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Does A 4 String Have A Better E Than A 5 String?
- Thread starter Ace Of Bass
- Start date
Nobody has talked about overtones (harmonics) yet. Do you think adding one more string might affect the way in which the overtone series rings? Thinking about that it seems to me like an E string on a five string bass might actually sound better. But then again, I am most probably wrong.
My only concrete opinion is that there must surely be a difference, since everything affects everything to a certain extent when it comes to musical instruments. Just my worthless opinion.
My only concrete opinion is that there must surely be a difference, since everything affects everything to a certain extent when it comes to musical instruments. Just my worthless opinion.
My marcus miller 5 has a great (if not better) E string than a lot of 4 strings I used to own or own!!
and a lot of guys who tried this bass told me the same.
so I think it's something we are used to say.
but I only speak for my bass.
I 'm sure some 5 don't have a better E string than a 4
and a lot of guys who tried this bass told me the same.
so I think it's something we are used to say.
but I only speak for my bass.
I 'm sure some 5 don't have a better E string than a 4
JamiroTalk.net: Do you have preference between 4 or 5 string bass?
Paul Turner: I do think 4s usually sound better. The E on a 5 doesnt sound as good. Period. However I like playing 5 and enjoy having the option of the extra range of low notes without detuning.
Paul Turner: I do think 4s usually sound better. The E on a 5 doesnt sound as good. Period. However I like playing 5 and enjoy having the option of the extra range of low notes without detuning.
It has not been mentioned yet or maybe I overlooked it, but could the location in the magnetic field of the pickup make a difference? The E on a 4 string is at the edge of the magnetic field, but on a 5 string the E is closer to the middle of the field depending on pickup design.
I think it probably has to do more with the way the player plays a 4-string compared to a 5-string. When the E is the last string, it is likely that you may dig in a little more and it gives a different sound which may sound better to some.
Construction and sound wise, I think any difference would be minimal.
Construction and sound wise, I think any difference would be minimal.
I don't think it's better, but I can feel a difference between the two when I play. I remember reading an article or interview with Mike Tobias that said there are sonic differences between the two.
One of the very statements that caused me to create this thread......I LOVE his playing, but I'm not sure I agree......IME anyway.......
Probably not but I voted yes, it's a mojo thing, everybody knows fours have more mojo.
It may have to do with playing style being slightly altered from four to five. I think it's only natural to alter your fingering when playing five string in my case I played the E more often on the B string 5th fret than open.
Are we comparing a 4-string Squier Affinity and a 5-string Dingwall? Or how about a 4-string Ritter and a 5-string Ibanez "jump start" bass?
This slightly irks me when people talk as if all 4s and 5s have the same characteristics.
The sound and feel of the string is almost completely independent of how many other strings are on the bass, but is almost entirely dependent on the materials and craftsmanship of the instrument itself.
This slightly irks me when people talk as if all 4s and 5s have the same characteristics.
The sound and feel of the string is almost completely independent of how many other strings are on the bass, but is almost entirely dependent on the materials and craftsmanship of the instrument itself.
Yeah, that was the cause of debate the last time 'round.
Very true. The E on my Conklin 6 vs. my Fender 4 are different.
Really?!?!?! Wow, nobody would have ever predicted that! However, having several Peavey Cirrus 4 and 5 strings, I can honestly say that the only one that has a different E string is the fretless. Would I lie to you guys????
The last time this was discussed, I A/B'd these basses to see if one had a better E string and none were significantly different. 
a 5 string is only good for eliminating the bass cancellation experienced in four string basses and it makes a good thumbrest. short of that I see no purpose I do use a hipshot for the low D which to my ear is super clear compared to a fretted b string D note.
I think it would change the way you play the E string, so it doesn't actually sound different, the only reason it sounds different is because you have to play it differently.
That's ridiculous, there's no difference IMO and IME. I've played 4's and 5's for many a year and have never noticed a difference.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I have converted many 4 string Rickenbackers to 5 string Rickenbackers and every single one got better E string performance with the addition of the low B.
