Do you have to have a 5?

[chadds]

I know it’s going to be rich when someone says, “no one needs a…..”

It is subtlely disrespectful because we can only speak for ourselves. I defend that right. Saying what others need or don’t imparts some level of knowledge that most humans don’t have. Only a close confidant can say what someone needs and they still may be right yesterday and wrong today. Saying what other’s need or don’t imparts the idea that if you had the choice you’d decide for others. Scary.

Since multi string basses were in use centuries ago the four string is only a standard in some genres, times and places.

Now if an accomplished musician says “for my needs this many strings works” you see the body of work and know that her knowledge is personal. You know she isn’t imposing it on anyone. It respects everyone else’s choices.

Have the huevos to say what you prefer and let us celebrate your choice.

 

[MYLOWFREQ]

I only have one 5-string bass which does not get played often.

 

[mellobud]

To answer the question, yes, I have to have a 5 string. I didn’t have one for 20 years of playing but now I cannot be without one. I have several instances now where I need the low D and C for paying gigs.
I have 5 four string basses and only 1 five string but it is a must for me nowadays.

 

[chadds]

I heard a lower register in music that I wanted to play. I remember playing live outside in 1971, on my 1970 lollipop tuner single coil Telebass. I ran my fretting hand off the fretbd over the nut seeking a lower note on the E than was available. When 5s became available I slowly tried them. I found that to me (!) Fenders were perfect 4 string basses. I found that other makers designed for the B and the overall stiffness offered the same response in touch and sound across all strings was perfect.

I'm a musician who plays bass. I pick the bass for the session/gig. My MIJ '51 P 4 string is a perfect instrument. It's not missing a B. When I need a wonderful bass that has a B, I reach for another bass.

When playing in blues bands the 5 is an excellent choice for me. (!) It fills the whole bottom. There is no other instrument down there. All the vocals, guitars, blues harp, drums sit above in the mix. Were I playing in a large Motown band a P would fit because below the bass would be a B3 and the mids are full with a horn section. From a musical perspective the arrangements tell you what to play. It's not about my choice. It's about what tool do I bring to make the music excellent.

 

[Bass Viking]

Here is the same bassline played on a 4 and a 5. I know which one I'd rather use for this almost 4 minute song.

 

[joel the bass player]

Have both, would probably prefer a 4 for most things, but to me I have to pick the right tool for the job. When you need a 5 you need a 5, and I have no problem with that.

 

[Blues Bass 2]

I posted earlier in this thread that you don't need a 5 string but I would say that I do pretty much . I can play the same material on my 4 string JB but it doesn't sound quite the same as with my 5s and is a whole lot more work for me . That's because I've been playing 5 string only pretty much for 15 years . It very much is a personal thing , lots of great players on 4 strings .

 

[DrBnz]

Typically I'd agree and favor the 4 string. Except for the G&Ls. For those I feel the L2500 have a different / better tone than their little brother the L2000. For that reason I'd prefer an L2500 over an L2000. Other than that I still prefer 4 strings ... UNLESS its training day. When learning or practicing "theory" the 5 is better for me as I can envision the patterning across the board better. So, Wednesday is "theory" day and I break out the 5 string.

 

[vindibona1]

I posted earlier in this thread that you don't need a 5 string but I would say that I do pretty much . I can play the same material on my 4 string JB but it doesn't sound quite the same as with my 5s and is a whole lot more work for me . That's because I've been playing 5 string only pretty much for 15 years . It very much is a personal thing , lots of great players on 4 strings .

Of course it is personal. But I agree with you. After having played a 5er almost exclusively for 2 years a 4 string feels like work with some material.