Open string question

[jasperkeys]

Hi everyone,
First off; I don't play the bass. I play the keyboards in a band and sometimes get involved in writing out tab for the bassist. So please bear with me, I just need a bassist's perspective.
I thought I once read that top level bass players don't use open strings unless it's absolutely unavoidable. I want to know if this is usual practice or maybe I'm just remembering wrong.
The reason I ask is because if for example; the bassline is A, G, F, and E and starts out on the 'A' fret on the 'E' string, it sounds nice to just use the 'E' string for the first three notes but the 'E'....is it better to use the open 'E' string or is it usual practice to hit the 'E' on the 7th fret on the 'A' string?
How would you people do it?

[ryco]

It depends if your bassist is using a 4 or 5 string bass. If it's a 4 string in standard (E A D G) tuning then you have no choice as open 'E' is the lowest note.

If you're bassist is playing a 5er in standard tuning (B E A D G) then he has the option of playing the 'E' on the fifth fret of the low 'B' string or playing it open on the 'E'.

For me it would depend on where the bass line is going. If it were to continue descending I would probably play it fifth fret 'B'. If it were to hold on 'E' or start back up I would probably play it open. Would just depend on the tone I wanted and where I was heading next on the fretboard.

Open strings are nice for a sustained round tone. Fretting is nice if you're bassline is a series of notes and want to keep the sound/tone consistant.

Oh yeah - welcome to TalkBass! Maybe you as a keyboardist could help out with some of the theory questions in the "General Instruction" forum.

[jasperkeys]

Well, your answer would seem to indicate that there is indeed no stigma attached to playing open strings. By the way, I was talking about a four string bass.
Personally, I like the sound of deep, low notes so the open 'E' would be my choice; I just wondering if it was 'proper', so to speak. I guess I should just rely on my own guide which is; if it sounds good, it is good.
Anyway, I thank you for your reply.