4 or 5,,that is the question,,,

[Craigster]

I was primarily a 4-string player a few year after I first started playing the bass. I even remember selling the 5-string I bought years ago, because I just couldn't get use to the b-string.

However, after time and a lot of practice, my skill level and knowledge of playing the bass increased greatly. I bought another 5-string and there was absolutely NO transition period. I played it like I've been playing 5's all my life.

Been a 5-string player for many, many years now. And although I still have 4's and love them, I will always, from here on out, play 5-strings predominately. Once you achieve that comfort and experience with them, there are simply more possibilities you can achieve with them, IMO.

Just switched to a 5 (that I like) last month and took to it like a fish to water

 

[David A. Egeler]

I learned to read music on a 5 string bass & keyboard. Different ,but for very good reasons. A 5 string is alot faster across the neck than trying to hit the open strings on a 4. The good thing is if you can control the ringing and slap a 5'er with no problem, pick up a 4 string and stuff happens!!!

 

[Denial]

I have both. Right now my fretless is 4 and fretted is 5. Used tastefully, the low B string can introduce a lower note surprise. A couple example's are Clapton's "It's in the way that you use it" and Toad the Wet Sprocket's "Don't Fade". In both cases you don't know it a 5 until the B gets used way late in the song.

For me, I like having both. You don't even have to use the low B on a 5 - it makes a great thumbrest

 

[basstotheface]

The real question is... why not both? Unless you really have no use for a B string in the music you play, it's good to have that option. Besides, if you only have 4'ers, getting a 5'er is a good to justify some GAS.

I'm a beginner and already playing both varieties. I had the cash, I wanted two basses with different functions. And I'm a happy camper now

P.S. OP, You're forgetting two genres that can use 5'ers commonly: metal and grunge.

P.S.2. I don't know if I'll ever dwell on the 6'ers, they look too massive to me. Only time will tell. But 5'ers all the way, IMHO.

My only problem with 5 strings is that it makes slapping much more difficult. And I need all the help I can get when imitating Louis, Marcus, and Larry.

 

[DERECOLA]

I never needed a 5 string...

 

[Mike M.]

I never considered getting a 5 string bass until I joined my churches music team in September of 2009. Christian music was pretty new to me and I was surprised by how many groups used a 5 string bass. Really liked hearing that low B being put to use and before long I felt like I was missing out on something. Got my first 5 string in December of that year. Incorporating that low B really does add a whole new dimension to things.

But I still enjoy my 4 string basses. Fact is I've got a new neck from Warmoth ordered for my Jazz bass. It's going to be great to play that bass again.