To be honest I've always gone through the board when I was using this to gig with but I think it would be fine for most medium and smaller venues. I haven't played with a 5 on it yet either, but I have played several heavy songs in drop D and had no problems at all. The EQ and overdrive are cool and the paper/aluminum cones have a pretty unique tone to them. It's only 60lbs, but it's kind of an awkward carry. I keep it as a solid backup rig.

I'm in the market for a bass combo, is this loud enough for a small to medium size gig without distorting? How is it with a 5 string?