No sir it has to be something else too, I looks so good, lol.
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I must admit…. I was not sensible enough to buy the HD for $50 less for basically the same thing.
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GASing pretty hard towards a 5 string. I wanna get my first one. Of all I’ve watched only Cort appeals to be.
Production stopped, new model is B5 Element.
- Bartollini MK1 pup
- MarkBass MB-1 preamp
- Hipshot Ultralite tuners
- Bartollini MK1 pups
- Bartollini MK1 preamp
- Hipshot Ultralite tuners
- Hipshot TransTone bridge
- Neck through
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My advice is try before you buy.
Since you will probably only buy 1 five string, selecting one is important. Going by looks isn’t always a solid plan. I spent a few months tracking down and playing many, and found that what I thought I wanted wasn’t for me at all. YMMV of course. If you live in an area that’s bass store deprived, then you gotta roll the dice. But if you have access, then take advantage of it.
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Oh yeah I learned that during my “import guitars that dont exist in my country, fix them and sell em cheaper when you dont like them” phase. I’m basically retailer here, just not gaining anything.
And yeah, I dont even like the looks so much of these basses (except B5 Plus, but I’d have to track down used), it’s sound that I like. And yeah I have distributor here for Cort, so probably should be able to try at least some.
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It might also be worth considering whether you want a 5-string for the right reasons (for you) or just because you are gasing 
I don’t know the current prices, but the A5 is not exactly cheap (maybe 700-800 in Euro equivalent?!)
Perhaps, trying out a 5-string on a less expensive model is a better strategy?! Such as the Harley-Benton JJ-55OP for example (around 220 Euro)
https://www.thomann.de/intl/harley_benton_jj_55op_natural.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZGUiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjJ9&reload=1
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Oh no I want it for music, my local music is mostly in Eb, also many of Nathan East/Daft Punk tracks use lower notes. And I don’t wanna do downtuning of 4 strings. I just happened to GAS for the sound of those Corts.
Yes locally at my place A5 is 800 euros. But it’s very good bass with awesome features that some companies would sell as boutique basses for much much higher prices.
I’ve done my share of cheap basses, can’t stress anymore with lottery, and when I get used to 5er I’ll have to get a new thing and again lose money on selling this cheapo. I’ll basically exchange my P bass for this. Im not gravitating towards plain P anymore so it’s gonna get sold and funds gonna go towards 5er probably. I forced myself lately to use it for covers just cause I planned this for a while, just was looking for suitable replacement.
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Sounds good, @growl - best of luck in finding the right one for you 
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You and me both. 
And I’ll echo Johns advice of trying before buying if you can.
I tried the 5 string version of my Lakland Daryl Jones and didnt really like it at all.
That surprised me as I really enjoy the 4 string.
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Get a 35" scale first and foremost
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I thought I had quelled the GAS Guy for a while and then Fender goes and drops this…
Yes, it’s a guitar. Yes, I already have a strat. Yes, it also has abalone inlays and noiseless pickups. My current strat is a American Deluxe with better tuners.
Do I need this new H.E.R. LTD strat? No. Do I want it? YES.
Damn them. shakes fist
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Sounds great! I especially like the second video!
I’m not buying a 5 string. But if I did in the future why is 35” important?
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I love Bartolini but I don’t have very good relationship with the MK1 oem pick up. Something in the parameters of that pick up does not bring a smile to my face.
This has to do with B string tonal character and floppiness.
35" improves both.
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B string tension and tone.
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Don’t underestimate how much the player’s ability to bring the bass alive matters - “it’s in the fingers” 
Here is the bass you called a “cheapo” - sounds pretty good to me also:
In the end, it’s what feels good to you (looks good to you, sounds good to you). If that is the A5plus, perfect! But, as others have said, see whether you can hold it in your hands and play it first
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