I don't know if this is exactly true.
I went to hell and back with that MIA Jazz V trying to get it to work.....strings, setup, pickups, preamp....nothing helped.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Finding a great 5 string is so much harder than finding a great 4 string.
- Thread starter JoshuaTSP
- Start date
I don't know if this is exactly true.
I went to hell and back with that MIA Jazz V trying to get it to work.....strings, setup, pickups, preamp....nothing helped.
hence "commonly"
i've yet to have a bass that I couldn't "unflop" the issue commonly is that we "force" as setup and string preference on a bass that demands something else.
JazzV is one of the basses that acts/reacts like a 4+1... not 5
i've yet to have a bass that I couldn't "unflop" the issue commonly is that we "force" as setup and string preference on a bass that demands something else.
JazzV is one of the basses that acts/reacts like a 4+1... not 5
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
Finding a great 5 string is so much harder than finding a great 4 string.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would disagree ...
The key to a good low B is usually a good setup.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I would disagree ...
The key to a good low B is usually a good setup.
I don't know if this is exactly true.
I went to hell and back with that MIA Jazz V trying to get it to work.....strings, setup, pickups, preamp....nothing helped.
I don't know it it's true either. My 34" scale Jazz V 2002 has a B that is something less than great. But somehow Fender "unflopped" the models post 2008. Stories were it had something to do with the angles the strings made at the bridge and nut. I don't know that it's true.
My Modulus is 35" scale and does have the ultimate "to die for" B string. But at the same time, my Ken Smith 34" scale is virtually as great! If that 1 inch makes a difference it's a very tiny difference. But from bass to bass B flop varies all over the map!
I don't know if this is exactly true.
I went to hell and back with that MIA Jazz V trying to get it to work.....strings, setup, pickups, preamp....nothing helped.
A good B string goes into the design and construction of the bass. I've had basses with a 34 inch scale that had a killer B string and basses with a 35 inch scale that had a terrible B.
A bass designed to have a good B sttring typically will. One of Fender's problems IMO is the break angle of their thru body bridge:
Link Removed
A tapered string helped a lot, but the B on both of my Fenders are no where near as good as other basses I've owned.
I really like the Ibanez SR505. You can get it for around $400 used, even less if you look hard.
IME yes. The stretches to play in the lower positions are noticeable enough to feel a difference. Especially when playing a root 3rd on the same string or a two octave scale in one spot. Some will claim a 35" is 100% necessary for a tight B string, which simply isn't true.
If a manufacturer makes a great 5 string, chances are its 4 string basses are great as well. If it can't build a great 5 string, their 4 strings generally - to me - are nothing great.
Zon makes great stuff in 4-6 string variants, as do many builders out there.
Zon makes great stuff in 4-6 string variants, as do many builders out there.
Just gotta know where to look 
Spector has some awesome 5's. The 4's are pretty much legendary also.
Spector has some awesome 5's. The 4's are pretty much legendary also.Just gotta know where to look
While I agree that Spector makes both great 4s and 5s, I just couldn't play their 5ers as comfortably in the lower positions as I can a 34" 5er - although I did find their 5ers to have an excellent B string, consistantly good fretwork, and great tone...
- georgestrings
My first bass was a 5-string, and it turned me off to 5-strings for a while. The B string just rattled all the time. Could never get it to sound good.
Then one day I played some other 5-strings, including one that was the exact same model and none of them rattled. So I assume the problem with mine was either an issue with the nut, the bridge, or the bass itself was just a lemon.
I look forward to getting a new 5-string soon.
Then one day I played some other 5-strings, including one that was the exact same model and none of them rattled. So I assume the problem with mine was either an issue with the nut, the bridge, or the bass itself was just a lemon.
I look forward to getting a new 5-string soon.
This. You can burn up dozens of hours going from store to store and playing through all their 5-stringers to find one that has a passably non-floppy B, or you can find a Dingwall dealer and do it in one trip. Forget the endless debates about 34" vs. 35" scale 5-stringers. The Dingwall low B is 37" long. It has no more flop than its 34" D string. Not only that, the uniformity of tension from string to string makes this bass design sing like no other I've heard or played.
OK.. I'll play.
Where in Minneapolis can I pickup a Dingwall?
-----
Sincerly -- I could have posted... anything less than a Status or Bogart is a waste of time.
I'm well aware the majority of posters on TB are playing clubs and parties netting ~$100.
The other way around though... there are tons of brands that do average 5 strings that can do above average 4s.
I won't name drop as this thread will fall apart in flames quickly (and yes I own one that I'm describing as less than good)
Tim
