do I need a 5 string if I want to join up with a country cover band

This one comes up every once in a while, and you'll hear a range of answers because there is a range of opinions. So, in my opinion, I wouldn't say you need a 5. But low D's through B's have become pretty commonplace in modern country, so you'll probably want one if you're playing that kind of music. You could detune, get a Hipshot, or just take the upper octave when those low notes come up, but I personally prefer having the B string over those options.

Now if you're playing classic country, 4 is plenty.

 

If you're expected to play only the recorded bass lines then sure - there are lots of low notes on modern country tunes. Then again, a lot of cover bands IME aren't hung up on hearing the low octave as long as you play the right pitch, or even your own part that's compatible with the song. It will totally depend on your own band situation.

 

Yes you do. Or grab a 6 string bass and you're good to go.

PS.with a 6 string bass you will get all (and the best) country gigs in your town, trust me!

 

I would say yes also... It's the norm lately...

 

If you are ". . . noticing a lot of these guys are using 5's. . . " then is guess some aren't? So the answer to the question is, it depends on what kind of country are you going to play?

Having both basses is the flexible situation, but as a 5 string player I can easily play a Jim Reeves song or one which requires a lot of B string on the same instrument. For me it's never been an either/or choice. A 5 has always been the most flexible instrument for me.

 

I'd say no - but some CW tunes (okay, "pop CW") have some notes below D. Pretty rare, but it happens.

 

Welp, it all depends.

If you are looking for a local country band in Texas it would probably be a good idea.

That being said, I fill in with a band out of Nashville sometimes. They come this way with a Nashville rhythm section as well. Every single bass player they have ever brought with them had a 4 string P bass except one guy, who played a Sadowsky jazz type 4 string. And, yes, they do modern country. They are all young, and amazing players. And almost every single one brings a P bass. The crowds haven't missed the low B yet. I'll let you know of they protest at some point.

But, yeah, I'm the only bass player they use who plays a 5. Take from that whatever you want.

 

No.....but it is highly recommended...If its a working group with competition for the bass slot, it could be a deciding factor

 

If you're looking to get the gig. . . . what ever gig that may be. . . . then the answer is you have to be right for the band and that means being flexible.

IMO you'll need both.

 

I played in one for 4 years without one. Unless they (or you) are anal about perfect replication of the original lines, you can get by. Start with what you have, and see.

 

Why not tune one of your 4 strings to a BEAD bass? And as stated, a drop D hip shot is a good idea. Lots of country with that low D.

 

Could also restring one of your 4 bangers to BEAD

 

I have a Xtender and a pitch shift pedal. I'm betting I could make it work.

 

Hmmm. It sounds like the answer is "Yes" for new/bro country.
I play classic country/rock and the answer is "No".
To be honest though, the subject has never come up in any of the bands I've played in. I only have a couple of basses and they're both four string.
I am thinking of installing two note extenders on both basses.

 

spend that money on a nice hat and a pair of good fitting boots.

 

it just depends on how badly you wanna play a few notes lower than " E " ... !??!

most of the time my low B makes a great thumb rest .. !

 

And don't forget your bottle of Jack. After awhile you can just slide it up and down the neck, and it will sound perfect.

Kahuna

 

No. As long as you're in the groove correctly a 2-string bass will work for the great majority of any music genre.