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4 strings only?

#41
EricF said:
The only 5 I have is currently looking for a new home. I'm a 4s guy all the way.
Click to expand...

I went through a lot of 5 strings and always came to this same conclusion until I got my DJ5, which I only got because I needed a comfortable 5 string for a cover gig I was doing. I was always a 4 string jazz guy, but the DJ5 really translates the feel very well.
 
#44
When I first took up bass, my mentor (old-school country, R&B guy) advised me that what a bassist doesn't do is more important than what she or he does.
For instance: doesn't slap, doesn't play chords, doesn't over-play;
does play flats and only four of them.

When I told him early on that I was considering a 5 string "because it would be nice to have one more D and C" he just shook his head slowly, as if a close relative had died.

I never found a 5 that felt right (either scale too long or strings too floppy). Also, I could never get the feeling that I had as complete control over the tone, timing, accents, etc. as with a good 4.
And like my mentor said when he noticed that I decided to stick with 4's, "there are still plenty of low notes on a four string."
It's inconceivable to me now that I'll ever switch.
 
#45
I just went back to 4 exclusively this year. I don't think that there's anything inherently wrong with 5+ string basses. For me though, I never liked any B string that I've played - always too floppy. I use a hipshot for Drop D or D#/Eb when needed - I never seem to need to go below that though. If I were ever going to go for a B string, it would be on a 4 string tuned BEAD, and it would probably need to be on a very extended scale bass like Dingwall or Knuckle (37"+ scale).

The main thing though for me has always been the string spacing on 5+ string basses - mainly on the right hand, but also the left as well. It's always too cramped - like they're trying to jam an extra string into a space that's too small. When I go back to a 4 string, I always feel like I can play so much faster and freer.
 
#47
elavate7 said:
4 all the way. i see how the lower B could help, but the E has always sounded low enougth for me....as for the C on a 6........whats the point?????
Click to expand...

The same point as all the other strings have- to play notes. I certainly have never question what the point of the high E string on a guitar was :)
 
#50
I may do a 5 sometime in the future... I have had 6 basses, down to 2 now, all 4 stringers. Sometimes I would liked the low B when I am playing at church or something. And the idea of having a little extra on the bottom appeals to me. BUT: I have been playing for a little over 3 years now, and figure I can do to get better on the 4 before trying to screw myself up adding another string. I love my 4 string Birdsong, and really do not want to play anything else...
(Besides, 4 is good enough for Sir Paul and Geddy, seems like it is good enough for me... lol)
 
#51
I used to own only 4-string basses but in recent times I've had to pick up a 5-string. To be honest, I don't see how having one more string makes a bass "less fun" to play than a 4-banger. Seriously, who really cares?
 
#55
Yes , just 4 stringers. Had a couple fivers yrs ago. Warwick and Carvin. But in the end I liked 4 string bass better. Easier playing necks, couldnt compete with synth bass voices for ultra low bass, and just didnt use the low B string much as a result. Did try stringing them EADGB like top 5 strings on guitar. That was kinda fun, but too guitar like, so back to just four string. Lol.
 
#57
well I think it means that a 4 stringer to most (including me) is somewhat automatic. You could play it blindfolded... and for me, thats important live. We are very interactive live, and the last thing I want to think about is my right placement... it's like driving a sports car, as opposed to a big extended cab truck. You can drive both, but you gotta watch taking those corners with the truck.

NKUSigEp said:
I used to own only 4-string basses but in recent times I've had to pick up a 5-string. To be honest, I don't see how having one more string makes a bass "less fun" to play than a 4-banger. Seriously, who really cares?
Click to expand...
 
#58
I had a 5 string bass, but it got stolen.
I have yet to find a 5 string bass that really pleases me. I chronically want the low B string to sound "tighter" and I dont even know what I mean by that. but im weird anyways

I did do some adjustments on a 4 string and tuned it BEAD
just in case I HAVE to have a low B
 

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