4 and 5 string players

[Nickthebass]

Question for those who play BOTH 4 and 5 string bass.
When you purchase a bass (used or new) do you prefer a 4 or a 5 string?
Say you saw a used bass and it's only available in the 4 string version or the opposite only available in the 5 string version. Would it affect your decision?
Do you default to one or the other?

Generally I’m buying for a role or a vibe so 4 vs 5 is part of that decision. It’s part of the feature set I’m looking for just like the pick up configuration and controls.

Most recently I was looking to fill the “Jamerson” hole. So 5s weren’t considered.

The last time I shopped for a do everything workhorse it had to be a 5.

 

[Cicis Dad]

Started on 4's, went to 5, then back to 4. I'm down to one 5 - a Yamaha BB425 which I hardly pick up anymore, several 4's for different purposes, one of which is a 24 frets strung BEAD. This fills the need for when I need a 5 up through high D.

These days when I have GAS problems, I go after vintage MIJ's. These usually come in 4's only so I'm good there.

 

[Kerem Koseoglu]

I find that my playing reaches its peak when my neurons are dedicated to one set of strings for extended periods. Hence, I exclusively play 5-string bass guitars.

 

[Rabidhamster]

IDK I don't really care.

 

[Leigh Semmens]

I only own two 5ers but if a 4 came my way, I'd no object. We have a four that sits on stage at Church which I do play occasionally if called upon at the last minute. I do enjoy playing it!

 

[Musical_musings]

I am having a very similar thought at the moment as I am in the market for a five string that I specifically want to use in church, but at the moment have two 4-string Stingrays (one fretless) and a pedalboard/amp set up that works well for the MM pickups/preamps, and while I feel like a change (jazz bass V) I just know a Stingray five that is otherwise similar to my other basses will probably be more practical (as I dash in late, plug in and tune while playing the first song...).

So yes, don't forget that two similar basses will interact with your other gear in similar ways, whereas two very different basses will give you more variables beyond the extra string (which could be a good thing - but then you are choosing five strings + xyz preamps/pickups etc.).

 

[AHaze]

I love my T-bird but I don't want a 5 string version. Conversely, I like a 5-string Jazz but generally don't get along with the 4 string version. So I guess my answer is that I decide what I need for string count first and then rule out whatever isn't available in or doesn't suit that string count.

 

[Five or Six]

If it isn't a 5 or 6, I don't even bother looking.

 

[2112]

Depends on what I'm doing. After being confirmed 4-banger crew for 30 years, I found some fivers I could actually play (small hands). Last year, I made the transition, so now I prefer narrow-spacing fivers for most stuff, including my covers project. However, for my Rush trib work, I prefer 4-bangers because I don't need the low-B, and I have the space to pull off the required acrobatics

 

[el murdoque]

People who play 4s and 5s in equal measures and do not really default to one setup are incredibly rare.

99% of those people who own/play 4s and 5s will identify as either a 4 or a 5 string player and use that setup whenever they can and only will use the other if they deem it necessary.

 

[VeryTallBassist]

I offloaded the last of my 4s last year. I was only noodling on them as I've pretty much exclusively played 5 strings since 2001. I'm just far more comfortable on the 5 string.

 

[BOOG]

I have a single five string and love the heck out of it but, I wouldn’t get another. Mostly, I prefer a four string. The 5’r comes in handy for some songs and also helps when I’m playing lazy because, for the most part my left hand adapts to staying in the same location. For me though, a five isn’t necessary and I play a four with more freedom and confidence.

Question for those who play BOTH 4 and 5 string bass.
When you purchase a bass (used or new) do you prefer a 4 or a 5 string?
Say you saw a used bass and it's only available in the 4 string version or the opposite only available in the 5 string version. Would it affect your decision?
Do you default to one or the other?

 

[BismarckHerring]

Question for those who play BOTH 4 and 5 string bass.
When you purchase a bass (used or new) do you prefer a 4 or a 5 string?
Say you saw a used bass and it's only available in the 4 string version or the opposite only available in the 5 string version. Would it affect your decision?
Do you default to one or the other?

Depends on what I need and can’t get from my current basses. But depending on the situation, I look specifically for either a 4- or a 5-string.

I enjoy playing 4’s more, but I have a 5 for when I need it. I’m pretty happy with my 4’s, but I don’t really connect with the one 5 string that I own. So at this moment, I’m looking out for a 5-string that I like. I don’t see myself buying a new 4-string anytime soon.

Also, for 5’s I tend to prefer active models, for 4’s I prefer passive (or, more precisely, a passive tone control). Not sure why.

 

[bucephylus]

Different strokes.

I try to fit the instrument to the gig, as much as practical. What does that mean? For example, I generally use a 4 string Fender for my Blues Brothers trib gig; usually a P Bass, but a J also works. Wider variety shows with significant transposes and more modern material may be best suited to a 5; but, I will generally take a 4 with the HipShot, if the playlist allows.

Procuring instruments is somewhat trial and error to figure out what works and which particular instruments play really well. Getting the instruments out on the gig is essential, because no other way to really sort out how each performs without performance. It’’s a good thing bass guitars are a lot less expensive than uprights.

 

[Jefenator]

I almost always buy used, and the anticipated application for a bass guitar usually informs string quantity.
I like 4 strings for retro / classic / hollowbody / rock / country, 5 strings for a more contemporary vibe (and double bass with the symphony), and the 6 string feels right at home in a smooth jazz / fusion setting.

 

[Sorbet]

Question for those that play 5 strings and BEAD 4 strings. Which one is harder to switch to back and forth from a standard tuned 4 string? How much do you miss the G string when playing BEAD? I need to play some lower notes for some songs with my band. I've been saving up for my dream 5 string that hasn't come out yet and not sure when it will come out. I have a rogue series 3 that I am looking to upgrade from; I don't like how it preforms with louder, heavier music and I'm still not as good on it as I am with a 4 string. I do have some quality 4 strings that I could put BEAD strings on. So I am trying to decide if I should give up on the dream bass and buy different bass of comparable quality, stick with the Rogue for now, or use BEAD tuning.

 

[Snert]

Buy a decent 5, put the 4 away and practice on it until it feels natural. It most likely won't take as long as you think. Then you don't need to swap basses.

 

[Marty Forrer]

I play a P with flats for country and vintage rock n roll, and a 5 with rounds for everything else. I play an upright bass for jazz.

 

[DrBnz]

I like to think that I can pick up any bass and play them equally as well. So I'd chose each bass by its own individual merits. 4/5/6 strings is all good. So long as it looks, feels and sounds good, I'd give it a try

 

[SteveC]

Whatever the gig calls for, or whatever I feel like playing that day. I find myself preferring my passive P over my active 5 these days. But that could change next week...or tomorrow. I'm also getting some pickups custom wound for my G&L JB2 so that should be fun. I'm liking 4's these days, especially now that I have an Eb tuning preset on my Stomp. Don't need the 5 as much any more.