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5-string or BEAD?

#21
One of the big reasons I'm looking into it is that right now I hate playing in C or D - it just feels so thin when you hit the root and it's so high.

However I have also been using the upper frets on my G during solos lately, so I might miss it if it were gone.

Maybe the right answer is to trade out my Ibanez for a 5 and string my Warwick to BEAD, and keep my Fender in E. It could be the best of all three worlds, potentially.
 
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#25
There are some factors to consider.

First, not every bass takes to the strings needed for BEAD tuning. You have to file the nut, adjust the neck, hope the bridge saddle are big enough, and hope you can get the intonation right.

When I played in a stoner/doom band a 5 string was overkill. With my current project I use the G a lot more, so I definitely want it.
 
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#26
socialleper said:
There are some factors to consider.

First, not every bass takes to the strings needed for BEAD tuning. You have to file the nut, adjust the neck, hope the bridge saddle are big enough, and hope you can get the intonation right.

When I played in a stoner/doom band a 5 string was overkill. With my current project I use the G a lot more, so I definitely want it.
Click to expand...

Ive looked at the bridge and I'm pretty sure it can handle it. Filing the nut won't be a problem, and I've been doing my own setups for years so adjusting the neck will be fine too.
 
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#30
I'm gonna be "that guy". Get a D-tuner. Go for the 2-position double shot - set one to D and the other to B. Then spend some time learning how to use it. It just takes a little mental effort.

For the record, I'm fluent in 4, 5, and 6 strings. I'll also tune a 4-string to D-standard and/or use a Hipshot. I'm about to put a D-tuner on my #1 Jazz because I have yet to find a Jazz 5 (or any other Jazz) that sounds as good as that one. That bass just has "it", so I'll make it work for me.

OTOH - the only downside to tuning BEAD is that you might have to cut a new nut if you decide to sell it and move on to 5 string. Otherwise, there's no reason to not give it a go and see how you like it. It'll cost you a set of strings. Big deal.
 
#31
Seeing that you've got a stable on hand already, I think diversifying the portfolio in the way you're considering is exactly the right move.

I'm on the Ibanez SR train as well; you're not likely to find a well-balancing and lightweight instrument of similar quality elsewhere without adding $1000 USD or more to the price.
 
#32
Well good luck on that trade, I can't think of a smaller 5-string. Soundgears work really well for cats that want a full long-scale bass, but need something a size smaller than a typical Fender-Shaped-Object.

I've almost come to think that if all you want is the extra five notes from E-flat to B-o, it's maybe an easier transition than going from four to five to just re-string a four to BEAD. No change in instruments, still four strings technique-wise, and if it's permanent a quick nut change and re-filing your bridge saddles and you're done.

But that and a five-string are two entirely different animals.

You play a five for the alternate fingerings (you noted this in your original post), the ability to transpose far easier than a four-string, and if you are playing styles where you de-tune, you may already be there as-is, or have to drop-tune to a much lesser degree to keep your string tension up. These can be much bigger problems with four strings only, and why a five (or six) makes things a lot easier IF you can make the transition.

Some guys can't or won't, and that's OK, too.

For me, I transitioned to fives in the late 80's and never looked back, it just suits me far better than a four ever did. Again, good luck on that trade.
 
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#33
mini-milli said:
One of the big reasons I'm looking into it is that right now I hate playing in C or D - it just feels so thin when you hit the root and it's so high.

However I have also been using the upper frets on my G during solos lately, so I might miss it if it were gone.

Maybe the right answer is to trade out my Ibanez for a 5 and string my Warwick to BEAD, and keep my Fender in E. It could be the best of all three worlds, potentially.
Click to expand...

Oh, I thought you only had one bass based on the first post. It really depends on the songs you're playing and how easy it is to switch between an EADG and BEAD bass. If you're looking for a one bass solution, then yes, you want a five string.

Looking at Guitar Center's used site they are selling the SR650 for $499, so it's likely that they would offer $250-300. Other places could offer less. So if you were thinking that you might sale one and get a fiver even-Steven, that's unlikely.
 
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#34
A BEAD 4string is cool. But the low might be a bit floppy. If your string through, it might work out. But a top loader might need a ½ or so spacer tube. At the ball end to increase the scale a tad and tighten up the low.

Gary Willis talked about this is one of his books.
 
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#35
mini-milli said:
Maybe the right answer is to trade out my Ibanez for a 5 and string my Warwick to BEAD, and keep my Fender in E. It could be the best of all three worlds, potentially.
Click to expand...
Or BEAD the darker sounding bass, maybe. But having the most options makes the most sense.

micguy said:
I found it much easier to play a 5 than a bead 4 - as the top 4 strings are the same as a regular 4, it was easier mentally to know where I was. You might be more mentally agile.
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Same. I treated the 5 as a brand new instrument. And every time I picked it up, that is what I was holding. No leap required. Restrung old basses, OTOH, can still take a second to switch sometimes.
 
#36
mini-milli said:
I already have three 4s and no 5s, I've owned one before and liked the extended range and efficiency of playing further up and down without moving my hand, but the body was gigantic and it was very heavy.

I ended up selling it because I just could not get comfortable on it no matter what I tried, so I think a smaller body 5-string would work well for me, but converting the four would be much cheaper and easier in my situation.
Click to expand...

Same for me as well. I've owned four different 5 string basses, never truly "took" to them even when they were my primary bass due to the song list. I just prefer a 4.
 
#39
JW56789 said:
No change in instruments, still four strings technique-wise, and if it's permanent a quick nut change and re-filing your bridge saddles and you're done.
Click to expand...
Permanent or temporary, if you want to play in tune up and down the neck, you need to seat those strings in the nut to the appropriate height.
halcyo said:
BEAD sounds like a good idea, until you're playing a note and want to pop on that octave note on the nonexistent G string!
Click to expand...
2 options. Either thump the B string and pop on the A. Or slap and pop on the same note. Personally I love the sound of the second option. Gives me a nice synthy growl. And option 1 is there for the snare-like crack.
 
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#40
MultiScaleMale said:
Oh, I thought you only had one bass based on the first post. It really depends on the songs you're playing and how easy it is to switch between an EADG and BEAD bass. If you're looking for a one bass solution, then yes, you want a five string.

Looking at Guitar Center's used site they are selling the SR650 for $499, so it's likely that they would offer $250-300. Other places could offer less. So if you were thinking that you might sale one and get a fiver even-Steven, that's unlikely.
Click to expand...


I do realize I'm going to have to put cash in, im trading in for 3 reasons: 1. money, 2. I have limited space for my bass gear, and 3. I really don't need 3x 4-strings in E standard.
 
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