As others have said, when the music calls for it and if you want the position flexibility. I see those low notes more in musical theatre books and even some big band arrangements. And besides, IMO, they look cooler than 4s.
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Do you have to have a 5?
- Thread starter TheArchitect
- Start date
All I play right now are 5 string basses. I have 19mm and 18mm 5 strings and I really like the 18mm bass. If you can deal with 18 or even 17.5mm spacing, it makes it more manageable for me anyway.
Like others have said, having the few extra low notes is not the only benefit, you also have a bunch more positions you can utilize to go across the neck instead of making big leaps up and down the fretboard.
Like others have said, having the few extra low notes is not the only benefit, you also have a bunch more positions you can utilize to go across the neck instead of making big leaps up and down the fretboard.
I'm in the camp of those who would rather detune a 4 string.
If I were more into R&B I'd get a 5 for sure, but for rock I could detune to B and still get away with a 3 string bass.
If I were more into R&B I'd get a 5 for sure, but for rock I could detune to B and still get away with a 3 string bass.
My gigs call for 5, so I play 5. I made 4 work with an octave pedal for a while, but it's not the same.
I haven’t owned a 4 string in probably 20 years. For me it’s a feel thing… the B string become a finger rest when I’m not using it (90% of the time) and once I got used to it, a 4 just feels wrong. By not owning a 4, I never have to worry about it, and 4’s now feel way to narrow.
A few years ago I bought my first 6 and instantly bonded. The high C lets me do a lot of cool blues phrases without having to move up the neck, and the added C string is definitely less disruptive than adding a B.
Yeah, I’m not playing below E very often. But when I need it it’s there, and I’m used to it… no needing to “adjust” to something new. So in my book, 5’s (and 6’s) are just what I’m used to. Once I made the switch going back wasn’t worthwhile.
And once I got used to my 6 I sold all my 5’s and replaced them with 6’s. I’m happy with that decision.
A few years ago I bought my first 6 and instantly bonded. The high C lets me do a lot of cool blues phrases without having to move up the neck, and the added C string is definitely less disruptive than adding a B.
Yeah, I’m not playing below E very often. But when I need it it’s there, and I’m used to it… no needing to “adjust” to something new. So in my book, 5’s (and 6’s) are just what I’m used to. Once I made the switch going back wasn’t worthwhile.
And once I got used to my 6 I sold all my 5’s and replaced them with 6’s. I’m happy with that decision.
Inside every six and eight string bass is a four and five string bass.
I want a 5 string in the worst way, but the music I play doesn’t call for it.
I also can’t work the idea in my head to park my 4 strings and play just the 5 until you lock it in your brain.
Not going to do that with my collection.
I also can’t work the idea in my head to park my 4 strings and play just the 5 until you lock it in your brain.
Not going to do that with my collection.
I do yes. It’s currently my main player because it’s my only fretless, but that may change soon.
I knew my fretless was going to be with me for a while and I didn’t want regrets. I do still have a fretted four though and love it.
I knew my fretless was going to be with me for a while and I didn’t want regrets. I do still have a fretted four though and love it.
If I didn't have my Kubickis, I would likely play a 5 more often. I have one, and understand the benefits of covering more territory within a smaller region on the neck. I just haven't had the need to commit to adapting to it. Most of my material was recorded on a 4 .... anything that reaches lower can be covered on the ExFactor (so far).
James Jamerson did play one, (not on record) if you have a copy of Standing in the Shadows it shows a picture of a Fender 5 String Bass, that according to James Jr.
belonged to his father. Granted it had a high C but it was a five.
belonged to his father. Granted it had a high C but it was a five.
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Both of my bands...a prog-metal-pop-jazz-rock-funk-grunge-whatever original act, and modern country/rock cover act, both frequently utilize those extra-low notes. I can't imagine not having anything less than a 5 at this point. Those low notes fill the room like a serious mofo.
Tried detuned 4-strings. Didn't like them. Too limiting for me. I've also tried 6-strings and they were not for me either. They were too excessive for my needs.
5er for life! Like Baby Bear, the 5 is just right for me.
The low notes, additional positions for money notes, easier to transpose, I can get the low notes for heavy stuff without breaking standard tuning for melodic stuff (alternative tunings discombobulate my brain)... and I like 24 frets because a solo I did in my old punk band had me going to the 22nd fret and with 24 frets I don't have to navigate a heel block when playing fast.
5er for life! Like Baby Bear, the 5 is just right for me.
The low notes, additional positions for money notes, easier to transpose, I can get the low notes for heavy stuff without breaking standard tuning for melodic stuff (alternative tunings discombobulate my brain)... and I like 24 frets because a solo I did in my old punk band had me going to the 22nd fret and with 24 frets I don't have to navigate a heel block when playing fast.
I prefer, & play a 5 for all of the music I’m currently doing-My Modulus, Roscoe & Tobias all get playing time, and a robust low B string, is a beautiful thing through a massive sound system. I played 4’s exclusively for a couple of decades, but in oct 2014, I bought my first 5 (Modulus Quantum 5) and have loved 5’s since then.. I like 6’s too, & I’m a fan of Kubicki’s & P basses also… (4’s)
5’s just happen to be the ones in my wheelhouse that really deliver all my needs, currently.
5’s just happen to be the ones in my wheelhouse that really deliver all my needs, currently.
Of course not. If 4s make you happy, play 4s!
That said, there are benefits to having a 5 - all mentioned above: natural extended range down to B, more efficient access to notes.
That said, the right 5 in your hands might feel as natural as a 4. Don't like huge necks? Try a non-P narrow/thin necked J or modern. Look for 5s on the lighter side and remember that balance and playability are equally important.
A 5 might not make sense for your needs, but I would not dismiss the idea without further exploration.
That said, there are benefits to having a 5 - all mentioned above: natural extended range down to B, more efficient access to notes.
That said, the right 5 in your hands might feel as natural as a 4. Don't like huge necks? Try a non-P narrow/thin necked J or modern. Look for 5s on the lighter side and remember that balance and playability are equally important.
A 5 might not make sense for your needs, but I would not dismiss the idea without further exploration.
Not in my case. The music I play usually doesn't require it and for the exception, I'm getting by with a Drop-D tuning. If that doesn't work out anymore, then I'll get a 5er.
I borrowed a 5 thinking I'd really be into it. I ended up never using it. I do like the low B, but I don't like the fat neck. To put up with that wide of a neck wasn't worth it for me to go below E once in a while, and I did like staying in upper positions sometimes but it was more of a fun thing than a necessity.
No, You don’t NEED to have a non-stick pan; You can still cook your food just fine with a pan that's not a non-stick. Growing up (before non-stick pans came out), Noone complained about their food not being cooked well enough cause the pan wasn't non-stick, that's ridiculous.
