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4 or 6 to start with

#22
I started with a five string. I switched to 4s after a while. The transition from 5 string to 4 string was trivial. I almost never touch my 5 string now, but on those times I do it's still like second nature. I have a feeling the transition wouldn't have been quite as easy in reverse, though I guess I don't know.
 
#24
Any of you 6 stringers tell me the added benefit you have from the extra C string?

I get what having a B can do, seeing how basses are supposed to be low. (Yet I like the sound of Piccolo basses)

Maybe I should just get a short scale to turn into a piccolo and get a 5 String?

So lost
 
#30
So I have been torn away by these videos of Piccolo basses... Im really in awe by them.

I was looking at 6 strings and heard these by random...and I am like jaw on the floor over the top taken away. It seems like such a good balance of bass and highs.
 
#31
The only thing about piccolo bass for learning is that it's probably pretty hard to get a gig on one. So no matter how many strings you start with, I would learn on an actual bass and go from there. If for no other reason but that you will be able to get a gig at some point on a bass.
 
#32
I say if you like six, start with a six. The argument that one should start with a four and from there move up to five, then six, etc. is IMHO flawed. Someone already gave the analogy that a pianist wont start with a 49 key, then a 66 key and then finally get up to an 88 key piano. That is my perspective, but I in no way view fours as inferior. I sometimes wish I had one to trade out with my 6 every once in a while.
And though you may spend most of your time on the EADG strings, after a while you learn tasteful applications within your technique for the higher and lower notes.

My 2 cents.

*cough*Jaco only needed four*cough*jazz bass with flats forever*cough*
 
#35
JamesGoodall said:
I say if you like six, start with a six. The argument that one should start with a four and from there move up to five, then six, etc. is IMHO flawed. Someone already gave the analogy that a pianist wont start with a 49 key, then a 66 key and then finally get up to an 88 key piano. That is my perspective, but I in no way view fours as inferior. I sometimes wish I had one to trade out with my 6 every once in a while.
And though you may spend most of your time on the EADG strings, after a while you learn tasteful applications within your technique for the higher and lower notes.

My 2 cents.

*cough*Jaco only needed four*cough*jazz bass with flats forever*cough*
Click to expand...

Jaco is a beast...
and I know Im gonna use flats...
 
#36
I would choose a 4 or 5 for starting, mainly for the reason that you can find really good 4 or 5 stringers for around $250, sixers not really much. And I would never suggest a SX to someone who don't know how to adjust his instrument.

If you can find something used for that price from a trusted brand (Ibanez, Yamaha, Cort and the like) then that's not a bad idea I guess.
 
#39
I always thought you really not learn to play a 4 or 5 or a 6 string bass. You learn to plays bass, period. Then you "get used to" play with whatever floats your boats. Is not like if you are playing a gig with your 5r and if out of nowhere the B pops you become bass impaired or something like that.
 
#40
I would say go right for the 6, however, if you start with a 4, stay on it or move to something else, it won't matter much. After all, I played ONLY 4 string basses for 35+ years, and switched completely to 6 strings last summer and it's fine. No need to fret (pun intended) about what to start with, I'm proof that it's never too late to change.
 

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