He's very showy anyway, so this was no surprise to see. Not to take anything away from his playing, but he really does like to lather on the flash
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Are 5 strings on the way out?
- Thread starter Doug Bright
- Start date
I did not read this thread before posting.
That is all, just wanted to say that.
That is all, just wanted to say that.
Compare the % of basses sold that were 5-string in the 1995, 2005, 2015, and today. That is the only answer.
My guess is , based on nu-country popularity, the numbers of 5'ers sold have modestly increased from the 1990's. And I'm sorry to saddle 5-string players with that guilt.
My guess is , based on nu-country popularity, the numbers of 5'ers sold have modestly increased from the 1990's. And I'm sorry to saddle 5-string players with that guilt.
Now for that aspect, I'm right behind him! Too many people in music forget the "show" aspect of show business.He's very showy anyway, so this was no surprise to see. Not to take anything away from his playing, but he really does like to lather on the flash
I played a 5 string for a bunch of years but never really got used to it. Went back to a four, then auditioned (and got the gig) with a female fronted modern country band, and it seemed the 5 would be a necessity for that gig...... wound up using a 4 tuned BEAD for that band.
While I don't have a problem with 5 string Basses in general, they're just not for me.
While I don't have a problem with 5 string Basses in general, they're just not for me.
I've noticed the same. I've also read a post where at least two TalkBass bassists of praise music even use some bass distortion in their playing.
its not any kind of bass --- guitar-driven music itself is on its way out in general, making an arc toward niche market....oh, Im sure some of you will debate that and argue how great your local scene is but, unless youve lived through the 70s and 80s as a comparable - where the entire universe revolved around the immense gravity of guitar driven music, its a shadow of its former self......because of that, I see less basses but a wide palette of them - not enough of any one kind to be a factor
live music is booming in retirement communities, catering to those generations......anywhere else its just background
live music is booming in retirement communities, catering to those generations......anywhere else its just background
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
The low D is the foundation of my playing … so If there were only 4 string basses mine would be tuned DGCF
5 strings says something about you in the same way pointy headstocks say something. But no, it's not the same thing. Here's what I mean...
If you show up for an audition with a pointy headstock, you should expect people to think, "metalhead." That may be good or bad. Depends on context. Now, you may be able to convince people with your playing and demeanor that you are more than that initial assessment, but that WILL be the initial assessment.
Similarly, 5 strings says, "I have a modern sensibility." Again, that may be good or bad. Depends on context.
Our band leader and I agree, we prefer guys showing up with 4 strings, and preferably a P-bass for what we do. And no pointy headstocks.
If you show up for an audition with a pointy headstock, you should expect people to think, "metalhead." That may be good or bad. Depends on context. Now, you may be able to convince people with your playing and demeanor that you are more than that initial assessment, but that WILL be the initial assessment.
Similarly, 5 strings says, "I have a modern sensibility." Again, that may be good or bad. Depends on context.
Our band leader and I agree, we prefer guys showing up with 4 strings, and preferably a P-bass for what we do. And no pointy headstocks.
They seem to be on the decline, even amongst prominent players but as said, it is genre specific. Where I live in the Caribbean, reggae players all use 5 strings. I use both.
I went to my local GC, and I was surprised they had any basses (and don't get me started on amps!)...that place has turned into a complete craphole here in Omaha.
Most of the players on my circuit are rocking 5's....but plenty of guys doing both. I am seeing far fewer 6's than I was for while.
Mine (Brainteee MA) isnt terrible, they probably have around 30 basses on display at any one time, heavy on Fenders of course. Amps are pretty thin, a couple combos, a few speaker cabs, and some random used stuff. A salesman actually walked by and asked if i had any qustions, which us unusual in the Bass department.
I go through cycles of 4’s, 5’s, rounds, flats, jazzes, P’s, everyhing. I’m currently on the P with flats cycle in a top 40 band. Shocker, it works just fine.
I 100% agree! Better to have a little showmanship than stand in the shadows without moving. Just because most of us can get away with it doesn't mean we should!
