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Anyone play a 5 string P??

#41
Yes, I do. Mine is a Lakland Skyline 55-64. For about 6-7 years now it's been my one and only. I always liked P basses but found I needed to go lower than standard tuning. I didn't like down tuning or drop tuning, so I went to a 5 string. I had several of those before finding my Lakland. Eventually, I consolidated down to just the Lakland as it became my go-to and main player. It gives me what I want - a great sounding, easy to play 5 string that is very durable and easy to dial into almost any mix in a live situation.

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#48
There used to be a lot of resistance to getting a Low B string on a 34” scale bass, but several builders have 34” scale basses with killer sounding B strings, so it can be done well. That’s the main thing you’d probably want to try in person, especially if you occasionally tune down to Bb. There’s also the feel of the neck, string spacing, etc…
 
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#52
MikePlaysBass said:
There used to be a lot of resistance to getting a Low B string on a 34” scale bass, but several builders have 34” scale basses with killer sounding B strings, so it can be done well. That’s the main thing you’d probably want to try in person, especially if you occasionally tune down to Bb. There’s also the feel of the neck, string spacing, etc…
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Getting off the P5 topic for a bit, as much as I love my 35”-scale Mike Lulls, I’ll play a 34”-scale Stingray 5 any day. Any day…:D
 
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#53
I have a 5 string bolt on Warwick of some sort, that I bought probably 20 years ago, thinking I'd learn. I haven't.
I tuned it once or twice, and thumbed a few notes on what felt like a 2x4 fretboard. I was unsure of getting on the wrong string I guess, more than anything.
My favorite gig baby is a '94 Peavey Fury 4 string. They have a jazz bass neck.

After seeing all the posts in this thread, I feel somewhat inspired to give it a shot.
We're not going anywhere now, for covid.
I can put in the headphones, and jam with some of our recording from gigs and practices. If nothing else, I might learn something new.
I've often thought of selling it for a nice ES 335 guitar, to use recording. We'll see what happens..........thanks guys!
 
#55
there some benifits to playing a 5er.
the neck needs to fit your fingers though
set up and string tension will be a priority

you can play more postitions, and play more in one position
its really eaiser to play inversions and playing in D sucks on a 4

of course you can get a fatter tone with the fatter strings
 
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#56
Silky Johnson said:
That jazz is awesome looking
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Thanks, I really like it. It looks like his website is still under maintenance, but he's got some beautiful builds. Not to get away from P5's, but these were a couple other jazz builds of his. He also installs headphone amps w/aux ports into his basses for easy anywhere practice. If the OP wanted a custom P5, I'd have no problem recommending this guy.


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#57
Ed Friedland made what I think was a wise comment: that the "sweet spot" position of the split pickup of a P-bass (at 34" scale at least) is simply not good for capturing a firm-pitch, distinct envelope from B-string notes. Thus, you need a second pickup to be blended in and firm up the B-string notes. I've found this to be true and the 5-string P-basses which have stayed with me are all PJ versions. Just a bit of the J blended in is all it takes most times and the essential character of the P-pickup is largely preserved. My Yamaha BB basses are the best implementation of this.
 
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#58
Bassamatic said:
I scored a really nice 5-string Squier P, open box, from Sweetwater a few years ago. it is fantastic quality and sound, and was an amazing deal! Strange that they are no
longer available. Whenever I play one of my 5s it seems that this is how basses should be - having the B seem so natural.

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OK, Bassmatic ! I thought it was just me. You try and explain that it plays just like a Precision, with an extra string and the advantages of a five, and they just don't quite get it. If you're used to fives anyway, the only thing you're going to think is 'now where did I leave my Motown's Greatest Hits collection . . . . '

It's no wonder Squier pulled those as fast as they did, because play one, and you'll never think 'uh-oh, I shoulda spent another grand and got a Real Fender.' It's that good. Just TRY and find a used one.
 
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#59
SW121 said:
Greetings,
I’ve been contemplating getting a 5 string p bass but until now they seemed rare. Does it make sense to get a 5 string or just stick with a 4?
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Depends entirely on what you play and/or what you want. I play 5'ers exclusively now because it is what I need to do the job. Do you have material you are playing that needs a five? Do you want to experience a five just to see if it works for you? Either of these are decent reasons but if it is the latter, you might want to dip your toe rather than do a full commit and see if you take to it. Perhaps you could find an inexpensive P5 or at least as inexpensive as You can get. It is a seller's market out there right now and not the best time to be buying. Still used Laklands pop up etc.
 
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