Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
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.
5 or six strings???
- Thread starter bbehrens
- Start date
Hmm. Some reasons I prefer a 6 over a 5:
1. I hate basses with an odd number of strings (slightly obsessive-compulsive)
2. More range for soloing/chords
3. Two octaves under my hand at all times.
4. The added strings help with playing walking lines. I have extra room on the side of the usual four strings, so when I'm making up my line I know I won't have to worry about changing positions. With that added worry out of my mind, I feel more free to play whatever I hear in my head. I do use the C and B from time to time in my lines, but even when I'm not using them I play better because the added room gives me more confidence.
5. I'm compensating for my manhood and hoping that that huge blank stretch of fingerboard will intimidate people and show them what a badass I am.
Bottom line, do what you want.
1. I hate basses with an odd number of strings (slightly obsessive-compulsive)
2. More range for soloing/chords
3. Two octaves under my hand at all times.
4. The added strings help with playing walking lines. I have extra room on the side of the usual four strings, so when I'm making up my line I know I won't have to worry about changing positions. With that added worry out of my mind, I feel more free to play whatever I hear in my head. I do use the C and B from time to time in my lines, but even when I'm not using them I play better because the added room gives me more confidence.
5. I'm compensating for my manhood and hoping that that huge blank stretch of fingerboard will intimidate people and show them what a badass I am.
Bottom line, do what you want.
Man, it sounds like we were seperated at birth. Especially #1. Odd numbers of strings give me the Jibblies.
My advice would be to try to get your hands on a 6 to try. Unfortunately, this is pretty hard. I live in an area with a ton of good music stores and I've only seen one six for sale in the last 6 months (and I bought it). The only downside is that a 6 is a big hunk of lumber in your left hand. Easy to adapt to, but once in a while, I do grab a 4 if my hands are tired.
Depends on music your playing. If you are in a dark metal band the 5 string would do, but if your in a soloist postion the 6 could open up some new regions.
im in a technical deathmetal band and i just bought a six string, i like to look like a badass, and the extra string helps.
Rakie
Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to...
Very true for me, those are my reasons...
A good reason to play a 6 string is technique... When you pick up another bass, be it a 4-5 string, it will be easier to play, infact most 6 string players that play a 4 for an extended amount of time (Not playing the 6 for awhile) gain "Sloppy" technique, and take some time to re-adjust to playing a 6.
For me, after I got playing a 6 down, the 4 strings just felt easy to play...
Personally, I love 4-6 string basses, not a fan of 5 strings.
an oxymoron.
Yeah, the only reason I'd be wary to spend alot cash on a sixer is the fat neck. My hand fits perfectly on a five, so I really have no desire to try something new. And if you like the higher string, you can always string a fiver eadgc
A 6 might require adapting technique to mute the strings, either via floating thumb or muting with your fretting hand. Other than that.....your wallet is the only thing that should limit ya.
Rakie
Let me take you down, 'cause I'm going to...
Necrophagist, The Faceless are good examples... lots of metal bands have become very technical, think of "Progressive Death metal"
I already use the floating thumb technique but, admittedly, it does not get near as much use as it would on a 6'er.
I really like the look of the MTD Z6. They offer a Red Wine finish with a maple neck but I would be worried about weight.
- bsb
Hey, I PM'ed you.
I basically made the same choice as you're currently deciding. I went from having ONLY owned four strings to buying a six.
The Ibanez SR506 is a great transition instrument if you're not sure on the 6's. It offers a narrow spacing, which is nice if you're not sure about a HUGE width fingerboard. The spacing at the bridge, for me, is a bit tight, however (Now that I know what I want more). The Bartolini soapbars are great, and fit very well in all sorts of music. The preamp is okay, and I've lately begun to not use it as much to get a more natural tone (Originally bass & mid knobs were all the way cranked, sounded artificial & weird) but now I've learned how to play/EQ the amp so as to get the most natural tone. Thin neck and (relatively) light body make for a easy transition, too.
I basically made the same choice as you're currently deciding. I went from having ONLY owned four strings to buying a six.
The Ibanez SR506 is a great transition instrument if you're not sure on the 6's. It offers a narrow spacing, which is nice if you're not sure about a HUGE width fingerboard. The spacing at the bridge, for me, is a bit tight, however (Now that I know what I want more). The Bartolini soapbars are great, and fit very well in all sorts of music. The preamp is okay, and I've lately begun to not use it as much to get a more natural tone (Originally bass & mid knobs were all the way cranked, sounded artificial & weird) but now I've learned how to play/EQ the amp so as to get the most natural tone. Thin neck and (relatively) light body make for a easy transition, too.
I prefer 5 strings to 6 for many reasons. But... I would never tell you not to get a six. If that's what you want, go for it!
If you ever find yourself running off the fretboard (ie. either running out of frets or trying to fret a string you dont have) then you need another string. see?
I used to play a 5 and realized i always ran out of frets on my 24 fret G. got a 6, it happens only very very rarely now.
neck width would be my main concern here.
I used to play a 5 and realized i always ran out of frets on my 24 fret G. got a 6, it happens only very very rarely now.
neck width would be my main concern here.
There are lots of good reasons to go with a 6 as posted above. If you are concerned about the change from a 4, then a 5 might be better. The 4 strings that you are used to playing are still in the same place relative to the edge of the fretboard. You will only need to reach farther for the new B string. With a 6 you will have to adjust to reaching farther for the G thru E strings. Not necessarily a big change but it may take some time to adjust. Both are good choices. You should go with what feels right for you.
i found the opposite to be true. its easier to mistake the B string on a 5ver for a E, than to mistake the C string of a 6 as a G. doodled with a 4 and kept getting thrown off (i started on a 5). transited to a 6 with no problem.
Most people count off strings from the lower-pitched strings. for bass, anyway.
You'll get as many different answers as posts.
I had a 6. I used it for jazz and enjoyed the added range for soloing and playing Yelowjackets tunes.
I didn't particularly care for a 6 in my pop/rock band. My 5 seemed to be all I needed. The C string seemed to get in the way. Strange but true - for me.
I play my 5 exclusively these days. Trying to sell my 4. I have been tempted to try a 6 again and see how it goes.
To answer your question...I really can't say other than try them both, play what you like, and don't worry about what others say.
I had a 6. I used it for jazz and enjoyed the added range for soloing and playing Yelowjackets tunes.
I didn't particularly care for a 6 in my pop/rock band. My 5 seemed to be all I needed. The C string seemed to get in the way. Strange but true - for me.
I play my 5 exclusively these days. Trying to sell my 4. I have been tempted to try a 6 again and see how it goes.
To answer your question...I really can't say other than try them both, play what you like, and don't worry about what others say.
I don't like basses with an even number of strings, so I think you should get a 5 or a 7 string.
