• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Do You Prefer 4 String, 5 String, 6 String?

#81
I have two four strings and an eight string (octaves in 4 format), but I've got a five string jazz turning up soon, hopefully as I often find that I'd like something to go a more heavy, and I'd one day like to be good enough (and have the cash) to justify getting a six string, as I love playing harmonics and chordal riffs as well.

I guess I just want to extend what I can do, and so yeah, I'd love a 6 string, but I'll make do with the incoming 5 string and my current basses.
 
#86
spade2you said:
So, you're saying that you play 4 strings and because of that, you're as good as Jaco?
Click to expand...

I think he is saying that if Jaco did not feel limited by a four string then who are any of us to say that a four string is "limiting"? I don't see how the fact that Jaco owned an acoustic five string makes his four string experience lame. What is Jaco most famous for playing? What were his best works played on? If they were on the acoustic five string, or his double bass, then perhaps that is what we all should be using, eh?

Four string basses are not my religion and Jaco is not my god. I've tried five strings and did not like them. I've even tried tuning the fiver in fifths to give it more range than a standard six string and I liked that no better. But if you like five or six or seven or whatever that is fine with me. I rather hope someone does because I think I shall be offering my SR505 for sale here shortly! While I don't like having a physical fifth string, I've found that I do love having its range and tuning in fifths gives me everything a fiver would give me on four strings so that is perfect for me. But that leaves a philosophical question: is my cello-tuned four a four string or a five string? It effectively has an invisible fifth string. Even so I don't think a fifths tuning is the answer for most of you, it will require more mental retooling than most are willing to endure. If you can deal with five or more strings then the fourths tuning is a more natural way to get the range.

Ken
 
#88
khutch said:
I think he is saying that if Jaco did not feel limited by a four string then who are any of us to say that a four string is "limiting"? I don't see how the fact that Jaco owned an acoustic five string makes his four string experience lame. What is Jaco most famous for playing? What were his best works played on? If they were on the acoustic five string, or his double bass, then perhaps that is what we all should be using, eh?

Ken
Click to expand...

I'll let him speak for himself, but if he thought he were closer to being Jaco or Jamerson simply because he used a 4 string and the anyone using more than 5 strings had no soul, he would NOT be the first. I fact, most of these "debates" are fairly ignorant pissing contests and straw man debates. The logic is often very disappointing, too.
 
#91
you know what they say about bass players, "we do it deeper." It doesn't get any deeper than the low B. regardless of the style of music you play the B string always comes in handy. it opens up an entire new octave level too. Go with the 5 string. You will not regret it.
 
#92
4 string for playing 70's and 80's funk, R&B, and blues and rock. 5 string for playing smooth jazz. don't have a need (yet) to play a 6 string although I owned one in the past. I do own an 8 string (octaves) but it's just collecting dust.
 
#93
JRH said:
you know what they say about bass players, "we do it deeper." It doesn't get any deeper than the low B. regardless of the style of music you play the B string always comes in handy. it opens up an entire new octave level too. Go with the 5 string. You will not regret it.
Click to expand...

True this is for me, heck, most of the Gospel bassists I know tune down to Bb and even A!
 
#99
bassbenj said:
Maybe Jaco should have asked HIMSELF the question first!

http://www.jacop.net/gear.html

Check out 1974. Who knows what he'd have done had the headstock stayed in one piece. And obviously Jaco was trying extend the range of bass notes upward with harmonics. A 6er would have been most natural where he was going.

I'm with Jaco.

Using Jaco to justify playing a 4 string is pretty lame.

I really don't get the people who basically try to turn playing a 4 string into a religion. They all seem to be saying "Hey, if I get by with 4 strings then nobody else needs anything other than what I play."

Well, I only play 5 and 6 string basses now, so nobody needs to play a 4 string anymore! :)
Click to expand...

I didn't use Jaco to justify ****. Just quoted the guy, that's all. And his reply says it all.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back