From 4 to 5 String: any hints - Page 2

MikeLindgren · #21 02-26-2006, 08:28 AM

...I am still 50/50 on the "all-or-nothing" five-string debate. There are times where I wish I *ONLY* had five stringers, and then when I go back to my four bangers I absolutely rip. I think the advice stated, thus far, is pretty good. The main key to the five string is using it sparingly, and in a "spicey" sense. Dwelling in those lower registers can be geeked-up sounding. Slides on the B sound absolutely heinous though. Sliding down the B is like floating in a sea of cool whip. I ****in love it.

Tehdouglas · #22 02-26-2006, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AspiringBassMan

i really can't see the need for a low B over that of a high C

can anyone clarify?

I really can't see the need for a high C over a low B? lol. Its all preference, i like the deeper tones over the higher.

gottawalk · #23 02-26-2006, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tehdouglas

I really can't see the need for a high C over a low B? lol. Its all preference, i like the deeper tones over the higher.

+1! It really fills out the sound (and rumbles the floor sometimes

). And, hey! We're playing "Bass", right? If I wanted to play guitar, I'd change instruments...

Hellbastard · #24 02-26-2006, 03:50 PM

Well, If You´re thinking on a 5er, you´ve got to consider the vibration of the Lower B ( which is a Lot). First you got to learn how to pluck it in order to get a nice and clear sound.
Other thing to consider is the type of string, with or without Tapped Core. Considering this you will find out that your 5er will provide a really nice and smooth sound.

AspiringBassMan · #25 02-27-2006, 09:51 AM

whats been said in this thraed convinces me even more that i'm doing the right thing going for a high C rather than a low B.
problems with low B (as far as i know):
-low tension in the string. hence a tendency to flap about a lot and require the owner of the bass to have a really really high action to compensate.
-having to adjust to the extra string that is a 'frame of reference'(ie the low E string) for most bass players. having ahigh C doesn't suffer from these problems as it is 'just another string on the end' rather than becoming the new 'frame of reference' as the low B would become.
-the only useful notes on the low B are the 5 extra notes that the string provides whereas the high C doesn't just provide 5 extra notes that are useful for soloing, but gives the owner of the bass greater freedom (eg a scale can start on the D string etc) without the restrictions that the low B would bring.

Quote:

And, hey! We're playing "Bass", right? If I wanted to play guitar, I'd change instruments

thats a good point, but some people like to have a balance of notes

. nicer to have a clear high than a horrible sounding muddy low.

dougjwray · #26 02-27-2006, 10:52 AM

A little historical perspective:
5-strings really took off at the time bass players had to compete with synths playing in that range. (Mainly in dance music.) The motivations for playing 5-strings were fear (of becoming obsolete) as well as curiosity, self-expression, and the desire to dig way down below that boomy guitarist with his 2x12 cabs and the low end turned all the way up on his Marshall amp!

AspiringBassMan · #27 02-27-2006, 02:02 PM

Quote:

5-strings really took off at the time bass players had to compete with synths playing in that range.

that was in the 1980's when the synth largely took over the role of the bass.

kenlacam · #28 02-27-2006, 05:24 PM

I sold the 4 string after playing it for 17 years, when I got the 5 string, and never looked back. It took a couple of weeks to get acquainted with that extra string (the one in the middle appears to be the extra string, not the B string), and now I don't even notice the dif!

Low_blow · #29 03-03-2006, 02:05 PM

It depends on the stuff you play. I play in three bands (latin, rock, jazz-fusion). As for me, I don't need the high C, but the low B is very useful, especially in latin or modern fusion music. As for soloing, the neck of my bass (Yamaha TRB-5) has 24 frets, so I'm not too limited.

gottawalk · #30 03-03-2006, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Gottawalk
And, hey! We're playing "Bass", right? If I wanted to play guitar, I'd change instruments

Quote:

Originally Posted by AspiringBassMan

thats a good point, but some people like to have a balance of notes

. nicer to have a clear high than a horrible sounding muddy low.

Point well taken. Quality first.

Someday I may try it when I'm ready to expand "upwards" instead of "down". Hate to limit myself too much. Until then...

mothmonsterman · #31 03-06-2006, 03:51 PM

well i just started playing it and it worked out, some 5 strings are a bit trickier than others like on my 5 string corvette, the strings are pretty close together, but on the wide neck of a fender 5 string they are far apart. I primaily use this bass and i play out of an SWR goliath SR and an ampeg b4-r.

ryco · #32 03-06-2006, 06:10 PM

Hey Kowski!

My advice to you would be just jump in and do it. It'll feel natural in a couple of weeks. It's weird having the A in the middle as mentioned before and you'll prob hit the B a few times when you meant to hit E.

I love having a low B! For those who want some higher notes a two octave fingerboard gave me all I wanted.

kowski · #33 03-22-2006, 03:33 PM

Hey all, Many Thanks! Got the 5-string -- see it at:

http://www.xmission.com/~kowski/BassGuitar.htm

and am diving right in. Taking good advice. What I like about it so far is that if I'm playing a 'position' say on the 5th fret, I can use the b-string to go all the way down without moving my hand. That if very helpful.

I love all the advice and the debates bring out lots of good stuff, so thanks very much, once again. Meet you on the vibrating air waves! Michael