4 or 6 to start with

[mizu]

To me, the most important quality in the beginner bass is comfortability. If your instrument is not comfortable for you to play, you will not practice as much or as easily on it, and if you push, you might cause an injury to yourself.
Finding good, comfortable 6-string bass is way more difficult than 4- or even 5-string, because there is less basses to choose from and because seemingly minor details like string spacing, fretboard radius, neck profile differences and such will suddenly become a HUGE deal compared to 4-string basses.

On the other hand, finding a comfortable 4-string is much easier. 5-string, not as much, but still easier.

 

[TeeZeeMee90]

I don't agree. You can learn Motown and Jackson 5 stuff on a 4, 5 or 6. String numbers have nothing to do with ability to groove or rock or chord or solo or...

Enjoy your 5 string.

Thanks Steve!

 

[MJ_Sotti]

TeeZee, these guys already got you thinking too much. Active pickups and EQ already?

just start playing BASS LINES...not chords or faux rythmn guitar guano that think is bass today. And please, don't run out and buy a bunch of effects boxes...learn to play first. Start that crap right away and it's a crutch before you even realize it.

That's why I suggested Motown. I know my delivery sucks, but the advice is good.

 

[MultiScaleMale]

Start on a 6 if you want. Nothing wrong with it, but I think it's harder to find an good, economical 6 string to start on than a good, economical 4 string.

 

[TeeZeeMee90]

TeeZee, these guys already got you thinking too much. Active pickups and EQ already?

just start playing BASS LINES...not chords or faux rythmn guitar guano that think is bass today. And please, don't run out and buy a bunch of effects boxes...learn to play first. Start that crap right away and it's a crutch before you even realize it.

That's why I suggested Motown. I know my delivery sucks, but the advice is good.

Hey Mike!

No I definitely agree, and I dont know if I even came close to clear earlier when I mentioned little things. I guess I am a minimal kind of guy for sure, and I picked the Jazz V just for the fact that I dont want to use all these pedals and EQs and stuff. I just want to play. I have heard about the versatility of Jazzes and I love the feel of the thicker neck the V gives. I dont wanna get into all this fancy stuff, now or really ever...maybe it will change but i listen to Jaco and just think about how simple it all seems...sure he has a TON of talents but I just mean he uses what he has.

I will definitely root down on the basics before anything else and go from there. I know that I will definitely end up going the same route Jaco did...his music resonates something deep in me. Gotta have that "someone to look up to" right?

 

[MJ_Sotti]

Welcome aboard.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I don't agree. You can learn Motown and Jackson 5 stuff on a 4, 5 or 6. String numbers have nothing to do with ability to groove or rock or chord or solo or...

Amen. I'm a five stringer, but love playing classic Motown/Stax lines on it. Even if I never go below low E, I can get additional range by playing five frets further up the neck, where the B string is in four-string territory.

And sometimes the additional range down low helps a LOT. For example: one band I'm in plays Aretha Franklin's Respect in Bb instead of C. So, the verse bounces between Eb and F instead of F and G. I find this much easier on 5 string (or 6).

 

[SteveC]

I'm seriously thinking I need da 5 string strung E-C for my jazz/soloing gigs.