• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

5 string vs 4 string

The thing about 5 sting basses is that it is extremely hard to find tabs for them and the arent the best for slap imo.

Find tabs for them? You aren't actually suggesting that the availability of tabs is a reason to buy or not buy an instrument. I'm sure there aren't many tabs for 11 string basses either, but I doubt that made Jean Baudin or Yves Carbone think twice about having them built.

As for the slapping aspect, maybe you just need to practice a bit more. There are a number of people slapping on 7 and 8 strings, for example, out there who would laugh at that claim.
 
Musicman made one for Tony Levin back in the 90's, but it was burned in a fire. I'm pretty sure if you did a search there are other threads about it on talkbass.

Yeah I know.
I built one,of coarse I'm to search long and hard.I found several 3-strings that I would not play for a show,only a few would I consider to be a serious instrument.I think Tony Levin may of had the first.
 
Marcus Miller always plays 4. Victor Wooten rarely plays 5. Pretty sure Geddy Lee only plays 4. After all, 4 string is traditional.

Marcus play 4, 5, and 6 string for recording, But live he sticks to his 4 (mostly) same for Victor Wooten.
In music there really is no such thing as traditional. People are always pushing the envelope. Heck, nowadays you have guys (and gals) playing Bach on bass, and doing a darn good job at it too:)
 
I was planning on buying the 5 string Ibanez ATK305 until the guy at my local music store told me how 5 strings were going out of style.

LOLOLOLOLOL:D:D:D:rollno::ninja::scowl:

Well, first of all, the guy at your local music store needs a SERIOUS, I mean VERY SERIOUS reality check. That's just like saying black jeans are going out of style. There are a slew of people who prefer black jeans over blue. Just like there are a slew of bassists who prefer 5 strings over 4. I'm one of them. Personal preference and comfort doesn't go out of style!

As far as your dilema, get the one that feels right to you. End of story.
 
The thing about 5 sting basses is that it is extremely hard to find tabs for them and the arent the best for slap imo.

IMHO, tabs are crippling crutches compared to standard notation. For your own musical development it is much better to use standard notation instead of tabs, especially if you want to increase your income possibilities playing bass. There is plenty of written music out there that would accomodate a 5 and even a 6-string bass.

As far as slap, it can be done just as easily on a 5. You just have to get used to the neck and make minor technique adjustments.
 
You telling me that D.A.D aren't respectable? GIRL NATION!!!!

OK,I just watch that video on youtube,cartoon boobs,interesting that you would refer to that particular song as respectable.
But I'm just saying that a 2-string bass is more of a novelty than a real instrument,the 3-string bass(even though I get"crazy go nut"on mine)is pushing it and the 5-string bass will be around long after we are all died.
 
OK,I just watch that video on youtube,cartoon boobs,interesting that you would refer to that particular song as respectable.
But I'm just saying that a 2-string bass is more of a novelty than a real instrument,the 3-string bass(even though I get"crazy go nut"on mine)is pushing it and the 5-string bass will be around long after we are all died.

Yeah it's a novelty. Still it could be used effectively depending on who is playing it. This is getting kind of off topic though.

I think the main point we are making anyway is that some guy in a shop claiming that 5 strings are out of style should be taken at least with a grain of salt.
 
If you are a beginner, I would suggest that you start with a 4 string in most cases unless you have a specific need for a 5 string. You can always graduate to a 5 string once you have developed your playing.

Actually, I'd suggest a fiver or sixer to a beginner before I'd suggest a four-string bass. Beginners don't have that mental block telling them that six strings are "wrong", "too much", "not appropriate", or something to "graduate to" or "step up to".

And remember, none of us need any of it, so there are no "needs" to consider musically or otherwise. If he's not now playing something that requires or would benefit from a low B or can be made simpler positionally with the use of a low B, he will do so eventually unless his creative and musical development stalls prematurely. Best to start with a full toolbox.

...on a second point, you'll find learning songs much more rewarding if you take the time to learn them by ear rather than by tab especially since most of the tabs you'll find/buy aren't very accurate anyway.

+1. Learning by ear is better than tab, but...

IMHO, tabs are crippling crutches compared to standard notation.

+100. Being able to read is the best option.
 
Actually, I'd suggest a fiver or sixer to a beginner before I'd suggest a four-string bass. Beginners don't have that mental block telling them that six strings are "wrong", "too much", "not appropriate", or something to "graduate to" or "step up to".

Maybe we should all be starting on single-course 12 strings?

Playing a 5-string and upwards requires a lot of advanced considerations in terms of technique. A beginner should be concentrating on gaining a solid grounding in technique. In most cases a 4 string will be much more ergonomic in terms of developing good left and right hand technique than a 5 string with wider necks, smaller string spacing and more strings to ring out and have to concentrate on muting.

Aside from that understanding the basic role of your instrument should come before you start using extended range, be it higher or lower register. It will make for a more sound foundation of your playing in general and will also make for more effective use of an extended range once you do apply it.

In regard to your reply about "needs", well it is definitely a need if you are going to play something in a higher or lower register to have those strings available to you. Those needs, in my opinion occur when you have a good solid foundation in your playing, though.