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Do I really need a 5 string bass?

#83
No you don't ... but I do!

B string sounds totally different than the E string at an equivalent pitch.
Speaking critically, I use the E string about 50% of the time, and B string the other 50% of the time for equivalent notes.

Can't live without it myself!

I think a good rule for music (and life) is ... If you don't use it, you don't need it.
 
#86
Jakub said:
Right ! Sounds terrible ! It sounds like he want to show his extended range off. I play 4 string but I don't underestimate the low B. There's sometimes space for those low notes but when you pumpin in the way like in this song it's ridiculous ! Sounds too rumble and he could play it in different way not rumble those low. I think that if you have 5 string is ok but just use those low notes as rarely as possible. They control the band too much in 99% of time. When I played in cover band there's a lot of lower keys than in original songs and often "I need" a low D but no, I don't use it because it will be sound like in this song ! Too rumble too unappropriate. But when I played in church band the low D (or even lower notes) sounds perfectly and playing those songs octave higher just don't give them the good sound ! So there's a space for B string but not every time and in every song. It's a matter of taste I think no "need".
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What the...he must be joking right, lol
 
#87
Play what works for you. For me, it's about position on the neck and notes available within that position, so I play fives.

And the "B-string makes a good thumb rest," hilarious. First time I've heard that. :rolleyes:
 
#88
Up until recently I was firmly in the no need for 5 string camp. My new answer is that it depends on what you are playing. I do not like the sound of a dropped low E string. If we're talking about droping to D I'm pretty ok with that(but not thrilled) My band has material that goes lower than that. I decided a 5 string was in order. Since I've begun playing it I've found that in some keys the low B is a nice luxury even if I'm not playing notes lower than those available on standard tuned 4. Another option is a bass set up specifically for a lower tuning.
 
#91
bordinco90 said:
I noticed that I do not use the B string at all (maybe 4 or 5 times during a 3.5 hour show).
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Fact is, you do use the B string. Number of times isn't really the issue. And if other bassists in this style are using fivers, there must be a reason to play one.

If you pick up a four string, you should keep that fiver you're currently playing just in case. I play in a variety cover band and use string five relatively rarely, but I sure am glad it's there when I need it. Low notes pop up in all styles of music, and I prefer not to use de-tuners or drop tuning.
 
#92
n1as said:
5 Strings and Low Notes are two different things.

For live use I find the 5 string to be of minimal benefit. Those super low notes often add little to the song. When I run sound and the bassist is playing a 5 I usually notice and appreciate fills higher on the neck but the low notes go unnoticed. In the studio where you can hear the bass clearly the low notes are more beneficial.

My low-note machine is a 4 string bass that I tune down to DGCF for the songs in D or Eb. Then I transpose the music and play it as normal. I do not need (nor can I comfortably play) a 5 string but I do sometimes need some slightly lower notes.

Others use a 5 not for low notes but for more playing position flexibility. Cool.
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Wow...this sounds like a really convincing argument to play a 5 string to me, especially since you're directly referencing live work. How many times a night do you have to tune and retune your bass between standard tuning and DGCF? Sounds like a pain (and a momentum killer in a fast-paced live set). Some people might not need a 5 string, but it sounds like you do! LOL
 
#93
I asked myself the question, and answered with "no, but they do look cool.
Then I watched some youtube videos, tried to tune my 4 string to Drop C, and the (now) C string spent more time dangling to the side of the fret board than on it (ok not quite, but it was very loose :p) :roflmao:
 
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#94
i like my 5vers ... 1 with a low B , 1 with a high C ... you can go either way ...up/down ...

plus the Schecter is a 35" longer scale ... Ibby SR / Fender are 34"

Ibby has a few newer P/J models that look nice ... that bridge pup would help the nice fat p pup cut thru .. !
 
#95
pjbassist said:
I have used a Hipshot on all my 4 string basses for decades and am only missing B, C & C# from a 5 string. Certainly has worked for me, just a thought.
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I added the double stop lever to the HipShot Xtenders on my P-basses which gives me either an open D or open C. Works great. Having said that, I recently got a 5'er which I really like and have been using quite a bit.

Bordinco90, my recommendation in these instances is to just get a bass that you really love. 4 or 5 strings can and will work for just about anything. Try a bunch in your price range and get the one that feels and sounds best to you. That's the one you'll enjoy playing the most and make the best music on, which is what really matters.
 
#96
Played gigs past couple weeks w 4. New rock blues band rehearsal yesterday broke out newish 5 and after little adjustment to it had a great time. And used the B good amount , added a nice depth.

Tripped up here and there, but that just shows need to play more

For Bluesrock it made a difference
 
#97
Shaunpski said:
I'm in the other boat. I play exclusively fretted 4 string and have been thinking of a 5er or a fretless (or both). Dont need either, though. Good luck.
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I was having that quandary some time ago, so I bought a five string fretless (Corvette). I love it, and then I bought a 5 string fretted acoustic, which is great, and now I'm hankering after a fretted 5 string. Although I might go for a 6er, or perhaps....


What, me, GAS? Never! I can stop whenever I want!
 
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#100
bordinco90 said:
Well I have gone back and forth with 4 and 5 string basses for years. The basses that I really regret getting rid was my MIM P bass and my Squier Matt Freeman P bass. They both played very nicely. I am deciding between a Fender MIM P Bass Deluxe (Active with a P/J setup) and a Ibanez SR505. I have played both and I feel like the Fender is a much better instrument in terms of build quality and tone.
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51i71PysmFL._US1200_-1.jpg
you could try a ESP LTD B415SM 5 string Bass, has 5 piece maple/walnut neck thru with swamp ash body and spalted maple top on body and headstock. It's 35" scale with 16.5mm string spacing is nice, and it has 2 active EMG pickups. Bridge pickup is an active EMG40DC double humbucker and the neck pickup is a active EMG 40P5 double humbucker all hooked to an active EMG B-64 3-Band preamp. Also has a 24 fret rosewood fret board. You can get one on EBay or Amazon I think there around $799.00 new, very nice sounding Bass, a lot better than a SR 505 IMO. And I own an Ibanez SR600 custom. If you like the sound of the SR505 the ESP sounds way better with those Active EMG's
 

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