Only 4's. It's all I need. 1/2 step down, drop-D...I don't go too low, and I dislike narrow string spacing.
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Anyone play exclusively 4 string?
- Thread starter basstoven
- Start date
I think it really depends on what you started on. My first bass was a 5 string ibanez. I went up to a 6er for a while, but it never felt quite right. Then, I went to a 4 string p bass which was awesome...but I really missed the comfort of the 5. So, now I play a 5 and have a couple 4 strings layer around because of how great they sound, but my main squeeze is a 5. If I play it for too long without switching back to a 4, I'll get lost on a 4! I know that sounds crazy, but it's true. I got really used to keeping my hands around the 5th fret area and playing the low E on the B string. But I love switching to a 4 and making my brain work a little harder 
I like 4's and 5's. I owned nothing but 4 string basses for 25 years before buying a 5. What I found to be most useful is that it gives me the option of playing a song in a different position. As result, I do not have to move my hand up and down the neck as much.
Another one here. In 31 years of playing have played a 5-stringer 3 times and hated every one.
I have become very adept at playing in drop D tuning and have gotten by just fine that way.
I have become very adept at playing in drop D tuning and have gotten by just fine that way.
I've got some flack from band mates too.
I may someday go back to a 34" scale 5-string. (35" is out)
Why? I play metal and use only 4's.
There's no reason a 5 would be intrinsically better for metal than a 4.
I think you nailed it. I started on a 4-string, and that's pretty much all I play. I do have a couple of 5-strings, one on semi-permanent loan to a friend, and one that's in the shop getting worked on. When I get that one back, I'm looking forward to spending some time on it, but I seriously doubt I will ever reach any significant level of comfort or proficiency with it.
well i tend to go along with band members if they think a certain bass of mine works better for the sound of the band, and i'll even play a 5 if requested (never happens anymore), but if someone isn't comfortable playing a 5, no reason they should have to as long as they have a bass that can cover the notes needed.
Used to own a five. It was fun but now I play a 35" 4-string tuned to BEAD. So much more comfortable to me. I also have basses tuned to C/C#, D, and E/Eb. I dont like using a "mental capo" to play these tunings on an extended range bass. So I just stick with fours and go about my business!
I have 4 basses and they all have 4 strings. I'm not particularly interested in any more strings, and not because I don't want to get used to an extra string, just because I don't feel the need for any notes lower than that E. I don't drop tune either. If I need a D, the ones available to me will suffice on a standard tuned 4 string. Same goes for any other note.
Oh, certainly it's wise to listen to other band members when they voice their thoughts on the band's sound. However, I'd be pretty reluctant to go out and buy a bass just because my bandmates told me to. Unless, of course, they were paying for it.
I'd be willing to listen to suggestions that I play a five string, but only if there were actual good reasons for those suggestions.
I'm sure that in more cases than not, bandmates are pressuring bassists to go from 4 strings to 5 because of what they saw on their favorite band's latest music video... not for any legitimate musical reason. Thankfully I've never been pressured in that way.
Only 4 strings. One Fretted, one fretless, one BEAD fretted. 43 years of right hand technique that would never let me add another string.
Maybe some think the 5er is "heavier" not considering that drop tuning will provide the same effect. Metal would be the last Place I could see someone "needing" a 5, and that's not a bash on metal, it's just not necessary.
I used to only play 4's until I started playing in churches, 10 years ago. 5 or more wires for me now.
