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5 or 6 strings?

#5
In my case, the ideal bass (Carvin Bunny Brunel) for me was available in a 6 so saw no point in getting fewer strings....

The 6 string models are generally built like tanks as well, which can smooth out the tone and even help sustain.

So no reason to go with a 5 string version of a bass if a 6 string model is available that I can see.....

LS
 
#6
trevschultz said:
love the 6. just wish fender made one
Click to expand...

They do- the the Fender Steve Bailey model six-string.

The wrong six can feel very uncomfortable if the specs don't match what you're looking for, which can turn people off to a six-string. The little things that you might be able to deal with on a five-string are more emphasized on a six. Make sure you play several first to find the specs you're comfortable with.
 
#8
countrybassist said:
I'll stick with my 5. I have no need for a 6. I look at it this way. I you need, musically a 5, get a 5. If you need, musically a 6 , get a 6. Don't just get one because you think it's cool.
Click to expand...

If I wanted one because I think that more strings are cool I'd get alot more than 6...I need the cool ;)

I am asking because I feel that I need 6, but maybe I could "get by" with 5.
 
#12
Started with 5er's, owned about 9 or 10 basses (four now), and have stuck with 5er's the whole time.

I keep thinking I should own at least one 4-string bass but every time I play one in a store I feel kind of lost without the B string. I'm sure it's a matter of putting some time in on it to get used to it, but then I remember that there's nothing I can do on a 4 that I can't also do on a 5 and so far that was enough to talk myself out of it.

I've never really had an urge for a 6 string so I never really tried one to see if I'd like it. That doesn't mean I'm one of the ERB haters. It just means I haven't had an urge to play one, just like I haven't had an urge to play trumpet.
 
#16
I'm not against 5 strings, but I tend to believe that if I have a low, I might as well have the high C. I don't plan on selling my 5 strings, but don't have too many plans of ordering more.


Bryan R. Tyler said:
The wrong six can feel very uncomfortable if the specs don't match what you're looking for, which can turn people off to a six-string. The little things that you might be able to deal with on a five-string are more emphasized on a six. Make sure you play several first to find the specs you're comfortable with.
Click to expand...

Along with the bass needing to be made to more exact specs, technique that might work on a 4-5 might need to be refined to be affective on a 6 string. I'm inclined to believe that most 6 string bashing is due to the technique not cutting the mustard. On the bright side, good 6 string technique will work on a 6.

MNAirHead said:
give them time.. they take a change.
Click to expand...

Almost everything changes on TB, so using TB as the barometer may not be the best for individuals.
 
#17
I started on a 4, and as modern music evolved with more drop tuning, I eventually bought a 5 to have the low B. I am a simple rhythm and groove player and I don't do much in the way of solos, so I have no need for the upper C on a 6 for how I play. Nothing against 6's at all; I just don't need one...
 
#19
I can say that the neck on a Spector Legend 6 is about the opposite of a Ibanez 506- it's really chunky with wide spacing at the nut and bridge. Haven't tried the 5-string version.
 

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