4 string to 5 string and back again

[JCartwright]

Hi Janek,

I switched from playing 4 strings to 5 about 4 years ago, and although i don't really rely on the lower notes on the B string, it's always useful to have them there.

Anyway, I've decided to build myself a P bass to compliment my 5 string J style bass, but i don't know wether to go with a 4 or 5 string.

I know that you have/had both 4 and 5 string basses, and I was wondering if you found that when going from a 5 string to a 4 string, you found that it pushed you to be more creative, or if you felt limited in any way by the decrease in range.

Thanks for your time,
Joe

[janekbass]

I think I always just try and play music, or the music no matter what instrument I'm playing. I really don't think the number of strings should have an effect on your voice as a musician, and I would hope that someone could tell it was me playing whether it had 4 or 5 strings.... I think comfort is important along with relaxation so perhaps those are factors you might want to consider when you're designing your bass.

Janek