Does a 4-string bass become obsolete after picking up a 5-string?

[MarkA]

...after getting used to the 5 my brain started approaching string placement differently. What I find helpful from a feel standpoint is if I think a 5 string instrument (rather than 4+1) with the D string situated in the center. In other words, if I want to find the C near the nut its the third fret in the center of the fingerboard rather than the 3rd string- even though logically it is the same thing.

Did you mean to say "with the A string situated in the center"? I think I know what you're getting at, though.

 

[Ric5]

Exactly! I have one of my two 4 string Jazz Basses tuned to DGCF. I does things I was previously only able to do on a 5 string. I still have 2 5r's and a 4 string P bass that are tuned normal for each one. After playing a 5 for a while when I go back to the 4 it seems like a speedster. Only certain 5 string basses feel good to me, my ESP LTD E-5, Peavey Millinium and some Ibanez basses due to my small hands. I tried Fender 5's but the neck feels like a baseball bat (No ill will intended-just doesn't fit me)

I put 5 strings on 4 string necks so they are fast and comfy

http://www.3dentourage.com/425/425.htm

http://www.3dentourage.com/425/425-Ric.htm

 

[countrybass5]

I play both 4s and 5s on a regular basis, depending on the gig at hand... I prefer to play 4s, but many of the gigs I do require a 5er, so I use one on those jobs... Currently, I own four 5 string basses, but own 16 four string basses, with a couple more on the wish list - if that indicates anything...

Sounds like you're a heck of a player and have plenty of basses to prove it..

 

[countrybass5]

I bought a five string. Played it a bit, swiched it to have a low e and add the string higher. Then tuned that down a step and it was good. I recently sold it though as the music I’m playing wasn’t benefiting from it. If I needed the b or lower I think I’d still use a four string and tune it down ( with the right guage strings of course). I guess the 5th string just doesn’t do enough for me.

Nope.
My 5 is nice, but it doesn’t feel like “home” in the way my 4 does.
Also, my 5 is a more modern sounding bass, while my 4 is a P.
If a gig doesn’t require the 5, i play the 4.
If i’m horribly sleep-deprived and more likely to get lost on the fretboard because i’m falling asleep, i play the 4.
For recording, the 4 is requested more frequently.
Basically, the 4 feels like an extension of my body.
The 5 feels like a well-made tool.


But, maybe you’ll absolutely love your 5 and never use your 4.
End of the day, they’re both tools for a job. Use the right one for the job, and don’t worry about whatever tool you aren’t using at the time.[/QUOTe

Nope. I switch back and forth when the song calls for the right tool. I’ve been using these two lately for my current set list...



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Those are fine looking basses.

 

[mesaplayer83]

Sounds like you're a heck of a player and have plenty of basses to prove it..

Thanks for the compliment - I appreciate it... Apparently, I've added a couple more since that post, since I'm currently at 22 basses... I still have an eye out for a Steinberger 5 string, and a Hofner Beatle Bass, so I expect they'll be added at some time in the future, lol...

 

[vindibona1]

Did you mean to say "with the A string situated in the center"? I think I know what you're getting at, though.

Oops...Of course... Right note, wrong string. Thanks for correcting me. I'll edit the original. It's a funny thing, as you might guess, my reference was C- in 3rd fret in the center and yet I completely blew the string. Yet, I would still access A correctly while playing, although I would tend to play it on 4th/F5.

 

[MarkA]

Oops...Of course... Right note, wrong string. Thanks for correcting me. I'll edit the original. It's a funny thing, as you might guess, my reference was C- in 3rd fret in the center and yet I completely blew the string. Yet, I would still access A correctly while playing, although I would tend to play it on 4th/F5.

No worries. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[roccobass]

The proverbial yanking of chain!

it was a joke people... lol

 

[roccobass]

The proverbial yanking of chain!

it was a joke people... lol

 

[bassbully]

I played fours and a few fives but stuck to fours for almost all my bass playing in the last 8 years. Due to the type of music I switched to a few years ago ( county covers) I went back to fives.
I don’t think I will ever go back to fours. It’s not for just the extra low notes it provides but the feel and playing positions a five provides. I also prefer 35” scale which Is not normal in a four. I have a wonderful Frankin P that I treasure but it sits in its case today.​

 

[mesaplayer83]

I played fours and a few fives but stuck to fours for almost all my bass playing in the last 8 years. Due to the type of music I switched to a few years ago ( county covers) I went back to fives.
I don’t think I will ever go back to fours. It’s not for just the extra low notes it provides but the feel and playing positions a five provides. I also prefer 35” scale which Is not normal in a four. I have a wonderful Frankin P that I treasure but it sits in its case today.​

I've found a 5er to be invaluable when it comes to transposing songs in different keys - often required when doing country covers, IME...

 

[bassrebel]

I mostly play 5 & 6 String basses in gigs, but there is something about 4 string basses that I just can't get enough of! I have way more 4 st basses than 5 & 6 combined! LOL

 

[MrB64]

It doesn't become obsolete. I tried 5s, I just prefer 4.

 

[ElectricBass72]

Not for me. When I first switched to 5-string... I used it for standard tuning sets and my 4-string for drop D sets.

 

[Loring]

I kept playing my 4’s after my 5 string but now with a 6 - I hardly touch them.

 

[Snert]

I kept playing my 4’s after my 5 string but now with a 6 - I hardly touch them.

Do people actually still play 4s?

 

[LoveThatBass]

Not by a long shot! After playing a 5 string for a while when I pick up a 4 string it is like a race car and effortless!

 

[Les Fret]

Do people actually still play 4s?

Not that I know of….

 

[Geri O]

Can someone, after 31 pages that I’m not about to read, explain to just how a 4-string bass would be considered obsolete? I’m a 5 player, but still can’t imagine such a scenario.

And by all means, use all the snark one might see fit in the answer, if there is a legit one.

 

[JimmyM]

Can someone, after 31 pages that I’m not about to read, explain to just how a 4-string bass would be considered obsolete? I’m a 5 player, but still can’t imagine such a scenario.

And by all means, use all the snark one might see fit in the answer, if there is a legit one.

The idea of obsolescence in musical instruments is just dumb. Drum machines were supposed to make drummers obsolete. Synths and samplers were supposed to make everything else obsolete. Yet here we are, with everything co existing. It’s just people with likes and dislikes that they think should be the standard for everyone else. Who cares? Play what you want but don’t tell me what to play.