5 string doublebass?

swmmojo · #1 10-18-2008, 08:16 AM

Excuse me if there is already a thread on this (and post it if you know it). I was wondering thoughts on 5 string uprights. I'm new to playing upright but have played a five string electric for a while. I'm playing a beater 4 string UB now but saving for a nicer bass. Should I save for a 5? I love the low B on the electric. What are thoughts about string spacing, neck width, etc... many thanks!

James Hart · #2 10-18-2008, 08:34 AM

I'm too new at URB to have a valid opinion... but I'm right here with you.

I'm looking to get one of these with a low B some day.

http://www.gollihurmusic.com/product...RIAN_BASS.html

jsbarber · #3 10-18-2008, 11:34 AM

Try:

http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352717

http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=456659

http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=458743

http://talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=457124

swmmojo · #4 10-18-2008, 01:41 PM

Thanks jsbarber.

I mainly play bluegrass/americana but play some jazz as well and really like the option of hitting the lower 5ths. I would love the hear from players who own or have played five string UBs. I'm curious in terms of string spacing, low B and makers of them. I'm actually saving for an Upton but just not sure if the extra cash for a five string is worth it...

jonbass · #5 10-18-2008, 01:57 PM

The only place youll see 5 string uprights are in classical settings as an alternative to an extension. I cant seem to think of one jazz player that uses them. the upright is a monster to begin with and the 5 string is an even meaner monster.

hdiddy · #6 10-18-2008, 02:02 PM

Our own Paul Warburton uses a gorgeous 5-string Bohmann for jazz (look for his recordings on the TBDB sampler). There's nothing wrong with a 5-string but typical pedagogy teaches 4-strings primarily.

Peredur · #7 10-18-2008, 02:48 PM

I play Jazz + Folk + in Church + orchestral + singer/songwriter and anywhere else on a 5 string DB. Low B is where it's at on a Bass Guitar and it is where it's at on DB.

Joe Ergle · #8 10-19-2008, 12:42 PM

My primary (only) bass is an early-to-mid 80's Juzek 5-string. The string spacing doesn't really bother me; you just have to get used to it. No matter how quality a C extension is, it is a hassle by default. My instructor, who plays on a very nice C extension, is actually the one who found and recommended this bass to me. The only downfall is that I have medium gaged EAD&G, but my B is really thick so it gets in the way when I'm digging into the E string. A new B will solve this problem; my current one is deader than a fried fish anyway. Other than that I have no complaints; everything resonates just fine and all of the strings sound pretty even.

Paul Warburton · #9 10-19-2008, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbass

The only place youll see 5 string uprights are in classical settings as an alternative to an extension. I cant seem to think of one jazz player that uses them. the upright is a monster to begin with and the 5 string is an even meaner monster.

Think again.
( thanks diddy )

Marcus Johnson · #10 10-19-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jonbass

The only place youll see 5 string uprights are in classical settings as an alternative to an extension. I cant seem to think of one jazz player that uses them. the upright is a monster to begin with and the 5 string is an even meaner monster.

Fortunately for the world, PW is the biggest meanest monster of them all.

So there.

Paul Warburton · #11 10-19-2008, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcus Johnson

Fortunately for the world, PW is the biggest meanest monster of them all.

So there.

Thanks, my dear!
( Love from Al.)

swmmojo · #12 10-19-2008, 05:49 PM

Great replies; you folks are really helping a newbie! I'm just trying to sort it all out.