Never owned a 5 and probably never will. To me they seem like an extra bit on a normal bass. So it's probably all just perspective.
If you're happy with an instrument then be happy.
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Does anyone else feel almost “guilty” when getting a 4 string?
- Thread starter Jason Bonilla
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If you're happy with an instrument then be happy.
I'm gonna build me a 3 string doom machine.
C B E
37" multi scale with a horseshoe at the bridge and a lipstick at the neck
The fanned frets should make it, slightly easier to shift lol
C B E
37" multi scale with a horseshoe at the bridge and a lipstick at the neck
The fanned frets should make it, slightly easier to shift lol
Dont like fives they look and feel all wrong, sounds crazy but true so no chance of me ever feeling guilty.
No. I can barely handle a 4 string and have issues with my fingers comfortably reaching across to the e-string. No way I could add another string to that.
It's strange.
When I see bands play, I very very seldom see the bass player with a five string, but then I read posts here and see a huge number of people talking about exclusively playing five and six strings.
All 5s have a 4 right there in them
That being said, play what makes you happy. That is why they call it playing
That being said, play what makes you happy. That is why they call it playing
I've spent the majority of my bass playing life on a 5-string and several years on a 6-string.
Nowadays, home for me is a 4-string with a Hipshot Xtender for quick forays into drop-D.
Nowadays, home for me is a 4-string with a Hipshot Xtender for quick forays into drop-D.
Not me, another 4-string only.
Although just now in a one-off project doing Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and I am missing the low B string.
Although just now in a one-off project doing Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and I am missing the low B string.
Depends. I see plenty of fivers in cover bands. Makes sense if you have to cover a bunch of variety I suppose, and certainly for any modern "Pop" RnB, or Bro Country. In original rock bands, Americana, and anything that has a "classic" or certainly a retro bent I never see 'em--all four bangers.
Yeah I can't remember the last time I saw someone playing a 5 string live. The last few original bands I've played in would be considered retro or classic I guess so that checks out. I've never been in a cover band but if I were to I think a 5 string would be a must.
5 strings must be popular in Latin music too because every time I'm in a music store the only people I see looking at 5's are speaking Spanish.
no guilt here! you can play a 4, a 5 or a 6 string bass - or own and play a variety of configurations for different bands, different songs or just because you like it. your basses and fellow TBers won't think less of you if you don't stick to a certain number of strings.
i started playing on a 5 string, but over time discovered i prefer playing a 4 string. for years, i played in a metal band and a punk /alt band, both of which i turned to drop D. it worked fine. i've even tuned the low string to C when needed. but i have a 5 string for certain songs / playing situations. my 4 strings aren't jealous.
anyway, it's best to play the basses that feel and sound right to you, regardless of number of strings, active or passive, scale length or anything else. if it sounds good and feels good, it is good.
i started playing on a 5 string, but over time discovered i prefer playing a 4 string. for years, i played in a metal band and a punk /alt band, both of which i turned to drop D. it worked fine. i've even tuned the low string to C when needed. but i have a 5 string for certain songs / playing situations. my 4 strings aren't jealous.
anyway, it's best to play the basses that feel and sound right to you, regardless of number of strings, active or passive, scale length or anything else. if it sounds good and feels good, it is good.
Other than cover bands I do see them with players backing RnB/Pop type artists. Usually the bass on the recordings is all synth, so I can see needing to have that range.
This is a new version of the old question.
D
I own a couple five strings, one of which I played pretty much exclusively in a cover band I was in.
Now that I have become interested in playing only original music, where I am playing lines, instruments, and tones that I personally like, I haven't touched a five in probably four years. Just nothing that is a "bass guitar sound" sounds right to me lower (or higher) pitched, unless it is emulating synths or other non-bass guitar sounds.
That said, I love how others creatively use extended range instruments. Just not for me.
Now that I have become interested in playing only original music, where I am playing lines, instruments, and tones that I personally like, I haven't touched a five in probably four years. Just nothing that is a "bass guitar sound" sounds right to me lower (or higher) pitched, unless it is emulating synths or other non-bass guitar sounds.
That said, I love how others creatively use extended range instruments. Just not for me.
Having a four-string heart, no. Three of the four instruments in my quiver are four-strings. I enjoy playing my five-string and admit that it is a bass guitar, but it's a slightly different animal. I think it is a difference in the attack and decay (note envelope) compared to a four-string bass. It sounds and feels compressed to me...
Well...
If you learned to play on a 5-stringer; you like playing one; and the music you play needs one - or is just easier to play? Then, by all means; play one. No one will think bad thoughts about you...
However...Sorry, but your feeling "guilty" about getting 4-string bass? Well... that's on you. Personally? I currently have 27 basses in my "Bass Herd" and they're ALL 4-string basses. That's what I learned to play on; a lefty '68 Rick 4001 - in 1968. In all the years since, I've never needed - or wanted - a 5-er. No music I've ever played - or that I play now - needs more than 4 strings. Actually, a lot of what I play, doesn't really need that many... If I were ever to buy a 5-string bass? I wouldn't feel "guilty". Stupid, maybe; but not guilty...
A four is like going home. I went 12 years with no four even in the house, just a fiver. There are relatively few off-the-rack customization options with non-fours. I like tweaking until it’s perfect for me. Fivers are too proprietary. However, I did have several I truly loved. Unfortunately, you can’t keep every one. At least, I can’t.
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