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Are 5 strings on the way out?
- Thread starter Doug Bright
- Start date
^^^ This. I personally have played only 4 strings for about 40 years now, and 5 strings feels completely foreign in my hands. I'm not going to buy one and make the adjustment, simply because I just don't need the extra string when I can drop tune.
I’ve “bounced off” 5’s a few times, either because the extra neck width was uncomfortable, or the tension difference between the B and the other 4 strings turned me off. I recently played an Ibanez SR505 that I really liked, nice even tension and thinnest 5 neck I’ve seen. Liking it doesn’t necessarily make me pull the trigger to buy it though. I’m planning a bass build now, might go BEAD, but most of the stuff I like to play doesn’t seem to need it.
The current trend is towards more vintage styled instruments. Guess what that means?
With that being said, to those that are less influenced by trends, they're just going to play what they need - so I don't think 5-ers are going anywhere. It's not like they're just a stylistic choice - they have functional benefits that can't be denied.
Personally, I guess I'm more easily influenced. I changed my primary bass from my StingRay 5 to a Precision earlier this year. The number of strings had nothing to do with the decision, and I frequently miss my low-B.
With that being said, to those that are less influenced by trends, they're just going to play what they need - so I don't think 5-ers are going anywhere. It's not like they're just a stylistic choice - they have functional benefits that can't be denied.
Personally, I guess I'm more easily influenced. I changed my primary bass from my StingRay 5 to a Precision earlier this year. The number of strings had nothing to do with the decision, and I frequently miss my low-B.
i don't even have one, but i know there is no way they are going anywhere.
they are a tool with utility.
There are entire genres where all you will see are 5 and 6 string basses; and no Fenders. Or flats.
Imagine that.
Imagine that.
- Apr 11, 2019
- 340
- 381
- Disclosures
- Lincoln Learning Solutions - Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center
Do you mean they're going to stick around but sound worse and worse?
What are they? I've never seen a single genre where you never see a Fender or Fender-style bass.
Fifty year-old pics of a time when 5-strings weren’t available to make a point ....
How rich is that.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
and while we are at it ...
get rid of round wound strings, and make all basses have pickup covers and mechanical mutes
get rid of round wound strings, and make all basses have pickup covers and mechanical mutes
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Gotta admit I haven't really picked up my five-string since I got that six a while ago 
I don't think being in vogue or not has much to do with it. I just got into Fretless and 5 string in the past 6 months after being pretty much old school passive 4 string. I really love both new approach's to playing. I have considered a 6 but not seeing a need atm. Same with multi scale.
No flats for sure, but a lot of good bassists are happy with their Fender fives.
