I've owned a few 5 string basses. I find myself never using the B string when I play one. That's the main reason I got rid of all my 5ers.
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Don't seem to enjoy a 5 string..
- Thread starter MrKeef
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Many moons ago, I decided to try 5 strings. I even did not know how to tune that damn thing. So, I purchased, on line, Yamaha 5 strings active bass.
It did fit. It was the best sounding bass, I ever had before. One more vote for Yamaha.
It did fit. It was the best sounding bass, I ever had before. One more vote for Yamaha.
Did you ever try the RB5?
I find the asymmetrical neck to be the most comfy of the Fender 5's.
Definitely try something with narrower string spacing. As mentioned, most "Ibanez" 5's have narrow necks, this will make a huge difference. There are many other narrow neck models, but assuming GC carries Ibanez 5's. Yes, the string spacing will feel tight at first, but a much easier transition than a 1.85 nut and 19mm string spacing. And once you become comfortable with 5 strings, you will absolutely love it, IMHO. Peace
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I’m exactly the opposite. Not criticising you in any way but I play finger style exclusively and I much prefer a narrow spacing. Just shows how much people differ in choice. I guess that’s what makes the world so interesting.
Wow, I couldn’t do without my B string now. I love that deep rumble. The low D is so nice to bounce off when your playing in the key of G. Runs coming up from the low B as well. Our drummer loves it when I do one of those towards the outro ‘cos it gives him a kick in the backside and he can really pick up on it and take it home.
How many great albums have been recorded with bass players who only had 4 strings? For decades, that’s all they had available.
After feeling for years that I was missing something, I bought a G&L L2500. It took me weeks to start getting used to it and get comfortable. I don’t know anyone who got one and felt instantly right.
Find something you like the sound and feel of and give yourself enough time to get used to it. If it doesn’t work out, be the best 4-string player you can be.
After feeling for years that I was missing something, I bought a G&L L2500. It took me weeks to start getting used to it and get comfortable. I don’t know anyone who got one and felt instantly right.
Find something you like the sound and feel of and give yourself enough time to get used to it. If it doesn’t work out, be the best 4-string player you can be.
My first 5 string was an Ibby 605. I thought the nice narrow neck would be just the thing, but I never got used to it in over 6 months. Got a deal on a Stingray 5 HH and couldn't believe it - I picked it up and started playing on it and it just felt as natural as I could want! Yes, I still had to adjust to that other string between me and the E, but it went really well and is now my favorite bass.
Coming from the other side of the fence where I find 4s to be largely a downgrade (apart from slap 
haha) you would think that I have no idea what you mean. But I do know that pain. Too well.
I know it because I came from the exact same spot you're at - I desperately wanted and needed the extended range, but it just felt wrong. In the very beginning.
I found pretty quick that I also hated (and still do) the sound of detuned (up to and beyond C#) basses. YMMV, but I can't stand it - playing or listening.
I went for tonality over convenience, bit the bullet and made friends with a 5.
haha) you would think that I have no idea what you mean. But I do know that pain. Too well.I know it because I came from the exact same spot you're at - I desperately wanted and needed the extended range, but it just felt wrong. In the very beginning.
I found pretty quick that I also hated (and still do) the sound of detuned (up to and beyond C#) basses. YMMV, but I can't stand it - playing or listening.
I went for tonality over convenience, bit the bullet and made friends with a 5.
If the wrong feeling comes from string diameter and floppiness, going for a BEAD 4 sring won't help.
Like what you like.
That being said, the transition will be slower than you think. I went from 4 to 6 strings. When my 6 string came in I was super excited, but I couldn't play the dang thing. Every time I went to a rehearsal or sat down to practice, I would switch nack to 4 quickly because I couldn't find my way around. I ended up loaning my 4 string to a couskn for a while to get it out of my house to force me to play 6.
These days I play 5 mostly, but own and love several 4 strings.
That being said, the transition will be slower than you think. I went from 4 to 6 strings. When my 6 string came in I was super excited, but I couldn't play the dang thing. Every time I went to a rehearsal or sat down to practice, I would switch nack to 4 quickly because I couldn't find my way around. I ended up loaning my 4 string to a couskn for a while to get it out of my house to force me to play 6.
These days I play 5 mostly, but own and love several 4 strings.
I recently like 50-67-90-120 balanced set a lot even on standard tuning. Allows for a super low action if the neck is strong enough. Anyway, that fat E was probably the limit on the nut and bridge on my bass and I see it wouldn't even fit on some but worth a try. You can even use a wider spacing 5er bridge and use only 4 strings aligned properly, or 4 single string bridges from a 5 set, why not?! It's your bass.
madbass6
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I've had a few people recommend the G&L L2500 now, as well as Yamaha 5ers. Unfortunately, I'm in an area that doesn't seem to stock those G&L's. We have a couple small time music shops around and one guitar center. I did try a Ray 35 that felt like I could stand playing it for more than a few hours at a time. I am going to seek out a L2500, will be asking around if any of the local bass players have one I can try out since I can't find it in stores.
It's ok. I also tried a 5-string a couple times, and probably could have gotten proficient on it.
But for me, the payoff wasn't worth the effort and extra weight. I really only used the Low E-Flat and Low D.
Right now most bands that are big only use 4-strings anyhow. Kind of a retro revival I guess. (other than gospel and whatever "flavor of the month"- metal)
You could easily be in a cover band that does everything from the 50s to the current chart and NEVER need anything lower than drop tuning your E to D for a song or two. Even "Get Lucky" sounds perfetly fine on a standard 4 string with the B notes moved up an octave.
But for me, the payoff wasn't worth the effort and extra weight. I really only used the Low E-Flat and Low D.
Right now most bands that are big only use 4-strings anyhow. Kind of a retro revival I guess. (other than gospel and whatever "flavor of the month"- metal)
You could easily be in a cover band that does everything from the 50s to the current chart and NEVER need anything lower than drop tuning your E to D for a song or two. Even "Get Lucky" sounds perfetly fine on a standard 4 string with the B notes moved up an octave.
I don't know a terrible lot about Yamahas, but my father n law collects them. If string spacing is part of the issue for the OP, i'm not sure Yamaha will be his cup of tea. I play a pedulla 5, with 17.5mm spacing. Best 5 I've owned. Maybe I'm somewhat partial, but playing the Yamaha collection is very difficult with all those 19mm basses. I'm just plain slow and clumsy trying to cope with the wider necks. Not bashing Yamaha, my technique just isn't proper for them.
I doubt you are going to pick up any bass that has an additional string that will immediately feel normal / comfortable like your current bass. I can go from one four string to another and not totally feel comfortable if there is a significant difference in their neck profiles.
Going 4 to 5 is always going to be a fairly significant change regardless of the neck profile of either bass. If the necks are identical widths, the 5 string spacing will obviously closer. If the string spacing on each is identical, the 5 string neck will have to be wider.
If you want to go to a 5 string, get a 5 and start playing it. After a while you can start picking up other 5 strings and compare apples to apples....
Going 4 to 5 is always going to be a fairly significant change regardless of the neck profile of either bass. If the necks are identical widths, the 5 string spacing will obviously closer. If the string spacing on each is identical, the 5 string neck will have to be wider.
If you want to go to a 5 string, get a 5 and start playing it. After a while you can start picking up other 5 strings and compare apples to apples....
