Slap and poppin' a 5er

[bass_snake]

Sorry in advance if this question had been answered before. I did my research and couldn't find a same topic.

Anyway, my question is. What are the pros and cons of slapping a 5 string bass? I'm getting a new 4 string bass that I would mostly use for slapping but I'm also considering a 5 string bass.

I know that which ever feels comfortable to me but what are other pros and cons?

thanks,

Fred

[thirtypoint87]

If you get a five, you'll probably be more comfortable with a wider string spacing, i.e. the standard 3/4" 4 string spacing.

(....for slapping, that is. Part of why I like a more narrowly spaced five-string is that it's less work for me to play as a NON slapper!)

good luck!

[rarisgod]

Personally, I can recommend the string spacing that is found on the Ibanez SR305. It's great for slapping, but still close enough together to enable comfortable playing.

[bassteban]

I concur that SR's are nice 5/6 string slappers(this coming from a mostly-avowed 3/4" spacing ONLY guy).
For me, the best part of slapping a 5 is the low D(on the B, w/the upper octave ready & willing). Muting is trickier than w/a 4, but try a 6 & it won't seem so tough.

[DougD]

Originally Posted by bass_snake

Sorry in advance if this question had been answered before. I did my research and couldn't find a same topic.

Anyway, my question is. What are the pros and cons of slapping a 5 string bass? I'm getting a new 4 string bass that I would mostly use for slapping but I'm also considering a 5 string bass.

I know that which ever feels comfortable to me but what are other pros and cons?

thanks,

Fred

Pros - You can slap in keys other than E
- You can slap in the upper register without having to move all the way back up to hit a low F or G or what ever.
- You will never need to detune again (you may want to, but you won't NEED to)
- The B string can make your heart flutter
- Things that were almost impossible to play on a 4 suddenly are not that challenging.
- You will be hated on by di-hard 4 bangers for being able to slap a 5 string silly
- You will get more girls or guys (if that's your thing)

Cons - the extra string can sometimes be harder to mute
- The B siring can sound different than the E (depending on the quality of the bass/strings) a proper setup usually fixes this.
- You may need to upgrade your head & cab to properly handle the B string.
- Once you get used to it it's dang hard to go back to a regular 4 banger. This can also be a pro
- You can sometimes get confused as to what string you are on (but only until you get more comfortable)
- The B string can make your bowels move

[bass_snake]

Great! Thanks guys for all the replies. I try to slap my 6 string bass but it's just the spacings are too close to each other.

I think I'll check out some 5ers with wider spacings.