Can a 5 string PJ ever be as good as 4 string P?

[2cooltoolz]

I have no idea if this is possible, so I'm just throwing it out there, but it should be doable:

Could they put in a three position switch that isolates each pickup in the bridge and neck positions, but in the center, activates a blend knob, so you can use both pickups to a varying degree?

I used a stacked Volume/Volume instead of a blend, but accomplished the same thing.

............TONE.............P/both/J..........V/V

Can a 5 string PJ ever be as good as 4 string P?

 

[GMC]

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Can a 5 string PJ every be as good as a 4 string P?

I don't own any 5 string basses, but have found that the 5th string changes the overall resonance of basses such that (in the case of a 5 string P or J) the EADG strings don't sound the same as on a 4 string P or J. I'm not saying worse or better ... just different.

That'll be the string choice. Usually a 5 string set has slightly lighter gauge strings than a 4. Usually on a 5 string, the string spacing is closer too. So it will feel and play slightly different.

 

[G On Bass]

That'll be the string choice. Usually a 5 string set has slightly lighter gauge strings than a 4. Usually on a 5 string, the string spacing is closer too.

Never heard of 5's needing lighter gauge. Many times, a 5 string set is a no more than a normal 4 string set with an added B string (or C, depending on tuning). FWIW, string spacing varies on 5'ers from closer to wider than a 4, depending on maker....

 

[GMC]

Never heard of 5's needing lighter gauge. Many times, a 5 string set is a no more than a normal 4 string set with an added B string (or C, depending on tuning). FWIW, string spacing varies on 5'ers from closer to wider than a 4, depending on maker....

Standard 4 string bass gauges are 45/65/85/105 and the standard 5 string set are slightly lighter at 40/60/80/100/125. If a standard 4 string set has a low B added, then it would typically be 130 gauge. But some feel this is a little too thick, so the light gauge across the range. I personally choose a custom set of 45/65/85/105/125.

 

[PeaveyPlayer]

A P is a tool, not a sacred idol that floated down from the heavens. Just judge the instrument you're holding on its own merits.

Plus it's not even like every precision is the same.

I thought they were

 

[AndreasR]

I thought they were

Every single bass sounds slightly different. While similar specs will give similar results, there's always some variance in timbre.

 

[tfer]

Standard 4 string bass gauges are 45/65/85/105 and the standard 5 string set are slightly lighter at 40/60/80/100/125. If a standard 4 string set has a low B added, then it would typically be 130 gauge. But some feel this is a little too thick, so the light gauge across the range. I personally choose a custom set of 45/65/85/105/125.

For my 6er, I use D'Addario EXL 165-6 strings.

32/45/65/85/105/135.

Great B string.

 

[interp]

which Marleaux is that if you don't mind?

Contra

 

[Whippet]

Contra

Thanks for the info. I am thinking of ordering the Contra 6 string myself.

 

[interp]

I highly recommend it. I would also recommend asking Gerald to add the coil tap switches; I don't think they normally include them. In my opinion it greatly increases the instrument's tonal palette.

Here's the video that originally sold me on the Contra.

 

[Whippet]

I highly recommend it. I would also recommend asking Gerald to add the coil tap switches; I don't think they normally include them. In my opinion it greatly increases the instrument's tonal palette.

Here's the video that originally sold me on the Contra.

Thank you so much for the link. The bass sounds amazing and looks great, has that conservative look but is also very fresh. The contour and the cut on the top make it look like the bass has a contrabass girth, but upon closer look, it's actually quite thin.
Very well executed. I think this is one of the few semi acoustic bass guitars that does it correctly.

I looked at the color options at their site. Which color did you get?

Also how does the neck feel on this bass?

 

[interp]

Thank you so much for the link. The bass sounds amazing and looks great, has that conservative look but is also very fresh. The contour and the cut on the top make it look like the bass has a contrabass girth, but upon closer look, it's actually quite thin.
Very well executed. I think this is one of the few semi acoustic bass guitars that does it correctly.

I looked at the color options at their site. Which color did you get?

Also how does the neck feel on this bass?

My bass is actually pictured on their website. It is the bass on the far left of the third row down in the Contra gallery. Don't really know what the color is called.

The neck feels wonderful. It is a bit thicker front to back than I thought it would be, but I have large hands and it fits me perfectly. The action can be set very low, which is my preference. The string spacing at the bridge is 19 mm but can be adjusted up or down about a millimeter. Every note on every string resonates identically. I consider the neck to be the heart of a bass and this one felt like a part of my body within 24 hours of receiving it. Gerald Marleaux is a bass-building genius.

This is the best instrument I've ever held in my hands in nearly fifty years of playing bass.

 

[Whippet]

My bass is actually pictured on their website. It is the bass on the far left of the third row down in the Contra gallery. Don't really know what the color is called.

The neck feels wonderful. It is a bit thicker front to back than I thought it would be, but I have large hands and it fits me perfectly. The action can be set very low, which is my preference. The string spacing at the bridge is 19 mm but can be adjusted up or down about a millimeter. Every note on every string resonates identically. I consider the neck to be the heart of a bass and this one felt like a part of my body within 24 hours of receiving it. Gerald Marleaux is a bass-building genius.

This is the best instrument I've ever held in my hands in nearly fifty years of playing bass.

Wow, that is one nice instrument. The color and pattern looks great. I have heard great things about this instrument and the video link you gave me shows it. Thank you for the description of the neck. Now I can relax and order this bass!

For me identical resonation is crucial, especially on a six string when playing chords, which I bet is incredible in reality (not through a video).

I will definitely order it with the coil tap and experiment with the sound.

Once again thank you for the information. Much appreciated.

 

[AndreasR]

The string spacing at the bridge is 19 mm but can be adjusted up or down about a millimeter

That's a lot of space. Do you have Slenderhands?

Edit: nevermind. It's a fiver isn't it? I thought it was a six.

 

[Brother Goose]

Guys help me out here.

Can a 5 string PJ every be as good as a 4 string P?

For example.

Mas Hino NYC 5 string PJ vs Mas Hino 4 string P / Olinto P / Fender Vintage P

Pedulla MVP 5 string vs Fender P (expensive one)

Roscoe PJ vs Fender P (expensive one)


I picked some high end PJs just to make sure that the basses are all on the same or close price range. of about 3000-4000 bucks.

Can a 5 string get that classic P tone or will the mass in the neck and body not allow it?


Thanks for all information in advance.

Yes. Also, Carrots.

 

[G On Bass]

Standard 4 string bass gauges are 45/65/85/105 and the standard 5 string set are slightly lighter at 40/60/80/100/125. If a standard 4 string set has a low B added, then it would typically be 130 gauge. But some feel this is a little too thick, so the light gauge across the range. I personally choose a custom set of 45/65/85/105/125.

On all the 5s string sets I've purchased (DR, Dunlop, Fodera, D'Addario, Sadowsky), the 4 and 5 string sets are literally the exact same gauges plus a B string, whether they are labeled as Medium, Lights, whatever. Odd. I guess I just haven't come across that yet.