Options for 5 string Jazz style Basses?

[Stingray5]

I'm really gassing for a 5 string Jazz style bass, want to keep it around the $1500 range at most. I absolutely love my MIJ Fender Jazz but I find I just can't gig without a fiver. It's aggravating that they don't seem to have readily available, affordable lefty 5's.

Any suggestions for some brands that might fit the bill?

[Matt R.]

You could build a kick ass one from Warmoth parts for around that much.

[blankrider]

Ken Smith Basses?

http://adirondackguitar.com/lefty/ken_smith/menu.htm

I know they're lower than your price range, and i am not certain how nice they are, but i've seen them around alot.

[thumbslam]

This bass is killer....Call Brian the neck is awesome and perfect and the electronics and pups are top notch!! I held this bass in my hands at a show. Will need a new nut but I bet they will set it up the "normal" way before shipping it out.


http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewto ... highlight=

[fivebass52]

This bass is killer....Call Brian the neck is awesome and perfect and the electronics and pups are top notch!! I held this bass in my hands at a show. Will need a new nut but I bet they will set it up the "normal" way before shipping it out.


http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewto ... highlight=

Looks Nice!

[Stingray5]

This bass is killer....Call Brian the neck is awesome and perfect and the electronics and pups are top notch!! I held this bass in my hands at a show. Will need a new nut but I bet they will set it up the "normal" way before shipping it out.


http://www.thelowend.net/gallery/viewto ... highlight=

I'm not a red bass guy but that's nice. It's like half a skjold headstock..

[Stingray5]

Ken Smith Basses?

http://adirondackguitar.com/lefty/ken_smith/menu.htm

I know they're lower than your price range, and i am not certain how nice they are, but i've seen them around alot.

hmm I like the looks of this one:

http://adirondackguitar.com/lefty/ken_smith/ksd_605.htm

[AzWhoFan]

Beware the KSD Designs basses. I never liked any of the righties I played. Perhaps they have improved over the last couplea years, I dunno, haven't looked at them in quite a while. But at the time they were hugely overpriced instruments bearing a resemblance to Ken Smith in licensed name only.

[Rodent]

KSD = Ken Smith Design

Ken was paid to help design this line of basses for a company. Design, and nothing more. They definitely don't have the form/fit/function/quality reputation that a real Smith bass is known for

all the best,

R

[Stingray5]

Thanks for the heads ups on the KSDs.

I was looking at the new MTD kingston Saratoga import but not sure, since i didn't like the KZ5 at all, and worry that might suffer as well.

What about the Carvin SB5000? I used to play an LB75 but it didn't stick. Not sure I want to go back to a Carvin but from what I've heard from sound clips it seems like the real deal.

[Basshappi]

The Carvin SB basses are getting rave reviews even from people who don't like Carvin basses.

You could also talk to our own resident builder extordinaire Rod (A.K.A Rodent) at:
http://regenerateguitarworks.com/

[fivebass52]

The Carvin SB basses are getting rave reviews even from people who don't like Carvin basses.

You could also talk to our own resident builder extordinaire Rod (A.K.A Rodent) at:
http://regenerateguitarworks.com/

There's a big thread on talkbass regarding the Carvin SB4000/5000 series...
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthrea ... vin+sb5000

... but I like Basshappi's suggestion about taking a look at our own resident bass builder, Rod at Regenerate. Really great looking and sounding basses.... take a look at his build thread at the bottom of the index page.

[Stingray5]

The Carvin SB basses are getting rave reviews even from people who don't like Carvin basses.

You could also talk to our own resident builder extordinaire Rod (A.K.A Rodent) at:
http://regenerateguitarworks.com/

There's a big thread on talkbass regarding the Carvin SB4000/5000 series...
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthrea ... vin+sb5000

... but I like Basshappi's suggestion about taking a look at our own resident bass builder, Rod at Regenerate. Really great looking and sounding basses.... take a look at his build thread at the bottom of the index page.

Yeah I've been seriously considering the Carvin, I just can't tell if I like the style or not. One time I look at it and it really speaks to me, then other times I'm not so sure.. Can't deny the sound though - I've heard enough clips, along with Ed Friedland's review to be convinced.

I wasn't sure of the price range on the Regenerates but I definitely like the look of those, and of course the lefty friendliness

Matt mentioned Warmoth - I didn't see if they had an option to build a complete bass, electronics and all. I'm not currently interested in too much of a project. Would prefer to order something ready to go when it arrives..

[Basshappi]

You could order everything you need to build a Jazz V from Warmoth, but they don't assemble them for you. If you do it all yourself and don't go nuts with expensive woods, you could do it for under $1000. I've been slowly collecting all the parts for my own Jazz V build, just need the bridge and tuners and I'll be ready to start!

But, one should build a Warmoth because they enjoy doing projects or because they want something they can't get otherwise, NOT because they want to save money!

From what you say you're looking for I think Rod is your man!

Cheers!