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Bought a 4 string, then a 5, drop the 4?

#22
Keep 'em both. I kept my 4 string after getting a 5'er. You can always tune the 4 differently , or use it for songs you don't -need- the 5 for, or just if your wrist and hands get tired after a while of the 5 string neck.
 
#25
I find myself switching back and forth between my 5 and my 4's as needed (or whenever I feel like it) I've discovered that unless a particular song "needs" one of those notes between low B and Eb I usually play my 4 string.

That said I don't mind using that B as a thumb rest if I don't need it. :)

One other thing that I've noticed is that my playing is usually a little tighter and more technically proficient on a 5 string. When I go back to a 4 it gives me a little room to rock out and while I don't lose my chops I find that I handle the instruments differently.
 
#27
riker1384 said:
I've only ever played 4's. If a 5-string is tuned BEADG, is it typically any harder to play the EADG strings than it would be on a 4-string?
Click to expand...

Not really, in the early stages of getting familiar with the 5 string you'll confuse the strings and play say the A string thinking its the D, but thats normal and it doesn't really take long to get familiar with the 5 strings neck and string placement. Once you do get familiar with it then it's just as easy as playing a 4 string.
 
#28
Thank you for the feedback everyone!!

Let me elaborate a bit on where I stand.

I would'nt have considered a five until I discovered that three of my fave fretless songs required it.

My current lineup is an 06 Warwick Corvette std. bubinga fretless 4 and an 07 Fender American std Jazz fretted 4. These are tonal opposites and I like them each for their individual attributes-- the Warwick- dark, rich, and brooding, the Jazz- bright and percussive.

I have an 09 Warwick Corvette std. bubinga fretless 5 special-ordered and am awaiting delivery.

Not inclinded to detuning. Though I considered buying the remaining Warwick Corvette std fretless 4 at GC (which was going for 734.00 new) and tuning it down to BEAD.

I like atmospheric jazz and rock with an avante-garde tinge-- perfect environment for a fretless bass. I played cello for a while in college-- that's why I wasn't hesitant about starting with a fretless, though it can be a pain at times when learning new songs-- the fretted Jazz is helpful in this area.
 
#29
ectoflanger said:
...Not inclinded to detuning. Though I considered buying the remaining Warwick Corvette std fretless 4 at GC (which was going for 734.00 new) and tuning it down to BEAD...
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In that case, I also recommend going with heavy guage strings... On my 4-string w/ the D-Tuner (tuned to DGCF or CGCF) I use a set of .50-.115 rounds. I use mediums on the other two (the E strings are .105's and the B string is a .125)
 
#30
I have four and five string MIA Jazz basses, both red with maple fretboard, and I like having both. I played fours exclusively until last year, and while I understand folks who play fives exclusively, I stick mainly with my fours, mostly for comfort. And I can do almost everything necessary on the four, so I haven't even considered selling it. It's my go-to bass.

But I find the fiver useful. Even when I don't need the notes below E, some parts are easier to play on the five because I can stay up in fifth position to grab the low E through G. For songs in E flat, it's the way to go. And the five provides opportunities for some parts using the low D that are harder to play in drop-D tuning on a four.
 
#31
Nedmundo said:
But I find the fiver useful. Even when I don't need the notes below E, some parts are easier to play on the five because I can stay up in fifth position to grab the low E through G. For songs in E flat, it's the way to go. And the five provides opportunities for some parts using the low D that are harder to play in drop-D tuning on a four.
Click to expand...

I think thats a good word. This has been how my fiver has been the most useful to me. Last year I played in a pit band for a tour of Godspell and that low B string was most useful for staying in 4th or 5th position. Although the thunderously low B got a workout during the crucifixion scene.
 
#32
Nedmundo said:
I have four and five string MIA Jazz basses, both red with maple fretboard, and I like having both. I played fours exclusively until last year, and while I understand folks who play fives exclusively, I stick mainly with my fours, mostly for comfort. And I can do almost everything necessary on the four, so I haven't even considered selling it. It's my go-to bass.

But I find the fiver useful. Even when I don't need the notes below E, some parts are easier to play on the five because I can stay up in fifth position to grab the low E through G. For songs in E flat, it's the way to go. And the five provides opportunities for some parts using the low D that are harder to play in drop-D tuning on a four.
Click to expand...

I do things similarly. When learning a new set for the first time I may start with a 4-string Precision or Jazz, then decide the chord progressions and bass lines would be better served if I used a 5-string. Happened that way last night in fact, although I started with a Rickenbacker 4-string before moving to my Fender P5 after running down the set list. Rehearsal with the band is tonight and I'm bringing just the 5'er.
 
#33
There is something else to consider when comparing a 5 and a 4. I've found that the E string on a 5 tends to sound different (tighter, not as open) than on a four. Has anyone else found this to be the case?
 

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