when I bought it years ago

[@GeroLubovnik]

The Ibanez is a great bass for slap, but the Yamaha can get close to that sound- but has a wider tone palette. The Squire really didn't cut it in this video. Not crazy about the Jackson. Maybe it's the look I dislike?

[@Tomball-oi8no]

I have the squire second hand for only £150 and it’s an amazing bass and definitely would recommend

[@xAD21x]

Good old days when i could buy an sr505 for what I can an sr300 now :D

[@williamrichmond814]

If there was a version of the Yamaha bass with: 1) Passive pickups 2) Volume and tone knobs for each pickup 3) Pickup selector switch I'd buy it in a heartbeat

[@xanderdaniels8284]

It’s not humbuckers, but check out the BB series of basses, they’re fantastic fender killer basses. They range from ~$200 to the thousands depending on the model but they’re all excellent.

[@CatalystOfFire]

As someone who has a Ray35, I'd go Yamaha or Ibanez on this. Wish I knew that before I bought the Ray35. It absolutely disappears in a mix and that's kinda depressing lol I just want those Bartolinis!

[@CatalystOfFire]

My RockBass Corvette cost me less than $400 American, and I've been really impressed with how well it sticks out in live situations. I don't remember the currency conversion, but I'm willing to bet it's cheaper over there for you gentlemen!

[@iamalpharius9483]

RockBass is frickin awesome..for the price, you get a GOOD Bass.

[@prestachuck2867]

Lee’s soloing on the closing jam is flat out tasty. Great stuff emanating from that Yamaha!

[@j-bird6563]

I just love the feel of all my Ibanez! Super easy playability. Love there thin neck ,sound you name it.

[@Goomies]

Just ordered that TRBX305 in Mist Green. I can't wait to get my hands on it.

[@nicacrush]

How do you like it? I just ordered one myself.

[@user-ml3sz3mm5y]

Would be great to hear them in the mix, too.

[@wasabijoe323]

i always love when they diddle each other's dials. by love, i mean creeped out by how vaguely lewd it looks. those devious dial diddlers

[@lf2099]

To nathan: pls dont adjust every second. We cant figure out the right mix really. Adust the knobs, wait for 10 secs then adjust again. That way we can spot the difference on a slow pace. Tnx. Lee you are awesome btw.

[@Bruh-jt4gv]

That closing riff sounds like Zappa... "I am the Slime", from overnite sensations album around 1973.

[@dupinion]

For many, the biggest puzzle when getting a bass guitar online is how heavy it actually is? Especially if you can't turn up at a big music store and suss things out in-person. Am I going to end up with a concrete block or a plastic toy? To help along, I created a quick infographic - chart video on "Bass Weight Comparison" and included tonewoods from maple to poplar. Hope it helps anyone concerned about the bass mass issue. All of you can find it on my channel - the video title is "Bass Weight Comparison | Tonewoods | From maple..."

[@katelynseng8341]

what about the quality feel of the wood and craft? besides the sound.

[@memebigboy1946]

I played the Ibanez SR505 a couple days ago and gotta say Idk why people like that bass. It has a good sound, especially for the price, but there are many flaws attached as well. For starters, the neck width is super skinny, it's hard to even play it with a pick. I could literally fit my hand around it in a fist.. The edges of the body are very sharp and tend to dig into your knee when playing sitting down. The height of the neck is also quite small, making it easier to move up and down but you can't get a decent grip on it. This is just my opinion, you're free to believe what you want.

[@mycatis4257]

Failure is not an option Me personally I feel the same about the Sr's, don't give up on Ibanez though, try a five string btb, I play a six string Ibanez btb, I love it.

[@memebigboy1946]

Ya i went to my local music store again and played a couple Ibanez 6 strings. Ibanez Gio sr6, Ibanez SRFF806. They were really good... still not a major fan of the neck tho.

[@mattiasjp]

Sounds like selling points to me. 😄

[@fysy9989]

I am still beginner and have the SR305. I love it. The neck is great for me, don't like fat necks ;)

[@memebigboy1946]

I don't like fat necks on bass either but It's just been necks like that in which I don't like. Most of the extended range stuff I don't mind.

[@fothermucker7764]

Yamaha ibanez Sub jackson Last squier

[@azarealbheri6876]

I'm about to buy one of these guys.... please help me decide .. My confusion is between the Yamaha TRBX 305 and Musicman Sterling Sub Ray 5.

[@Gobelma53]

Can’t go wrong with a Yamaha bass

[@VXTfour]

Whenever I watch "All about the Bass" all I can hear is Toejam and Earl.

[@kannonprice3521]

Please please make an update video! Budget 5 String 2022!

[@adrian_zombturtle148]

Currently £500 is $655

[@LilYeshua]

The Jackson sounded phenomenal and I'm a ibanez fan. The Yamaha second,ibanez third and forget the rest. The ibanez has that same strange string smacking against something hard sound like my SR300EB. ????

[@brucepiland]

If I’m ever across the pond, I’m going to Andertons.

[@NedwardJamesAlmost]

just found yalls content yesterday and loving so many episodes. Very genuine discussions about gear. And love your resident Bass expert, he is funny and a great player.

[@HENNINGRAS]

I have the Ibanez but not in brown, same series in turquoise blue and has a greenish shine in it ....Plays great even I have now for about three months....Still learning the bass but with an online course now it will be speeded up with the lockdown.... Yes, this video needs a update for 2020 but what about the 6 string basses please???

[@droogii1142]

I have to check that Yamaha out in the 4 string version. These two do some great videos as well.

[@zramirez5471]

I'd kill to see a Bass version of the blindfold least vs dearest series from Chappers and the Captain! Also the Sounds Like

[@Internettumbleweed]

Welp I have both that Ibanez Sr505 and the that jazz bass but in white. I guess I don’t mind the spacing on the jazz bass due to my old Ibanez roadstar II bass having spacing probably close to that of the Squier

[@pilgrim3387]

Could have tried out the step up from the 305 to the 505 which has a passive active selector and still under 500quid

[@angyd]

if you live in australia there is a place called artist guitars its a website and they have a 5 string for like $300au

[@marc_leblanc]

I've loved every video I've heard of the TRBX series so far. I'm a bit concerned though as a lot of user reviews are saying there's too much low end on lower notes and distorting.

[@jmwreck]

yeah I have the TRBX305 and it's too hot, just play with the volume knob and the tone controls

[@Jihadbearzwithgunz]

Going from a six string to a 4 string is a big change the string spacing is the big difference but after 15-20 minutes of play it all comes back

[@DamamakeBeats-RnB]

The Sterling by Music Man Sub Ray 5 Bass Guitar def sounded the bestttt

[@ryoaev]

I have a 5 string (Ibanez SR405EQM in Surreal Blue Burst) and a 4 string (Staggering BC300 in Red) and I mainly play the 5 and when I play the 4 string it's really weird because there's one string missing and also the string spacing on the 4 is bigger - the strings are further apart for the same sizes neck.

[@lewispender]

Cort are amazing too

[@qtipg1]

How many times can one man say "yeah", within sixty seconds?! Goodness!!

[@CallSignJammer]

The Jackson sounded better than I anticipated.

[@adamwoolf9993]

Do you guys know how a Cort B5 would compare to these? I’m shopping atm…

[@el_principe3611]

Oh don't mind me, just a bassist passing through, I'll be on my way... OH WAIT I THINK I'LL STAY THIS TIME. I've got an Ibanez GSR105EX for $199 US and I love it!

[@brrosskiee]

i like how their store has a room just for basses

[@shamsam69]

Interesting to watch this back now that Sire has taken off. The V7 is around the £500 mark and they are excellent basses EXCEPT... the weight. If you are in a band and rehearse for 3 + hours at a time the Sire will KILL your back. There's also too many options on the preamp. Forever fiddling with the controls and the stacked knobs are annoying AF. I've just bought the SR505 to combat these things and wow. The neck is so smooth and fast. I'll use the Sire to record and the Ibanez for gigs and rehearsals I reckon.

[@aaronoriain229]

Ive got the fender jazz V I bought it yesterday and it’s beautiful it played so smooth and the sound and feel is comfortable and amazing it compares very well to my precision squier

[@johnniecameron8829]

Yamaha sounds cool

[@tommygrant6275]

Got a Pedulla Rapture 5 used for $800 US. Best deal ever.

[@rickrolli7091]

I'd come visit your store if I lived in the UK. It'd be a "Hoot" to meet you guys.