Going back to four strings?

[mattj1stc]

I just went through a similar exercise this year. While 5+ string basses have a certain cool factor to them (especially the lower notes available on the B string), I never really found anything that worked for me, or that I really needed.

Since I started out on a P bass back when basses only had 4 strings, I've always had issues with string spacing for both the left and right hands - it always feels too cramped to me on the 5+ string basses.

Then there was the B string - I never really found one that I liked - it was always too flopppy for me. Based on what I know about physics, the only approaches that would likely work for me would be Dingwall or Knuckle, but I don't have a pressing need for a B string. Based on my experience, I only ever really used the B string for low D - anything below that was pretty rare. In the end, it's better for me to have a hipshot to drop D when I need to go there.

It's subjective, but 4 strings just feels faster and freer to me.

 

[RickenBoogie]

I've only ever dabbled, having had one 5 string bass. Never took to it, though I could play it. Have since turned one of my 4 stringers to a DGCF tuning, which gives me what I want and need. Never went below a low D on the 5 string anyway.

 

[Mayers]

I play 6 strings exclusively for about 3 years now. But I feel like I could do everything on a 4 or 5 strings just fine. So I may return to my old partner : my trusty 10 years old Yamaha BBNE.
I learn on a 5 strings bass ( the Yahama ) and to be honest I'm more creative on it than on my 6 strings.

 

[BartmanPDX]

I grew up on fours, but moved to fivers for several years.

When I joined my current (classic rock) band, I started with the fivers but soon realized I wasn't ever really using the B-string. I tried a four again and it just felt more natural.

I've now sold all my fivers and play fours exclusively. I might get another fiver in the future, but I mostly like to have basses that I'm going to gig, and right now that's fours only.

 

[RobertPaulson]

I played a 5 for a long time, haven't touched it in a couple years. Just doesn't feel as good in my hands as a 4.

 

[onlyclave]

What's so "Going back to basics" about a 4 string over a 6 string bass? They can both play the same music.

Or is it a case of "I have 2 extra strings and a huge urge to show off with them"?

 

[SpamBot]

99% of what I play could be played on a 4, but I play a five because I love the feel of a chunky neck.

 

[Quadzilla]

I did it a few years ago (went back to 4's) and never looked back. Just something so simple, raw and inspiring about them.

I do use Hipsot Detuners on my basses which helps with quick tuning changes live.

 

[whocaresnotme]

Played 4's for over 20 years. Went to a 5 then a 6. I missed the open G string and found it was an impediment to comfortable play so back to 5 now for close to 10 years. I like the spacing of a 5 and I honestly do use the B for a thumb rest and I like the size of a 5 string neck. Just ordered a custom 7 string so I guess I won't be going back to 4. Alas, those days are over.

 

[Moving Pictures]

I do use Hipsot Detuners on my basses which helps with quick tuning changes live.

I just picked up a Jazz 4-string for the first time in a few years and I also added the HipShot Xtender to it. In fact, that was done this morning

I still have a couple of 5's but I can see that changing in the next year or so...

 

[spade2you]

What's so "Going back to basics" about a 4 string over a 6 string bass? They can both play the same music.

Or is it a case of "I have 2 extra strings and a huge urge to show off with them"?

It's not the extra strings, but the application that makes them useful or useless. When I hear that the low B is just 5 more notes, I consider the B string and concept very under utilized. There are many (non-shredding) things you can do with them, if you know how to tap into that sort of potential. If not, the extra strings only become more work, especially if technique isn't completely up to par.

 

[Rocky McD]

I find the 4 string extremely complex, I really need a 3 or maybe a 2 string.

 

[Marko 1]

I like to play higher on the neck, and use the B string regularly.



I’m keeping my 4s just in case, though…

 

[David Jayne]

I played nothing but a high-end fiver for 10-12 years. Then one day I accidentally tried an ordinary P bass at the store, and now I can't play anything else.

 

[bassbenj]

I find the 4 string extremely complex, I really need a 3 or maybe a 2 string.

Yeah, me too. That's why I prefer to play a 5 or 6 string!

But seriously, I'm with the guys who go for the right tool for the job. Yes, I do own 4, 5, 6, and even 8 string (which actually is pretty much a 4) basses. I spent many, many years playing a 4 string including upright. But once I discovered 5 and then 6 strings, I no longer enjoyed all that jumping around the neck that 4 strings require. I no longer enjoyed the limitation of looking for that Eb that wasn't there. I wanted the SIMPLICITY of playing across a given neck position!

But also like many here, I tailor my bass choice to the music. It's why I've got bass porn. Back a while I was doing the 6 string thing. I rarely played any of my 5s or 4s. And then the music I was playing/interested in changed and I soon discovered that I wasn't using the C string at all and the 6 string simply wasn't the right tool for the job in looks, vibe, or sound. And right now, I'm playing almost exclusively 5 strings. And I could see me going into some retro mode and I'd be back on 4s again just to get the right classic mojo going.

This is why I have a bit of trouble understanding the "I only play 4 strings" or "I only play 6 strings" crowd. I figure that must mean that you only play one kind of music EVER. Not that a person can't do that, mind you, but my interests are much wider than that even though I sort of go in spells.

PS. I have been known to play a 1 string bass (even though I don't currently own one). Washtub, broom handle, bass string.

 

[funk generator]

Iv got an mtd KZ5 that i love and a yamaha 6 string fretless. I just went back to four, bought a lakland joe skyline with a drop d tuner should get the job done. Only problem is i cant bring myself to sell my other 2 ladies!!

 

[roysloco]

I'm thinking about doing exactly this (going from a 5-er to a 4-er, possibly with flats).

5-er's are great (and no, they're not just about having '5 more notes' ) - if it was just about hitting notes most music could probably be played on a 2 string bass with about 12 frets.

I've owned 5-ers exclusively since I started and I love them, but I really like the thinner 4 string jazz-necks i've tried. I'd also like a bass I can grow with for the next 20-30 years and modify etc... A 4 string is much easier to modify, is cheaper to buy (if you want a Lakland ) and the strings are much cheaper.

I'll probably keep a 5 string though: some killer songs I play bass for go below D and I'm not sure a hipshot would handle dropping to C - anyone tried that?

 

[SwitchGear]

I play worship music and R&B/Funk music. The low B is indispensible to me.

 

[Kipaste]

I don't get the whole big fuss about the number of strings. I'll be happy to play a bass with any number of strings as long as I can reach over the fretboard and keep the unused strings muted.

I mainly play a 4 string these days, but I do still break out a sixer ,which used to be my number 1. bass, every now and then if I think the song benefits of the added possibilities. The main reason I play a four string is the fact that I found the sound I'm looking for from a bass that happens to have four strings on it.

And I do admit that I think four bangers look better.

 

[bass4worship]

I still play my 4's every Sunday, But if I have to gig out I'm taking my 5's for sure, not that I don't like giging with the 4's but when you play gospel that 5th string sure do come in handy at time.