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5 Sring or 6 String?

T

tbwilson

Dec 11, 2006
315
1
concord NH area
#1
I'm having this issue, I want to expend my range so of course im looking at a 5 string to solve this problem. But im doing a lot of chords and slap lines lately and i know id eventually want a 6 string. So would it be a good idea to buy a 6 string or would that be a bad idea? It kinda seems to me like i should learn on a 5 string and then work to a 6 string, but i thought id ask the TBers. So what do you guys think and with your oppinions give me a good beginners bass to look at.
 
#2
Sixers are amazing. I'm in love with my six-string, and it's the best way to extend your range higher and lower at the same time. At first it might be a little overwhelming, but you get very used to it after a while. As for the beginner six-string, go on http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com and you'll find a bass that'll fit your price range and get you what you want. Have fun. If you do end up getting a six string, check out the ERB forum, located here: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=520281
 
#4
I love playing 6's as opposed to 5's. I enjoy having the option of playing a chord with or without the C string. Chords on 4's & 5's can be muddy depending on the bass IMO. You can really clean up the overall sound of the chord by playing it on the higher strings of a 6. You will get used to the extra strings and neck space pretty quickly. I would go for an MTD Kingston Z6 or a Bongo 6 for a beginner 6. Good luck and enjoy the hunt and acquisition.
 
#5
I don't like 6 strings myself. The low B is great but I don't like the way the C sounds/feels but you seem like you really want a 6 string so I say just go straight to the 6 unless you get a nice 5 string that you think you would still use even after you get a 6 string.
 
#7
Try both basses out. Go with the one that feels better in your hands. I play 5's and thought about going to a 6, but I prefer the feel of a 5 string better. Plus some of my friends/players say 6's help you cheat when learning fretboard. But, they said the same when I went to 5 string. So like I said earlier, go with the one that feels better in your hands.
 
#12
The only problem with 6ers is that the cheap ones get a little difficult to play. I've played various affordable lines and found the low B really didn't sound that great. The bass really needs to be balanced or it will kill your fretting hand. If the action is high, the bass will be a chore to play. Most importantly, you'll need a relatively thin neck profile and not all companies have the reinforcement abilities to make their necks thin and stable.
 
#13
spade2you said:
The only problem with 6ers is that the cheap ones get a little difficult to play. I've played various affordable lines and found the low B really didn't sound that great. The bass really needs to be balanced or it will kill your fretting hand. If the action is high, the bass will be a chore to play. Most importantly, you'll need a relatively thin neck profile and not all companies have the reinforcement abilities to make their necks thin and stable.
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thats why im thinkin more towards a 5 string and make it EADGC, because i can get a 5 string cheaper but also good quality there a warwick 5er for 350 on CL i think is reasonable. I'd just hate to spend even 180 on a brice and have it turn out to sit in its case cause i dont like it.
 
#15
tbwilson said:
Ok ill check them out. Will anything have to be ajusted if i did use EADGC?
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There was a Peavey Cirrus 6 at the Nashua Guitar Center a while back, but I don't know if it's still there. Give 'em a call and see if they have any sixers in stock. My wife has family up in NH, and we go to Concord and Warner every summer.
 
#17
The Cirrus line is pretty darn good, although I've never played a 6 or seen one in person. I own several 4s and 5s, but no 6ers at this point. That one would probably be a decent choice since they play pretty amazing. I've had pretty good experiences with the US line and mixed experiences with the import line.
 
#18
You can get a 5 string, string it EADGC, then tune it down to DGCFBb.

With that, you get almost the full range of a 6 with 5 strings.

And you won't have to worry about that B string complicating your lifestyle. I don't object to having more than 4 strings, but I have personally never found a comfort zone with a B string.

Plus, the pingy tone issues with the high C string are reduced or go away when it is detuned a whole step. This is especially helpful if you have a 35" scale bass.

And if someone calls a tune in a "horn" key (F, Bb, Db, etc.) you are truly ready to go.
 
#19
tbwilson said:
I'm having this issue, I want to expend my range so of course im looking at a 5 string to solve this problem. But im doing a lot of chords and slap lines lately and i know id eventually want a 6 string. So would it be a good idea to buy a 6 string or would that be a bad idea? It kinda seems to me like i should learn on a 5 string and then work to a 6 string, but i thought id ask the TBers. So what do you guys think and with your oppinions give me a good beginners bass to look at.
Click to expand...

The choice is really up to you. You should start with the most comfortable bass for you. For a beginner 5-string I would suggest a Squier, Ibanez, or a Mexican Fender Jazz. For a beginner 6-string I would suggest Ibanez hands down.
 
#20
I know that if you have a 6-string, you also have a 5-string built right in. And yet sometimes I find the 5-string easier to use when no chords, solos, unisons with the guitar or keyboard (usually up the neck a ways) or other necessary C string use is involved. But if the trade is between a 6-string that might be a bit clumsier, and a 5-string that just plain cannot do what I need much of the time, then it's a no-brainer.

It's a matter of having something you don't need, or needing something you don't have.

For an affordable, comfortable decent-sounding 6-string, this is my choice.
 

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