I tried 5 strings last year and it turned out to be just not my cup of tea. With narrow string spacing, fretting hand is okay but plucking is hindered, and with wide it's vice versa. I think I would have adjusted to it but at the top of that that particular ax didn't sound good (got tempted and bought it cheap on special offer without much thinking) and I didn't really need it for my music, so I gave up and sold it soon.
However, it should not discourage you. It's just a bit different beast and some technique adjustment should be made, especially in plucking hand so that B string doesn't ring when you're playing higher.
At the same time, if you just don't like how it feels and can get away with 4 strings through downtuning, don't force yourself. A lot of great bass players made it with 4 strings. Just do whatever is comfortable to you.
However, it should not discourage you. It's just a bit different beast and some technique adjustment should be made, especially in plucking hand so that B string doesn't ring when you're playing higher.
At the same time, if you just don't like how it feels and can get away with 4 strings through downtuning, don't force yourself. A lot of great bass players made it with 4 strings. Just do whatever is comfortable to you.
