Do you have to have a 5?

[scott sinner]

I think the list of objective pros versus cons weighs in favor of a 5 string for many reasons noted above.

Subjectively, I don't care. I only have 4s. 5 is perilously close to 6 and I don't want anyone in the audience to mistakenly think I'm a guitar player.

 

[u2brothr]

Fact. I can "barely" handle four strings in my little musical brain. I can leave it at that.

Props to the players with more strings, bigger chops, and more musical brains than I have.

 

[madmaskbass]

The answer is....yes! 5's are just better but 6's are were the real fun starts!

 

[J Wilson]

Simply put, you should play whatever helps you make your best music, whatever that may be.

Now I've played fives exclusively since the late 80's. Here's MY why:

Fours always felt as if something was missing on the fingerboard. I'd start a figure here, play part of it, then have to shift several frets to finish the thought what seemed like way too often.

When I got my first five (a Peavey Dyna Bass Five), suddenly I could play many lines across the fingerboard, instead of the more vertical method a four kept me roped into. I just saw the fingerboard far easier on the five, and it was just a lot easier for me. Far easier transposing for the horn band jobs I did, way easier, I could just shift up and down the fingerboard almost like barte chords.

The extra low notes are useful, and useful if you use them musically instead of wearing out the band or the chart dropping depth charge low C's and D's every chance you get. Grow Up!

I can only say they fit me like a glove. This is not the case for everyone, and that's as it should be. I'd say if you think the different capabilities would be an advantage, try one. If you're happy as a clam with a four, stick with it. The only 'right' answer is what's right for YOU.

 

[LanEvo]

Tony Levin only needed 3 strings

 

[madjazzbass]

I have to admit, when 5 strings started becoming "a thing" (for me that was the 80's), I never thought it was something that was gonna last, I just assumed it was something that was going on at that/the time period, and then it would eventually go away; because (TO ME), Bass guitars where 4 strings, always have been, always will be; that's actually what I thought (subconsciously), I don't think I ever voiced that aloud to anyone, but that's what I thought and how I felt about the whole "5 string Bass" thing/or fad , Anyways, it 2021 (not now), and because I always preferred the wider/bigger Precision Bass necks, AND, 'cause I figured 5 strings are here to stay , and ALSO being further influenced by a lot of newer/younger players who were all/mostly all playing 5 string Basses; I broke down and got a 5 string and loved it almost immediately (My 1st 5 string was a Squier which I REALLY wanted to love, but I really LOVE, so it sat/hung for a good while then I just eventually sold it. Then I got a Lakland 55-02 and nowadays that's all I ever wanna play; they feel so comfortable to me/my hands, those necks just fit. Anyways, I didn't "need" a 5 string Bass, but I wanted one, so I got one, and I really like-m a lot. I just realized, If I were reading this, I probably would've stopped reading halfway through Peace Dudes.

 

[ToddB1963]

Simply put, you should play whatever helps you make your best music, whatever that may be.

I've never understood how sometimes it seems as if there's some test of musical manhood by how many strings your bass has.

Utter, total BS.

Correct, and if you permit me to expand on your observation, the inference seems to be that the so-called musical manhood increases in proportions inverse to the number of strings a bass has. As a player of both four and six-strings, this leaves me in a VERY confused state.

 

[smokescreens]

I have one five string in the rotation at all times, if for nothing other than certain bandleaders believe they need one. Having the extra notes in the pocket never hurts either, and sometimes provokes some interesting runs I wouldn't otherwise attempt.
Do you need one though? I guess it depends on the kinda gigs you're after.

 

[vindibona1]

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

To metaphorically quote a now deposed political leader... You have to play it to know what's in it .
For some it takes some time to become acclimated to a 5er. But once you do (at least I did) the 4 string can become obsolete. If the group you play with plays tunes in Eb or lower that low B string comes in handy. A lot of times tunes are written down for the vocalists. Having access to notes without moving all over the neck comes in handy at times as well.

Do I have one, nope!
Have I ever played on a 5 that was as comfy as a 4, nope!
Have I ever encountered a gig/job that required one, nope!
Do I think YOU should play what makes your ears and hands happiest, yeap!

Gigs that require the extra string? I'm certain you haven't played much musical theater. That's ok. I see written low D's and C's all the time. Only had a low B once as I can recall.

Comfort? Yamaha's necks are incredible for comfort and playability, especially for crossover guitar players. Heavy? My TRBX605 weighs 8.5 pounds, the same as my Stratocaster. The nut is just shy of 43 mm. A Strat's nut is about the same. I had my 4 string Jazz bass out last week. But it's a talking bass. Every time I take it out it screams "put me back in the box!".

Do I need a 4... Nope.
Do I want (another) 4... Nope.

 

[Appogee]

I am only playing 5-string short scales these days... all the advantages of a low B and shorter hand stretches, in one easy to play instrument.

As it's such a specialised niche, a beneficial side effect is protection from GAS.

As for whether you need a 5...? Well, it's simply really...
We play BASS. A low B provides MORE bass. So more bass is intrinsically BETTER!

 

[basslayer]

I have a fretless 5. I've owned fretted ones in the past. I used to play them exclusively because the music I was playing needed the lower range.

 

[ad9000]

But it seems like a lot of people around here only want an instrument with exactly 4 flatwound strings, fake violin burst, fake tortoiseshell pickguard, passive electronics, made by a company called Fender. And also to play only I-V quarter notes below the 5th fret with the tone rolled off from behind the drummer. They also want everyone else to want that. I don't mind if anybody (or everybody) wants that. I don't want that.

smeet, you are the best.
BTW I am loving the VP5 even though it doesn't have tortoiseshell - or flats (but it is sunburst). Hope the NV212 is working out well for you.

 

[burgerdj]

I have two 4 strings that I keep mostly for sentimental reasons. I’ve found that I really enjoy playing 5 strings, especially when I can stay anchored around the fifth fret. I really enjoy the consistency of a fretted E, too.

 

[smeet]

smeet, you are the best.
BTW I am loving the VP5 even though it doesn't have tortoiseshell - or flats (but it is sunburst). Hope the NV212 is working out well for you.

Haha, thanks man. That VP5 is a monster, I'm glad you like it! I haven't gigged the NV212 yet, but it sounds great at home!

 

[steveinohio]

I can understand the benefits of a low B. When it comes down to it I just don’t find it to be very pleasing or musical.

 

[Pocket Dave]

If you're playing a lot of modern or funk music in keys of B through Eb, sure, a fiver would be an asset.

Otherwise, it's another string to mute, and if you're an anchored-thumb 4-string guy, you'll probably want to switch to a floating-thumb technique.

 

[KenD]

Which 5er? Low B or high C? Which genre(s) of music primarily?

 

[swarfrat]

I really wanted, and thought I would be like the poster kid for five string. For all the reasons above. All my guitars are tuned to c# or D except this 12 string strat i just got and it just kinda needs to be in std with EXL 140's.

My fretless is four. Five is fretted. That may have something to do with it as well. But I'd just rather play the fretless four string 98% of the time.

 

[GazzBass]

I have a beautiful custom shop Warwick fretless 5 and I hardly ever use it. I have used it on a couple of gigs that a 5 was helpful but i usually grab my 4.

 

[Altitude]

It shouldn’t matter. If you’re the right person bringing whatever is musically satisfying for your situation, however many strings your bass has is a lost detail.

If it works who cares.