A precision bass in 5 string is a bit of a complicated one to work well. Only thing to consider is that fender isn't super great in building 5 strings. And many people just like the sound of fenders and how they sit in the mix. In fact you can probably get basses from 500 usd being at least just as good as 2000 usd fenders. Well it is, but not any more than other brands of the same price. Or 'fenders can't beat this cheaper bass'.įender isn't quality. This makes them a target for things like 'my - insert another cheap bass - is just as good at fenders'. I agree that Gibson and Rickenbacker both fail at 5 strings (and honestly even 4s at times), but Fender definitely is capable of making great ones, and does.įenders are the most popular basses in existence. Those seem like the most important objective factors for any instrument to be 'great'. They're as well built as any other high end bass, hold tuning just as well, and are as easy (or at times easier, since Fender has aftermarket part options) to work on as anything else. I feel like a lot of that sentiment comes from people who are used to narrow string spaced, active 5 string basses and just don't like the feel and tone of a wider spacing and passive electronics, which is an entirely fair preference, but not an indictment on the instrument itself. It just doesn't feel like there's any other place where their 5ers are worse than any other company's, honestly. And honestly, if there's any part that may need replaced out of the box, it should be the pickups, since they're the one piece that's not going to affect playability or tuning. So no, it's definitely not an endorsement to say the pickups suck, but it's also not really a big negative to me since I feel like basically everything that isn't a custom build needs the same thing. A lot of popular 5 string basses come with Bartolini or Aguilar pickups that I also think pretty universally sound like shit and would immediately get rid of along with whatever preamp is in there.

I would replace the electronics in most basses though, because very, very few stock bass pickups are good IMO. I said in another post the same thing, American instruments are pretty much universally a bad deal new, but used they can be a pretty good value, even compared to the upper end of import lines that are usually also in the $800-1000 range Basically the same price as American Pros that succeeded them started at, but mine was around (I believe) $900 in mint condition with a $150 hardshell case included in that price. They were like $1550 new in the latter years as far as I can recall, and never really more than that. You can absolutely say that but please also address the question for someone playing longer in case they are interested. However, I've seen criticism online from other bassists saying Fender is overrated and nowhere near the money, and people should look at stuff like Marcus Miller instead if they are looking to upgrade.ĭoes anyone here have an opinion on Fenders? Anyone who owns a Fender bass, do you feel like you got your money's worth?Įdit: If I could make a special request, please do not make the conversation just about whether or not I've been playing long enough to consider investing money in a more expensive bass. I love that iconic Fender sounds, but I can't lie, I just really like the idea of owning a proper Fender guitar (I just have a cheap Ibanez.) The look of a Fender bass is one I just keep finding myself coming back to. I've been playing a 4 string bass every day for about 8-9 months now, and I'm see the options I'm missing out on with a 5 string. Similarly, please send any comments or critiques to the moderators. We encourage you to report spam posts or posts that violate the rules, but please send a message to the moderators at the same time. Please tag video or audio of you or your band with in the subject line of the post.

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Fender bass 4 string