5-string bass: low-B or high-C

[AEONmw]

What are your opinions (I know. You can have both on a six-string, but for the sake of this discussion, lets stick to 5-string).

I prefer the high-C because it gives you more dynamic range than a low B. For a standard five-string bass with 24 frets, addition of a low-B only adds about 10 Hz of bandwidth to the instrument, while a high-C adds about 128 Hz of bandwidth.

Now, in terms of percent bandwidth improvement as compared to a standard 24 fret 4-string bass, a low-B only adds about 2.8% more bandwidth, while a high-C will add about 36% more bandwidth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning

[salcott]

It's a bass, not a guitar. Go lower. B string with a Hipshot tuner to drop it to A. Real bass.

[Darkstrike]

Play it CGDAE, that will add both, or near enough.

[dj150888]

It all depends on what you're playing. Personally, I'd never use the extra notes gained from the c string, No songs I play are above 17th fret on the G string so personally, the high c doesn't provide me with anything new, just an easier time playing some things whereas the B provides me with 5 extra notes.

Don't see the point of bringing the frequencies into the discussion, they both give you five extra notes, so they both add the same range. (though I'm sure someone will point out how wrong I am)

[EADG mx]

Originally Posted by salcott

It's a bass, not a guitar. Go lower. B string with a Hipshot tuner to drop it to A. Real bass.

You must be morally opposed to D and G strings as well, then.

My vote goes to C as I don't find a lot of use for a B personally.

[Solarmist]

Originally Posted by salcott

It's a bass, not a guitar. Go lower. B string with a Hipshot tuner to drop it to A. Real bass.

I would also say "B" (or drop "A"). Thats what a 5er is for.

[badlands2233]

i use the c string, but like dj, i really don't play high notes, unless they are in chords. i do a lot of arpeggios so the more strings i have, the lazier i can be.

but i would like to put a hipshot on it

[S.O.L.]

It seems almost as a rule of thumb that the high-C is better for a soloing setting, while the low-B is better for playing riffs with a band.

Just my $0.02 because I am also thinking of a fiver.

[SpectorBass308]

Low B is much more practical and useful for me. Its nice to hear the thunder of a well placed low note every once and a while, though most of the time I stick to the original E A D G strings.

[Widdershins]

When I had a 5, I played with the C because I was playing a lot of power chords.

As for the 5 extra notes thing, I never looked at it that way. More strings just made it easier to keep my hand in the same basic position (4-9 zone).

[MysticMichael]

There are good and valid reasons for using each option. A lot of it depends on the style of music, the requirements of the music, the composition of the band, the bassist's role in the band, the creativity of the bassist, etc.

In general, a high "C" is going to be more useful in a chordal/solo context - a completely, absolutely valid approach - whereas a low "B" is going to be more useful in conventional, holding down the bottom, groove context - obviously a core function of the bass.

As my hands are not particularly big, I've seriously considered just skipping a six-string, and instead getting two fretted five-strings - one tuned each way - and a fretless five tuned with a conventional low "B" as well...

MM

[Chasarms]

Originally Posted by AEONmw

. . . I prefer the high-C because it gives you more dynamic range than a low B. For a standard five-string bass with 24 frets, addition of a low-B only adds about 10 Hz of bandwidth to the instrument, while a high-C adds about 128 Hz of bandwidth.

Now, in terms of percent bandwidth improvement as compared to a standard 24 fret 4-string bass, a low-B only adds about 2.8% more bandwidth, while a high-C will add about 36% more bandwidth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning

Using a linear comparative on properties that do not behave in a linear way is bad statistics. It means nothing. It's roughly equivalent to saying an amp with twice the wattage can double the volume output, but we know that it can't.

That said, I haven't played a fiver strung E-C since they introduced those Yamahas like that in the 80s, but I have owned a couple sixers strung B-C (or B-B sometimes). With those, I have found the C string to be minimally useful in a traditional band setting. I don't need the extended range and prefer the tone of higher notes played higher on the neck of the heavier strings.

While the C is nice for soloing and/or bass players that are more of a "featured" player in the ensemble, I think the B is more valuable in the typical rhythm application.

[Bass Thunder]

Originally Posted by AEONmw

What are your opinions (I know. You can have both on a six-string, but for the sake of this discussion, lets stick to 5-string).

I prefer the high-C because it gives you more dynamic range than a low B. For a standard five-string bass with 24 frets, addition of a low-B only adds about 10 Hz of bandwidth to the instrument, while a high-C adds about 128 Hz of bandwidth.

Now, in terms of percent bandwidth improvement as compared to a standard 24 fret 4-string bass, a low-B only adds about 2.8% more bandwidth, while a high-C will add about 36% more bandwidth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning

The quick answer is go with the standard "low B" if you don't know how to play a "high C".

I've seen this question asked before (and probably will again in another 2 weeks), but I've never seen it presented in such a non musical way. The difference between a "low B" and "high C" are so stark that it's apparent the people asking the questions have never spent much time with either setup. That's fine. What does "36% more bandwidth" sound like?

But to better understand ANYONE's answer, you need to go to a good bass store, or order your own sets of strings (many possibilities), borrow an instrument and experiment and get familiar with what YOUR music needs with what instrument. Guess what? It takes time and effort.

Where is YOUR musical voice? You may find you don't need a 5 string at all, or you may need more than one 5 string.

Good Luck

[Atomik Rooster]

The music you play will dictate that to some extent. One of my projects is an alternative band that does just about everything in drop D or lower, so a low B is necessary. That said, my favorite 5er is strung with a high C and it's much more fun to play because of it.

[Captain_Arrrg]

I'd say it depends on the bass and/or the situation you will be playing.

The situation has been explained, but if you're not feeling the B on you 5, try a C, or vice versa.

[JTE]

Lots of contemporary gospel music goes low, and having a low B to play along with a Hammond B-3 is a great tool. For what I play, my four string fits the bill the most often, and the low B is much more useful than a high C would ever be. But it's really up to the player. I hate the sound of someone dropping a low C just because they have a five-string bass. Tim Bogert works pretty well with a high C, but it's just not what I need.

jte

[dj150888]

Originally Posted by AEONmw

Now, in terms of percent bandwidth improvement as compared to a standard 24 fret 4-string bass, a low-B only adds about 2.8% more bandwidth, while a high-C will add about 36% more bandwidth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning

Could someone explain to me how the bandwidth is in any way relevant? Am I missing something? Surely either way you're adding 5 extra notes so you're getting the same increase in range, so how is extra bandwidth relevant? I genuinely can't work out what I'm missing so I'm hoping some of the more knowledgeable players can explain or dismiss the figures above for me.

[wazzel]

I am not a high register player and prefer the low B stiringing. Most of what I play goes below low E from time to time. Strung to high C would not do anything for me, but it might be your thing.

[AJ Brown]

I have one 5er E-C and one B-G. They both have their merits.

[iScott]

If you don't solo much, low B. If you play a lot of jazz or solo a lot, high C.