I've never had a need for a 5th string. One song in 40 years almost needed a low D but I just tune down if I need to do that
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For those who play 4-stringers only
- Thread starter Matthew_84
- Start date
I think it's mainly a function of the music I play and listen to. In my whole CD collection, I can probably count on one hand the number of songs that include a bass with more than 4 strings.
I don't have anything against it, just to be clear. I just don't feel the need at the moment. I'm sure I'll get G.A.S. for a 5 or 6 string at some point, though.
I don't have anything against it, just to be clear. I just don't feel the need at the moment. I'm sure I'll get G.A.S. for a 5 or 6 string at some point, though.
I have yet to play a 5 I like, but I haven't put in that much effort. I was in a band where we did some low stuff, I had a 4 tuned BEAD. It was identical to my normal 4 that way there would be no inconsistencies when I swapped basses.
My major influences played four strings and when it came time for me to try bass the 4 was cheaper then the same model with a fifth string. Today, now that I am staying with the bass an amp has a higher priority then another bass
I have owned 5 strings. I can even play them but for some reason I never really
'took" to them. Some guys fall right in and it's love at first pluck.
Maybe its because I never needed the extended range enough to use my fiver exclusively.
'took" to them. Some guys fall right in and it's love at first pluck.
Maybe its because I never needed the extended range enough to use my fiver exclusively.
I record a bit and dont need that sub low B string, kinda boomy - for me the B string is also just another string to mute when it comes down to it.
I played a 5er for a while. Disliked the narrow string spacing, having to mute yet another string as portlandguy mentioned above, and constantly reaching for the wrong string no thanks to 30 years of muscle memory playing a 4. Yes I could have worked my way through all the above, but instead decided to sharpen up my 4-string playing. I detune either the low E to D, or all 4 strings to Eb-Ab-Db-Gb, as needed. Miss the low B/C every once in a while, but am happy with the results of concentrating on 4 strings.
I played a 5-string bass pretty exclusively for several years of gigging playing in a hard rock kind of jam band and thought I would never go back to playing 4 strings until just recently when I began playing more indy rock style music. I still switch back to the 5 occasionally, but I rarely have a need to go deeper than a low E.
I guess I would say now that I prefer the feel and simplicity of a 4 string bass. It's a classic tried and true. However, when I have to play those low notes below E, usually because I'm playing with a vocalist who is picky about singing in certain keys, I REFUSE to detune my 4th string (just a pet peeve of mine). I would rather have my 5 string on stage to make a quick switch for any song that I need lower tuning for.
Both my 4 and 5 string basses are Fender Jazz's fitted with Leo Quan Badass bridges, so string spacing is probably on the narrower end, although there's no noticeable spacing difference between the 4 and 5. Of course, the 5 string has a much thicker neck, but it's something I think everyone can get used to over time.
The great thing about having that extra fifth string is that although it gets less use than the others, it provides me with the perfect thumb rest while I'm finger-picking the higher strings. I miss that when I'm playing my 4.
One complaint I have about my low B is that on a regular 34" scale bass, the tension is a little loose, causing some rattling and a generally "floppy" sound when striking the open note. Some players say you need a longer scale bass if you're gonna go 5 string so that the tension is higher, but personally, I can't physically play those comfortably because of the increased width between the frets but that's just me.
Cliff notes: 5 string basses are sweet and I think any player can benefit from having at least one in his/her fleet.
I guess I would say now that I prefer the feel and simplicity of a 4 string bass. It's a classic tried and true. However, when I have to play those low notes below E, usually because I'm playing with a vocalist who is picky about singing in certain keys, I REFUSE to detune my 4th string (just a pet peeve of mine). I would rather have my 5 string on stage to make a quick switch for any song that I need lower tuning for.
Both my 4 and 5 string basses are Fender Jazz's fitted with Leo Quan Badass bridges, so string spacing is probably on the narrower end, although there's no noticeable spacing difference between the 4 and 5. Of course, the 5 string has a much thicker neck, but it's something I think everyone can get used to over time.
The great thing about having that extra fifth string is that although it gets less use than the others, it provides me with the perfect thumb rest while I'm finger-picking the higher strings. I miss that when I'm playing my 4.
One complaint I have about my low B is that on a regular 34" scale bass, the tension is a little loose, causing some rattling and a generally "floppy" sound when striking the open note. Some players say you need a longer scale bass if you're gonna go 5 string so that the tension is higher, but personally, I can't physically play those comfortably because of the increased width between the frets but that's just me.
Cliff notes: 5 string basses are sweet and I think any player can benefit from having at least one in his/her fleet.
I stick with four strings because I prefer short scale basses. I know there are a couple of short scale five stringers available, but I think the extra string would do me more harm than good. I have considered the fact that a 34" five would allow playing in a position on the neck where the fretting distance would be about the same as short scale, but I find the basses too heavy for my liking.
Now if I hit the Lotto and have enough left over for a Birdsong five string, maybe I'll change my mind.
Now if I hit the Lotto and have enough left over for a Birdsong five string, maybe I'll change my mind.
Ummm...check my user name. You can probably guess which side of the fence I am on.
Something about 5 strings really bugs me. Both aesthetically and musically.
I'm not afraid to try different variations on a theme - I own / have owned all kinds of basses including short scales, acoustic, aluminum neck, active / passive etc. - they all sound different, but they all have exactly four strings.
I've tried 5ers, but I just can't dig it.
I also own probably 5,000 records. I'd guess that less than 50 of them feature 5 string basses.
Really a matter of taste I suppose.
Something about 5 strings really bugs me. Both aesthetically and musically.
I'm not afraid to try different variations on a theme - I own / have owned all kinds of basses including short scales, acoustic, aluminum neck, active / passive etc. - they all sound different, but they all have exactly four strings.
I've tried 5ers, but I just can't dig it.
I also own probably 5,000 records. I'd guess that less than 50 of them feature 5 string basses.
Really a matter of taste I suppose.
My problem with more than four strings isn't about the number of strings, it's the width of the fretboard. I just never cared for the feel. In fact, I prefer the sound of a P bass but the neck of a J. One of these days I'll either build one or buy one. Who makes a good P with J neck?
i like playing my 4-bangers strung BEAD.
I do this as well.
I occasionally flirt with the idea of tackling five strings, I even keep an EBMM SUB5 in the stable. Really though, I know I'm only fooling myself, and I just keep the SUB in the closet to remind me not to GAS so hard for 5ers.
I played a 5 for years. I found that while I used the B string - for low notes and position options - I didn't depend on it. Then I started to wonder if I really NEEDED it. I made myself play a 4 string for a year. Over that time, I found that I could cover maybe 95% of what I did with a 4 string. Detune to D and it's probably 97%.
For now, I am playing a Geddy Lee Jazz. I really like the feel of the neck. I played a gig last night and realized I never had to look or check my position. My hand just goes to where it needs. I don't have to think position, just play.
I will be putting a HipShot D-Tiner on this week so when I want to take it down a little I can. That doesn't help with the position options a 5 gives you, but again for me, I find I like to move around the neck.
That said, I'm always looking at 5er's...
For now, I am playing a Geddy Lee Jazz. I really like the feel of the neck. I played a gig last night and realized I never had to look or check my position. My hand just goes to where it needs. I don't have to think position, just play.
I will be putting a HipShot D-Tiner on this week so when I want to take it down a little I can. That doesn't help with the position options a 5 gives you, but again for me, I find I like to move around the neck.
That said, I'm always looking at 5er's...
My only bass is a 5 string. I don't think about it much anymore, I just play what I'm asked to. I get the 4 string itch every now and then, mostly when my back hurts for a lighter instrument.
Play what you like. If you are considering a 5 string play a few of them before pulling the trigger as the feel and tone of them vary quite a lot. I went through 4 or 5 instruments to find the right 5 string bass, a Stringray 5 in my case. After literally years of flipping basses I've got an instrument that feels and sounds like "my bass".
Play what you like. If you are considering a 5 string play a few of them before pulling the trigger as the feel and tone of them vary quite a lot. I went through 4 or 5 instruments to find the right 5 string bass, a Stringray 5 in my case. After literally years of flipping basses I've got an instrument that feels and sounds like "my bass".
Cash, pretty much. I'd get a 5 or 6 string, but I felt like I needed a solid 4 string first to use as a 'home-base.'
I have played 5 string basses for years, mainly because the music I was playing for those years sort of required me to play a 5er, then I went onto a 6er, only for my own pleasure, didnt really need the extra high string.
Now I have gone back to 4, as the band I am currently in doesnt require for me to use a 5 string, however my 4 string (I only have 1 4 string bass) is broken at the minute and am back to using a 5 string.... but not touching the B string unless I am messing about.
Now I have gone back to 4, as the band I am currently in doesnt require for me to use a 5 string, however my 4 string (I only have 1 4 string bass) is broken at the minute and am back to using a 5 string.... but not touching the B string unless I am messing about.
