Wanted: 5 String Bass for beginner/practice

[JakeWilliams]

OK, I still haven't purchased the bass guitar, but I have the AMP. I've got a few models on-line that I'm looking at that will run me over $150 after shipping:

$129 - http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com ... sku=512229

$159 - http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com ... sku=512905

$169 - http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

Can any bass players out there comment on these models and give me the lowdown? Has anyone ever bought one? Are they just crap? Would they work well (hold tune, sound decent) for a beginner/practice?

If these are not worth the price, I guess I am still interested in buying used if anyone has something in the $75 - $150 price range.

Let me know.

[MeYatch]

Would they work well (hold tune, sound decent) for a beginner/practice?

probably, but I would definitely give serious consideration to one of these
http://www.rondomusic.com/bassguitars5.html

[JakeWilliams]

...

Yea, I had to edit my post because I had the wrong links in it. Thx. Those are an option.

[bassist_25]

Forget the Rogue. I have a Dean Edge 10 string bass. It's very well constructed, but the electronics are so-so. I've always wanted to upgrade the pickups and preamp, but I haven't gigged it enough to justify that. The instruments on Rondo are going to be the best value.

[onegunguitar]

Forget the Rogue. I have a Dean Edge 10 string bass. It's very well constructed, but the electronics are so-so. I've always wanted to upgrade the pickups and preamp, but I haven't gigged it enough to justify that. The instruments on Rondo are going to be the best value.

You have a Dean Paul? Holy crap!! hahaha

[JakeWilliams]

Forget the Rogue...

I pretty much have taken it out of the mix. The reviews were so mixed I can only assume the makers have fake identities and are reviewing it themselves.

In any case, the other 2 options both seem pretty solid if I can't find a used bass of decent quality for less than $150...

[MeYatch]

I didn't really pay much attention before I sent you that link, but rondo seems to be pretty low on selection of 5 strings. If you wait a while they will probably have some fender styled ones for cheaper, if you're into that sort of thing.

Any particular reason you want to get a 5 string as opposed to a 4 string?

[JakeWilliams]

...

Um, not really. I was told that bass players typically like the 5 strings because you can play more stuff... And It's only a few more bucks, so I figured what the heck.

[onegunguitar]

...

Um, not really. I was told that bass players typically like the 5 strings because you can play more stuff... And It's only a few more bucks, so I figured what the heck.

I've played guitar for a long time and switched to bass last year and I personally would rather have a 4 stringer. I don't care for 5 strings-I don't like the fret spacing with the 35 inch scale. Buy and play what you feel comfortable with,who cares what everyone else plays.

[bassist_25]

I don't care for 5 strings-I don't like the fret spacing with the 35 inch scale.

Many five strings are standard 34" scale.

I dig fivers, but that's no secret 'round these parts.

[onegunguitar]

I don't care for 5 strings-I don't like the fret spacing with the 35 inch scale.

Many five strings are standard 34" scale.

I dig fivers, but that's no secret 'round these parts.

Well,most of the 5 stringers I messed with were a 35 inch but what would I really know,I'm just a guitar player converted to bass,haha. But,no matter what,I would rather have just 4.

[bassist_25]

I envy the wider selection of basses that four-string players have. It sure would make finding a Les Paul-style bass, which I've always wanted, a lot easier.