Any 5 string Players happy going back to 4 String bass?

[nostatic]

I subscribe to the Anthony Jackson school of thinking that the 6 string Contrabass is the 'full' representation of the bass guitar. It's was a very young instrument when Anthony started to innovate on the number of strings, as well as being one of a cadre of bassists who really challenged and changed how we approach 'playing bass'.

I don't really play fives anymore because if I'm going to have a low B I'll typically want a high C. However, my favourite bass is a four string and I am ultimately most comfortable and happiest on a four string. I love having the extra notes available on a 6 string bass but I also love the flexibility it gives in moving across the neck in one position and the extra chord voicings it gives.

A lot of the more melodic things I transcribe, I do on the G string when playing a six, even when it might have been more appropriate to use the C string because I want to learn patterns I can take over to the four string very easily. On some pieces, this doesn't work but I try to do that where I can so I can play the part on a 4 string without changing the fingering.

There are few gigs you really need a low B for but it's mandatory for some. Detuning can work as a band aid but it's not a complete solution.

I'm in the same place. Have a pair of 4-strings that are my keepers, have a 6-string for when I want extended range. I played nothing but 5-string for about a decade, 4-string before that, mixed it up after including a 5-string strung E-C. After a number of failed 6-string attempts it finally stuck, but really it was embracing the idea of the 4-string as the "core" and if I wanted extended range, I wanted it in both directions. Totally YMMV.

 

[SteveC]

I'm in the same place. Have a pair of 4-strings that are my keepers, have a 6-string for when I want extended range. I played nothing but 5-string for about a decade, 4-string before that, mixed it up after including a 5-string strung E-C. After a number of failed 6-string attempts it finally stuck, but really it was embracing the idea of the 4-string as the "core" and if I wanted extended range, I wanted it in both directions. Totally YMMV.

Took about 4 tries for 6 string to "stick" for me as well - 3 with the same bass! I want to be a 4 string guy but I'm just not. I like my flat strung G&L (JB-2 Tribute) for standard jazz gigs - as do the people I play with. The Roscoe 5 seems to work for the cover band. The 6 (jazz pups) works for church, and was my contemporary jazz/fusion bass. Both Roscoes are Bart equipped.

My 6 is a great jazz bass at its core. Great way to think of a 6, 4 string with options.

 

[andruca]

Yes I am, if it's tuned BEAD, that's how my four bangers are strung.

 

[mesaplayer83]

I've always wanted to get to the point where I could switch back and forth between 4s and 5s effortlessly, and I'd say I'm getting there finally. Only has taken me 15 years or so, trying to play both types and switching often. So I'm not "going back" to 4s, I just added 5s to the mix. Not quite there with the 6ers yet though, the high C still makes me stumble a bit.

For me the 5 is as much about not having to move my left hand up and down the neck moreso really than it is for the extra 5 lower notes. Though I do certainly use them.

I pretty much only play a 5er for the lower notes, although when playing one, I frequently move up the neck and take advantage of it that way, too... It took quite a while for me to be able to switch back and forth between 4s and 5s easily, but it's been well worth it... I don't feel like I'm limited in any way, nor do I have to compromise the music I play, either...

 

[jmattbassplaya]

I played fives exclusively for a few years before going back to fours. I prefer the feel and look if fours, but I do sometimes miss the extended low end.

 

[mesaplayer83]

I pretty much only play a 5er for the lower notes, although when playing one, I frequently move up the neck and take advantage of it that way, too... It took quite a while for me to be able to switch back and forth between 4s and 5s easily, but it's been well worth it... I don't feel like I'm limited in any way, nor do I have to compromise the music I play, either...

I also tend to use a 5er when charting out new songs I have to learn, or when space dictates that I bring one bass, but need a 5er for at least some songs... I do prefer playing 4s, but am quite comfy on my 5s, too...

 

[Rocksolid]

I go back and forth. As a general I find that with female singers I need a 5 the keys you play in generally call for the B string I find.

If I can do a gig on a 4 I will, I love playing my Sadowsky 4, Ps and Js. But I love my 5ers and happily play them when needed.

 

[Callum_Carcass]

I stick with five. Had a couple of four strings again last year but lost my interest in them really quickly and got rid of them. I just prefer five strings.

 

[LadyLoveStingRay5]

Yes !!

 

[SteveC]

I stick with five. Had a couple of four strings again last year but lost my interest in them really quickly and got rid of them. I just prefer five strings.

While I don't feel limited on a 4, I do like the options a 5 gives. No one says you have to use the B string. Same with my 6. I will say I feel most comfortable and at home on my Roscoe 5.

 

[bucephylus]

Regarding the discussion about the 6; I think the first thing that needs to be understood about the 6 is that it is a more difficult design from the player perspective. The ergonomics become even more important on the 6, and there are a bunch of variables, such as string spacing and neck profile that have huge variation from instrument to instrument. In short, a player really has to do some looking around to find an instrument where all those factors come together into something that is playable. If you find an instrument which is comfortable on the gig, then the 6 becomes an excellent option.

That said, if one is primarily playing cover material which only uses the range of the 4; then the primary reason to use a 6 would be if that is your only axe. Which is a valid thing to do. In our current state of affluence, where many of us have more than one Bass, a 4 can get most jobs done; so, why use something more than that? Plus, the HipShot introduces some interesting puzzles to figure out, if you need the lower range. My 4 goes out on most dates, simply because my gigs usually don't require more. I have the 5 and the 6 for gigs that might need more range.

And, I'm not above getting a hair up my rear and taking the 6 out on a Classic Rock date, just because I can. Though I tend to start asking myself why I brought all that capability along for a gig that doesn't need it, which can be a distraction.

 

[TJ Hums]

Regarding the discussion about the 6; I think the first thing that needs to be understood about the 6 is that it is a more difficult design from the player perspective. The ergonomics become even more important on the 6, and there are a bunch of variables, such as string spacing and neck profile that have huge variation from instrument to instrument. In short, a player really has to do some looking around to find an instrument where all those factors come together into something that is playable. If you find an instrument which is comfortable on the gig, then the 6 becomes an excellent option.

That said, if one is primarily playing cover material which only uses the range of the 4; then the primary reason to use a 6 would be if that is your only axe. Which is a valid thing to do. In our current state of affluence, where many of us have more than one Bass, a 4 can get most jobs done; so, why use something more than that? Plus, the HipShot introduces some interesting puzzles to figure out, if you need the lower range. My 4 goes out on most dates, simply because my gigs usually don't require more. I have the 5 and the 6 for gigs that might need more range.

And, I'm not above getting a hair up my rear and taking the 6 out on a Classic Rock date, just because I can. Though I tend to start asking myself why I brought all that capability along for a gig that doesn't need it, which can be a distraction.

 

[TJ Hums]

There are some days that I wish the 5 would have never been invented however it is a necessary member of the arsenal for many applications. My "go-to" bass is an Aria 4-string fretless which I installed a Hipshot extender which I have tuned to a "B" in the drop position. It actually works very well since I am familiar with the notes on the low B of a 5-string.

 

[dbamta]

If I could do all my gigs on a 4, I would. I still love my 5 string but I hate slapping funk basslines on it. Way more comfortable slapping on a 4. I switch back and forth depending on the song I'm playing.

That is what I am experiencing now. I have four
string 78 Fender Jazz with a Sadowsky preamp that nothing else compares.