4 stringer vs. 5 stringer dilemma

[Hazak]

Here's the thing. My local shop has the exact model that I want with the exact finish but in a 4 stringer (Traben Chaos Core (Whisky Burl)). I originally wanted a 5 stringer because I valued the B string so much for my metal band but I really don't know anymore. All the basses I've played on were 5 stringers so I got used to it... But maybe I'd feel just as great with a 4 stringer...

So really, what are your thoughts? I could downtune the bass too and it would solve my problem lol, but iunno...

 

[Mastermold]

If you're playing a lot of metal I'd exercise patience and wait for a fiver.

 

[Hazak]

I really rarely use the G string on my buddys 5 stringers.

So, wouldn't downtuning a 4 string to make it like a 5er just the same thing? Making it BEAD.

I'd need someone who's already done that to tell me how they felt about it..

Another advantage is that the neck is obviously thinner on a 4 stringer..

edit: I found this in the archives http://www.talkbass.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-7239.html

 

[allexcosta]

Wait.

 

[bfc]

I personally think a 5er is more versatile.

 

[Hazak]

I dont wanna wait a month for them to get it... They said they had some communication problems with the company because there is currently no sales representative at Traben or some stuff like that.. argh. They couldn't even give me a date. The dude said that there was some guys who've been waiting for over 6 months to get their guitars because of similar situations.

And the prices online for a 5er would be too costy with the shipping cause where I live it won't ship free :/..

 

[Matt Dean]

Get a 5 if that's what you want... 4s sound better though.

 

[Hazak]

Thats the thing I actually dont know cause I never really played extensively on a 4 stringer.

 

[Munjibunga]

Nope. Don't do it. Nobody plays 4-strings any more.

 

[Hazak]

Im not actually looking for what's the trends nowadays lol. Simply trying to figure out if a 4 stringer would do the job for me, being in a metal band. Cause I dont have access to the 5 stringer that I'd want.

 

[two fingers]

I dont wanna wait a month for them to get it... They said they had some communication problems with the company because there is currently no sales representative at Traben or some stuff like that.. argh. They couldn't even give me a date. The dude said that there was some guys who've been waiting for over 6 months to get their guitars because of similar situations.

And the prices online for a 5er would be too costy with the shipping cause where I live it won't ship free :/..

If you really like that style bass, and you play 5ers all the time, a month is no big deal really. Hopefully it will be as nice as you think it is and you will play it for a very long time, so wait for the real deal. Don't get me wrong, I'm promise I'm not saying that you're dumb if you get the 4, but it sound like 5 is where it's at for you. Either way, best of luck.

 

[mkrtu9]

have you played the 4? If you like it get it, but I would probably regret not waiting and never be happy. Buy it on line, send it to me and you can come pick it up at my place..... I live in central illinois though

 

[Hazak]

I might as well just get a 4stringer. I mean, I'll have one and I'll be able to compare it with future 5 stringers. If anything, I can always buy another bass. I wanted a 4 stringer eventually anyways. It's not like you can't play metal with a 4 stringer.

 

[Revvv]

Nope. Don't do it. Nobody plays 4-strings any more.

I'm a nobody. I gave my 5 strings away because I play the 4 for everything.

 

[serein2j]

Buy both

 

[Chowowbus]

I used to own a 5ver. I just did not like the feel. I own a Traben Torrent as a backup in my band. I have thought about converting it to BEAD sometime.

 

[Hazak]

Eventually yeah. For now tho I think ill go buy the 4 stringer tomorrow. The one after this one will probly be a 5 string depending on how I feel with the 4...

 

[Korladis]

Nope. Don't do it. Nobody plays 4-strings any more.

I do. So do Al Cisneros, Peter Steele, Lemmy and a bunch of other dudes.

 

[dog1]

I went to 5 strings and played them for 7 years. Three years ago I sold them all and now only own 4 stringed basses.

If possible, have both. Time will tell which you prefer.

 

[Hazak]

I went to 5 strings and played them for 7 years. Three years ago I sold them all and now only own 4 stringed basses.

If possible, have both. Time will tell which you prefer.

What genres do you play the most?