Four string, or a Five string?

[lkngro]

On quick glance it just looks like a P bass...and since most musicians can't count past 4 anyway

HA! I get it...

But to answer TS's question, I think 5 string basses are in ALMOST every way better. Even if you don't use the low B string, it's still nice to know you have it there if you want to use it.

The only thing that I don't think 5 strings are better at is slapping. The B string is just unecessary then.

As for 34" vs. 35", it does make a difference, but I don't think it's a game changer. To avoid the precieved "floppy B" I just tune it up to a C or D, because I really have no need to hit a low B.

 

[chadhargis]

I still don't get it. A 4 is a 4...and no more. A five can be played JUST LIKE a 4 if you are so inclined, but you can also play it like a 5 string.

To me, common sense says the 5er is the way to go. If one can do it all, and one can do 99%, why would you settle for 99%?

 

[IngerAlb]

I still don't get it. A 4 is a 4...and no more. A five can be played JUST LIKE a 4 if you are so inclined, but you can also play it like a 5 string.

To me, common sense says the 5er is the way to go. If one can do it all, and one can do 99%, why would you settle for 99%?

1. If you're playing it like a 4 then there's no reason to get a 5er since the whole idea is to use that extra string.

2. Because there are some things you need to adjust to when switching to a 5er: wider neck, narrow string spacing, having that B string where you got used to have the E, and so on. For some players these are not an issue and can adjust just fine, for others it's a no no. But thing is: just because a 5er has that extra string, it doesn't mean it's automatically a better bass than a 4. For some folks other options might be better - lemme give you an example: I got a Thumb 4. Now it's tuned BEAD. Why? 'Cause I needed that B, while I was not using the G string at all. So to me not getting a bass with even more neckdive and a string I don't use or need was logical. In my case this solution worked better than a 5er. Which brings us to the last point...

3. People should ask themselves what they really need & want: do they need an extra string, or maybe they would be better with a BEAD tuning, or just with a 4? If for whatever reason they still need the G string, but also the extra B, then my all means they should get a 5er. Just don't say to others "5er is the way to go" - since it's not a given truth, it's just the way to go for you.