Intermediate player of 2 years. My main is a Nate Mendel P-Bass.
Looking to add a 5 string and was pretty set on the Yamaha TRBX 305. It’s currently $429 on Sweetwater.
FB marketplace has a Squier Dimension 5 string (2012) for $400. Photos make it look really clean.
I know r/Bass on Reddit loves the Yamaha. But I think I like the shape of the Dimension.
Opinions?
Thanks Bass Bros!
P.S. I was on a call with a co-worker who mentioned her nephew was new to bass, and I recommended “Beginner to Badass” and a few days later, she says he loves it!
I too just recently purchased a 5 string after playing 4 string for the past 6 years. I purchased the Ibanez SR505 and am enjoying it quite a bit. There is quite a transition from moving from a 4 to a 5 string, and I find myself getting lost a bit sometimes but it’s getting easier. If at all possible, I would suggest you try one out before you purchase because the neck width is something that you’ll need to get use to after learning on and playing a 4 string. Along with that will come string spacing. Depending on your style of play, plucking or pick, you’ll be surprised how much string spacing comes into playing a fiver after learning on a four string. Anyway, good luck!!
I had a 4 string Squier Dimension bass it was good although someone string it up BEAD and the guy who I bought it from tune it standard and the action was so high due to the neck bow you can shoot an arrow with it, well, that’s why I got it with such an awesome deal.
Anyways. It’s a great bass but to take a step further, the American Deluxe Dimension bass is probably the best bass Fender produced. H or HH model. You get the compound radius fingerboard , asymmetrical neck, super awesome preamp, 18v powerplant and P bass nut width, deep carve neck heel, and super low, low street price.
I’ve had quite a few 5’s over the years and in the budget you’re talking the Ibanez and Yamaha will be your best players out of the box. Both in neck feel and setup. Also in weight. I always love a Squier because they’re fun to mod. They’re fun to mod because you HAVE to mod them 9/10 to make them good. They can be great! But they never are out of the box unless you find… the one. Which I never have. But as was already recommended… play it first or learn setups. It will save you money and help make EVERY bass better in the future.
well, that’s why I got it with such an awesome deal.