Pretty open ended question......but as the owner of a Corvette 4 string I'll have to confess to some bias.

Despite my bias I'm going to say both are probably fine basses and the decision should be based on which one feels better in you hands and sounds better to your ears.

Having said that, have you looked at Carvin? I have one of their 5 string basses and it's spectacular.

Yeah,I also agree with Sharpie....
Try each out and see what works for you
I'm an Ibanez man myself....but that might not work out for you
Everyone is different
Cheers
Peace Ed

Hi Fred,

I totally agree with the wise words of Brian...some 5-strings bass have large necks with a larger string spacing and it's up to you to try some basses out, I play a Ken Smith Designs Proto-J bass natural body and a maple neck and I find it an awesome instrument! I have small hands ans short fingers but the bass plays wonderful.
I know Carvin has some fine basses, perhaps you could take a look at one, if you have the opportunity...

Sean ;)

the Ibanez sr505 is practically the same bass, but 600 cheaper. You could upgrade the pickups/preamp to the best on the market, and it still wouldn't total the price of the sr1205. And the finish is way sexier.

IMHO The Ibanez SR505 is the best bang for your buck for a 5 string bass on the market. But, experience/wisdom says that you should "Try Before You Buy". The best deal or the most expensive toy don't mean much if she just doesn't feel or fit right. A good bass is not too different than a good shirt - some fit better than others regardless of the price or craftmanship. Good hunting!!!

Between the two you mentioned, Ibanez 1205E by a
long shot.

Interesting that you're only talking about those 2. there are a tonne of amazing five string basses out there, and some of the boutique brands are getting quite popular too.

There are important questions to ask:
1. What style of music do you intend to play on it?
2. What kind of shapes do you like?
3. What kind of features are important to you?

Personally, I play a lot of metal so I like big pointy basses with powerful Pups, like the Ibanez BTB775 with Bartolinis or my own vintage Charvel Fusion with EMGs that sounds just as good for funk...

Thanks everyone. I haven't looked into Carvin, but I will. Also the SR505 Ibanez. I've started the search, but those were the first 2 that were suggested to me.

fred i have an ibanez sr505 which i absolutely love, easy to play, you can make alot of tone adjustments. very easy to sratch tho because it doesn't have a laquer finish. I've also had some trouble adjusting to the 5 string and have actually started playing songs in the wrong key because I'm used to lookin down at the e strin and not the b. somethin else to think about.
good luck.
Bill

Hey,

i agree with all previous responses, also to add trying out yamaha
bass guitars, they are also pretty cool and decent for their price
and even more. in the end it's a matter of feeling, Ibanez to me has
the most comfy neck ever, Warwick to me just kicks a$$. but i'm a
4 string person :)

-moku