Difference in 5 and 4 strings...

[powellmacaque]

So I have a 5-string Stingray, and for the most part, it sounds almost exactly like its four-string brethren. Then again, I've spent much more time with 5-string versions than I have with 4-string versions.

Now on the other hand, I have an American Jazz, and for whatever reason its sound is not identical to the 5-string versions I've played. Is it because all of the 5-string Jazz's I have played have been Deluxe (therefor making them active).

I guess the essence of my question: does being a 5-string alter the sound of a bass, or is it something else?

 

[TerrorRhythm]

it's most likely more to do with the active/passive difference than the extra mass for the 5th string.

 

[sandmann]

apart from electronics: my opinion on that is that a good 4-string will almost always sound better than a good 5-string, especially on the e-string. even the "good" 5-strings always seem to sound a tad weaker than a good 4-string. i also like the playability of a 4-string more, it is just a bit more comfortable for me, especially for slaping and tricky things. in the cover bands i use both 4- and 5-strings, but if possible 4-strings.

sandmann

 

[Fuzzbass]

I guess the essence of my question: does being a 5-string alter the sound of a bass, or is it something else?

I played fours for 25 years, now I've played fives for nearly 10. I don't believe that the difference in the number of strings makes any difference. When comparing a four that is similar to a five, keep in mind that there are MANY more differences than just the extra string (and wider neck, etc). Basses that are identical in every way can still sound different because of the wonderful inconsistency of wood.


As a famous luthier (Roger Sadowsky?) once said, a difference in tone in the E string between a four and a five could be attributed to its location. The low E of a four is on the outside edge, and easy to thwack around. With low E on a BEADG fiver, you have to use some restraint or else you'll thwack the low B at the same time.

 

[cnltb]

I don't think that an extra string makes any difference at all as far as the tone of the instrument is concerned.
It can make a difference in how comfortable a bassist feels on either or the other.
That bassist will most likely sound better and possibly perceive a difference favoring the instrument he or she feels more comfortable on.
IMO

 

[dave64o]

I'd say Deluxe vs. Standard is a far bigger factor than four vs. five in the differences you've heard.

 

[kcole4001]

Even two supposedly identical basses can sound and feel very different unless they're made from man-made composites.
Every piece of wood is different.
Given that though, as long as the string guage and construction is the same, you should be able to have both sound pretty close.