LeftyBassist.com

I see a lot of cheapo stuff in lefty 4 str configs. (SX, Tokai, etc) but I never come across any cheapo 5ers. Anyone got any experience on this? I kinda feel like an outsider here because I'm not really into high-end instruments (except with drums), I like a bass/guitar I can beat around without worrying about the paintjob.

The reason I ask is I'm about to start a Doom band and we're gonna be drop tuning to A and I'd like to grab a 5er for it without dropping much cash. I already use my current basses in a stoner rock band and don't wanna have to mess with all the intonation and bowing issues of tuning that far up and down for each band. Besides, I thought it would be a good topic to discuss here.

Check the Rondo music site. They have them

I never noticed the Douglas 5er on there before, but those Brice 5s are ugly as hell IMO... and just look cheap.

Just off the top of my head, Ibanez, Dean, Schecter, and Steinberger all make lefty 5ers. I can't comment on the quality of any of them, though I think Schecter gives you a lot of bang for the buck.

If you want something REALLY cheap, go to any Sam Ash music store or check them out online and look at Brownsville basses. I live near a Sam Ash and they have been stocking lefty five and six string basses that cost around $150 new. They are sort of modelled on the Fender Jazz, but not nearly as pretty. I would imagine that they are not the highest quality, or rather I would imagine that they have next to no quality, but with a bit of fine tuning it's a good way to see if you like rocking that low-B. I found a cheapo lefty active 5-string bass on ebay from a brand called OSP. It's a cool green flame type finish and it's fun messing with the extra-wide neck. Since it's an active bass, it's LOUD! But the quality of sound is not the best - when I'm recording I bust out the Fender Jazz. So you could try looking for an OSP of your own, but when I google it I don't get anything back. Apparently that company sepcializes in making guitar cases, and the actual guitars they put out must have been some kind of fluke. But hey, it was $99, and when I gig it I am not too concerned about it getting nicked/sweat upon/spilled upon/stolen.