• 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 vs. 5 String

#81
pointbass said:
Not that I believe our friend Mr. Johnson needs anyone to defend him (he's proven most capable of that on his own ;) ), but based on what I've read posted on TB by Brad I don't remember him ever disparaging any bass or player strictly on the basis of the # of strings that bass has.

I don't believe there is any right or wrong regarding string count. If 4 is working well for you, great! And if a higher number of strings is your preference, also great! Rocco has put out more groove with 4 strings than I could ever produce in a lifetime of 5+ string playing.

That said, if some players like the idea of additional range but are having technique issues adjusting to the instrument, then much of what is posted does indeed have merit. I personally have found many of the ideas, suggestions and thoughts extremely helpful as I progressed from a 4 to a 5, then 6 and finally a 7 ....... :cool:
Click to expand...


Thanks, Ed... that was exactly my intent.
 
#82
I originally tried 5 string to go below E more easily. Once I became accustomed to it, I realized the many other advantages to having the extra string. These advantages have been noted previously in this and other threads. Five string works so well for me that it's all I play anymore.

Some eventually move to basses with 6 or more strings for the same reasons. Me, I've stayed with just five because I don't need any more strings to do what I do. Likewise, someone who doesn't need more than four strings should stick with four strings. It's all good.




P.S. Choosing the right fiver takes as much research as choosing the right four, especially in terms of playability. If you try one fiver and find it uncomfortable, try another that has a different neck profile and/or string spacing.

P.P.S. Tone is less a factor (IMO), but for gods' sake: don't go into GC, pick up a fiver, whack its B string, and declare it "floppy!" Chances are the bass simply needs a proper setup and new set of strings. :)
 
#84
It seems like some folks are under the impression that it's optional to play a five string bass. For some of us this may be true, but I submit that for many styles of music it's a requirement. Tuning down and clever manipulation of basslines just won't get it done in many situations.
I also believe that technique can overcome all but the most severe anatomical challenges. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I've seen and heard middle school age kids playing 1/2 and 5/8 size double basses and standard sized celli quite effectively by utilizing sensible and sound technique. This is physically more challenging than any adult handling a five string bass as far as I am concerned, you can call me crazy.
If you have the OPTION to choose between 4 and 5 and choose 4 for ANY REASON I got nothing but respect. Bass is Bass and Bass is beautiful, regardless of how many strings. I (and many others I guess) owe most of what we've become to 4 string players, the VAST MAJORITY of my influences and vocabulary come straight from four string players.
 
#85
Lowphat, I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you about the low notes being necessary in some types of music. Gospel, hip-hop and R&B, and even some rock and roll do call for the use of the low notes. But what difference does it make whether they're played on a 5 or a 4? A low B on a 4-strings sounds the same as a low B on a 5'er. If you can play your parts accurately, the amount of strings don't matter.

As for technique, those of us who choose to play 4-strings are not less technically adept, and quite frankly, statements like yours sound like you assume that we aren't. I can play 5-string every bit as well as I can 4-string, and a whole lot of others who choose 4's can, too. I also play upright, and agree that a 4-string upright is a lot more challenging technique-wise than an electric bass, even a 5 or 6. I just don't want to deal with it, simple as that. I don't know why when a 4-player goes off about how they don't like having to deal with the extra string, 5-players assume that their technique is poor. Whether or not this was your intention, that's how it comes across to others.
 
#86
JimmyM said:
Lowphat, I wouldn't necessarily disagree with you about the low notes being necessary in some types of music. Gospel, hip-hop and R&B, and even some rock and roll do call for the use of the low notes. But what difference does it make whether they're played on a 5 or a 4? A low B on a 4-strings sounds the same as a low B on a 5'er. If you can play your parts accurately, the amount of strings don't matter.
Click to expand...


A low B on a 4 string would keep one from having a G string unless you detune, which definitely does not sound like a B string.

Some five string lines are very hard if not next to impossible to play on a four. That's why it matters. That's why it's used.

As for technique, those of us who choose to play 4-strings are not less technically adept, and quite frankly, statements like yours sound like you assume that we aren't. I can play 5-string every bit as well as I can 4-string, and a whole lot of others who choose 4's can, too. I also play upright, and agree that a 4-string upright is a lot more challenging technique-wise than an electric bass, even a 5 or 6. I just don't want to deal with it, simple as that. I don't know why when a 4-player goes off about how they don't like having to deal with the extra string, 5-players assume that their technique is poor. Whether or not this was your intention, that's how it comes across to others.
Click to expand...

It appears that no matter how many ways this is explained, someone is still going to be offended. I have no idea why some people appear to be unable to take things any other way than the WRONG way. For them, while their technique may or may not be an issue... their attitude clearly is;)

So just be offended. In the meantime, for the people not saddled with that issue, hope some of this helps. If this all sounds condescending, at this point I don't care one way or the other. That's on you guys.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back