• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

4 string bass players

#81
Frankly there is no "should" or inherently right place to play a note. You use what works for the situation. I can assure you that f# on my b string isn't mud. That outcome depends on build quality, technique, and somewhat taste in tone. For me position advantage isn't debatable at all. I have charts I play that are way easier playing up the neck inorporating the b. Now if I specifically want a sharper tone I'll move to the nut. If I want fatter I'll move up and have the same notes. Can't do that on a 4 unless you move up an octave.

Of course I just ordered a p-bass so don't mind me.
 
#85
The 5 string advantage of less position shifts is true. I just find the spacing to be super cumbersome. Does any manufacturer make a 5 string with 4 string spacing? I think if there was a wide 5 out there, I'd look into it.
 
#87

Attachments

  • four_string_masters.jpg
    four_string_masters.jpg
    30.1 KB · Views: 93
#93
nostatic said:
Now if I specifically want a sharper tone I'll move to the nut. If I want fatter I'll move up and have the same notes.
Click to expand...

Interesting. While I see your point about fat tone coming from higher positions that incorporate the B string, on my 6-string FL (I don't have a fiver) I tend to think of my left hand as playing the notes where they fall best for me (which is generally from "fret" three to 'fret" ten on the lower strings), and I use my right hand to change my tone. Crisp attack (and considerably more volume) near the pickups and fat, round tone played over the end of the fingerboard.

I don't always look at it that way, and I might give more consideration to greater movement on the lower strings because no matter how much I adjust the pickups and adjustable poles, my G and high C strings pratically sound like a banjo compared to the lower strings, which rattle dishes three doors down.
 
#94
FretlessMainly said:
Interesting. While I see your point about fat tone coming from higher positions that incorporate the B string, on my 6-string FL (I don't have a fiver) I tend to think of my left hand as playing the notes where they fall best for me (which is generally from "fret" three to 'fret" ten on the lower strings), and I use my right hand to change my tone. Crisp attack (and considerably more volume) near the pickups and fat, round tone played over the end of the fingerboard.

I don't always look at it that way, and I might give more consideration to greater movement on the lower strings because no matter how much I adjust the pickups and adjustable poles, my G and high C strings pratically sound like a banjo compared to the lower strings, which rattle dishes three doors down.
Click to expand...

Both hands can influence tone, and how/where you play a note can have a bunch of factors. For any given note/frequency, there generally are a couple of positions where you can play it, and of course your right hand can pluck the string anywhere between the bridge and where you fret the note. Both choices play into what you get for sound. Perhaps the most obvious "tonal difference" for the same note is when you compare, for instance, open A with A played on the E string. Same note, but different attack and feel. Same thing with C played on the E string and C played on the A string - they sound different. Having another string at your disposal gives you more options. Of course everything is life is a compromise so when to stop (with number of strings) is up to the individual player.

This is one thing I love about playing - it is a non-stop high wire act trying to fit your body gymnastics into producing a tone that serves the song. When you combine that with all the other factors (dynamics, emotion, phrasing, etc) it is never the same twice.
 
#95
Decisions, decisions. Let me narrow it down for you...

Either:
1. You could sell the fiver(s) and try to avoid buying another one.
2. You haven't found the right fiver yet, and should keep searching for the holy grail!
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back