Are 5 strings on the way out?

[Rib 13]

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.

and i would say "thanks, but no thanks".... i dont expect guitarists to play my preference of guitars, i dont tell drummers what drums to play, and i dont expect keyboard players to defer to my preference of what synths to use....so, unless you are paying me an extraordinary amount of money, dont tell me what bass i should play

 

[Davbassdude]

Hi guys





For me playing 5 string is not so much about having an extended range. It' s only 5 notes.

The 5th string allows me to play with less position changes. For me that' s the thing about playing 5ers!

A lot of players don' t realize how comfortable that is!

(because they never tried or because they don' t change their lefthand position?)


greetings

Wise(b)ass

 

[Davbassdude]

I agree with the practical applications for 5ers, but am still trying to find one with both a thin neck and adequate spacing between strings for a finger-picker like myself. So far, the Ibanez and EBMM are closest to winning my vote.

 

[DrayMiles]

What session scene?

 

[Llewellen]

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.

Do you also make musical judgments based on whether the sax player shows up with a Selmer or a King?

 

[Davbassdude]

Do you primarily finger-pick and which 5 string do you prefer?

 

[B_Lo]

I'm equally delighted playing 4's and 5's; though I do consider the genre/environment I am playing in for the best instrument to bring - 5's are not on the way out, but 4's are definitely resurfacing in a big way. Up until a couple of years ago, I was playing 5's 90% of gigs - now it's about 70% 4's and 30% 5's.

 

[DJ Bebop]

Now for that aspect, I'm right behind him! Too many people in music forget the "show" aspect of show business.

And apparently for some, the bidness aspect too!

 

[DJ Bebop]

Not at all, they just feel a little smaller when you go back to them!

Like swinging a weighted bat before you come up to plate in baseball

 

[Llewellen]

Did you know that there is a 5 string double bass symphonic instrument? Thus the 5 string bass guitar is not a new fangled, inevitably passing fad. It has every bit as much legitimacy in its roots as does the 4 string.

Although to some extent I suppose we are all poseurs because it is the cello that actually has the bass clef stringed instrument "legitimacy". The double bass was initially only used primarily to "double" the notes of the cello an octave lower.

 

[rylie]

always played 4
then came 5
passed it by
weight
too much for me

 

[CoffeeLove]

Ha e not really noticed, but love playing a 5 string and could not imagine going back to 4.

 

[osonu]

My last 3 basses have been 5'ers. As has been said, more for the comfort and versatility than the extended range. The only 4 I plan on keeping is my P bass, and if I ever find a 5 string P that I like, that may go too. Why wouldn't you want the extra B string?

 

[spade2you]

Billy can torture himself if he wants. I'll pass on the heavy basses.

Billy has joked that it would be much easier on his back if he simply learned how to play a 5 string.

 

[JimmyM]

Billy has joked that it would be much easier on his back if he simply learned how to play a 5 string.

Or at least write parts that don't need the high notes when he uses a BEAD bass. Methinks cool factor entered into his decision. Nothing wrong with that...Rick Nielsen still trots out his 5-neck guitar and he's almost 71!

 

[Iristone]

I like the feel of a 4-string better. The 5-string has all the benefits of changing less positions etc., but a 4-stringer feels faster for changing positions, exactly that.

 

[Les Fret]

and i would say "thanks, but no thanks".... i dont expect guitarists to play my preference of guitars, i dont tell drummers what drums to play, and i dont expect keyboard players to defer to my preference of what synths to use....so, unless you are paying me an extraordinary amount of money, dont tell me what bass i should play

Completely agree! But there are many musicians that believe a 5 string is not cool and won't hire you if you show up with a 5 or 6 string. They want that P bass. Stupid and narrow minded if you ask me.

 

[swink]

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.

I'm kind of offended by this way of thinking.... In your case you should buy a 4 string p-bass and hire a guy who's willing to play it and bend to all your wishes.

I think Bass-players are the backbone of a band... If you rip out their spine, cut-back their individuality and reduce them to the guy that plays the standard 4 string p-bass we forced him to play, it can not add to the sound of your band.

 

[theduke1]

and i would say "thanks, but no thanks".... i dont expect guitarists to play my preference of guitars, i dont tell drummers what drums to play, and i dont expect keyboard players to defer to my preference of what synths to use....so, unless you are paying me an extraordinary amount of money, dont tell me what bass i should play

I find it somewhat strange that band leaders feel they can do this.
I’ve been playing bass since 1965 and in steady working bands since 1976 and not once was I turned away because of my choice of a bass or amp.
Duke

 

[swink]

Did you know that there is a 5 string double bass symphonic instrument? Thus the 5 string bass guitar is not a new fangled, inevitably passing fad. It has every bit as much legitimacy in its roots as does the 4 string.

Although to some extent I suppose we are all poseurs because it is the cello that actually has the bass clef stringed instrument "legitimacy". The double bass was initially only used primarily to "double" the notes of the cello an octave lower.

Did you know the first double bass was a 3 string and they had the same discussion on the analog Talkbass forums about the 4 string, some ages ago... In these times the general opinion was open minded for progress and the 4 string was instantly fully accepted.