Can you take a normal 5 string bass and leave off the B string? I'd much rather have EADGC. Would this require any changes to the bass at all? I'd have to buy strings meant for a 6 string but that's no big deal. I just really have no use for the low B, and I don't care for the feel.
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5 strings EADGC
- Thread starter notverygood
- Start date
I've done it a few times..... not that difficult to do.
Basically, action and intonation is all you'll need to worry about.
Basically, action and intonation is all you'll need to worry about.
I have yet to try that. It would have to be a seriously strong capo on a low-action setup
you might need to replace the nut so they strings fit snug, but other then that it should be fine
Sure you may have to change the nut if the strings are too loose and buzz. And the truss rod and setup will have to be tweaked for the slightly different tension.
I did that for a while so as to have the extended upper end for solos and things. It worked out VERY well for that sort of thing. But eventually I wanted to go back to the ease of playing in any key with a normal 5 string in spite of the trimmed extended upper end. So I went back to BEADG. I know a 6 string is the "answer" here but the blues nazis took a fit when I showed up with a 6 string. 5 strings seem to fly under the radar.
I am using EADGC setup on my Ibanez BTB 405QM (fretless) and I love it, for me it is better setup, I didn´t change the nut, because every new bass have "V shaped nut" not "U" so every string can set up just perfect with no problems, don´t worry about that!!!
How would the lack of a low b prevent you from playing in all keys?
Also, it's stupid to be upset with someone because they play a 6 string. Who gives a hoot?
If he plays with horns, then they often play in Eb or Bb... Eb is easier on a 5 string and there isn't any way a 4 string is going down to Bb unless it's tuned Bb E A D. Sooo... if you want to maintain a strong bottom end for blues on a 5 string bass... you're best off using BEADG rather than the higher register EADGC
I guess if you think it's necessary to have a Bb that low. There's 3 Bb notes on a 4 string Bass you know
I am using EADGC setup on my Ibanez BTB 405QM (fretless) and I love it, for me it is better setup, I didn´t change the nut, because every new bass have "V shaped nut" not "U" so every string can set up just perfect with no problems, don´t worry about that!!!
+1
I use EADGC on my warwick corvette fiver and I love it. Bought the bass used and had to replace the nut with a brand new one and the setup worked perfectly with no mods at all, other than loosening the truss rod a tad.
I mainly use it because I play in my high school jazz band and every piece is written for a 4 string bass, so I would never need the extra space on the low end, however, on the higher side, the C is extremely useful for soloing and parts that move around a lot. (what can I say? the conductor loves return to forever and I'm not complaining one bit!)
I guess if you think it's necessary to have a Bb that low. There's 3 Bb notes on a 4 string Bass you know
Haha yes... but I've played in the Pep Band at my college ore often than not the song called for that low Bb and going higher sounded like crap. You must remember the bass and tuba lines are often the same... and they use Bb tubas at my college. If I were to play the line an octave higher, using the higher Bb on the E string, then I would be in the trombone's range which would usually be complemented by a guitarist.
"Smash" and "What is hip?" and two example of songs the require that low C to keep the music flowing right. And our fight song DEFINITELY had to have the low Bb... everyone dips down into their lowest notes right before the sudden burst of music... for the bass line it's F Bb F Bb then pedaling an octave lower Bb while everyone dips down so to speak. If I stay up at the higher Bb, the music doesn't flow like it should.
But if you really want to see what I'm saying... stop playing Drop D songs in Drop D... use the regular D string instead. It may be an octave higher but it's still a D right? See, it just doesn't sound good in a group setting.
