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5 String Basses

#3
You're approaching the issue with a preconceived notion that 5 strings are harder to play because the neck is wider. Don't worry, it's not really an issue. the only time that a wide 5 string neck that ever comes into play is when you venture down to that new low B string, which you hopefully won't do too often. The string spacing at the E, A, D, and G strings will either be the same or narrower (more likely) than a standard 4 string. Now if you already prefer narrow string spacing and thin necks, by all means look at Ibanez. They make some great basses. But in my opinion, you shouldn't be afraid of a bass neck because it's a measly centimeter or so wider, or a measly millimeter or so thicker. Drop that bias, head to a music store with a good selection, and play around. Play basses that you even think are ugly, they might feel great and help you find what you really want a bass to feel like. There are many short bassists who play full size instruments, don't let it be an issue for you!
 
#5
For what it's worth, I'm trying to make the same decision, 4 vs. 5... and I keep bouncing back and forth. I think I'm gonna end up pulling the trigger and getting a 5...

I keep coming back to the plain-jane Fender Standard Jazz Bass and love that tone, but would love the addition of the low notes and the additional fingering options. I think that I'm going to end up getting the MIM standard bass, but I don't how many strings yet...

King rew is right though, the neck width doesn't make as much difference than you'd expect. The harder thing is muting the additional B string... Under normal circumstances, you can just use it as a thumb rest, but if you're picking, that requires some special attention through a palm mute or clever fretting... but I digress.

I think I'm gonna go 5 strings... or 4 string... or 5...?
 
#6
Fives force you to play with the proper hand position (most of the time) with your thumb behind the neck, especially as you make your way toward the 12th fret. I started basses on 5's and I (sadly) can't pick up a four and play it the same, don't know where to rest my right thumb (imagine Ricky bobby "I don't know what to do with my hands").
That said, if you watch the trifecta, SMV, they are almost always on 4's. So there is a lot of merit to sticking with a 4, you can wrap your left hand around for leverage (think Jimi Hendrix or Stevie ray Vaughan) which gives a different feel to the bass completely.
Cheers, post pics when you make the move.
 
#8
My only bass is a 5er- Squier Standard Precision V. It's got Jazz electronics. This bass has the widest neck I've played; if I recall correctly, it's got standard 19mm string spacing at the bridge. That and it's fairly thick front-to-back.

That being said, one of the nicest 5-string necks I've played is an Ibanez SR505. Feels nice and compact. +1 to trying many different 5ers, though. You never know what you'll like until you play it!
 
#9
I'm plaing Ibanez SR305. It has thin, smooth, fast and narrow neck. You have to be quite precise when you are slapping that baby though :) I know sometime I get there, but right now I can't repeat some slap fills that I do on 4 string J-bass.

I'm upgrading my 305 to 505 anytime soon, but in terms of dimensions they are equal..
 
#10
I found that Ibanez SDGR's have necks that are a little too thin for my paws (so they may be just right for you). Not sure about the whole short arm thing. I found the length quite comfy as I do on most Fender Js. Probably just best to look around and see what you like.
 
#12
One of the reasons I shied away from a 5 stringer for so long is because the few that I played over the years had pretty wide (not thick) necks due to string spacing and I didn't think I'd get used to them. I was lucky and happened upon a Tune TWB53 a few weeks ago that I felt was pretty comfortable for a 5 and have really fallen in love with it since. The upper horn doesn't quite reach up to the 12th fret, which normally sets a 34" scale bass in the right position for me so that it doesn't feel as though I have to reach too far, so I was a little wary about ever getting used to the bass but after a few weeks I've gotten very used to it and now play it with ease.

My suggestion would be to allow a little time to get used to a particular bass before dismissing it. It may take some time to really get a feel for it and see if you can get accustomed to it.

ojakov said:
I'm plaing Ibanez SR305. It has thin, smooth, fast and narrow neck. You have to be quite precise when you are slapping that baby though :) I know sometime I get there, but right now I can't repeat some slap fills that I do on 4 string J-bass.

I'm upgrading my 305 to 505 anytime soon, but in terms of dimensions they are equal..
Click to expand...

+1 on the string spacing aspect of a narrower neck.
 
#13
I bought a 5-string P bass and the spacing wasn't an issue for me. In fact, the string spacing is a little closer than on my 4-string P bass. Overall, the neck is a little wider, but not so much that it's an issue. I have fingers that are (what I believe) to be on the shorter side and the wider neck is no issue at all. I agree with those who say you should make your way to the local guitar store and play a few different models. That's the only true way you'll figure out what's comfortable for you.
 
#14
ojakov said:
I'm plaing Ibanez SR305. It has thin, smooth, fast and narrow neck. You have to be quite precise when you are slapping that baby though :) I know sometime I get there, but right now I can't repeat some slap fills that I do on 4 string J-bass.

I'm upgrading my 305 to 505 anytime soon, but in terms of dimensions they are equal..
Click to expand...

Same here. I have an Ibanez sr305 too. it's a cool sounding bass and now I'm interested in purchasing an Ibanez sr505. hopefully I'll buy one soon.
 
#15
I'd say to try some and not have too set an idea of what size neck you want. Despite having quite small hands and preferring the feel of narrower J-type necks on a 4, I ended up getting a fairly wide, 35" scale, 19mm spaced 5er. With my thumb in the right position I find it really comfortable.
 
#18
Okay, not only have I never played one of these, I've never even seen one except in pictures. But if you want a short scale 5, the Birdsong Hy5 is probably worth looking into. Scott Beckwith builds short-scale basses and nothing else.

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#19
First, endorsement alert. I am endorsed by Brubaker, so take what I say anyway you wish.ye

I am a 30+ year professional bass player who was born and raised on 4's. My collection includes Kubicki's, especially for the great neck feel.

The first 5 string that I have played regularly is my Brubaker Brute. 19mm string spacing, so you get 4 string type room. It is by far the most comfortable, thin 5 string neck and profile I have ever played for a 5, and my little stubby fingers move fine across it.

At the price point of the Brute you can easily afford it and try it out.

Before I endorsed Brutes I owned one for a year. I recently purchased a 5 string custom Brubaker because of how comfortable I have become with the neck. I still suck on a 5 string, but as Glenn at Bass Specialties says, for the working bassist 5 strings is becoming the norm to fit most styles of music.

I hope that helps. The only thing about playing a 5, if you have played 4s, is getting your head to understand that the B is NOT the E, and that you have to play higher up the neck a touch and get used to being more toward the "bottom" of the neck when playing.

My two pennies, for what its worth...
 
#20
TRichardsbass said:
First, endorsement alert. I am endorsed by Brubaker, so take what I say anyway you wish.ye

I am a 30+ year professional bass player who was born and raised on 4's. My collection includes Kubicki's, especially for the great neck feel.

The first 5 string that I have played regularly is my Brubaker Brute. 19mm string spacing, so you get 4 string type room. It is by far the most comfortable, thin 5 string neck and profile I have ever played for a 5, and my little stubby fingers move fine across it.

At the price point of the Brute you can easily afford it and try it out.

Before I endorsed Brutes I owned one for a year. I recently purchased a 5 string custom Brubaker because of how comfortable I have become with the neck. I still suck on a 5 string, but as Glenn at Bass Specialties says, for the working bassist 5 strings is becoming the norm to fit most styles of music.

I hope that helps. The only thing about playing a 5, if you have played 4s, is getting your head to understand that the B is NOT the E, and that you have to play higher up the neck a touch and get used to being more toward the "bottom" of the neck when playing.

My two pennies, for what its worth...
Click to expand...

I have seen these and like what I see. Would like to find somewhere to try one out. I also have read a lot of good suggestions here. A lot of you guys have good ideas. Thanks for the help.
 

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