5-string bass: low-B or high-C

[Atomik Rooster]

Could someone explain to me how the bandwidth is in any way relevant? Am I missing something? Surely either way you're adding 5 extra notes so you're getting the same increase in range, so how is extra bandwidth relevant? I genuinely can't work out what I'm missing so I'm hoping some of the more knowledgeable players can explain or dismiss the figures above for me.

The low B becomes redundant at E. With a high C you have the length of the string up to however many frets you have beyond what the G string would cover, plus the convenience of not having to race up the neck for a high note. I think the high C can be much more useful unless the music calls for a lot of low end thumping.

 

[dj150888]

But surely the same applies to the B string? Not having to race down the neck to lower notes?

 

[thebassdoctor]

if you want a hi C, buy a 6 string. i usually tune my 5th up to a # or flat note, usually D#. i just like the extra funkiness i can get from it. B is just too low for me.

 

[crazyguy832]

It depends on the genre.

Prog?

E - C

Thrash?

B - G

Obviously those are generalizations, but you get the idea of how I think.

My plan is just to buy a 6-string, haha. Overall, I get more use out of E - C, however. I've played piano for far too long and like tapping out chords way too much to lose those high notes, haha.

 

[EADG mx]

Or if you want range in both directions and don't want a 6, try EADGC with a hipshot. My current setup. Although I might string it back to low B at some point.

Really the only way to decide is to try both, imo.

 

[TMacATK]

Why not get a six and go lower and higher? If you want to use it, it'll be there. Unless of course you want an actual professional instrument and not just something to mess around with.

I picked up a cheap six string earlier this week and I think I could get used to the range boost in both directions and to the string spacing. I like fat, flat necks as well.

 

[D.Don]

What are your opinions (I know. You can have both on a six-string, but for the sake of this discussion, lets stick to 5-string).

I prefer the high-C because it gives you more dynamic range than a low B. For a standard five-string bass with 24 frets, addition of a low-B only adds about 10 Hz of bandwidth to the instrument, while a high-C adds about 128 Hz of bandwidth.

Now, in terms of percent bandwidth improvement as compared to a standard 24 fret 4-string bass, a low-B only adds about 2.8% more bandwidth, while a high-C will add about 36% more bandwidth.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bass_guitar_tuning

Low B, I can't live without it, play lots of positions above 5th fret now and it even ended up with me restringing my first 4-string BEAD coz I felt crippled without big B ... the G doesn't bother me that much, on my fivers it get's involved, but on the BEAD 4-string, I dont miss it..

D.Don

 

[mutedeity]

I think it really depends on what you want to achieve. My five-string is tuned EADGC mainly because I want the extra range in the upper register for playing chords and tapping. On the other hand if you like playing the lower notes without d-tuning and without the loss of tension, the low B is an option.

I don't give much weight to arguments like "it's a bass not a guitar" though.

 

[D.Don]

I think it really depends on what you want to achieve. My five-string is tuned EADGC mainly because I want the extra range in the upper register for playing chords and tapping. On the other hand if you like playing the lower notes without d-tuning and without the loss of tension, the low B is an option.

I don't give much weight to arguments like "it's a bass not a guitar" though.

In my case it's not about the lower notes, it's about having the E on the 5th fret and being able to work the neck from there (gives you great extended scale positions).

D.Don

 

[metalmariachi]

Go hi C and add a D-tuner, that can drop you down to C when you need it.
or tune dadgc and drop to b.

mm

 

[kebbs]

OP: It's a tough one. Yes 6-string will solve the problem, but we're working with a 5-string, which is my main string arrangement as well.

Bass indicates register, just like baritone, soprano, etc. Having said that, from a purely technical standpoint, it would make more sense for the bass guitar (I know purists don't like to call it "guitar" - that's a whole different thread) to go lower, as that's its inherent territory. From the artistic standpoint, it can go either way really.

I thought about the high-C myself, but after careful consideration, I decided to stick with the low-B. Personally, I feel some comfort knowing that nobody else can go that low and mess with that register. Also, those low notes (Eb, D, Db, C, B) can come in handy - if used sparingly and carefully, they can add some serious presence.

Cheers.

P.S. +1 to D.Don's post.

 

[kebbs]

When I had a 5, I played with the C because I was playing a lot of power chords.

As for the 5 extra notes thing, I never looked at it that way. More strings just made it easier to keep my hand in the same basic position (4-9 zone).

What is the 4-9 zone? I have few ideas, but none of them includes the number 9.

 

[gottawalk]

I think it really depends on what you want to achieve. My five-string is tuned EADGC mainly because I want the extra range in the upper register for playing chords and tapping. On the other hand if you like playing the lower notes without d-tuning and without the loss of tension, the low B is an option.

I don't give much weight to arguments like "it's a bass not a guitar" though.

Even though it is technically a "bass" and not a guitar, it is a "musical instrument" and it expresses what YOU want from it. However you tune it, play it, or whatever, it's your music and soul that are the final outcome. Personally, I love the lower end for the fullness it gives in the music I put out. If I wanted it higher, I'd go to a 6-string, (which I've thought about doing. Then I'd have both!) To me a bass guitar plays for the foundation of the chord and it's me that lays down the "bassis" of the tonal finality of what's going on. I'm the meat to the sauce! Build on me!

That's my story and I'd stickin' to it....

 

[HaVIC5]

[quoteI thought about the high-C myself, but after careful consideration, I decided to stick with the low-B. Personally, I feel some comfort knowing that nobody else can go that low and mess with that register. Also, those low notes (Eb, D, Db, C, B) can come in handy - if used sparingly and carefully, they can add some serious presence.

Cheers.

P.S. +1 to D.Don's post.[/quote]

Well, nobody except the piano. Those guys can go to the low A below your B, which is really annoying if you are doing "low"-offs.

 

[EADG mx]

I don't give much weight to arguments like "it's a bass not a guitar" though.

Agreed. If you want to get technical, 2/3rds of the 4 string's range is in "guitar range". If you feel that strongly about staying within bass range, tuned your bass to C#-F#-B-E a la Jaquo and keep it below the 12th fret. Instruments and voices move out of their designated ranges all of the time.

 

[KsToaDangr]

I've got 2 5-strings. I tune 1 to EADGC and the other to BEAGD. I get more use out of the BEADG than I do from the EADGC, but it all comes down to preference

 

[EADG mx]

Well, nobody except the piano. Those guys can go to the low A below your B, which is really annoying if you are doing "low"-offs.

I guess they weren't prepared for C# below that A.

Hello, Conklin? I'd like to place an order...

 

[kebbs]

I thought about the high-C myself, but after careful consideration, I decided to stick with the low-B. Personally, I feel some comfort knowing that nobody else can go that low and mess with that register. Also, those low notes (Eb, D, Db, C, B) can come in handy - if used sparingly and carefully, they can add some serious presence.

Cheers.

P.S. +1 to D.Don's post.

Well, nobody except the piano. Those guys can go to the low A below your B, which is really annoying if you are doing "low"-offs.

True!

 

[EADG mx]

Low C# guys, I'm telling you.

 

[7thBassist]

is it possible to restring a bass that comes with a low b with a high c?