4's are every where in Seattle. In fact I don't think I've gone to or played a local show yet that I've seen another 5 0r 6 string player. Seattle is hipster heaven so lots of Pbasses and Jaguars.
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Four bangers on the decline?
- Thread starter Kwesi
- Start date
Is it possible that some people like 5's and 6's because of the string spacing, not necessarily because of the extra strings?
Passinwind
I know nothing.
- Dec 3, 2003
- 23,044
- 45,903
- Disclosures
- Designer/Toaster Tech @ Passinwind Electronics
One of the big reasons i bought a 6 is because i like the wide fretboards that come with them. I find 4 strings uncomfortable sometimes because of how narrow the fretboards can be.
As for the 4 bangers on the decline... no. The vast majority of basses being produced by big name companies, as well as whats being stocked in stores are 4 string basses. Thats what most people are used to, and most dont feel or develop the need for more strings. I posted this in another thread, but if you look on musiciansfriend's website, the number of 4 strings they have in stock is greater than the number of 5's and 6's combined, but a large amount.
I've seen a few out and about on the local scene but most of the bassists I see are playing a four string.
Personally, I think it's because of the comments like, "they're afraid of the low B", "4 is for starters" and so on, that make four strings players defensive about their choice of bass. They're there, you have to admit.
I used to switch between 4 and 5. They didn't make that much difference to me, playability wise. But right now, I play exclusively 4. But. I'll be switching to a 5 when the time comes.
Actually I'm on a hunt for a not-so-expensive fretless 5 now. Any suggestion?
1) Those comments are in the minority.
2) People got defensive before those were posted. Check out the first few pages, lol.
As far as not-so expensive fretless 5ers, my suggestion is always Tom Clement but what's your budget?
If you want a nice fretless five for not too much money, order a fretless G&L L-1505. I had one, and it was killer! I tried to buy it back, and the woman who has it would not even consider selling it to me again.
I'm still without a five for a few more weeks, and I am having a ball! I miss my B string, but my Foundation sounds so good, especially since i changed strings, that I am just getting off playing it. Although I mainly play Gospel when I play out, I have simply gone back to playing the notes below E an octave up like I used to do before I had a five, and I have not missed a beat. As I said, I love fives, and I am looking forward to getting another one in June, but we should all remember just how much good music has been made with four string basses in standard tuning. A four can certainly get thejob done.
I think my budget is around 1K tops. If I spend more than that my girlfriend would literally kill me, which, being me, is not very good.
By the way, for:
I didn't mean in this particular thread, but rather in general. Even though they're in minority, they still can piss some people off (have to admit, me included).
Then my suggestion is a used Tom Clement. I've really been posting/self-plugging this video a lot recently but you could find a bass like this one for under $1000 used.
YouTube - Fender American Deluxe Jazz FMT vs. Tom Clement Fretless Bass Comparison
Admittedly, the look isn't for everyone but I love the sound. Hell, the look wasn't for me so I sold it but I've got one that's more me on the way as we speak
.Fair enough.
It seems to me that the 4 string short scale bass is the type thats on the rise. There seems to be a lot more choices out there than before. Even Warmoth. New Squier jags coming out as well. They wouldn't be putting these out without a market beyond young students. The 30 and 32 scale hollowbodies seem to be selling more now too. Personally, if you're going to expand from 4 just go for a 6, why would you stop at 5? Go for broke!
every band I've seen play in the past 6 years have all had 4 string bass players
havent seen a Fiver at all
bands without bass players have been more common than 5 String players
havent seen a Fiver at all
bands without bass players have been more common than 5 String players
I've noticed that guys who used to play 5s and 6s are more and more returning to 4s. I just sold my 5 string Stingray and haven't missed it at all. I love the idea of the B but for my tastes, rarely do 5s/6s sound as good as 4s. I'd like to know why too?
