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5-string players with a 4-string?

DaveAceofBass

DaveAceofBass

Feb 20, 2004
5,145
1,863
Charlotte, NC
fandalism.com
#1
I have a question for all you 5-string guys. How many of you still have a 4-string, and how often do you play it?

I'm considering parting with my last decent 4-string and need your opinion. It doesn't see much play time anymore, but many people I've played with say it's my best sounding axe. I'm torn about what to do, and I have to decide QUICK!
 
#2
DaveAceofBass said:
I have a question for all you 5-string guys. How many of you still have a 4-string, and how often do you play it?

I'm considering parting with my last decent 4-string and need your opinion. It doesn't see much play time anymore, but many people I've played with say it's my best sounding axe. I'm torn about what to do, and I have to decide QUICK!
Click to expand...

Get it in a 5 string version?
 
#10
lomo said:
I got rid of my 4s. I can do anything on a 5 that I could on a 4 and saw no reason to play one any more.
Click to expand...

That's sort of my thinking. I play 4, 5, 6, upright, fretless, whatever...but my 5-strings are the only ones going to the gig for the past several years. I sold my 6, and now I have to decide about the 4. Great bass, but not getting used except when I'm teaching a bass lesson to a beginner.
 
#13
I have a few of each, and play 'em all - depending on the situation...

"Great bass, but not getting used except when I'm teaching a bass lesson to a beginner."

I was wondering about that - seems to me that anyone giving lessons *should* have atleast one or more 4 strings around, since not all students are going to want to play a 5er...


- georgestrings
 
#14
If it's your best sound axe, keep the 4-string. Or you'll regret parting with it later. I used to play both 4's and 5's in the past. Now just have all 4 strings. However, there are times when I wish I still had at least one 5 string in my collection. So I say keep the 4!
 
#16
I have two 5s and three 4s and all are played. It just depends on the gig as to which bass gets played. All are different and all sound great. If I like the bass and it sounds good, I would not sell it and find another way if I needed the cash. I have later regretted selling many basses when I was younger and dumber.
 
#17
I own a Spector Zebop 5 DLX with rounds and a Squier VM P with flats.

I consider myself as a 5 string guy and a Spector tone lover, but from time to time I play the P because I also like vintage tone.

With my current band it's all about the Spector though :)
 
#18
Pickebass said:
If you don't NEED to sell it, keep it. I often use my 4 for gigs because sometimes you just don't need the extra string. I can play the 5 just as well, but it sometimes feels better to play the 4 string on certain types of music.
Click to expand...

This. Unless you NEED the cash or something like that, I wouldnt sell it. I would use a 5 string most of the time if mine werent so heavy (G&L L2500) for 4 hour gigs. So I just switch off during a gig for when the song requires a 5 string.
 
#20
DaveAceofBass said:
That's sort of my thinking. I play 4, 5, 6, upright, fretless, whatever...but my 5-strings are the only ones going to the gig for the past several years. I sold my 6, and now I have to decide about the 4. Great bass, but not getting used except when I'm teaching a bass lesson to a beginner.
Click to expand...

Keep it, you still use it professionally for some gigs and as a teacher. It is simply another useful tool.
 

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