4 or 5 string for lower tunings (last completely noob thread I promise)

[maddnotez]

I am a guitarist getting a Bass for my home recordings so I do not know much about bass. I mostly tune to D and Drop C depending on the song.

Would a 35" 4 string pull this off? Or is it mandatory that I get a 5 string?

I will be honest and say I am no Flea, I will be using the lowest 2 strings probably 99% of the time.

 

[Mushroo]

Good question! In my experience, drop D and drop C are totally possible on a standard, 34" 4-string bass guitar. No special gear purchases required (except maybe a heavier set of strings, if you find your current gauge too floppy).

 

[lz4005]

I mostly tune to D and Drop C depending on the song.

Would a 35" 4 string pull this off? Or is it mandatory that I get a 5 string?

You're smart to go with a longer scale for lower tunings.
Beyond that, you only need as many strings as you would like to have.