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Do you have to have a 5?

TheArchitect

TheArchitect

Aug 4, 2009
2,216
3,075
#1
I like the idea of having that low B string. As a practical matter though, what are the real benefits of it. I'm not sure if the perks of having those couple of notes out weighs the practical advantages of the lighter weight, smaller neck etc that would be in play 100% of the time.

I am considering options for a very "modern" bass. I have a 6 string and that neck is so wide the instrument is a beast to play. It is not really giving me a good read on the value of the low B. I am still leaning towards a modern 4, but I don't want any personal bias' from my experience with that 6 to influence the choice
 
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#8
Do you have to have a 5? No
Do I have to have a 5? Yes.
Do I have to have a 4? Nope. It comes with the 5.

After playing on 5's for a number of years, I've found that my playing style and the basslines I come up with for our original songs are heavily influenced by having a 5 and they do not carry over well to a 4 as I am either missing notes low or high. This was confirmed recently when I picked up a 4 string in a guitar trade and struggled. YMMV
Even though I rarely use anything below the low D, I have come to depend on having those low notes available when needed. But the big thing is also hand placement as mentioned above.
As someone who plays in different projects and genres, I am always covered with a 5, especially when songs have to be transposed depending on vocalist.

But to each his/her own. Some like 5's, some 4's, some 6's and beyond. Play what works for you, don't be afraid to try new things and accept that it is OK to like or not like something that people on TB rant about.

And FWIW, a well-seasoned and maintained iron skillet is basically non-stick that lasts forever and you don't have to slowly consume teflon bits...lol
 
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#10
"It depends" is the safest answer. Do you play music that requires notes below the low E? If so, then probably. Transposing up an octave works and is serviceable, but it breaks up the melodic contour of the piece, and you may or may not want that. Arrangement is choices.
 
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#19
Ok, serious answer. I have a lot of basses and all but one are four or five strings. Four string to me is like visiting a favorite childhood hangout. It will always feel like home. That being said, I have found myself gravitating towards 5's in most band or jam scenarios. I don't really think about it as 4 vs 5 though, I appreciate the added flexibility and it can still do everything my 4 can. I like how I can walk up to the low E and also not adjust tunings when playing a song in Eb or D. When demoing instruments, I don't really care how many strings there are because I'm approaching the instrument with a different mindset. In jamming and band scenarios, the extra range is like additional vocabulary to use in your musical conversations and that's never a bad thing (unless you over overdo it on the low B... LOL)
 
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#20
TheArchitect said:
I like the idea of having that low B string. As a practical matter though, what are the real benefits of it. I'm not sure if the perks of having those couple of notes out weighs the practical advantages of the lighter weight, smaller neck etc that would be in play 100% of the time.

I am considering options for a very "modern" bass. I have a 6 string and that neck is so wide the instrument is a beast to play. It is not really giving me a good read on the value of the low B. I am still leaning towards a modern 4, but I don't want any personal bias' from my experience with that 6 to influence the choice
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6s are huge. I hate trying to play them. 5s are big enough to be uncomfortable, but familiar enough to make it work.

My suggestion, buy a 4, and cut the nut to a .130 and on
 
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