Do I need a 5?

[WoodyH]

If I owned a 5 string, it would just end up being used as a thumb rest. There is, obviously only 7 notes plus their sharps/flats. But if you want more octaves to play with it might be cool.

 

[mbell75]

No, he needs to feel validated because the only good bass players are the ones he listened to in high school. And they played 4s. And the rest of us must simply conform.

4s are great. 5s are great too. Unless you're @mbell75, for whom whatever you were playing on that poster he hung on his garage wall in 1980 is the only thing you can ever play for the rest of your life.

Nah. I'm just saying no one NEEDS a 5. It's not going to make you a better player because you add a B sting. Well, unless you play in a Limp Bizkit tribute band lol. I have nothing against them though, I might even buy one to play around with. Some people are far too sensitive here, like I insulted their mother because I said you don't need a 5 string in your lineup

 

[Anders Barfod]

You guys are making a mountain out of a mole hill. A 5 string ads 5 extra notes. Most of the time, there is a 4 string version of whatever 5 string you are hearing that would sound exactly the same except for those 5 extra notes which probably will not even be played 95% of the time.

The 5 string is a tool, just like a 4 string. A good player with a good rig will sound good regardless of the extra string or not.


This makes no sense. How would those players you witnessed, who played 5s, have been any better by playing a 4? How do you even know they played on their B string much at all in the songs you heard? It's 5 extra notes, I'm sorry but it's not going to change the rig and their sound that tremendously.

I am not saying they would have been better playing a 4 its just that in the mix and on stage the notes on the b string had no definition or punch. You could tell that it was not a volume thing as on stage you could just feel a lot of air being moved creating an annoying rumble on stage . My bassplayer has a nice 4 ohm 2x12 cab and a aguilar toneHammer 500. With the lakland 5 string when he increase the bass pot to give more bottom from his cab the low D to B just create an annoying rumble. Dial back the bass pot (centered at a very low 40hz) to 4/10 B string sounded great but the E string lost the fatness... does anybody else experience ?

 

[bassbully]

I am not saying they would have been better playing a 4 its just that in the mix and on stage the notes on the b string had no definition or punch. You could tell that it was not a volume thing as on stage you could just feel a lot of air being moved creating an annoying rumble on stage . My bassplayer has a nice 4 ohm 2x12 cab and a aguilar toneHammer 500. With the lakland 5 string when he increase the bass pot to give more bottom from his cab the low D to B just create an annoying rumble. Dial back the bass pot (centered at a very low 40hz) to 4/10 B string sounded great but the E string lost the fatness... does anybody else experience ?

Yes I have experienced what your bass player has with EQing a B string. Its a challenge to first find a good five (I also own a Lakland) but the room, cabs, head all become factors. I EQ mine pretty flat and fingers crossed its been good so far. I do hear my tone get lost some on higher notes but that more of an issue with my preamp.

 

[Anders Barfod]

Yes I have experienced what your bass player has with EQing a B string. Its a challenge to first find a good five (I also own a Lakland) but the room, cabs, head all become factors. I EQ mine pretty flat and fingers crossed its been good so far. I do hear my tone get lost some on higher notes but that more of an issue with my preamp.

Maybe he could play around with his parametric mid. He is a good smooth groove player so maybe playing around with the midrange freq and mid level. He could keep the bass neutral or sligtly below noon, increase volume and dial out the most annoying mids when we are playing together thereby increasing the overall bass volume and avoid the 40hz rummble

 

[nostatic]

The TH500 isn't the most articulate amp around, at least it wasn't in my hands. Great vintage/thick vibe, but that can render the B-string a bit thuddy, which could be made worse by the bass. B-strings can be hit or miss, and also they can change up and down the neck. For instance I've had basses where the B-string was quite articulate from B-Eb, then got a bit wooly, then cleaned up again around G and were even usable above the 12th fret.

Mids are usually your friend with a bass. When in doubt, I usually will cut bass and increase mids to try and clean up a messy room or bass. Especially low-mids, around 200hz plus or minus.

 

[Anders Barfod]

The TH500 isn't the most articulate amp around, at least it wasn't in my hands. Great vintage/thick vibe, but that can render the B-string a bit thuddy, which could be made worse by the bass. B-strings can be hit or miss, and also they can change up and down the neck. For instance I've had basses where the B-string was quite articulate from B-Eb, then got a bit wooly, then cleaned up again around G and were even usable above the 12th fret.

Mids are usually your friend with a bass. When in doubt, I usually will cut bass and increase mids to try and clean up a messy room or bass. Especially low-mids, around 200hz plus or minus.

Love the feedback. Some cabs like the old ampeg cab with its vintage 10" speakers and sealed cab naturally has a lot of 120-150hz and not anything below 70z but my Bassplayers cab is a neutral cab with no high bass/low mids boost. So maybe he could use the mid pot to increase at the lowest setting (180hz) instead of cutting which i think he does around 600hz which is what you cut for Guitar as some guitar speakers like celestions and guitarcabs sound nasal with to much of these frequencies but taking out too much and you get lost in the mix..

 

[ShadowImage]

I am not saying they would have been better playing a 4 its just that in the mix and on stage the notes on the b string had no definition or punch. You could tell that it was not a volume thing as on stage you could just feel a lot of air being moved creating an annoying rumble on stage . My bassplayer has a nice 4 ohm 2x12 cab and a aguilar toneHammer 500. With the lakland 5 string when he increase the bass pot to give more bottom from his cab the low D to B just create an annoying rumble. Dial back the bass pot (centered at a very low 40hz) to 4/10 B string sounded great but the E string lost the fatness... does anybody else experience ?

Right but were the songs in question even in B (or C or D), where the bassist would even be playing the B string? I ask because a lot of bassists may play a 5 but since most songs are in E, he's still riding that E string most of the time. I could see an argument that songs tuned low don't sound good etc. For what it's worth, I agree with you but I don't blame it on the bass or the player, but that to the human ear (at least mine), most anything below E1 sounds like mud, anything below C1 isn't even really audible to me.
Personally I don't like the sound of B strings. They just sound too flubby to me, even from bands I do like. So I tune my 5 string EADGC.

 

[12BitSlab]

I have been playing 4's since 1968 and have never had a 5. The only time I felt "restricted" on a 4 was when playing a song in Concert Eb. That is sometimes popular since the trumpets and tenor saxes then play in F while the alto and Bari saxes play in C.

I can certainly see times where a low B string would come in very handy.

 

[Geri O]

Nah. I'm just saying no one NEEDS a 5. It's not going to make you a better player because you add a B sting. Well, unless you play in a Limp Bizkit tribute band lol. I have nothing against them though, I might even buy one to play around with. Some people are far too sensitive here, like I insulted their mother because I said you don't need a 5 string in your lineup

It's not a matter of being sensitive, I'm just rather amazed that you have the gall to declare what some people need or don't.

Okay, I say you are dead wrong. What authority or higher power makes you right and me wrong? Rhetorical question, it's more to make a point.

The only thing anyone "needs" is food, water, and air. Wanna argue with that?

Threads like this always seem to get away from the point and drift into "it's what I say it is". This post is a classic example.

 

[Anders Barfod]

Right but were the songs in question even in B (or C or D), where the bassist would even be playing the B string? I ask because a lot of bassists may play a 5 but since most songs are in E, he's still riding that E string most of the time. I could see an argument that songs tuned low don't sound good etc. For what it's worth, I agree with you but I don't blame it on the bass or the player, but that to the human ear (at least mine), most anything below E1 sounds like mud, anything below C1 isn't even really audible to me.
Personally I don't like the sound of B strings. They just sound too flubby to me, even from bands I do like. So I tune my 5 string EADGC.

We used to play in standard and he would use the low C and D on songs in C-major or D-minor. No we are in e-flat and he plays the 4 string tuned to E-flat most of the time,, and now very seldom pick up the 5 string (tuned to Bb) when he wants to hit the low C# and the low B now on the first fret. But I think he avoids the 5 string as the B string now tuned to down a half step is almost unsuable.. I can't really understand why he downtuned that bass in the first place.. maybe is due to muscle memory on our material. I get it on the 4 string as the Eb note is now used a lot in our music..

 

[mbell75]

It's not a matter of being sensitive, I'm just rather amazed that you have the gall to declare what some people need or don't.

Okay, I say you are dead wrong. What authority or higher power makes you right and me wrong? Rhetorical question, it's more to make a point.

The only thing anyone "needs" is food, water, and air. Wanna argue with that?

Threads like this always seem to get away from the point and drift into "it's what I say it is". This post is a classic example.

Ummmm, he asked for our opinions and I gave mine. He even posted a poll. If he would have posted a new 5 string bass that he got and I went off about how no one needs one then yes, I would be out of line. Again, he asked for our opinions. Sorry it differs from yours. Get over it.

 

[Geri O]

Ummmm, he asked for our opinions and I gave mine. He even posted a poll. If he would have posted a new 5 string bass that he got and I went off about how no one needs one then yes, I would be out of line. Again, he asked for our opinions. Sorry it differs from yours. Get over it.

I have nothing to differ from. Nothing to get over, except you need to get over being challenged. Again, you make my point. I simply voted, although I disagree with having "never go back" as part of the question. No, sir, you didn't simply vote.

Again, you have aided and abetted my last sentence..."Threads like this always seem to get away from the point and drift into "it's what I say it is and screw you (yeah, I added that last part because it fits)". This post is a classic example." I have, too, but at least, I'm honest enough to admit it.

Dude, the floor is yours. Like those other threads I wasted time on, I'm done here. Do yer worst. Make everyone proud.

 

[AndreasR]

Nah. I'm just saying no one NEEDS a 5. It's not going to make you a better player because you add a B sting. Well, unless you play in a Limp Bizkit tribute band lol. I have nothing against them though, I might even buy one to play around with. Some people are far too sensitive here, like I insulted their mother because I said you don't need a 5 string in your lineup

Sure there are people who need a five. Clearly you are out of the loop when it comes to music, but we're in 2017 nowadays. We've things other than Limp Bizkit which seems to be a whole newfangled band for you.

 

[Kukulkan61]

Naaaaaaaa....

 

[mbell75]

Sure there are people who need a five. Clearly you are out of the loop when it comes to music, but we're in 2017 nowadays. We've things other than Limp Bizkit which seems to be a whole newfangled band for you.

KORN tribute band?

 

[bassbully]

We used to play in standard and he would use the low C and D on songs in C-major or D-minor. No we are in e-flat and he plays the 4 string tuned to E-flat most of the time,, and now very seldom pick up the 5 string (tuned to Bb) when he wants to hit the low C# and the low B now on the first fret. But I think he avoids the 5 string as the B string now tuned to down a half step us unsuable.. I can't really understand why he downtuned that bass in the first place.. maybe is due to muscle memory on our material. I get it on the 4 string as the Eb note is now used a lot in our music..

I downtune my five a half step and still use the B string with no problems. I don't have the time or patience to relearn the fretting positions of all of the cover songs we do so I tune down.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

Does any of the material you play require the low notes you can get from a 5er? If the answer is no, then you don't NEED a 5 string. Do you WANT one is a different question. If you're asking on TB whether you should buy one or not, the answer is going to be a "yes" I bet.

 

[Korladis]

Maybe he could play around with his parametric mid. He is a good smooth groove player so maybe playing around with the midrange freq and mid level. He could keep the bass neutral or sligtly below noon, increase volume and dial out the most annoying mids when we are playing together thereby increasing the overall bass volume and avoid the 40hz rummble

I usually dial the most annoying mids as far up as I can.

Love the feedback. Some cabs like the old ampeg cab with its vintage 10" speakers and sealed cab naturally has a lot of 120-150hz and not anything below 70z but my Bassplayers cab is a neutral cab with no high bass/low mids boost. So maybe he could use the mid pot to increase at the lowest setting (180hz) instead of cutting which i think he does around 600hz which is what you cut for Guitar as some guitar speakers like celestions and guitarcabs sound nasal with to much of these frequencies but taking out too much and you get lost in the mix..

Often times a lot of low end extension actually isn't needed or helpful, depending on the mix. Seen plenty of bassists who have low B, or even low A, use the sealed 810 cabs.

This mix is really off, but in a way that makes the bass very audible. One of my favorite bass tones:

Sure there are people who need a five. Clearly you are out of the loop when it comes to music, but we're in 2017 nowadays. We've things other than Limp Bizkit which seems to be a whole newfangled band for you.

Are they even still around?

 

[Max Blasto]

KORN tribute band?

That's funny.
I'm retired (for now) from tribute work, but for awhile there it was paying the bills. During that time, among others, I worked in Godsmack, Soundgarden, and Bon Jovi acts that were definitely 5er requirements. yeah, Bon Jovi. Old Hugh was actually leading from behind, if you will, on the applicability of 5 strings to top 40 rock. As for Soundgarden, they use way too many wierd tunings for me, so I played in all in standard with a 5.

And I've played for years in a Rush tribute band (apparently you're familiar with them), but I used a 5 string for that. Know why? Cuz I _can_. Anything GL can do, I can do on a 5. And it meant I didn't have to take collectable Ricks on the road with me.

But again, I notice you're still hung up on the Rock thing. You don't notice Jazz guys using 5ers? If i'm doing a Jazz session and show up with a 5er, the guys are stoked. Fortunately, Bro-Country isn't really a thing in my area, but if it was, I know i'd need a 5er for that. The Praise and Worship guys all swear by their 5 strings, although I don't know myself cuz if I walked into one of those places it would be like a line from an Alice Cooper song.

The long and short of it is, you have an opinion to express. But it doesn't seem to be a very informed one. And you insist on expressing it anyway, doubling down on the Confirmation Bias fallacies every time someone points out facts you didn't consider. It's like popping into the effects forum and declaring that all you need is a cable to an amp. You're not really helping the OP, and you don't really mean to either now do you?