So, I started searching around for a good 5er. Went to a local store today to try out a couple, not a single one felt good to me. They had a used Gibson EB5, Squier VM Jag V, Soundgears and a few others. None felt right, at all. I feel like I would be better off getting another 4 string, filing the nut and tuning it to BEAD. Is there anyone else that prefers doing it that way or is it just me?
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Don't seem to enjoy a 5 string..
- Thread starter MrKeef
- Start date
What do you mean by "felt right"?
Do you expect it to feel exactly the same as your other bass?
It's a different bass!
Do you expect it to feel exactly the same as your other bass?
It's a different bass!
IME it takes a little time and effort to adjust to a 5 string and the neck profile and string spacing will be major factors. Beyond that I find my technique changes as well so the transition always took some time and practice before I could comfortably switch back and forth between them at will.
Some may never find a 5 string they feel completely comfortable with. Then your approach to stringing a 4 string BEAD might be a better solution. One bass strung normally and and another strung BEAD. I tend to prefer a 4 string and thought about that option but found that I like my G&L L2500.
Some may never find a 5 string they feel completely comfortable with. Then your approach to stringing a 4 string BEAD might be a better solution. One bass strung normally and and another strung BEAD. I tend to prefer a 4 string and thought about that option but found that I like my G&L L2500.
Check other stores. Check other models. You need at least 30 mins to an hour to familiarize yourself with the new string.
That’s understandable, I don’t feel comfortable on 4’s and I don’t feel comfortable with narrow string spacing.
Get a 4 and downtune it if that’s what you’re happiest with. On the flip side, switching constantly between a 4 that’s tuned eadg and a 4 that’s tuned Bead could throw you way off. It’s the whole reason my 6 is my backup over my 5, the extra string messes with my brain just enough to throw me off while I’m trying to move around on stage and remember how to play 40 - 50 songs from different genres.
Get a 4 and downtune it if that’s what you’re happiest with. On the flip side, switching constantly between a 4 that’s tuned eadg and a 4 that’s tuned Bead could throw you way off. It’s the whole reason my 6 is my backup over my 5, the extra string messes with my brain just enough to throw me off while I’m trying to move around on stage and remember how to play 40 - 50 songs from different genres.
I have found it helps me avoid the spider crawling and arched fingers that plague me like a nightmare on most 4 strings.
It only took a short time to feel comfortable on the wider neck and still knowing the string spacing was close, which I prefer. I'm grateful for that much. It was a surprise to see my fingers lay flat across the fret board. Well Damn! look at that!
Still have the arched fingers on the four bangers, drives me nuts.
Edit for . . . BTW good luck in your search. No crime which ever way you go. Comfort and the feel are always first on my new bass checklist . . . then looks, it's gotta look like it's been waiting for me with all the right stuff.
It only took a short time to feel comfortable on the wider neck and still knowing the string spacing was close, which I prefer. I'm grateful for that much. It was a surprise to see my fingers lay flat across the fret board. Well Damn! look at that!
Still have the arched fingers on the four bangers, drives me nuts.
Edit for . . . BTW good luck in your search. No crime which ever way you go. Comfort and the feel are always first on my new bass checklist . . . then looks, it's gotta look like it's been waiting for me with all the right stuff.
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Lots of people prefer 4-strings and like to tune them down.
Based on many, many posts I’ve read here, it not just you.
And if no one ever mentioned preferring it the way you do, would it discourage from trying it. I wouldn’t.
I had a 5 once. Despite huge hands, just not my thing. I keep one down tuned bass in the herd. Works great for me and a lot of other folks, too.
Thanks guys! I'm going to go over to a GC and try out some more 5s. Maybe it was just the models I played that didn't feel right. I currently play on P Basses and Thunderbirds. What would feel equivalent to something like a P bass in 5 string configuration? Going to see if I can't try out a 5 string P.
Play any six string for about 30 mins, then switch to a 5 string. It will feel quite narrow.
i started on a 5er, but after playing it for 2 years, discovered i prefer a 4. tried a different 5er for another year recently, but just like 4 strings.
Ric5
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- Jan 29, 2008
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- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
When you get used to the 5 string the 4 feels wrong
Ibanez ATK series. If you like a P neck, you’ll feel right at home on one of these. Sounds nothing like a P, more like a Stingray. I’ve had mine now for 20 years and while it’s in retirement mode, I’ll never part with it.
I bought an Aria Pro II fiver about 20 years ago and never got into it. I sold it shortly after I bought it. Over the ensuing years I played a few more, but none flipped my switch. About six or eight months ago, I found a 90's-era Korean-made Hamer Cruise Bass 5-string on Craigslist or somewhere and fell in love. It is definitely the best playing fiver I've played, for me at least. You just gotta keep looking.
I've been playing 5 string basses for 26 years.
4 string basses don't feel right to me especially
a thin neck Jazz bass.
Make a commitment and go for it.
4 string basses don't feel right to me especially
a thin neck Jazz bass.
Make a commitment and go for it.
I'd suggest not depending entirely on what GC carries. There are brands they do not handle like G&L and others who have some excellent 5 string models. Check out shops who carry those lines as well. Try as many as you can.
One thing missing from your OP is your price range. That would help others frame better suggestions.
I just posted a thread about my new love. I may still be on the honeymoon, but when you go back to stores you must try some Yamaha 5's. I got a cheap one, TRBX305, and it's every bit as good as all my other more expensive basses.
Maybe you would like a 5 with tighter string spacing like the Ibanez sr series
