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4 vs. 5 string-advice?
- Thread starter emblymouse
- Start date
I play mainly kubicki's - as you've found the ex-D is awesome, and makes a 5 a lot less necessary. Over the years I tried a couple of 5's (very briefly), and never got on with them, and didn't need them. It was pretty disasterous - each hand on different strings!
Then my wife bought be a Cort Elrick 5, and as soon as I picked it up I could play it. I've found it handy on gigs where I have to read - particulary when the parts aren't written for bass. Theatrical parts end up in "non-guitar" keys, so having C and Eb available on the neck is a big help. I still use my Kubicki's for all of 99% of my gigs - they're what I'm used to, they're lighter and faster, and sound great, but I've had no problem switching back and forth.
I think the trick is the string spacing - the Elrick's are 19mm(ish). I've since added a Yamaha BBG5 - they make excellent cheap 5 strings, and tuned it EADGC. The Yamaha is my play around the house bass, and again it has 19mm spacing. I found the high C string easier to adjust to, as I just "forget" it's there when I'm not using it. Occasionally I got confused over the low B, but never had a problem getting my fingers in the right place.
If you're happy with your 4's then there's no reason to stop using them. Having a 5 in the bag when I need it isn't a bad idea.
Ian
Then my wife bought be a Cort Elrick 5, and as soon as I picked it up I could play it. I've found it handy on gigs where I have to read - particulary when the parts aren't written for bass. Theatrical parts end up in "non-guitar" keys, so having C and Eb available on the neck is a big help. I still use my Kubicki's for all of 99% of my gigs - they're what I'm used to, they're lighter and faster, and sound great, but I've had no problem switching back and forth.
I think the trick is the string spacing - the Elrick's are 19mm(ish). I've since added a Yamaha BBG5 - they make excellent cheap 5 strings, and tuned it EADGC. The Yamaha is my play around the house bass, and again it has 19mm spacing. I found the high C string easier to adjust to, as I just "forget" it's there when I'm not using it. Occasionally I got confused over the low B, but never had a problem getting my fingers in the right place.
If you're happy with your 4's then there's no reason to stop using them. Having a 5 in the bag when I need it isn't a bad idea.
Ian
Here is my advice, I hope it helps you decide.
Do not play a 5 string because someone else wants you to.
Play a 5 string only if YOU want to.
If you truly love to play the bass, it will show.... and you will be appreciated, 4 or 5 strings, either way.
Do not play a 5 string because someone else wants you to.
Play a 5 string only if YOU want to.
If you truly love to play the bass, it will show.... and you will be appreciated, 4 or 5 strings, either way.
I went the 5 string route for a while - had 3 of them. I picked up playing one quite easily, and I liked it, but... well I'm not quite sure what. I wanted the lower notes, but on a 4banger - so I went with drop tuning to CGCF, and haven't looked back since. I have an overwhelming love/craving/addiction for narrow/thin necked 4bangers like my Ibanez SR, and Luna Andromeda. Maybe drop tuning is for you or the BEAD thing. Just another option dude.
Until 9 yrs. ago, I'd been playing 4 string for 25 yrs. and had never had a problem, until I joined this R & B, Funk, Blues band that were playing songs in Eb, D and low B, I couldn't reproduce the sounds I needed to get to fill the bill. Finally, I bought a Ibby BTB405QM and have never looked back since. The 5'er gives me so much more room to play around on without sacrificing the low notes I need to achieve. I've since found, that when I go back to playing a 4 string, I'm very limited in what I want to play, infact I don't play a 4 string well at all, anymore.
Go with the 5'er, you won't be disappointed.
Go with the 5'er, you won't be disappointed.
Wow, thanks for all the feedback. Although there is no real concensus some comments really rang true for me. I really appreciate this forum!
I think I just scared myself a bit. The audition is in 2 days, I'm leaning toward just showing up with my comfy J bass and letting it rip. I will post afterward.
I must say for the first time I am gassing for a 5 er though!
I think I just scared myself a bit. The audition is in 2 days, I'm leaning toward just showing up with my comfy J bass and letting it rip. I will post afterward.
I must say for the first time I am gassing for a 5 er though!
well for me, i think five strings are very good
i used to play a four but i wanted to try a five so i bought a schecter elite 5 and it is the bomb
it plays so well and five string isnt hard to learn at all
its relatively easy
i recommend learning it because some songs sound better with those deeper notes on the fifth string
i would be trying to learn a 6 string right now but my hands are not very big so its difficult
i used to play a four but i wanted to try a five so i bought a schecter elite 5 and it is the bomb
it plays so well and five string isnt hard to learn at all
its relatively easy
i recommend learning it because some songs sound better with those deeper notes on the fifth string
i would be trying to learn a 6 string right now but my hands are not very big so its difficult
Well, I showed up with my funky Aria J bass copy and smoked 'em. # of strings a total non issue.
Now we'll see if they can afford me!
Now we'll see if they can afford me!
