Do you have to have a 5?

[Frank77]

You don't "have to have" anything. Do you want one? Do the scenarios you find yourself in would benefit from having a B string?

For me, the answer was "yes" for a while, then became "no" later on. I have kept my 5 string because sometimes it can be useful (I occasionally play with a singer who often sings in Ab or Eb) but I mostly went back to a 4 string. Your situation might be different, only you know what you need.

 

[micahwc]

I played 5 strings exclusively for 15+ years. Now I use a 4 string tuned to D standard. My hands hurt less on a 4 string neck. It was rare that I used anything lower than the D note on the fifth string anyway; so for me it makes sense to tune to D.

 

[hrodbert696]

Depends on what you're playing. If you need notes below low E, you need to either get a 5 or tune your 4 down. If you're tuning your 4 down, you need to either a) play everything on the 4 tuned down that way, b) have multiple 4s in different tunings that you switch between depending on the song, or c) retune your 4 for different songs. If you're on a live gig and trying to avoid "dead air" between songs, b and c may not be great options, and it may not be that all songs are great to play on your detuned bass. So getting a 5 may be the most efficient solution. If you just play at home or record in a studio, and you'd rather play a detuned 4 than a 5, those things aren't a problem.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Do you have to have a 5? If that were true, we'd all be playing them.

 

[conttador]

I have quite a few and some 6s too. They are like weapons and you need to know when to use them, you wouldn’t bring a utility knife to a gun fight or vice versa… I have 4s that I play when I’m playing pop types stuff, 5s & 6s for jazz…

The other thing to consider is that not all 6s are created equal. I have a 6 w narrower 17.5 mm spacing that I’ll use if I know I’ll be playing chords and then I have the 18mm spacing 6s that I use if I’m playing standards and just walking or outlining chords.

Then there’s neck profiles, I have small hands so I prefer a flatter profile vs a chunky neck. All this applies to 5s too so long story short don’t settle by brand, look or even cost; in real estate it’s about location, location, location and for instruments it is comfort, comfort, comfort!

 

[nonohmic]

Not really... the 5 was not really a thing at that point

He could've played a Tuba.

 

[Snert]

Answered post 2.

You obviously want to stay with a 4 and need validation to do so.

 

[IPA]

what are the real benefits of it.

you can use the B string as a thumbrest on 90% of songs, and then the 'floating thumb' crew might leave you alone

 

[_Tay_]

Began on a 4. Progressed to 5. Stayed on 5 for around 17 years. Then back to 4 for the past 3 years and i dont miss the 5th string at all. Octave down pedal/sounds help the case too for sticking with a 4.

 

[_Tay_]

you can use the B string as a thumbrest on 90% of songs, and then the 'floating thumb' crew might leave you alone

This is also what i used to like to do and i do miss it to some degree

 

[Ostie]

It’s a bit like asking “Do you HAVE to have a non-stick omelette pan?”

I’ll leave the answer open.

I do not have a fiver.
I do have a non-stick omelet pan.
What does any of this have to do with carrots?

 

[chris_b]

Play the bass you want to play, what works for you, what makes you happy.

For me, since 1996, that's been a 5 string bass. I've posted why too many times to go through it all again.

 

[LiptonJigglers]

Should you get a 5 string bass?
Of course you should.
Just make sure it's the right one for you and your needs.

There's three reasons why I sold all my 5 string basses.
1: I went over to passive basses and I can't get a passive 5 string locally. Can't try before I buy.

2: The necks were either to wide or to narrow which made playing them uncomfortable and/or prone to mistakes.

3: I was no longer in a situation that called for a 5 string bass.

Would I have another 5 string?
Sure... if I could find the right one.

 

[Smooth_bass88]

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

Yes, I do have to have a 5. Many gigs I do require it. So, I have one. The other 11 are four strings.

 

[The Thinker]

I do (or, did when I was gigging). I resisted getting a 5 as long as I could. But when I started jobbing, some band leaders would say a 5 was mandatory because of certain songs.

so to get some really choice gigs, I 100% needed a 5.

 

[scuzzy]

BEAD 4-stringer can be a great option if you prefer the feel of a 4.

 

[RGerhart]

I don’t have a 5, but the biggest benefit I can see is that having the low B solves a lot of positioning problems. For instance, being able to in Bb up by the 6th fret rather than the first makes a lot of sense to me.

You put into words what I'd been thinking for a long time but never could pinpoint.

I'm definitely a five-stringer at heart, and this is exactly why. I really don't like playing in first position, because I prefer the sound of closed notes (i.e. non-open string notes), over open strings. And if you are used to playing in flat keys like Bb mentioned above, it gets uncomfortable in first position.

It might simply be an ergonomics issue on a personal level, but I also feel like the neck width on five and six string basses just fit me better.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Jaco ...

Nevermind. I'll boot my own @-%%#@$$ to the door.

 

[LowEndLobster]

you can use the B string as a thumbrest on 90% of songs, and then the 'floating thumb' crew might leave you alone

Need this in a "5 strings are your friend" pamphlet LOL. That's how I approach it. Bouncy thumb rest that I occasionally pluck

 

[brianrost]

No, I do not need one.

For me, there are only a few benefits:

1. I can play material in keys where the low D and Eb are useful notes without requiring detuning.

2. Because of hand injuries, playing five frets higher on a lower string (B instead of E, E instead of A, etc.) requires less stretching. A side benefit it is that it sounds fatter, too.

3. The extra string gives me more available notes without changing positions.