How many 5 string players actually use the B?

[SteveC]

Simple - if I'm playing classic rock or blues, and I know I won't go below E standard all night, why would I bring a 5 string for that? - considering that 5ers typically weigh more than 4s, have a wider neck that certainly doesn't make playing any easier, and leaves me to mute the B string all night, when I wouldn't have to on a 4 string... Then, there's the look of a 4 string P bass for that sort of gig - in short, *to me* it doesn't make any sense whatsoever to use a 5er for a gig like that when a 4 string is more appropriate and more suitable for the job... Lastly, I have some really nice 4 strings that are definite keepers, long term - why wouldn't I take them out for gigs like those?

No disrespect intended, but I've seen you vacillate *a few* times regarding gear choices - and to be frank, I don't place much stock on your opinion on this subject, as you've proven to be very fickle on matters like these...

In short - this working bassist brings the right tool for the job(4 or 5), and finds it difficult to see how anyone could find fault with such an approach...

I get what you're saying. I'm just saying that, for example, I'm very used to my 5 string, muting the B, width of the neck, etc. so playing a different bass because I know I won't go below an E isn't something I consider I guess. My 5 string is a great 4 string, too.

I have vacillated a bit over the years for sure. Liked trying new things, the never ending quest, playing what was "in" at times, but I have had this same bass as my main bass for about 6 years now so I think I have settled down a bit.

I didn't find fault with you bringing whatever you want to a gig. I guess my thought was if you have a bass you like, are comfortable playing it, and it has the right sound for the gig, why would you not use it just because it had a string you may not use all night. Sorry if it came off some other way.

 

[mikeswals]

I don't remember ever seeing Nate play a 4-string, except maybe an ABG with Clapton.

Well, since Nathan has been at it since 1975? he had to be playing 4's until those first 5 string BB's came out.
He played on Footloose which came out in 84, it's always sounded like a Yamaha played with a pick to me, seems likely it would have been a 4 string.

 

[mesaplayer83]

I get what you're saying. I'm just saying that, for example, I'm very used to my 5 string, muting the B, width of the neck, etc. so playing a different bass because I know I won't go below an E isn't something I consider I guess. And hey, if you've got a great 4 string, play it.

I have vacillated a bit over the years for sure. Liked trying new things, the never ending quest, playing what was "in" at times, but I have had this same bass as my main bass for about 6 years now so I think I have settled down a bit.

I didn't find fault with you bringing whatever you want to a gig. I guess my thought was if you have a bass you like, are comfortable playing, has the right sound for the gig, why would you not use it just because it had a string you may not use all night. Sorry if it came off some other way.

No prob - and apologies if I came off too strong... Truth is, although I'm quite competent on 5ers, I'm actually more comfortable on 4 strings - and prefer to play them whenever I can... As an example - one of my gigs is with a classic rock trio that mainly plays ZZ Top, Skynyrd, Hendrix, and other rock and blues songs - wouldn't a 5er look a bit silly, and maybe even a little pretentious for a gig like that? - especially when I have 5 or 6 perfectly good P basses, including a '51 clone(Dusty Hill), or a USA Fury that's a dead match for the guitarist's main axe... Here's a pic from a show we opened for Jackyl:

 

[CapnSev]

My wife will not let me sell my current bass. She may let me add a bass as I keep talking about getting a simple P bass, but not at the expense of my Roscoe 5. She loves the bass sound when Pino is playing with John Meyer for example, so she gets it that I may want to try one. Except I have tried a P a couple times in the past and it never stuck so she's like why try again? Maybe true, although I didn't give it much time either. That was back in the day when I'd sell a bass when it was still in transit to me.

Try a Precision 5. That was my last 5er, and I’m kicking myself for selling it.

 

[mesaplayer83]

I get what you're saying. I'm just saying that, for example, I'm very used to my 5 string, muting the B, width of the neck, etc. so playing a different bass because I know I won't go below an E isn't something I consider I guess. My 5 string is a great 4 string, too.

I have vacillated a bit over the years for sure. Liked trying new things, the never ending quest, playing what was "in" at times, but I have had this same bass as my main bass for about 6 years now so I think I have settled down a bit.

I didn't find fault with you bringing whatever you want to a gig. I guess my thought was if you have a bass you like, are comfortable playing it, and it has the right sound for the gig, why would you not use it just because it had a string you may not use all night. Sorry if it came off some other way.

I would also add that our gigs are probably quite different from one another - mine are typically 3-4 hours, are always standing, and I'm expected to "rock out" to a degree, plus do some singing... The idea of doing a gig like that with a 5er when it is absolutely not needed just doesn't appeal to me in the least...

 

[mp40smg]

FWIW...
I CONSTANTLY use the low B.

I don't view the instrument as a 4 string with "an extra " thing attached.

And I also don't think, why does that keyboard player carry around that 88 key board? All he ever uses is 60.. I really think he could/ should just use a 37 key!



1. No more "open E" or open E only when you want it. A fretted low E sounds a lot better in most places to my ears.

2. Damn singers! Once you stop using open strings, it is a lot easier to transpose. And like it or not MOST singers do not sound great singing all of the songs in the orig keys. I am constantly having to go up a step/ down a half etc to where the singer really gets the song dialed in. There is NOTHING worse than keeping a song in the orig key for the sole reason that the guitar player has " already learned the solo". If the singer can't do it well in the "orig" key. That has to come first.

3. Stupid horns! Or Piano arrangers! If you play/ have played with horns.. You are going to get that walk down. And it's going to end on Eb. Doing that walkdown up an octave, or walking down and then the last note of the walk down being up an octave never sounds "right". then also Piano people writing things down to below low E..

 

[chris_b]

I hardly ever play above the 12th fret. . . . so I really shouldn't be playing a bass that has all those frets up there. . . .

 

[TolerancEJ]

The Low B comes in handy quite frequently. I own basses with 4, 5, 6, and 7 strings. While it's not necessary to use the extra range frequently, it's nice to know I have the extra notes available if I feel like using them. I wouldn't own a bass with extra range if I had no plan to use it.