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How many 5 string players actually use the B?

#22
CapnSev said:
Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.
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+1 It takes a little less energy to play 16th note runs for 45 minutes in fifth position than it does to play 'em in half or first position. And, a sustained low C or D can provide pedal tones with gravitas on ballads.

Plus, a five-string adds intervals I can reach without repositioning the left-hand, which helps improve my intonation on fretless, and makes it easier for me to visualize chord position changes on the fingerboard.
 
#24
I bought a 5 string because I was really into metal at the time and wanted to play songs that used low tunings.

Well, so far I've learned maybe one or two songs that use those low tunings. So I wind up using my low b string very little. My next bass will be a 4 string.

I'm actually happy I learned on a 5-string though, because I can switch between 4 and 5ers easy.
 
#27
I use it whenever the song calls for it. I play in a band that drops D a lot and I find myself using that low B in a lot of our songs. Sometimes I feel like it gets in the way, but that's only normal I guess. All in all, I love my Jazz V and intend on picking up another 5 string bass. =]
 
#28
CapnSev said:
Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.
Click to expand...

This is the reason I need a fiver, unfortunately I haven't find a bass with a good B , at least on the $1000-s1500 range, in all the ones I have played the notes on the B does not sound good to my ears, I just saw a video for Xotic bass, the B was very impressive but I don't have the money right now.
 
#29
I use mine all the time. Once you get below D I don't use it in patterns much, but I use my B string a lot overall. I used to use it less when I first switched, but I keep finding cool things to do with it.
 
#30
Carvin basses are very well made and have a great "B" string. I just orders my 3rd Carvin. I have 2 SB5000 (maple/rosewood) and a 5 sting ICON which also has a nice "B" string. I also have a 6 string Ken Smith (CR). The Ken is a great bass but the Carvin are my work horses, just all around great instruments. Carvin is the DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 
#31
I use the low B a great deal. I even use the low F# quite a bit. I often use very low notes to end a song. Also since I play one handed (I play keyboards with my right hand) by hammering on, it's difficult to get enough force on the first or second frets. The low strings allow me to move up the neck and still get those low notes. There are several songs where I use a low A or G. I don't think I could go back to a 4 anymore. (I mostly play a Conklin 7.)
 
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#32
CapnSev said:
Constantly. The low B is not there for the really low notes for me, it is there so that I can play in E in the 5th position/not have to slack tune/drop D. In fact, I hardly use open strings anymore.
Click to expand...

+1

I play the B string often, usually above the 5th fret. For modern rock from bands like Seether, Nickelback, Staind, and Three Doors Down, I use the B string quite a lot below the 5th fret.
 
#34
I must admit... the low B is so crucial for most bass players these days. In the days of dropped guitar tunings, our choices are much more limited concerning pitches not covered by guitar already. Consider this: bass and guitar tuned standard only gives us 12 notes before we cover guitar pitches... then they go drop C and now we are limited to 8 notes. The low B gives me room to breathe. Word of caution: Low B is a pain to intonate properly... and dare I say virtually impossible on 34 inch scales without some custom bridge, modification or a fluke/incredible insight of the basses manufacturer.
 
#35
I use to play at church and when I first joined I played on a 4 string. Couldn't help but notice how many of the songs we did used a 5 string bass and before long I began to feel like I was missing out on something. Once you get a hold of a 5 string and feel those low notes being played at the right time....there's nothing else like it.

I will admit that while I adapted to the actual physical playing on a 5 string very quickly I still on occasion get lost on it. You know..."is that a D or a G?" Hey, I'm an old guy trying to learn a new trick and admit it's still a challange. But I'm not playing at church anymore (which gives me a bit more free time) and I'm hoping that during this winter I can get over that mental hump.

Back to practicing!
 
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#36
rbeard said:
Carvin basses are very well made and have a great "B" string. I just orders my 3rd Carvin. I have 2 SB5000 (maple/rosewood) and a 5 sting ICON which also has a nice "B" string. I also have a 6 string Ken Smith (CR). The Ken is a great bass but the Carvin are my work horses, just all around great instruments. Carvin is the DEAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

+one billion. spot on. I love my carvin Icon... though the B was hard to intonate so I switched to a high C.
 
#37
I use my Bs as much as 4 stringers use their Es for all the reasons others have listed.

BUT, after preaching the benefits of 35" to 37" (Dingwall) B strings for years, I've recently decided that the audience doesn't care and (for the most part) can't hear a difference.
 

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