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Alternatives to 5 String

M

mikarre

Dec 11, 2002
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#1
I keep trying to get used to my new 5 string (Ibanez SR 505) but I just can't get into it. For one thing the bass seems a little out of whack so on Monday I will be taking it for a setup, getting rid of the Elixers that came on it, and I'll take it from there. I love my 4 string (Fender MIM Jazz), and I'd rather play that any day. However, I feel compelled to own a 5 and learn to use it correctly because some of the music I play is detuned, some of it as low as low C.

What are some alternatives to using a 5 string for lower tuned music? I know I can just play the low D or C on my A string of my 4 and it will be the same pitch as the guitar player, but I am afraid it will make the song sound weird. Anyone use this technique? I can't be the only one who hates 5 strings. Anyone gotten around having to use one, in a creative way?

Also, is it normal for the low B to be so wangy? I expected it to be a little floppy, but it seems REALLY floppy. I'll take it for a setup like I said and see how it ends up. It's a beautiful bass, but it I am very annoyed with it so far.

Thanks in advance for any help.
 
#2
I play in a band with the guitars tuned to dropped c, but I still use standard tuning. I think that it helps me cut through the mix without it sounding like mush because of the detuned guitars. Give it a shot and see how it works out for you. If you go to our website www.loopus.com, I think there might be one song (so far) uploaded in the music section. You can hear how it sounds with a bass in standard tuning and the guitars in dropped c.

dee
 
#3
Well, one option is to tune your bass BEAD (using heavier strings) rather than EADG. But I encourage you to keep practicing your 5-string.

Tips for getting comfy more quickly on 5:
1) Put down your four and concentrate on 5 exclusively (until you get the hang of 5; after that you can play both)
2) Learn new songs on 5-string rather than re-learning songs you've played for years on 4.
 
#5
Perhaps a weird solution,
But you could buy a good octave pedal and set it so it will only give out the lower sound.

Then you could even string your bass ADGC instead.
I've never tried it myself though, I have a built in octaver in my practice amp, and the b on my 4 string sounds quite convincingly low.
 
#7
I prefer 4 stringers over 5's anyday. I have really short fingers and a 5 just doesn't work for me. What I do is use a 5 string set on my 4 stringer. The gauge of my B string is .125. I have run in dropped C and up to standard E (although I don't recommend it) with no problems and I get that low tone without string mush. I don't know how this works with other brands of strings as I only use Black Diamond coated strings. Good luck.
 
#9
Niels Keijzer said:
Perhaps a weird solution,
But you could buy a good octave pedal and set it so it will only give out the lower sound.

Then you could even string your bass ADGC instead.
I've never tried it myself though, I have a built in octaver in my practice amp, and the b on my 4 string sounds quite convincingly low.
Click to expand...

exactly what i was thinking.
 

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