Don't seem to enjoy a 5 string..

[Ross W. Lovell]

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?

I bought a 5-string about a year and a half ago, I'm still getting used to it, but it's me, not the bass.

I went through the same when I went fretless.

Part of the issue was I noticed playing the same part on the fretless did not inspire me. Reworking the part to take advantage of the qualities of the instrument AND the song, was an epiphany. Made all the difference.

I started to apply that to the 5-string, with the idea that, DUH, I'm playing it like it was a 4-string, so why would the extra string be anything other than an occasional neat parlor trick?

Rewriting a part around actually having that string, for me, means a lot changes in fingering, position, modulating and such. Starting with that extra string also puts a lower end "grind" that is useful for some songs, making them "darker and heavier" in sound.

That's not to say it can't be used for "lighter" songs. It can be used quite whimsically if needed.

Oddly enough, I now have managed to play most of the repertoire with any of the basses at whim, which tends to make things more flexible for everyone, not sure why, but it works?

I'm still finding out what it can do with the 5 and the fretless, the experience is part of the journey. My 3 "main" basses are all Thunderbirds, one vintage Gib, the other 2 Epiphones, a Pro-V and one modified to a fretless with a straight pull, like a Fender, not a bent back headstock.

If you thought you were going to continue down the same path as you did with the 4-string, it's like always taking the highway to get to your destination, you are going to miss a lot.

 

[rtav]

I played 4 string basses for 35 years. I’d tried numerous 5’s and 6’s but never found one until I tried one that “clicked.”

That was 6 years ago. I unloaded my 4 string basses and only play 6s from now on.

Maybe you’ll find a 5er that “clicks” for you, maybe not, but sometimes it happens.

 

[wvbass]

I've played fours and fives for years. I have to admit, I enjoy playing a four string bass more. The best way I can describe it is with a car analogy. For me, a five string feels like driving a big SUV. Its is a smooth ride in a nice vehicle. A four string, though, is like a sports car. I feel like I can move around faster and be more nimble, and this is more fun for me.

In reality, though, no matter what car I drive, the speed limit is the same.

 

[Ross W. Lovell]

I've played fours and fives for years. I have to admit, I enjoy playing a four string bass more. The best way I can describe it is with a car analogy. For me, a five string feels like driving a big SUV. Its is a smooth ride in a nice vehicle. A four string, though, is like a sports car. I feel like I can move around faster and be more nimble, and this is more fun for me.

In reality, though, no matter what car I drive, the speed limit is the same.

Trust me, while the speed limit is the same.......it's nice to have something that will get there quicker.

 

[ll Rip ll]

I recall there have been some Ric 5ers that have as narrow as 15mm spacing. I picked one up maybe 12 years ago and seem to remember it almost felt like a 4string, but with a low B squeezed in there... worth a try?

 

[FunkHead]

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?

The Gibson EB5 has to be one of the best, easiest playing 5 strings ever made other than Boutique basses. They are light and have a nice punchy tone. If you couldn't get on with one of them then you are probably correct and BEAD may be the way to go.

 

[roccobass]

Lots of people prefer 4-strings and like to tune them down.

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!

Well, having a 5 feel like your 4 would be nice, but we all know it’ll never be. I’m thinking the proper description here should be, “felt natural”. For me the most natural 5 string I ever played was a Pedulla.

 

[ll Rip ll]

Well, having a 5 feel like your 4 would be nice, but we all know it’ll never be. I’m thinking the proper description here should be, “felt natural”. For me the most natural 5 string I ever played was a Pedulla.

Pedulla!!!!!! Can't recommend enough!!!!

 

[4001]

I am too used to the 4 string to the point that the low B gets in the way of me striking the E way I like to and the sound of the E string on a lot of 5's kinda sounds weak.
The 5 string basses I've used were a modified P-Bass and an Ibanez Soundgear SR 705. The P-Bass had the same floppy thing that I don't like on the Fender 5 strings and as a P/J setup it really didn't have the tone I was looking for.... sold it 14 years ago...

The Ibanez was actually a great 5 string that I played once in awhile.... I might still have it today if I ordered it fretless.

As a result.... if I needed to go low, I'd just set up a 4 string for BEAD tuning, and call it a day.

 

[bassballs27]

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?

I tell you right now....a tuned down 4 string, will never be a 5 string!
If you want to play 5 strings....then OWN IT! That's the plain and simple answer!
If it doesn't work for you.....then play 4 strings and stick with it.
If you can handle playing both, play both!
The best part is.....no one can tell you to do anything.....only you can make the decision for yourself!

Here's some very good professional help......

 

[Sonicfrog]

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.

Yes on Yammy 5ers. I've had two. I have tiny hands, but my Yammy 5ers fit pretty nicely. If you don't mind used, there are a lot of choices. I happen to have a bit of a Peavey fettish, and the necks on their DynaBass series is pretty thin for a 5 string. They have a great sound too. With a little tweaking, I can get something like a Rickenbacker sound out of it.

 

[dave64o]

You don't like 5's? No big deal, then stick with 4's. You're in good company because, to me at least, it seems like the vast majority of bass players play 4's exclusively. And that seems even more true when you venture outside of the TB community.

I don't see any reason to lament that you're not comfortable on a 5. I've owned three fretless basses but after selling two and converting the third to a fretted Frankenstein parts bass I concluded that they just aren't for me. Maybe I'll give it another shot someday but, for the foreseeable future, I'm just having fun playing what works for me. If 4's give you the most joy and feel best to you then (as the luthier I go to always says when I pick up a bass he worked on) "play the s*** out of it!".

It's less WHAT you play and more HOW you play!

 

[NeckPickup]

The way I look at it, 4’s and 5’s each have their place in various styles of music, and I’m better off being able to play either. Whether or not I “enjoy” playing one or the other more doesn’t much matter, at the end of the day both are simply tools I need to do a job. I enjoy turning Allen wrenches more than I enjoy turning screwdrivers, but regardless, I’ll use either tool when required. If you don’t feel you need a 5 for the music you play, you shouldn’t sweat it.

 

[fretlessbass]

If the issue is that you want wider spacing, you might try a Reverend Mercalli 5: I played 6ers exclusively for about 25 years....but I always thought it felt great when I picked up someone's Precision--and sounded fatter. Eventually, I went back to playing fours, and am very happy...That said, I do a lot of gigs where folks simply want a B string....after a lot of research--and without being able to try one in a store--I picked up the Mercalli 5....19mm spacing, maple fingerboard, passive electronics...I'm still getting used to going back to having that B string, but at least the spacing feels right...and it sounds great!
I imagine I'll still lean toward my 4s, but it's too soon to tell....

 

[cheapbasslovin]

Getting right with a 5 string took me longer than an afternoon. IME, if you're looking to expand your range, you'll need to find one that's 'close enough' and then grow with it, or you'll need to buy a cheap throwaway bass and once you're comfortable with that go find the one you really want.

 

[Marhmol]

I've "almost" given up on five strings for various reasons. Long boring story there.
But for me, I can tell you I'm a bull in a China shop with narrow spacing.
Been waiting patiently for this.
Squier Deluxe Jazz Bass V Active - 3-Color Sunburst
My .02

 

[MoeTown1986]

I enjoy 4 and 5 string basses and gig with both. They each have their place. When playing on my top 40 cover band, it’s all 5 string active jazz basses. In my original county band, it’s all passive 4 string P’s.

 

[Joedog]

Before I made the jump I played a LOT of 5'ers (I used to manage a mom & pop Music store). I think most folks trying to make the switch have that "It doesn't feel right" thing going on. I sure did. I don't think it is so much the individual bass you are playing, as much as the inherent diff. between a 4 and a 5. It just takes logging some hours, and it's a gradual thing. Don't get discouraged. I hated them at first, and now I play 5's over 90% of the time. Maybe pick up a cheaper used one to start with? Some folks just feel at home w/4's and that's fine! Used, you'll be able to not lose much $ if you decide it's not for you. Chances are, IF you decide to go w/5's you'll eventually end up with something other than your 1st one anyway.

 

[FunkHead]

I have owned and gigged a bunch of 5 strings. I loved each one and was always able to get a nice tone and fast action. Even with smallish hands, they all worked great. Here's the list: Stingray 5, G&L L-2500, Sadowsky MS5, Pedulla ET-5, Gibson ET-5, Brubaker KXB-6(6 string), Warwick Corvette, Warwick Streamer, Plus many many more. They all get the job done and all have enough tonal range to fit almost any style of music.

I left my 5 strings tuned BEADG even when bands used alternate tuning.

The sweetest thing about 5 strings is it can force you to transpose on the fly which became 2nd nature....

Just pick one and commit to it!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Check other stores. Check other models. You need at least 30 mins to an hour to familiarize yourself with the new string.

Eaks, I’m almost 2 years into the acclamation process...30 minutes??? That said, if it’s the right tool, work until you get it right.