Are 5 strings on the way out?

[PeteCarlton]

Yep . Also modern urban Gospel/praise worship and Broadway /theatre .

So that's why I don't need a fiver!

 

[Bobo]

Yup, that's it. It kind of a bad thing for bass players who want to be a bit more 'imaginative' with their playing and sound tho...

I’m in the process of mixing one of my side projects with my friend Robert Silverman. A piano/bass jazz duo with plenty of room for me to stretch out. I’ll post some of it when it’s done.

 

[makz]

I recently switched to 6 strings after playing 4 strings and 8 strings (Hagstrom hb-8) exclusively.

I’ve barely touched the 4 string since. I could have switched to a 5 string, but my reasoning was, if I’m going to invest on a 5 to have some extended range, i better get a 6 and get more range for my bucks.

The only thing I regret is why I didn’t do it before.

The music I play is originals only, and I don’t live off this, it’s just a hobby for me.

 

[bassdds]

I've read all posts on this topic (5 String),and there were only 3 brief references to using EADGC tuning! I tried using the low B but I'm so used to reading with the EADG tuning that the extra string really messed with my brain. It seems that using a high C doesn't give the same problem and also opens up a whole new world of playing 3 note voicings as well as soloing in a quasi guitar range. I'm having a blast and would recommend that others try it!! It's easy to go back if you want.

 

[Ricardo Rodriguez]

"Are 5 strings on the way out?" Not in my world!

 

[Killed_by_Death]

Probably because s/he can't sell them!

Please read my post #298.

 

[mexicant]

My new bass! 5 strings aren't going anywhere! I prefer them for economy of motion and the lower notes when playing covers.

 

[Bobo]

My new bass! 5 strings aren't going anywhere! I prefer them for economy of motion and the lower notes when playing covers.View attachment 3554482

Beauty! How do you like your Mark amp?

 

[Killed_by_Death]

He plays a Line6 Variax at his church.
I've posted photos of the shop in the Rumble-Club, I'll see if I can find one.

Here it is:

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

...I hear that this is on its way out more than 5 string Basses...

 

[mexicant]

Beauty! How do you like your Mark amp?

Thanks! I'm using a markbass new york 121 as a extra cab for my smaller gigs, the 12 has a nice throaty tone.

 

[Olderbass]

While that's true, the only notes you're losing are the 5 highest you'd have on the G string, since most of what is on the G string can be found out the D string, albeit just in different positions. I'd be willing to bed that 95% of bassists won't miss those 5 highest notes. I'd much rather lose them than lose B to Eb by not having a B string.

To the point, I don't see 5ers declining. In the cover band scene, I see more 5s than 4s.

 

[zon6c-f]

Just as easy to detune/drop tune a 4 string some of the popular rock/metal tunes.

0ne Reason I like 5s is I Do Not want to de-tune.

 

[zon6c-f]

Bring back the 3 string bass now!!!

Totally Agree!

I don’t understand why a low pitched instrument needs to play in “thumb “ position on G string; why not play ‘Cello!??
Saw Gary Karr in 70’s. Mostly played piccolo bass; again why not play ‘Cello!

 

[zon6c-f]

LOL! Yep. Rock has been on its way out since the late 50s - and with no end in sight. Right up there with Barbara Streisand’s numerous “farewell” performances.

And the Stones!

 

[zon6c-f]

Hold my beer.View attachment 3549810

End of thread?

 

[zon6c-f]

From “New History of the Double Bass” :

The earliest illustration in the history of the string bass dates from 1516, but written accounts record instances of “viols” as large as a person, and the deep register tuning is notably found first among the viol family. These early instruments were tuned in various ways. Either just using fourths (unlike many stringed instruments that tune by fifths), or by a combination third and fourth tuning, depending on the instrument itself.

However, research has revealed that there were as many as 50 different tunings used during the history of the string bass. In fact, until the tuning of the early 20th century basically solidified the E-A-D-G (lowest to highest), many composers and musicians specifically requested notes lower than the low E.

Thus: Viola de Gamba

 

[Killed_by_Death]

as a former Fender rep....cuz I know how much pressure he's under to fill the tank

He has discussed this a little, at year-end when he's making the orders. Apparently they NEED to buy a certain dollar amount of Fender apparel as well. So he buys in t-shirts.
He says it's getting tougher & tougher to fill the quotas, but having FENDER backing them makes it worth it. People see Fender Dealer when they do a search & come straight to his store.
Not that there's a choice, they're the only music-store with that many instruments in a 30-mile radius.

Any other bass lines, both basses and amps, besides Fender and Ibanez?

They normally have the full range of Fender Rumble amps, around the corner in the back are the guitar amps, Fender & VOX.
I bought my VOX amp there a year ago:

VX50BA

• Killed_by_Death
• Oct 31, 2018
• 3
• vox

They recently got a PRS KingFisher bass in, which sounds great, but it seems a little heavy to me.

 

[bassbrad]

In my heart I am a four stringer and have been for more than 50 years, but currently I am playing my Hi C fiver more and more by choice. I am spending a lot of time these days composing and recording and that instrument is most capable for all my needs for bass, chords and melody.

 

[BurningSkies]

Mostly who cares.