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

[flam]

I play in a relatively progressive metal band using a four string on songs that have seven string guitars. I tend to find that when I do mess around with a five, I fall into the trap of just playing the obvious roots because they're available. I see it with a lot of other metal players too. Playing four makes me move up the fretboard, and actually write something I might have otherwise not. Of course it's all personal preference, but you don't "need" those notes. They're available elsewhere in a different octave that could serve the song just as well, although differently.

Strictly speaking of string count, a five makes a four obsolete. As whole instruments, they're just a little bit different, and a five can't always perfectly replace certain fours, especially in feel or in the case where the same bass isn't available in both.

 

[4SG]

If I ever pick up a 5-string I'll let you know. Haven't yet felt the need in 30+ years of playing.

 

[G-Dog]

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

Of course not! Just restring the 4 to BEAD and keep on rockin' that B-string!

 

[somegeezer]

My 4 doesn't get picked up as often since getting a 5 [which was many years ago now], but it does have a completely different sound, and is strung with flats, where my 5 has rounds. So it still has some use. Not completely obsolete.

 

[G-Dog]

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

Of course not! Just restring the 4 to BEAD and keep on rockin' that B-string!

If you restring your 4 to BEAD and miss your G-string, then just capo the 5th fret! Better yet, forget the capo and just finger the E, A, D & G notes, when needed, on the 5th fret.

Does a 5-string bass become obsolete after picking up a 4-string BEAD? Mmmm, maybe?

 

[wizard65]

I’ve got a couple of each, I’ve always felt the E string sounds better on the fours.
Something to do with being on the edge of the fretboard according to a local tech.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Hey! This is my first post on TalkBass!
I'm about to purchase a 5-string bass. This definitely is something I can use, I'm playing a lot of metal that needs that low B, and it'll be nice to be able to play in lower keys that would usually require different tunings (like drop-D) without needing to detune. However, my original 4-string was a big investment for me, and I'm worried it'll become obsolete once I start playing this 5'er. Is there any situation you'd rather use a four stringer over a five stringer? The only ones I could think of would be that the 5-string requires more accuracy when playing slap style, and it's more difficult to play bass lines incorporating chords on a five string. However, both of those can be overcome with the correct technique. So, will I have any practical use for my four string? I'm a bit worried it will end up collecting dust in the corner and I'll only play it because I want to use it for something, not because I need to.

Sorry if this has already been covered, I couldn't find an answer to this exact question with a search. Thanks!

Simple answer no.
I own 5's 4's that I play regularly, Fretless and fretted. Also Upright.
4 string short scale, 30"
34" and 35" 5's (Upright 42")
Have owned and played 6's 8's and 12's

I found the 6 to be unnecessary for my application, and the 8 and 12 were great, but went towards getting some equipment and were played infrequently.
Obsolete? no.

No longer fit your needs/ playing style----- up to you.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

But a new bass player starting on a 5 string is completely backwards and a terrible idea, just as a guitarist starting on a 7 string would be. I have nothing against 5 strings, Ive owned them and may get another but not learning the fundamentals and getting proficient on a 4 string first isn't very smart.

Nonsense!!!!
Makes 0 difference, Upright Bass started as a 3 string.
Keith Richards plays a 5 string guitar... Keith Richards explains the 5-string guitar: '5 strings, 3 notes, 2 hands and 1 *******'

the Bass Guitar as an instrument is only about 80 years old and the form/scale/and playing style are so varied...

what is proper? What exactly are the fundamentals? by who's definition?
is it:
Slap?
Thumb only?
Plectrum?
2 fingers, 3 Fingers, 4 fingers?
Flamenco style?
What the heck do you call this?

 

[mattpnolan]

I've read most of the comments here, and I just wanted to add my own experience.

I started on 4, like most people, and I eventually bought a 5 for a band I was playing in. I played the 5 exclusively for 4-5 years or so.

Then, when that band was done, I decided I wanted a nice 4, so I bought one. Now, I have two nice 4's, and I've been wanting to sell my 5, because I just like the feel of a 4 so much more.

Therefore, I'm the opposite of a lot of people here where I thought I was a 5-er Convert, but I then went back to 4's and no longer care for the 5's.

 

[MrLenny1]

Yes. A five string does it all and is a great thumb rest.

 

[/\/\3phist0]

Behold the superior, 3 1/2 octave fingerboard of my avatar Wishbass and bow before it.

Otto

My Warwick Dolphin has 26 frets! AND is a 5 string! (of course the 4 string version has 26 frets also)
Of course for me, I seldom venture above the 12th fret....

 

[Tim1]

Let me re-phrase the question:
Does a 5-string bass become obsolete after picking up a 4-string?
Every time I have owned a fiver, after an initial honeymoon period I have reverted back to four. Just depends on the player I suppose.

 

[bluesblaster]

Doesn't matter if you play a diddly bow or some 14 string monstrosity of a bass, the music still comes out of your head. Would a piano be so much better if it had 124 keys or 148 keys ? would that make a 88 key manual obsolete? early harpsichords had far fewer notes to work with but Chopin didn't see it as an obstacle.

 

[bucephylus]

To anyone's "detuned 4-string" argument, you can detune the E-string on a 5-string as well. I've seen plenty of fivers with a Hipshot detuner on the E.

Most of my 5’s don’t allow the detune lever travel due to the B string tuner.

The only scheme I’ve seen that would allow it is the Fodera extended B, which somewhat awkwardly puts the B on the otherwise A tuner; a cool idea.

I wish there was a better solution, cause I do like the concept.

 

[AngelCrusher]

Ive had 5s many times over the years. They are great. But to answer your question - no

 

[Rip Van Dan]

Hey! This is my first post on TalkBass!
I'm about to purchase a 5-string bass. This definitely is something I can use, I'm playing a lot of metal that needs that low B, and it'll be nice to be able to play in lower keys that would usually require different tunings (like drop-D) without needing to detune. However, my original 4-string was a big investment for me, and I'm worried it'll become obsolete once I start playing this 5'er. Is there any situation you'd rather use a four stringer over a five stringer? The only ones I could think of would be that the 5-string requires more accuracy when playing slap style, and it's more difficult to play bass lines incorporating chords on a five string. However, both of those can be overcome with the correct technique. So, will I have any practical use for my four string? I'm a bit worried it will end up collecting dust in the corner and I'll only play it because I want to use it for something, not because I need to.

Sorry if this has already been covered, I couldn't find an answer to this exact question with a search. Thanks!

LOL! YES! I always use my 4-string unless I need to use my 5-string for a particular song where I need that low B string. Big part of that is that my old Jazz Bass is a far better bass than my much newer 5-string.

Now my '82 MIA Jazz has an unusual neck on it. It has a shallow C thin and fast neck with 7.25 radius on it, just exactly like my 1965 Fender Jazz Bass did. I toured with that '65 Jazz back in the early 70's playing 5-nights a week for 50-weeks a year for 3-years. So I really got used to that feel. Then, in 1976, it was stolen. In 1985, after almost 110-years of searching, I finally found another Jazz that has that same neck on it and I bought it. OK, this neck is all maple and my '65 had a rosewood fingerboard on it, but the feel is the same.

So I play my 4-string most of the time and only pull out the 5-string as needed. My 5-string is a "no-name" bass (Rogue) that I bought new for ~$200 and it is actually a surprisingly nice bass. Fit and finish is perfect and the neck is comfortable for me to play. It's also lighter than my Jazz. Evidently Rogue has since moved from Korea manufacturing to Chinese manufacturing and quality is hit-or-miss now, but the Korean made ones were great and that's what I have. All I did was adjust the set-up a bit and put different strings on it.

So my 5-string works well, looks good, and sounds good, but my Fender Jazz is in another league. Perhaps if I had a comparable quality 5-string I might use it more.....Nah, I wouldn't. I just love the feel of my 4-string!

 

[wizard65]

Does my pickup truck make my sports car obsolete?

 

[obimark]

Like that Myung guy sheesh so lazy!

;-) There are exceptions, but the average level of 5-string player on here (or most places) is a camper who sets up at the 3rd fret or 5th fret and probably doesn't move their hand up the fretboard for the whole set! (Especially if they sing too) I've seen it AND it is BORING.

 

[MegaSwing]

I have an idea: How about playing bass. At the end of the game, no one gives a crap about the number of strings you trot out. Either you made the groove happen or you didn't. Extra strings just give you more possibilities to miss. Just play.

It's not the model; it's the throttle.

 

[HamOnTheCob]

I don't think anything is ever "obsolete". I started on a 4, then got a 5, then got a 6, then went back to a 5, then back to a 6, then back to a 4, then got another 6, then back to a 5. Just depends on the mood for me over the years. I really enjoy playing a 4 the most, and I think using fewer strings actually forces you to be a better bass player because you have to be more creative. But I always end up finding myself in bands where the music calls for a low B or lower, so a 5 is my happy spot after 2 decades. I have four 5-strings and two 4-strings currently, and I'll probably never be without at least one of each.