5-string bass....worth it?

[Blankandson]

I can't tell from the posts if you are reading charts or using sheet music. If you are you will really need a 5 string. Lots of High School and Gospel music is arranged these days in the key of C and D and B flat. With a 4 string you'll be hustling to make some awkard runs that are a little easier with a low B. Also, with a lot of modern church arrangements, you can play the first two verses an octave higher than written. During or after the bridge drop back down to the written octave. Makes for a nice effect. I play a lot of Chris Tomlin arrangements two ocaves higher for first verse, drop down for the second verse, and really punch in at the lower octive for the last 30 seconds or so.

 

[mowyourlawn]

the peavey Grind 5er is a great and very cheap bass. i would play one but that would be a sin ... (5pector for life)

 

[redwookie]

usually for a D or Eb

Yep. Makes going down a notch or 3 for the singer much easier.

I also have this 'thing' for walking up to the root that makes a 5 string just right for me

 

[Diogenes]

... No more drop D tuning.
A whole new world of "patterns" to work with.
Singer needs to do 1 or 2 songs down 1/2 step? No problem.

Like you said.....It takes some getting used to, but the learning period is pretty quick.

I have no opinion on the bass you're looking at, but I say go for a 5-String......You won't regret it.

I finally bought my first 5-stringer a couple of weeks ago for the very reasons mentioned and it took awhile to get used to the slightly narrower string spacing of the one I bought compared to the 4s I usually play. But all in all I'm glad I made the switch... although I entertained the idea for a few years I never thought I'd go through with it but ultimately I'm glad I did.

 

[Diogenes]

Well I'm looking for a 5-stringer in the 500 - 800 range (not counting tax). I'd prefer to go new unless I know the person I'm buying from it well or has a very well established rep. So as far as new, any recommendations?

I'd go used. There are some great deals to be had out there on the used market.

if you guys are so scared of "drop tuning", why do you even bother to get to E standard in the first place? cant you just "transcribe" from wherever you end up after you change your strings?


the fail is strong in these threads.

It isn't necessarily a fear... in my case it was more of an inconvenience which was rectified with a 5-string. Believe me, I was a die-hard 4 string fan for more than 25 years but am glad I switched to a 5.

 

[Jrussblues]

I've only ever played 5 strings. When I switched from guitar I was trying to learn a lot of dirk lance and p-nut stuff. I have a 4 string peavey sitting in the closet that is a back up to a back up. I actually will drop d most of the time if I am playing a song in drop d because a lot of those songs will in one way or another drone on the d, which is easier to do in dropped d. But if it's down a half step or just uses lower notes then I keep standard and change my positioning. That said, don't waste money on a 5 string with a flemsy sounding b. My ibanez was a victim of a weak b. Also, that low b will sound flemsy on some cab set ups as well. All 2 10's, sealed back 4 10's and a 1 15 sound weak to me. A well ported 2 12 and/or a well ported 4 10 will really open up those low frequencies and let them breathe and punch close enough that you can hear them on a smaller stage. Again...these are opinions. My best suggestion is for you to play several and figure out what works for you before landing on a fender.

 

[Munjibunga]

These have five strings. That's one more, isn't it? Exactly.