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

#81
jd56hawk said:
Only in the hands of a limited bassist.
Click to expand...

Unless you can magically play notes that aren't there on your instrument, then it most certainly IS limiting you... That's fine *if* the music you play doesn't require those notes, but some of us play music that requires more/lower notes than a 4 string can provide...

It's OK to admit that you don't have the ability to play a 5 string - we won't judge, lol...
 
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#87
mesaplayer83 said:
Unless you can magically play notes that aren't there on your instrument, then it most certainly IS limiting you... That's fine *if* the music you play doesn't require those notes, but some of us play music that requires more/lower notes than a 4 string can provide...

It's OK to admit that you don't have the ability to play a 5 string - we won't judge, lol...
Click to expand...

4’s are limited, but if you’re talking about how low the notes go theres BEAD. If you still need a G simultaneously you may have a case for a 5 string.

Let’s not confuse don’t want to with can’t though.

Why stop at 5? 6’s add notes above and below. If number of strings makes you better lets all be djent guitarists or play 24 string basses.
 
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#89
Zimborg said:
4’s are limited, but if you’re talking about how low the notes go theres BEAD. If you still need a G simultaneously you may have a case for a 5 string.

Let’s not confuse don’t want to with can’t though.

Why stop at 5? 6’s add notes above and below. If number of strings makes you better lets all be djent guitarists or play 24 string basses.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I tried the BEAD thing for a very brief period, but quickly discovered that I still needed a G string - so, it was time to conquer the 5 string, because 4 strings were too limiting in "some* circumstances... That's not a matter of "don't want to", the range of notes needed simply isn't there...

I've tried 6 strings, but really don't need the notes a high C gives, and don't care for necks that wide - but I can certainly see how they work for some players...

FWIW, I actually prefer to play 4 strings, as I find them easier to play, and definitely easier to "perform" with - but some of my paying gigs require a 5 string, so that's what I use in those cases...
 
#90
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.
 
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#91
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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#93
mesaplayer83 said:
Unless you can magically play notes that aren't there on your instrument, then it most certainly IS limiting you... That's fine *if* the music you play doesn't require those notes, but some of us play music that requires more/lower notes than a 4 string can provide...

It's OK to admit that you don't have the ability to play a 5 string - we won't judge, lol...
Click to expand...
Calling it limited scale might be considered an insult to some people who play a 4-string bass.
Other than that, did I say I can't play one?
Let me check.
No, I didn't say that.
Regardless, might as well say a 5-string is a limited scale.
 
#94
Started on 4s. Picked up my first 5er about 20 years later due to need. Played both for a few years and eventually moved to 5s exclusively. That was about 15 years ago. I personally have no reason to own a 4 anymore. No reason to over think it. It dosen't have to be either or. Just play and it will sort itself out over time.
 
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#95
jd56hawk said:
Calling it limited scale is an insult to everyone who plays a 4-string bass.
Did I say I can't play one?
Let me check.
No, I didn't say that.
Regardless, might as well say a 5-string is a limited scale.
Click to expand...

Well, 5 strings do reach a certain limit, that's true - but it is undeniable that a 4 string reaches it's limits sooner... If that insults you, that's your problem - I'm sorry if you can't understand that you can't play notes that don't exist on your neck, and that some people may actually need to play those notes...
 
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#96
Nope. I've got a mix of 4s and 6s and frankly, I only play the 6 when I really need to. For me, it's just less comfortable (tighter spacing and wider neck), and requires more thinking. So I still play fours a lot. The five wouldn't be as bad as the six, but there is still something that feels like home on a 4
 
#97
mbell75 said:
Can you please list modern rock and modern country bass players in well known bands using 5 string basses as their main? I can't think of a single one and can't remember the last time I saw a bass player in a modern rock or country band playing a 5 string. Just saw MUSE not long ago, probably the best modern bass player I can think of right now and Chris was still rocking 4 strings. Last time I saw one was a metal band who played in all drop B and C.
Click to expand...

I recall seeing way more 5-string usage back in the 90s. Of course, I only listen to certain genres, but it's typically 4-string these days.

Another thing that hasn't been mentioned (edit: it helps to read the entire thread, but I won't change the rest of what I wrote below) much here is tuning a 4-string all the way down to low B (so like the lowest four strings of a five string). I've done that a time or two. Of course, you have to use the lower fours strings from a five string pack (or buy a special detune string pack) and widen the nut slots.

Also, I've tuned my bass in fifths before as well (low-to-high CGDA). So, E --> C , A --> G , D stays , G --> A . That works just fine, but of course involves completely relearning the fingerboard. It's essentially a cello type tuning. It does make "sit-ins" very entertaining to watch as well:

Me: I don't know, dude. I don't think you want to sit in tonight. My bass is tuned differently. In fifths.

Arrogant sit-in bassist: Say what? Don't worry about it. I'll be fine. I've played detuned before.

Me: Okaaaayyyy.

Train wreck...
 
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#98
P. Aaron said:
You buy an use an instrument to persue tone(s) that work with the music. The range you need or hear in your head is usually what’s already prevalent in the pop/jazz realm. While there’s the Chapman Stick and other devices that get even more exotic, a 5 or even a 6 string bass isn’t any sort stretch.

Music is changing all the time. What we play and create is influenced by what is already out there and the ranges and rhythms that we can play and what an audience positively responds to.

While listening to some of Heavy Weather today on the way to a gig, I couldn’t help but notice that Jaco’s tone reminded me of some of the sounds and noises that came later from the (watchable) Star Wars movies.
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Heavy weather was a sensational album.
Black market was pretty darn good too
 

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