Playing a set of 4 on a 5?

[McHaven]

So, I have no use for my B string at all and I hate paying 5 string prices. Would it damage my bass's neck/body by having just the 4 standard strings on, and not the B? Or what about just leaving on the old B for the sake of tension?

[Linas]

Aesthetically i think it would look kinda whacky with only 4 strings on it. Structurally, i think your neck would be ok, but for the sake of it, keep the B on. Maby one day you will find a use for it.

[SteveC]

Why do you have a 5 string? I don't understand.

[McHaven]

Originally Posted by SteveC

Why do you have a 5 string? I don't understand.

Cause it sounded good and was a good deal.

[Kronos]

You definitely have a use for the B...you just need to be creative. You can play low octaves on it. For instance, instead of playing a C on the A string, you could play it on the B, and give it a little different flavor while still remaining in key...

[Trevorus]

Use the B. Believe me, when you start trying to use it, you'll find uses for it. You'll find places that it just works better than playing the notes an octave up. Also, it'll challenge you to shift your mental anchor point. When I use a 4, the low string is always E, but on a 5, its obviously B. So, your mental anchor will shift. But you'll be a better player for it.

[GrooveWarrior]

Tune it E-C. Then you'll have a high C to use for chords and solos. Or you will just have a 5 string that won't look funny because it only has 4 strings.

[McHaven]

Originally Posted by Trevorus

Use the B. Believe me, when you start trying to use it, you'll find uses for it. You'll find places that it just works better than playing the notes an octave up. Also, it'll challenge you to shift your mental anchor point. When I use a 4, the low string is always E, but on a 5, its obviously B. So, your mental anchor will shift. But you'll be a better player for it.

I do use it every once in awhile. If I'm playing blues in E, i'll go to 5th fret on the B so I can stay in one position throughout the progression. And sometimes I just use it for intimidation, nothing like cranking lows and smacking the low B while turning the bass boost knob. Makes guitarists think "oh crap!"

[Figjam]

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