losing technique??

[SSCBA]

Hi!
first of all I have to say that I'm from Argentina, so sorry for my english.
Well, the problem is that I've been playing 4 string bass for 3 years, and now I upgraded my ibanez sr300dx to a 5 string spector legend. I like the sound of the bass, but I feel that since playing that bass I lost technique, improvisation, etc, specially in funk-rock songs (red hot chlli peppers). I think that part of the problem is the narrow string spacing of my new bass (16,7 mm)...
Is this normal when changing from 4 to 5??
thank you very much!

[Scottgun]

It's normal when even changing from 4 to 4. There is likely going to be awkwardness when working with a new bass. Your muscles and mind are trained on a bass you have played for a long time and switching instruments means some amount of retraining. Keep woodshedding.

As an example, I got to go backstage at Dick Dale's concert and look at his guitar known as 'The Beast'--A gold Fender strat he has played his whole life. I was shocked. The thing looked like it lay in a demilitarized zone for a twenty years. The nut was so worn it was non-existant. But it is familiar to him and fits like a glove and I imagine he would hate having to use his backup.




SCott

[rmrf]

Originally Posted by SSCBA

Hi!
first of all I have to say that I'm from Argentina, so sorry for my english.
Well, the problem is that I've been playing 4 string bass for 3 years, and now I upgraded my ibanez sr300dx to a 5 string spector legend. I like the sound of the bass, but I feel that since playing that bass I lost technique, improvisation, etc, specially in funk-rock songs (red hot chlli peppers). I think that part of the problem is the narrow string spacing of my new bass (16,7 mm)...
Is this normal when changing from 4 to 5??
thank you very much!

I've switched from 4-string 34" to 6-string 35" with less string spacing. I thought that transition was done fast, but only now (2 months later) I can play on my 6-stringer as easy as on old 4.

Practice... practice... practice... and use more your extra string.

[SSCBA]

Yeah..getting used..
well, the first night I received it (september- october I dont remember) I had to play live and I was surprised of how well I could play with it without time for getting used. But i feel that I enjoyed more to sit and play my 4 string than this