4, 5 or 6

[grimjim]

Does anyone here play only one version? Like only 5 strings, or only 4 strings exclusively? I’m gonna predict more 4 string players do.

I personally play 4 and 5 strings depending on the music. 4 strings for most rock and other forms of music and 5 strings for the heavier stuff, mostly because of the deeper tuning and going with 7 string guitars.

How a bout you guys?

 

[bholder]

I play (or at least try to play) whatever's in my hands at the moment. 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, whatever.

 

[Stumbo]

Does anyone here play only one version? Like only 5 strings, or only 4 strings exclusively? I’m gonna predict more 4 string players do.

I personally play 4 and 5 strings depending on the music. 4 strings for most rock and other forms of music and 5 strings for the heavier stuff, mostly because of the deeper tuning and going with 7 string guitars.

How a bout you guys?

Me too!

 

[pcake]

i seem to be a 4 string player. i started off playing bass on a 5 string and played it in a couple bands, but ended up bonding with 4 strings - not sure why, but they're what i like. i actually just put my 5-string up for sale on CL. i think i played it 4 times since i got it.

 

[P. Aaron]

I gig either one of 2 - 5 string basses.

I do have a fretless JB to study & practice older stuff; Sinatra, big band, 50’s era recordings where the upright was used. The reason is to try & cop that style of phrasing & feel of that era. I’d gig that too if the gig calls for it.

 

[chris_b]

I only play 5 string basses.

All the 4 string lines fit so I decided to stick to the one instrument.

 

[TomB]

I like to be able to go back and forth freely between 4 and 5, as each fits a different niche for me. I suppose I'd use a 6 if I were into high leads or more chording, but am not presently - I have owned one at times.

 

[Bassbeater]

Hooked on 5.
6 is too many strings for me to play aggressively without string ring. If I play a 4 I am inclined to detune.

 

[rtav]

6 exclusively.

 

[gjohnson441496]

4 only

 

[Stevorebob]

I play only fives.

 

[Watchootognbout]

I have two sixers.
One fretted.
One fretless.

Did have a seven.
Came back to six.

 

[toowrongfoo]

Tune! I had one, but it was ripped. But mine was a 5 and had those nasty wires on the fretboard (snark)

 

[Dubsly]

4 strings for me.

I've always liked more traditional styles/brands of basses and could never be bothered to get used to different string spacing of 5 and 6 strings. Also, I've never felt limited with four.

 

[Jokei]

6 exclusively. I played a 4 recently and I really struggled and hated the lack of low.
I probably couldn't play my bands material with a 5, but it would be easier.
Another problem - mentally - was the 4 string felt too light, almost breakable light...

 

[mark beem]

Only 5 strings for me. I have a 4 but it never gets played

 

[Jrussblues]

I have 3 5’s and a 6. Pretty much just gig on the 5s.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

I have no use for a 4-string as my 5-string can literally do everything a 4-string can, and then some.

I play modern music so a 4 won't cut it for me unless I go BEAD, and I'd really miss having the G. On a 4-string I always feel severely limited.

 

[JND23]

Despite the allure of a 5 string and its increased range, I find 4 strings to be the best fit for me. There are so many possibilities with a 4 string and I have always felt the 5th string to be more cumbersome rather than useful.

 

[David A. Davis]

I have two sixers.
One fretted.
One frettless.


Did have a seven.
Came back to six.

Same here. Two sixers, one fretted and one fret less.