5 string fretless

[perfectarc]

My fingerpicking style style is thumb and index finger, with wrist resting on the bridge or slightly toward the pups to control muting and dynamics. I'm very comfortable with this style on my 4 string bass on the G,D and A strings but when I pick the E, I run out of bridge! It definitely feels like I lose support and it takes me out of my comfort zone.
I feel my options are 1) keep on working on a "workaround" in transitioning from bridge anchor to body/pup anchor; 2) get a 5 string that will extend the bridge width to accommodate my style.
I'm thinking of option #2, as I've worked on #1 for awhile and am still not comfortable with transitioning. It will also give me the option for going to an even lower register, even though I'm happy with the 4 string range. In addition, if I get another bass, this might be the time to get a fretless as well.
I currently have a EBMM Sterling and SX short scale (I love both).
I'd like to keep closer to the price of the SX. Any recommendations for a midrange price 5 string fretless? Also, are there any short scale 5 string fretless basses out there?

Thanks!

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Well...........
Once you get a 5-string and start using the B, won't you "run out of bridge" the same way as on the 4-string?

I don't see that as the #1 reason to get a 5-string, and the extended range as a #2 reason.

It sounds like you either have to try harder to get your current picking methid to wirk for you or try something different altogether.
I had a similar problem with slap-style. What I was doing wasn't working for me, so I had to try a whole different method altogether even though it wasn't "comfortable" for me. After a LONG time trying to get it right, my old method wasn't comfortable anymore, and the new way is 2nd nature.
You have to look at it from a psychological standpoint as well. Is the "comfort" zone really where your hand is BEST for you, or is it a little bit of laziness and not trying to make it work?

 

[perfectarc]

Thanks for the response East Coast Eddie; I was looking for equipment recommendations, not suggestions regarding my motivation, possible laziness, etc but, I hear your comments in the helpful perspective in which I'm sure you mean.

Regarding whether I may run out of bridge with a B, who knows? I haven't missed the extended range so far.

Regarding working harder on my picking style, I am very happy with it, after going through a couple of different techniques. I do make it work for me. I am just looking to enhance my equipment to make it work as optimally as possible, as other players may add finger rests, wedges, etc to their equipment.

I may look to have a rest fabricated for my SX, above the E near the bridge. Or since a 5 string SX is so inexpensive, I may get that, and get the fretless as a bonus!

Well...........
Once you get a 5-string and start using the B, won't you "run out of bridge" the same way as on the 4-string?

I don't see that as the #1 reason to get a 5-string, and the extended range as a #2 reason.

It sounds like you either have to try harder to get your current picking methid to wirk for you or try something different altogether.
I had a similar problem with slap-style. What I was doing wasn't working for me, so I had to try a whole different method altogether even though it wasn't "comfortable" for me. After a LONG time trying to get it right, my old method wasn't comfortable anymore, and the new way is 2nd nature.
You have to look at it from a psychological standpoint as well. Is the "comfort" zone really where your hand is BEST for you, or is it a little bit of laziness and not trying to make it work?

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I guess I should have asked not to take it the wrong way...like I said, I've been struggling with different techniques for a long time, and I'm just trying to adapt to what I have rather than change the equpiment until I'm comfortable with it.

The "laziness" thing...it wasn't to disrespect you. We're all lazy in our own ways; at least that's how I see the world. When people get confortable, they get lazy, it's a psyche thing. Just the way it goes. I know some of my techniques are wrong and I'm too lazy to change some of it because I don't feel like straining to work on it. But that's how life is. Once you really decide to try and work on things wholeheartedly is when you get results.

that's all, carry on...

But as far as new equipment, an SX 5-string can cost about $140...pretty inexpensive.