LeftyBassist.com

Just as the title says, I'm thinking of asking for a cheap (LH obv) 5 string for xmas. And by cheap, I mean <300. I've narrowed it down to the Brice HXB-405, or the Ibanez GSR205. Now, on to my questions: Which is the better bass? Also, I have FREAKISHLY SMALL hands. Will I be able to handle a 5 string? Scale lengths are both 35" I believe.

I don't know the Brice, but I can comment on the Ibanez. Soundgears, including the entry level GSR's, are very comfortable and fairly compact instruments with thin and narrow necks. Reaching to the low B string with your right hand should be easy. Reaching down to the G string with your plucking hand is just a matter of moving your thumb and not sticking to one anchoring point. I think you'll do fine on a 5-string, I've seen people with small hands play some rediculous basses

Oh, by the way, the GSR205 has a regular 34" scale

I think that anything from Rondo Music is caca. That's my own experience after trying at least 4 basses from them. I'd recommend the Ibanez you mentioned. That bass has pretty much the smallest dimensions you can find on a production 5-string. It should be plenty comfortable. My recommendation would be to make sure it's set up right, with low action and light-gauge strings. Over the years I've found that more than neck width, action and string gauge is more important for comfort. I also have small hand, and for example, I would get sore hands after doing a gig with a 4-string that has high action, than a wide 5-string with low action. I have a Lakland 55-94, which is as wide as it gets, but because the low action I can play it all night long. But if I play my P-Bass (which has a narrow 1-1/2" wide nut) but higher action, I could get tired quicker. Still comfy, but not a easy to play for 2 hours + .

Economy of motion is key, that's why low action is important. And I also find that having active electronics help, because you need to move the strings less to get the sound (at least with my technique). A lot of people will tell you that technique and thumb placement of the fretting hand is key to playing any bass without fatigue. I've seen teenage girls play uprights, so if they can do it. . .

Going by your budget and comfort issues, I really think the GSR205 is the ticket, and Ibanez is know for having good quality even on budget instruments. The string spacing is a bit narrow, but you should be able to adapt easily. It's a small compromising when playing a narrow 5-string.

I hope this helps.