5-String or 6-String? (Used to 4-string)

[SemiDriven]

Here is what it boiled down to for me....
I played a few different 4's in different tunings for quite awhile. Got tired of swapping basses for different turnings, so I checked out 5's and 6's. Realized the 6 wasn't necessary as I didn't need the high c, but found the 5 strings were harder for me to play.
Once I realized my 4 strings were 17 & 18mm spacing, I quit looking at 15 & 16mm spaced 5 strings. Ta Da! Now, the 5 strings were just as easy to play as the 4's. I actually have ended up playing MTD Kingstons with 19mm string spacing and they are the Easiest playing basses I have ever played on, regardless of the # of strings.
Long story short,going to 5's from 4's made it a whole lot easier on me because I played and recorded with bands and solo that required different tunings. Going to a couple 5's has made things a lot easier. Just another thing to think about. Its late and I ramble. Sorry...

Rambling allowed! It's all good.

Playing a five with the string spacing similar to a four (that you are used to) makes sense. Why reprogram your brain in areas you don't have to?! I'm assuming that makes the MTD 5-string neck a wee bit wider? Or no? If it does, do you find that a big deal or not really?

On a related subject, I believe the MTD Kingston series features the asymmetrical neck. Do you like that? Do you notice it? I'm primarily looking at the Ibanez SR's but I've mused over the equally budget friendly MTD line. Haven't found one yet, however, that I can try out.

 

[Roy Vogt]

The MTD Kingstons and KZ basses are great as far as bang for the buck. One of my students has a KZ6 and I'm very impressed with the quality.

 

[SemiDriven]

For me, the string spacing on a 4 was always cumbersome, so when I played my first 5 (low B) I instantly felt at home. I've since wondered about playing a 6 for the high range as well, but instead bought another 5 and strung it high C which has changed my playing style a little. I figured I'd have a spare bass to go fretless or customise if it doesn't work out, cause we all know it won't be the last one

The thought that a 5-string's typical narrower spacing might be a better fit over all for my hands, style of playing, etc., never occurred to me. Thanks for that. I'm suddenly realizing more so the need to actually play a 5 and 6-string a lot more than I briefly have.

Having 2-5's -- one with a low B and one with a high C makes sense. It's a matter of getting your brain to make the transition between the two. Is that what you meant when you said "…has changed your playing style a little…."? Or is it more technique? or both?

 

[SemiDriven]

I understand your dilemma. I made the progression years ago from 4 to 5 to 6 in that order. It does rely a great deal on what you play and listen to. A 6 is a bit of a jump from a 4 and if your time is limited could cause angst.

Another option is stringing a 5 DGCFBb, this way you get a nice low-D and a bit higher as well.

Good luck.

Thanks man!

Avoiding angst is something I take very seriously!

 

[SemiDriven]

The MTD Kingstons and KZ basses are great as far as bang for the buck. One of my students has a KZ6 and I'm very impressed with the quality.

The KZ looks nice. Pardon me while I look for my drool clean-up kit.

Looks a bit on the heavy side. Maybe not. How much do you think it weighs? 9 lbs? Note to manufacturers: please include the weight of your instruments on the product information page!

 

[SoVeryTired]

Rambling allowed! It's all good.

Playing a five with the string spacing similar to a four (that you are used to) makes sense. Why reprogram your brain in areas you don't have to?! I'm assuming that makes the MTD 5-string neck a wee bit wider? Or no? If it does, do you find that a big deal or not really?

On a related subject, I believe the MTD Kingston series features the asymmetrical neck. Do you like that? Do you notice it? I'm primarily looking at the Ibanez SR's but I've mused over the equally budget friendly MTD line. Haven't found one yet, however, that I can try out.

I've got a MTD Kingston Heir 5, which is my first 5er. I'm fairly new to bass, having been a guitarist for years and occasionally filling in on a borrowed bass. I got my first used 4-string last May and had some more money to get a better bass in November. I had an open mind on 4 versus 5, and had read enough to understand the possible benefits of a 5. I'd tried a couple of 5ers with narrower spacing that just felt cramped to me - and I have small hands.

I was all set on getting a 4-string until the store owner put the MTD in my hands. The wide string spacing at the bridge combined with the assymettrical neck just felt right. Completely subjective, I know, and I probably haven't been playing long enough to have the definitive opion anyway, but I think they're fantastic 5 strings. I tried the 4-string version and didn't get the same feeling. If you get a chance to try one (5 or 6), do it!

 

[SemiDriven]

I've got a MTD Kingston Heir 5, which is my first 5er. I'm fairly new to bass, having been a guitarist for years and occasionally filling in on a borrowed bass. I got my first used 4-string last May and had some more money to get a better bass in November. I had an open mind on 4 versus 5, and had read enough to understand the possible benefits of a 5. I'd tried a couple of 5ers with narrower spacing that just felt cramped to me - and I have small hands.

I was all set on getting a 4-string until the store owner put the MTD in my hands. The wide string spacing at the bridge combined with the assymettrical neck just felt right. Completely subjective, I know, and I probably haven't been playing long enough to have the definitive opion anyway, but I think they're fantastic 5 strings. I tried the 4-string version and didn't get the same feeling. If you get a chance to try one (5 or 6), do it!

Well, if I do go the 5-string route, I will definitely have to try the MTD Kingston series. Scratch that...I'm gonna try one out no matter what. I wonder if GC charges room and board?

 

[SoVeryTired]

Well, if I do go the 5-string route, I will definitely have to try the MTD Kingston series. Scratch that...I'm gonna try one out no matter what. I wonder if GC charges room and board?

Bear in mind that while all the MTD Kingstons have the assymettrical neck, the Saratoga and CRB and 34" scale (and passive), whilst all the others are 35" (and have an active pre-amp). So the feel will be different between the CRB/Saratoga and the rest of the bunch.

 

[SemiDriven]

Bear in mind that while all the MTD Kingstons have the assymettrical neck, the Saratoga and CRB and 34" scale (and passive), whilst all the others are 35" (and have an active pre-amp). So the feel will be different between the CRB/Saratoga and the rest of the bunch.

Thanks for the distinction. I've never played a 35"er. I hear that it's good for the B-string tonation but not so much for the upper registers. YMMV

I just got my first active pre-amp bass a short while ago. It's cool. Could really go either passive or active. Seems more active pre-amp basses are being made today.

 

[SemiDriven]

And another question....

Is it generally a rule of thumb that the overall weight of the bass contributes to increased neck dive? Part of me says no. Me no like neck diving (except with my wife!)

 

[nostatic]

Actually IME lighter basses tend to have more neck dive. It depends on a number of factors (standing vs sitting, upper horn position, body shape) but there is only so much weight that you remove from the headstock. So as the overall instrument gets lighter, the tendency is for them to get neck heavy. Especially with 5 or 6 string as you're adding more tuners.

 

[kanonfodr]

I made the transition to a 6'er fairly easily, but I had a lot of experience with 5-strings before that. Additionally, most of my music doesn't require anything in the higher register but I'm kinda happy with that as I get to be really comfortable playing an instrument that's physically bigger without having to worry about taking too large of a step in technique.

Honestly I use my 6-string as much as possible, but still keep a few 4's and a 5 around for different situations. And honestly, going from a 6 to a 4 in the same night makes playing the 4-banger seem like child's play, even if I'm playing the exact same song. So I guess I'm slowly improving by playing the 6

Peace,
Greg

 

[SemiDriven]

Actually IME lighter basses tend to have more neck dive. It depends on a number of factors (standing vs sitting, upper horn position, body shape) but there is only so much weight that you remove from the headstock. So as the overall instrument gets lighter, the tendency is for them to get neck heavy. Especially with 5 or 6 string as you're adding more tuners.

Got it.

 

[bassguy72]

Just go ahead and get a 7 string......then you'll be covered all around.........

 

[SemiDriven]

I made the transition to a 6'er fairly easily, but I had a lot of experience with 5-strings before that.

Makes sense. I get the feeling that going from the 4 to the 5 to the 6 (and back again) has been a natural progression for you.

Additionally, most of my music doesn't require anything in the higher register but I'm kinda happy with that as I get to be really comfortable playing an instrument that's physically bigger without having to worry about taking too large of a step in technique.

I'm all over that (being reasonable in technique progression). Definitely do not want to lose heart in playing the Bass. Keep the learning going but don't dive in the deep end of the pool before you know how to swim properly!

Honestly I use my 6-string as much as possible, but still keep a few 4's and a 5 around for different situations. And honestly, going from a 6 to a 4 in the same night makes playing the 4-banger seem like child's play, even if I'm playing the exact same song. So I guess I'm slowly improving by playing the 6

Makes total sense to me. Whatever I decide to go with -- 5 or 6 -- I'm getting the distinct impression that I most likely will be playing that more than the 4-string. At least practicing more on it -- no doubt!

 

[.BumeStik.]

Rambling allowed! It's all good.

Playing a five with the string spacing similar to a four (that you are used to) makes sense. Why reprogram your brain in areas you don't have to?! I'm assuming that makes the MTD 5-string neck a wee bit wider? Or no? If it does, do you find that a big deal or not really?

On a related subject, I believe the MTD Kingston series features the asymmetrical neck. Do you like that? Do you notice it? I'm primarily looking at the Ibanez SR's but I've mused over the equally budget friendly MTD line. Haven't found one yet, however, that I can try out.

I do not Find that the 5 string MTD neck, even being a bit wider, is any harder to play. In fact, the feel of the MTD Asymmetrical neck is what SOLD me on them in the 1st place. I played a couple Kingston 4 and 5 strings that were 34 & 35" scale and I couldn't believe the consistency in the feeling for me, even between the scale lengths. I Avoid 35" scale, personally. That is actually why I ended up buying the MTD CRB 5 Strings, one fretted one fretless. The CRB is 34" inch scale and has the most AMAZING sounding B String I have heard on a 34" Scale. I am sold. Oh, I also have the SMALLEST LITTLE 5 Year Old Girl hands Ever. Frodo Baggins has HUGE hand compared to me and the 19mm spacing on the MTD's, and even the Wider 5 string neck, are still AMAZINGLY comfy and easy to play for, for me.....

The other thing is that once I played the MTD Kingston stuff, I sold Every Ibanez I had..... I was a Very Loyal Ibanez player for years and they are a Great Product, but I feel like I have Missed Out not having tried the MTD Kingston Basses until just a couple months ago... This is all just my opinion BTW, but I haven't heard of to many people that have said they didn't like the MTD stuff...

 

[SemiDriven]

Just go ahead and get a 7 string......then you'll be covered all around.........

Are you insane?

 

[SemiDriven]

[/U][/I][/B]
I do not Find that the 5 string MTD neck, even being a bit wider, is any harder to play. In fact, the feel of the MTD Asymmetrical neck is what SOLD me on them in the 1st place. I played a couple Kingston 4 and 5 strings that were 34 & 35" scale and I couldn't believe the consistency in the feeling for me, even between the scale lengths. I Avoid 35" scale, personally. That is actually why I ended up buying the MTD CRB 5 Strings, one fretted one fretless. The CRB is 34" inch scale and has the most AMAZING sounding B String I have heard on a 34" Scale. I am sold. Oh, I also have the SMALLEST LITTLE 5 Year Old Girl hands Ever. Frodo Baggins has HUGE hand compared to me and the 19mm spacing on the MTD's, and even the Wider 5 string neck, are still AMAZINGLY comfy and easy to play for, for me.....

The other thing is that once I played the MTD Kingston stuff, I sold Every Ibanez I had..... I was a Very Loyal Ibanez player for years and they are a Great Product, but I feel like I have Missed Out not having tried the MTD Kingston Basses until just a couple months ago... This is all just my opinion BTW, but I haven't heard of to many people that have said they didn't like the MTD stuff...

Oh-oh. I'm starting to drool again…and I'm getting G.A.S. in a bad way.

Must…fight…the…urge….

Better now. My wife walked into the room.

Pray tell why you avoid 35" scale? Is it because you and Frodo have something in common? Seriously, just wondering….

WOW…leaving Ibanez out in the cold like that. Where's the love man?

Ya got me thinkin'….

BTW, how much does the MTD CRB 5 weigh? Neck dive?

 

[.BumeStik.]

Oh-oh. I'm starting to drool again…and I'm getting G.A.S. in a bad way.

Must…fight…the…urge….

Better now. My wife walked into the room.

Pray tell why you avoid 35" scale? Is it because you and Frodo have something in common? Seriously, just wondering….

WOW…leaving Ibanez out in the cold like that. Where's the love man?

Ya got me thinkin'….

BTW, how much does the MTD CRB 5 weigh? Neck dive?

So, after buying and playing a Few different Ibanez BTB's, which are ALL 35", I started noticing that I would be getting maybe half way through a set, and my left hand would feel really fatigued. I couldn't figure out what was going on. So, I switched it up one night and played with a 34" Ibanez SRX I had. Didn't realize it until after the show, but my Hand DID NOT Fatigue. Probably got it into my Brain that is was the scale and tricked my self, but after going back and forth between 34" and 35" scales, I Swear the Longer scale makes my Fretting hand fatigue. I AM Attributing to the fact that Mr. Frodo can beat me in Thumb Wrestling, so I just went 34' and forgot about it.

I DID have a REALLY hard time ditchin' the Ibbie's.... BUT, now that I have been playing on the CRB's for awhile and I am playing better, clearer, and harder lines than I have EVER played with NO Effort, I HAVE TO attribute it to the MTD's. I feel I made the Gooder Choice, for me Personally.

My CRB's show on our made by NASA, tells you how fat, ugly, and sad you are, Ridiculously ACCURATE Bath scale at 8.4lbs. When I Sit with it, I get a Little TINY bit of feeling neck heavy, but I sit funny when I play cause of old knee injuries. On a Neotech Strap, it holds Perfectly without me touching it. So, no noticeable neck dive, to me anyway.

 

[bassbenj]

This paragraph gives me pause in pursuing a 5-string. I can see that playing a six would be very beneficial in playing a five. As you say it forces you to think wide. Why is my left hand suddenly starting to ache? As an aside, I just learned that the first ERB basses were made back in 1956 (Danelectro 6-string) and 1961 (Fender Bass VI). Both were tuned to EADGBE. It wasn't until 1975 that Anthony Jackson's Contrabass guitar (BEADGC) started the revolution in ERB playing. And Michael Tobias in the late 80's became the 1st luthier to make a bass with more than 6-strings. OK history digression over and out. BTW, thanks for the link!

As my link will (sort of) explain, standard guitar tuning is designed to make chords easier (or even possible) to finger. Basses on the other hand, usually play one note at a time so the tuning in 4ths allows all your scales and patterns to be moved around at will which is very handy.

But you can see the deal here with a 6 or more strings is that one purpose ALSO is the creation of chords. Plus some bass players also play guitar. Hence, one can take advantage of your previous knowledge by tuning the upper strings of a bass to be like a guitar. But then you lose the moving thing. People do this.

So the bottom line tends to be sort of personal with regard to chords and scales in the upper reaches. Personally, I tune all my basses in 4ths. But I'm not very good with standard guitar tuning. I mostly play open tunings on guitar (which is another subject where you have to learn a different set of scales and patterns for EACH tuning).

But you perhaps can see the logic that drives these different kinds of tunings and instruments.