4 String vs 5 String ?

[Infa Red]

Newbie Question:

Besides the complete obvious (a extra string, therefore the extra notes, etc..)-------

What are the pros and cons/differences between getting a 5 String Bass and a 4 String Bass ? I mean, there must be some drawback to a 5 String bass, or it seems that every bass would just be 5 String to cover all ground.. and no one would get a 4 string cause why miss out on them lower notes if you don't have to and there is no drawback ? I mean, if you don't wanna use them for most songs, then don't play them... But having them there is great and more flexible. Everyone has to feel that way too, so seriously, there must be a drawback to a 5 string that then causes the need for these 2 types of basses to be in production.

So what is it ?

Basically, as a new player (and studio owner) I am going to get my first American Fender P-Bass. At first was trying to figure if the new Deluxe would be better than the Standard, but then realized another question is 5 String or 4 String, and WHY ? The deluxe does not even come in a 5 String (that I can see), so if I go for a 5 string, then the decision is easy, it has to be a Standard.

So thats it - Please help me understand the science and technicals behind the difference here. Along with the insider professional user feelings, etc...

My styles are pretty broad due to owning a studio and producing all genres except Metal and Country. But I/we mainly seem to gravitate towards Pop Commercial, Soul, Hip Hop, R&B, Funk, Rock, Alt Rock, Progressive Rock, 80's Music Fusion, and MAINLY fusions of all...

Thanks !

 

[Fuzzbass]

I would encourage you to try the search function because this topic has come up from time to time, but I'll see if I can sum up. I played four string for 20 years, and now play 5 string exclusively because it's just right for me.

BEADG five string isn't just for playing lower notes. IMO the true advantage to five string is that you have a greater range in each fingering position: two full octaves rather than an octave and a half. With a good five string, you can use the B string well above the 5th fret, which means you're in four string territory, but as noted with extra range everywhere on the neck.

You asked about disadvantages to five string. Well, let me list the main ones:

• You have to deal with either a wider neck or narrower string spacing
• You have an extra string to keep muted
• If you've been playing four string, there might be some transition time -- however some of us (not me) adjust to the extra string almost immediately

There is absolutely nothing wrong with sticking with four. If you need those lower notes (for modern rock or whatever) you can detune the E string, or detune the entire bass: some four-bangers tune to BEAD instead of EADG (you'll need heavier strings for this).

But I strongly encourage you to try five string. After playing four for 20+ years I needed a couple of months to get comfy on five, but once I did, I wished I'd switched to five string in 1990 instead of 2000. I now have no trouble with the extra string... in fact, four string necks now feel too skinny to me. Best of all, I love the extra range all across the entire fretboard, even when playing classic rock in which I never go below low E. But the lower notes are great... not just for modern rock, but when playing jazz in flat keys such as Eb, Ab, Bb, etc. As some like to say, even for traditional blues, it's fun to walk up to that low E. Finally, think about those keyboard bass lines that stay down low... Superstition by Stevie Wonder, for example: I think that's in Eb, and uses Db.

 

[JonnyAngle]

Well, I see you don't care about country but I'll tell you anyway. When playing the I V bassline, being able to go down for the V keeps the bass nice and low. I am a 4 string guy, but I think it sounds really nice when other people do it.

Also, fretting an E sounds different than an open E. This is similar to the country musicians who like to use capos. They like the way that a G chord sounds, but they need it to play an A pitch.

And this brings me to my final point. If a player has to change keys on the fly, sometimes I need to change where I play because I don't have those notes that I played before. For example: play the E maj scale, then go down a half step.

YMMV.

 

[Infa Red]

Thanks guys for the valuable info. And Fussbass, I did do a search a few times before posting this, but nothing came up that was exactly relevant to my question. Maybe I missed it though, IDK...

Either way, it seems this way I get a streamlined focus on my concerns exactly.

Man, thanks for the detailed answer though, hmmm, so I do like the idea of a 5 string, but you bring up a good point about one of them drawbacks. Mainly the one about either the strings are closer together or the neck is wider. See me being a beginner, finger bumbling idiot bass player for right now, I am wondering if having all them strings mashed up close to each other like you said, or having a too big of a neck would throw make me suck worse than I already do ? I have pretty small hands.

 

[becker4567]

Just my 2 cents worth.....start with a 4. Don't get me wrong, 5'rs are cool, but with the wider neck, closer string spacing and the 'extra' string, it's just a little more difficult to learn on. Get proficient on a 4, and then give a 5 a try. If it feels good, then go with it, if your comfortable with a 4, then stay with it. Thats the great thing about guitar in general, and bass in particular, there's always something new to try.

 

[Muaguana]

Fuzz has it covered. Try out a fiver, and if it's not comfortable for you, stick with a four. Basses are just tools; choose whichever feels best.

As for the physical challenges of fives: I'm not a big guy and I have tendon issues in my left hand, but I haven't had any problems playing my 5 string. It's actually helped my hand because the wider neck forces me to use proper left-hand technique (thumb on back of neck rather than wrapping over the top) and I can stay in one position longer because of the extra range, so I don't get strained or worn out as easy. But that's just me. YMMV.

Though I will admit, it's harder to find a really great-playing 5 than it is to find a great-playing 4, primarily because of the B string. A lot of cheap fives have floppy B strings with shoddy intonation, so you have to watch out for that. Fives are also more expensive than fours in general.

 

[ubado]

You asked about disadvantages to five string. Well, let me list the main ones:

• You have to deal with either a wider neck or narrower string spacing
• You have an extra string to keep muted
• If you've been playing four string, there might be some transition time -- however some of us (not me) adjust to the extra string almost immediately

+1

Fuzz is right on!

I'm also a 4 string convert. Eventhough I've had a number of 5'vers throughout the years, none would last more than a few months ... until I got my Elrick. I finally found a 5'ver that I was just as comfortable playing, as a 4-string. Since there are a number of string spacing on a 5'ver ... I'd suggest going somewhere that you can demo a few string spacing choices. It will help immensely to cut down on the revolving door of 5'vers.

IF you take the time to demo as many different 5'ver as you can ... it will help on the transition. Comfortability is the key.

As far as keeping the "B" muted ... not a problem if you are a finger player, as it's a nice comfortable spot to anchor your thumb. BUT if you are a slapper ... a droning "B" can be a bit of a pain. If you play with a pick ... you'll most likely have to deal with the same issue.

 

[David1234]

For a long time, there was a much greater variety of strings available for 4-string player. More brands, gauges, materials, ... and discounts! This problem is going away but isn't entirely gone yet.

 

[peledog]

Well said Fuzz.

 

[bassbenj]

Since there are a number of string spacing on a 5'ver ... I'd suggest going somewhere that you can demo a few string spacing choices. It will help immensely to cut down on the revolving door of 5'vers.

IF you take the time to demo as many different 5'ver as you can ... it will help on the transition. Comfortability is the key.

As far as keeping the "B" muted ... not a problem if you are a finger player, as it's a nice comfortable spot to anchor your thumb. BUT if you are a slapper ... a droning "B" can be a bit of a pain. If you play with a pick ... you'll most likely have to deal with the same issue.

Ubado has brought up an important point. One place where 5 are a disadvantage (to me anyway, though I'm not much of a slapper) is slapping. Not only is the B a pain, but string spacing is a problem too. If you get a 5er spaced like a 4 it makes the whole neck rather wide and more difficult to deal with. On the other hand the more you compromise and narrow the string spacing the more precise and the more difficult slapping becomes. I think a 4 has a clear-cut advantage in the slapping department.

Like the man said, a bass is a tool and you want to get the tool that best helps you get the job you are trying to do done! That's why you can never find "which bass is best". You always have to ask "best for what?"

 

[bassbenj]

Though I will admit, it's harder to find a really great-playing 5 than it is to find a great-playing 4, primarily because of the B string. A lot of cheap fives have floppy B strings with shoddy intonation, so you have to watch out for that. Fives are also more expensive than fours in general.

+1

A practical difference between 4s and 5s often overlooked is cost of things and availability. Great 5s usually cost more than great 4s. But even worse things like bass strings cost more for a 5 (there is one more string after all) and even worse they are often much harder to find at your local music store. The more strings the bass has over 4 the harder string sets are to find. The reason is simple: Just look at one of the "how many strings does the bass you play have" polls and note that 4 string basses are MUCH more popular than any other kind. Hence you'll notice (as I just recently did at GC) the "bargain table" is filled with 4 string bass string sets for a song without a 5 string set in sight. Feh! Same is common for other parts too like replacement bridges and other bass parts specific to number of strings.

 

[Mudfuzz]

Five wins due to it being a bigger number.

 

[JackoBass]

I think this was touched on a little, but to be explicit you have to pay attention to scale and string gauge just a little more with a 5 in my experience. Too short and that B string is flabby. Too long and the D and G get hard to bend or even fret depending on your setup and playing style. Good 35" scale 5 string packs get rare and expensive.

Also, the more wood on the neck/truss/head, the more you should pay attention to ergonomics, weight and specifically dive. Many mass produced 5's share a similar or even identical body style as their lighter 4 stringer counterparts even though there's more weight to the neck.

I am still learning on a 5 (long time drummer learning bass), but I'm saving for a good 4 because I think they're different tools all together.

 

[Fuzzbass]

Man, thanks for the detailed answer though, hmmm, so I do like the idea of a 5 string, but you bring up a good point about one of them drawbacks. Mainly the one about either the strings are closer together or the neck is wider. See me being a beginner, finger bumbling idiot bass player for right now, I am wondering if having all them strings mashed up close to each other like you said, or having a too big of a neck would throw make me suck worse than I already do ? I have pretty small hands.

I suggest you go to a music store and tinker around on some five strings, both wide and narrow. I also disagree that it's better to start on four first... if you have a strong interest in five, then go for it ASAP (sounds like you're not really sure, though).

FWIW, I have smallish hands and worried about whether I'd get used to the extra string, but after experimenting I realized that I prefer wider string spacing... it makes slapping easier, and besides, I played four string for so long I just can't get comfy on narrow string spacing.

The bottom line (no pun intended) is that there's no wrong answer, and no need for you to hurry the decision. I played four for 20 years before switching.

 

[VinKreepo]

Okay... so since everyone is saying try some 5'ers I'll give you a list... I'm a bit Ibanez biased btw : P...

Ibanez SR505: I've tried/owned quite a few 5 string Ibby SR's and I have never happier. Thin neck profile and good spacing. The neck is a tad wider and most people love the feel of an Ibanez SR neck. So if they are a good compromise between width and spacing... why aren't they popular like Fender? Ibanez woods usually aren't that great... and their electronics are usually worse. However the 500 series uses mahogany and sounds beautiful. The electronics are good as well.

Ibanez BTB305 and up: I owned one. GREAT electronics. I has the same spacing as a 4 BUT the neck is thus WIDE. So wide I traded a guy for an Ibanez SR. They also have 35" neck which are said to keep the B string tight and crisp-sounding (but IME... that's not entirely true... it's more about neck strength and build quality).

Schecter Studio Deluxe 5: This bass has a skinny neck... the the width of a four string. String spacing is thus tight. Furthermore, to keep the neck strong... it has a thick profile. So an Ibanez SR neck has a flatted D cross section... but the Schecter is more like a C.

I mentioned electronics and such because I want you to know why certain basses are worth trying but not necessarily buying. For instance, pretty much ALL Ibanez SR necks are the same... but I wouldn't recommend you buy anything less than a 505. I can't tell you about a Fender neck in a 5 string version as I haven't tried one.

 

[Mudfuzz]

Okay... so since everyone is saying try some 5'ers I'll give you a list... I'm a bit Ibanez biased btw : P...

Ibanez SR505: I've tried/owned quite a few 5 string Ibby SR's and I have never happier. Thin neck profile and good spacing. The neck is a tad wider and most people love the feel of an Ibanez SR neck. So if they are a good compromise between width and spacing... why aren't they popular like Fender? Ibanez woods usually aren't that great... and their electronics are usually worse. However the 500 series uses mahogany and sounds beautiful. The electronics are good as well.

Personally I find the wood they use to be as good or better then fender when you take price to price comparison. I will always pick up a Ibanez before a Fender.

Also the neck on the "new" 505 is not to my liking, I know most seem to not like a SR5 neck but I've had a original Sr 505 for 17 years as my main bass so it's what I'm use to.

 

[Melik]

I've got nothing against 4 to 6 strings. I can handle 'em all. Everything above that just sucks

 

[rojo412]

If you are buying the bass for you to play and this isn't going to be the studio's "house bass", then try both and see which you like.

If this is going to be the house bass, buy the 4 because a lot of people are afraid of the immense power that the 5 can produce. They are afraid of it's abilities and can't handle the task of such a great responsibilty to play one. So give them a 4 to use and they will be calmer and easy to record.


Personally, I am a 5 guy through and through. I have bought 4s to play and I sell them really fast because I am addicted to the low B. The 5er is a great thing in my opinion and I will never give it up. They aren't hard to learn to play and once you have one and write with it, you're doomed to keep it.

6+ strings and you may as well just get a guitar.

 

[Moe Monsarrat]

I started on 4 in 1968 & switched to 5 in the early 90s. I still acquire & play 4s but they are primarily studio tools for me. I do use them live from time to time, but I'm a five stringer. The ability to transpose to different keys is much easier for me on a 5. The B makes the best thumb rest EVER when not in actual use & of course the extra notes. I see no real reason to start on 4 over 5 strings. I mean, what could the advantage to that be? I see bass parts as a pattern on the neck & with 5 strings that pattern has variations for the same notes. The 4 string is limited by comparison in that regard.

 

[VinKreepo]

Personally I find the wood they use to be as good or better then fender when you take price to price comparison. I will always pick up a Ibanez before a Fender.

Also the neck on the "new" 505 is not to my liking, I know most seem to not like a SR5 neck but I've had a original Sr 505 for 17 years as my main bass so it's what I'm use to.

I get what you mean... but I've own/owned/played a '00 SR305 (agathis); '00ish GSR190 (agathis); '05ish K5 (mahogany/padauk top); '09 BTB305 (mahogany); Schecter Studio Deluxe 5 (mahogany) and IME mahogany sounds alot better. Agathis is okay, but try taking the paint off and it looks just treaded pine from Lowes.