Choosing the number of strings

[naughtysoda]

Hello Janek,

Big fan of Mystery to Me and the podcast...I heard about your playing a few months ago. What is the story on how you came to the decision of a 5 string strung with the high C? Any particular reason you do not go the way of the 6 string? I have played 5 string with a high C for a few years now and love it, but I have recently switched back to low B for my R&B gig.

[janekbass]

hi,

thanks for checking out the album and the podcasts, it means a lot to me that people tune in and listen.

The reason for the tuning for me was about being lyrical in the context of my own music. It's not ideal for a lot of gigs I do, so I keep a four string P-bass, and a 5 string with a low b on it.

But I really try and think about my own music as much as I can, and that was really what I was feeling at the time. And now it's growing more into my own voice. I'm constantly working on my voice as a musician, as a bass player, as a writer etc... It will be my identity, and will let people know it's me playing when they hear it. I know I like to hear that from musicians I dig listening to, and I want to be able to do that for myself.

it allows me to voice chords, re harmonize melodies very effectivly, and also have the low end in the instrument with the hip shot I have on there.

Easy,

Janek

[bassjamm]

If i may just add something here...

After my lesson with you Janek, i've strung my Fretless Marleaux E - C, really loving it at the moment, but what are your thoughts about doing that on a fretless? I mean, i'm trying out all that crazy chordal stuff, and my intonation is way out at the moment, would i be better off trying it on a fretted to maximise the learning ability, rather than having to spend ages getting the thing in tune???

I guess on the other hand, doing it on a fretless and sticking with it could stand me a in better stead as there aren't that many players around playing fretless strung in this fashion...what d'you reckon?

Sorry for the hi-jack naughtysoda.

Jam