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4 String to 5 String to 4 String??

Greyfin10

Greyfin10

Sep 16, 2008
328
39
Panama City, FL
#1
I recently acquired a four string again. I'd successfully transitioned to 5 String and was "drinking the KoolAid" so-to-speak for 2 years ago or so... and this feels like falling either ON or OFF the wagon (not sure which).

I'm considering dropping 5 string altogether because the new bass feels so right. Part of the reason this is a problem is that I feel like I spend a lot of resources "changing" that could be better spent on consistancy. As I type this I realize this is a theme in my life more than just "this" issue... getting bored and changing things for insufficient reasons. But I guess I'm posting this to see if anyone else has recognized this in themselves? Did/you see this as a weakness, strength? How did you resolve it (or not)? One could make a parallel between this phenomenon and the vaunted/reviled "gas" we talk about so much here...
 
#4
I had the same issue: starting on a 4-string, sold it to get a 5, then got a used 4 (supposedly to flip at a profit) and really enjoyed it.

My realisation was that the 4 feels great, but I also use the B string on the 5 quite a lot. If I had just one, I'd always secretly wish I had the other. So I currently have both a 4-string and a 5-string. The 5 is my main player and I get the 4 out occasionally just for fun.

My advice: 4 or 5? No, 4 and 5. :)
 
#5
SoVeryTired said:
... My advice: 4 or 5? No, 4 and 5. :)
Click to expand...

I originally rejected that idea (i.e. keeping both). At the time I was starting to sing harmonies and some leads for the first time AND simultaneously with getting a comfort level with the 5 string. During that phase, I kept confusing my B string for the E string in songs that I'd learned on the 4... and so I resolved to pick one and stick with it (this only seemed to be a problem when singing).

I'm thinking that I should give "switch hitting" a shot again now that I'm more comfortable singing. If it's no longer an issue, then naturally your suggestion would make the most sense.
 
#6
I played 5 for a long time. I made myself play a 4 for over a year to "be sure" I didn't need a B string. While I maybe don't "NEED" a 5 string, I enjoy the option and use it (tastefully I think) on my church gig quite often.

I am trying to sell my 4 string (Geddy Lee Jazz) as I just don't play it. I'd rather have the B string there and not use it instead of the other way around.

I've also found myself favoring a fretless as well. I can play it "both" ways. I can make it sound almost like a fretted, but when I want to get my "mwah" on I can by simply changing my right hand position. Pretty handy - especially at church.
 
#7
I'm having the same dilemma. I've been using the same 4 string for over 20 years and just looking for a change. Was thinking of 5 string but wondering if I will use the B that often and thinking it will change my style in a bad way...
 
#8
I experienced the flip-flop thing in life, though not specifically with 4 vs. 5 string basses. What I kind of landed on is that life isn't really a static thing, and there is no real 'end point.' Given that, I'm more okay just making decisions, changing things, and going with my gut with which direction to go. It keeps life interesting.

I see no problem with going back to a 4. Learning to transition between them might end up making you a stronger and more versatile player.
 
#10
I think the 'confusion' aspect is overstated, unless I'm just particularly flexible. How many people have basses with different scale lengths, string spacing, number of strings, number of frets, pickup placement etc and can happily swap between them?

I'm comfortable swapping between bass and guitar, so 4 or strings isn't much of an issue. Mind you, that inconsistent string-to-string interval thing on the guitar was never an issue until I took up bass. :)
 
#11
Well, I most vividly experienced issues when the part that I was trying to sing was contrapuntal (not sure if that's the right term...) to the part I was playing on the bass. Adding to that the desire to NOT ever be watching my fingers, led me to having very specific muscle memory of the notes. This meant that I'd switch basses and reach for notes in the wrong spot without even realizing I was doing it.

I'm sure it's true that "more practice" would allow me to switch hit even in this situation. How much time should I spend on that ability? That's a hard question to answer.
 
#12
I started out on a 5 string, and then ditched it for a 4 string. I just joined a group this month that I need a 5 string for (lots of low Eb and C#--Superstition, Freedom, Other Side of the Game, etc...). Now, I have BOTH, and will use them both. Nothing wrong with that, except some might argue that 2 basses is too few. :)
 

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