5 string Bass

Hi Arthur

I play a Jazz (my only 4 string) and a bunch of 5ers.

Finding the right neck for your 5er, can be an adventure.

They all kinda feel as comfortable as surfboards

Don' t only look at "narrow" necks! Some are a lot thicker than the "wider" necks!

They have to be, to compensate the string tension caused by the 5th string.

For me (that' s subjective I know!),

"narrow" necks feel as "chunky" as a P neck, just with one more string.

The resulting narrow string spacing, is also a problem for me on these neck profiles.



That' s why I prefer wider profiles.

They feel less "chunky" and the string spacing is in my comfort zone too!


Just try as many different neckprofiles as you can!!!! It' s fun!



may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

I play both J5 and P5 basses and the size of the neck has never been a problem. It is what it is and I accepted that I would have to make adjustments to my technique to get around the extra distances involved.

There are a a few differences between 4's and 5's and you've just got to adapt your technique to overcome them. I've seen guys who weren't keen to change their style for a 5 and they didn't keep it for long. I'd take lessons, or just work it out at home, but whatever you do it's a very worthwhile project.

 

Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray 5 has narrow neck and is high quality.