If a 4 string enables you to play better than a 5 you should stick with it. Maybe get a 5 in addition to the 4 so you have the option when needed. That Low B is nice to have in some settings, but not essential.
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Do you have to have a 5?
- Thread starter TheArchitect
- Start date
I think we may be having waffles, but I'm not really sure.
Here's my take. So when you play the 4 string take stock on how often you play anything using the g string. On your 6 take stock on the g&c string how often you use it. If it's barely or not at all you won't miss anything by getting a 4 string and using bead or drop tuning. On a different note I've tried 6 string out and I don't really like how wide the neck is. I like the chords and possibilities of the high c but to me I'd rather be comfortable so I find 5ers to be my favorite. I also like narrow string spacing so it just works for me. Check it out and see.
I had waffles for breakfast today. They were leftover from Sunday night dinner.
What can I say, my wife is pretty great and I'm a little spoiled.
Big picture, you don’t have to have one but it’s nice to have one on hand just in case.
It’s really determined by what the music demands. If you’re a working player, you’ll find shot callers and check writers that hate 5 and insist you play passive 4, and others that want their bassist on a 5. In these cases, you can exclusively play what you want and turn down opportunities to play something else, or be equipped to play whatever is wanted/needed.
This is very much like wind players. You could have one that only plays alto, but the player that owns and plays alto, tenor, soprano, and flute will be able to take on more playing opportunities.
It’s really determined by what the music demands. If you’re a working player, you’ll find shot callers and check writers that hate 5 and insist you play passive 4, and others that want their bassist on a 5. In these cases, you can exclusively play what you want and turn down opportunities to play something else, or be equipped to play whatever is wanted/needed.
This is very much like wind players. You could have one that only plays alto, but the player that owns and plays alto, tenor, soprano, and flute will be able to take on more playing opportunities.
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FWIW I don't play or have anything other than a 4 right now. I had a 5 but just didn't play it . . . and I don't keep things I don't use.
What I would say is that if you want a 5 make sure it's a good one, one that has a really good B string all the way up and down the neck. Two benefits to a 5. The first is those extra 5 notes, of course. But the second is the ability to go down in notes without having to shift, like being able to play a low F on the 6th fret, etc. But with less capable 5-strings those notes can sound really muddy.
Personally if I pick up another 5 it will probably be multiscale. I've never played one but the concept makes sense to me.
B
What I would say is that if you want a 5 make sure it's a good one, one that has a really good B string all the way up and down the neck. Two benefits to a 5. The first is those extra 5 notes, of course. But the second is the ability to go down in notes without having to shift, like being able to play a low F on the 6th fret, etc. But with less capable 5-strings those notes can sound really muddy.
Personally if I pick up another 5 it will probably be multiscale. I've never played one but the concept makes sense to me.
B
Depends on who I'm playing with. With my classic "hard rock only" band a four is fine. I have a D-tuner on it, but only use that on a couple songs. I have occasionally used a 5 string with these guys, but not noticed much advantage.
My other group is an oldies/classic rock/classic country/Americana/variety band. 2-3 lead singers, depending on configuration. Many songs transposed for the singers' varying ranges. Main guit guy is a capo wiz. A 5 isn't mandatory, but it sure makes life easier.
I use those for poppin' my slaps.
If the 5 string neck is narrow enough, that low B is not likely a problem at all. That's the crux of the matter I think.
I have not forgotten about that reality...
Muting should be 2nd nature regardless of the number of strings. It should be the least of your concerns whether playing 4, 5, 6, or more.
I agree, but what makes one good or not? I know the answer sound wise, but what aspects of the instruments design make that happen? Things I do not know
I have 19 basses and from these only 3 are 5 strings. I mostly play 4 strings but I use a lot my 5 strings basses because they are needed on many of mau gigs.
I can play Uptown Funk using an octave pedal but with a 5 strings bass it's simpler any requires less foot work.
Any working man needs to have the proper tools available for the job they have in hands. It's a matter of having available options.
I can play Uptown Funk using an octave pedal but with a 5 strings bass it's simpler any requires less foot work.
Any working man needs to have the proper tools available for the job they have in hands. It's a matter of having available options.
I'm of the opposite mindset. I like the simplicity of a 4, but in practice I find the 5 a lot more useful for all the aforementioned reasons oft repeated in countless threads such as this one. That said, BEAD tuning sounds like a nice compromise, and I'm curious to try it one of these days...
Jaco only needed 4.
Amirite? Amirite? Amirite? Amirite?!?!?!
