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5 string basses: are they worth it?
- Thread starter cbass717
- Start date
I switched to 5 about 5 years ago. I would never go back. In fact I have owned 5 - 5 strings since!!! Got rid of my 4 strings!! go 5!!!!!
I'm about the only one here who doesn't think it's worth it.
I always thought E on a regular 4-string bass was quite a low note! We've been getting away with it for years...!
Depending on the tone, I often find the B fairly inaudible on a 5 string in combination with other instruments.
You can play in Eb with a 4 string! Just add more bass to your sound. That'll give you the deeper octaves!
What about the problem with extra damping of the extra string?
A 4 string neck feels great - nice and slim. A 5 string feels bulky.
you can thrash and strum a 4-string easier than a 5 (if you're into that sort of thing)
5 strings generally cost more.
Each to his/her own....!
I always thought E on a regular 4-string bass was quite a low note! We've been getting away with it for years...!
Depending on the tone, I often find the B fairly inaudible on a 5 string in combination with other instruments.
You can play in Eb with a 4 string! Just add more bass to your sound. That'll give you the deeper octaves!
What about the problem with extra damping of the extra string?
A 4 string neck feels great - nice and slim. A 5 string feels bulky.
you can thrash and strum a 4-string easier than a 5 (if you're into that sort of thing)
5 strings generally cost more.
Each to his/her own....!
I have a fretted 5 that is my main/favorite bass. I find that I really need/use the B string. Not too much, but easily enough to "justify" having one.
I've been doing a lot of jazz gigs lately, so I got a fretless 4 as I am going for an "upright" kind of sound. I am still getting used to it, but I find myself "going" for the B string and it's not there.
I've been doing a lot of jazz gigs lately, so I got a fretless 4 as I am going for an "upright" kind of sound. I am still getting used to it, but I find myself "going" for the B string and it's not there.
Just Thumpin'
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- Mar 7, 2008
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WOW, I am amazed that the vast majority of people say "yes" to this as whenever a poll is taken, 4-string players on TB seem to vastly outnumber 5-string players.
I have played since 1980, currently have 8 basses, and all of them are 4's. I have tried a 5 several times and I just hate the feel of the necks. No question that there are very valid reasons for playing a 5 (assuming you enjoy it), but be very sure that it is for you.
I love the simple elegance of 4-string basses. They are home to me and maybe someday that will change, but for now, no need.
BTW, during the times where I was trying out five strings, I just felt that having the low-B (that I used maybe six or 8 times a night) was not worth the extra weight and change in feel of the bass. A five string neck is a fairly significant piece of lumber IMO (I am only 5'6" and have small hands) so I have stayed with a 4.
Just a different opinion and frankly, the only one that matters in this situation is yours. Play one for awhile and decide for yourself. Cheers.
I have played since 1980, currently have 8 basses, and all of them are 4's. I have tried a 5 several times and I just hate the feel of the necks. No question that there are very valid reasons for playing a 5 (assuming you enjoy it), but be very sure that it is for you.
I love the simple elegance of 4-string basses. They are home to me and maybe someday that will change, but for now, no need.
BTW, during the times where I was trying out five strings, I just felt that having the low-B (that I used maybe six or 8 times a night) was not worth the extra weight and change in feel of the bass. A five string neck is a fairly significant piece of lumber IMO (I am only 5'6" and have small hands) so I have stayed with a 4.
Just a different opinion and frankly, the only one that matters in this situation is yours. Play one for awhile and decide for yourself. Cheers.
Yeah, I'm with you there. Hurray for a different opinion.
I'm also quite surprised at the number of 5 string enthusiasts here on TB. Are 4 stringers in the minority? Surely not.
Remember kids - there's a simple elegance to the 4 string - and a lot less bulk!
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I to am 
by the "deeper octaves" opinion.
My POG gives me deeper octaves. Cranking the bass knob on my amp does not.
The POG achieves deeper octaves by generating them and mixing them with your original signal. All you will achieve with the bass knob is reduction of your amps headroom
by the "deeper octaves" opinion.My POG gives me deeper octaves. Cranking the bass knob on my amp does not.
The POG achieves deeper octaves by generating them and mixing them with your original signal. All you will achieve with the bass knob is reduction of your amps headroom
For Me...5 string are NOT worth it. I've played 5's, 6's, and have always gone back to the 4. I play a ton of different styles from jazz to funk to rock to country to folk americana and I don't like the sound of notes lower than a low E. Just my ears and my opinion. If I played Gospel or some smooth R&B...then I'd definitely have a 5!
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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I have small hands and I prefer slimmer necks ... but I also prefer 5 strings ... So I modify 4 string basses into 5 string basses ... For me the perfect neck is a 4 string p-bass neck which I put 5 strings on.
I currently own 13 basses ... all are 5 string basses!
My SX jazz 5 is exactly that. I have fairly long, but thin fingers and I love the small string spacing. Easier to mute, less movement when skipping strings.
And, that is one nice bass:
Ric5
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
The SX 5 string necks a slimmer than Fender 5 string necks ... here's a couple of my frankensteined basses ...
I personally only own a 4, but I see no reason to buy a 5. Not because I don't think I would use the B string, but because why the hell would I not also want a high C string? If I am going to have more than 4 strings, the only option that makes sense to me is 6.
Don't half ass it!
Don't half ass it!
Huh?
What problem?
Ah, someone here said a 5 string enabled him to play in Eb easier. It probably does, but you can still play in Eb on a 4 string, eh?
You don't have a problem muting open strings? Well that's great but I spent half my time doing that. If I got a 5 string it would give me more to mute. I suppose I should improve my technique
Ah, someone here said a 5 string enabled him to play in Eb easier. It probably does, but you can still play in Eb on a 4 string, eh?
You don't have a problem muting open strings? Well that's great but I spent half my time doing that. If I got a 5 string it would give me more to mute. I suppose I should improve my technique
I think extra range is a good thing, so I've tried to learn both the 5 and 6 string.
My main basses are my G&L L2000 and 2500 (4 and 5 string respectively), sure enough the 5 gives me a wider range and thus a bit more versatility.
I find the 6 string to be a little more than I need, but it has its advantages as well.
A well-designed 5 like the L2500 or the MM Sterling 5, and really a whole bunch of others, will have a reasonably sized neck. I.e. my 5 string's neck is about like a good fat P-bass neck in terms of geometry.
Muting and plucking can be dealt with with a good right hand technique like the floating thumb method or Gary Willis's technique, etc....
I will admit that my favorite bass is my 4 string tho.....
LS
Seems that only 5 players have responded to this, when in reality the majority of bass players still only play a 4. I am one of them. I've owned three 5'ers in the past and played dozens more.
I find the B string muddy and "flubby" if that's a word, no matter what fret you are on. And I find this in every recording of a 5 I've ever heard as well as every 5 I've ever heard being played live.
I'm sure I'll get some flack for this, but the dude asked and it seems no one spoke up but guys that love 5's.
My opinion would be to try a D-tuner on a 4 before deciding if you need that low range. 5's are definitely not for everyone.
I find the B string muddy and "flubby" if that's a word, no matter what fret you are on. And I find this in every recording of a 5 I've ever heard as well as every 5 I've ever heard being played live.
I'm sure I'll get some flack for this, but the dude asked and it seems no one spoke up but guys that love 5's.
My opinion would be to try a D-tuner on a 4 before deciding if you need that low range. 5's are definitely not for everyone.
