How often do you really use the extra string on a 5 string?

[JoshuaTSP]

Have it be the low B or high c?

I tune my basses CFA#D#G.
I've been telling myself I NEED that high G.....but I'm trying to think about when I ever use it? I don't!

The width of a 5 string neck is what I really like (big hands). 5 wide just feels right, but don't really need the extra strings.

The reason this is on my brain, is that I'm looking at a EBMM Stingray 4.........but I keep saying "No. Wait for a 5'er."

 

[IdealWay]

I use my low B string frequently, mostly for playing in higher positions on the neck (which gives me an easily accessible 3 octave range), but also when I need to drop a bomb on the low end! I'd say try out some different options and see what works for you before making any decisions. Good luck

 

[chjohnst]

I play both 4 and 5 string, I prefer a 4 string for slap bass or some specific songs that require a lot of speed. However I very rarely use my B string on the lower end of the neck mostly because I think my cabinet/amp can't keep up. I generally player the B higher up the neck or from the E all the way down just to get more range.

I too have the same problem, I have pretty big hands and the warwick necks are already pretty narrow (some say like a baseball bat!) and the 5 just feels right in my hands.

 

[lousybassplayer]

I once thought I required a B string, but I find I really dont need it most of the time. I guess I like having it there in case, but I keep findng my way back to four strings.

 

[stflbn]

4 of my 5 basses are 5-strings.

When I play the 4-string it's inevitable that at least 2-3 times during a couple hour practice I'll have a "damn... I need that low string" moment.

So I'd have to say a couple times an hour or more.


It's there when you need/want it. A 4-string can't offer that without a detuner.

 

[jarrod cunningham]

alot of the covers i play are very b string friendly .... i use it alot ....

 

[lousybassplayer]

I only keep my one 5 for the same reason I keep 1 bass with 24 frets (same bass actually). JIC. I play exactly one song that requires the B string for a low D and 1 song that requires the 24 frets (actually only need 22). For some reason though I wont play without it nearby.

 

[Steve]

Sometimes frequently, sometimes rarely. It depends on the music.

When you need it, you need it.

Like working with the guitar player who picks up an ax tuned E flat for the SRV tunes or the songs that get keys changed and you don't want to abandon the low notes in the factory bass line...

Yeah you can down tune but, that's a PITA especially if you're a low action guy. Yeah you can use a hipshot 90% of the time but, that can mess with your head if you have to suddenly transpose one string on the fly.

IMHO

 

[kcamsdog1387]

I've been tuning my 5 string E A D E A for a good year now. Its nice for when the guitarists are changing guitars or tuning up. Lay a little OD and some of my Holy Grail reverb and it sounds mint.

 

[God of Rapture]

I'd be toast without a B string. Out of my 4 basses only 1 is a 4 string and it is strung BEAD.

 

[Jojoe972]

Its not an xtra string, i view just like a view the others. I used to be a 4 string man. But i've learned to appreciate that B string.

 

[peterpalmieri]

Have it be the low B or high c?

I tune my basses CFA#D#G.
I've been telling myself I NEED that high G.....but I'm trying to think about when I ever use it? I don't!

The width of a 5 string neck is what I really like (big hands). 5 wide just feels right, but don't really need the extra strings.

The reason this is on my brain, is that I'm looking at a EBMM Stingray 4.........but I keep saying "No. Wait for a 5'er."

Sounds to me like getting a 4 string with a wide string spacing and tune it BEAD (the lower for of standard 5) would make a ton of sense for you...

I'd be curious where you came up with the "C F A# D# G" and is that a typo is the top string G# or just G?

 

[JoshuaTSP]

Sounds to me like getting a 4 string with a wide string spacing and tune it BEAD (the lower for of standard 5) would make a ton of sense for you...

I'd be curious where you came up with the "C F A# D# G" and is that a typo is the top string G# or just G?

Which basses have a wide string spacing?

It's just standard E dropped down two steps, and yes G#, oops.

 

[IotaNet]

A lot!

Mine are always tuned BEADG and a whole lot of the songs I play are in Eb and having access to the notes on the B string is critical to me (I can't even count the number of times I've done chromatic runs up to the low Eb). Even in other keys, it's also nice to be able to play lines that go DOWN to the 5th as opposed to up.

For anyone playing Urban Gospel, a 5-string is almost mandatory.

 

[Dirty Dave]

I play in an original hard rock band that pretty much requires the low B string. It gets utilized (to some extent) in every song and contributes to the style of the band.

I suppose I could adjust on a 4-string but it wouldn't be the same without D-tuning.

 

[Engine207]

I'd be toast without a B string. Out of my 4 basses only 1 is a 4 string and it is strung BEAD.

Interesting point...I have four 4-strings: a Ric, a J, a P and a Squier VM fretless. If I were to experiment with BEAD tuning, would that be a decent way to "test-drive" a five? Which of these basses might be the best candidate for the alternate tuning? Are there any drawbacks (string tension, neck damage, etc.) to going BEAD with a fiver?

 

[Tandrew]

I use the B pretty frequently, it's great for playing some solid simple thumping lines, great root for certain chords, for some low-end slap, and of course 5 finger tapping (....someday). As mentioned by others it depends on preference,style, etc. You seem to have an interesting choice for tuning, so I guess it really depends on preference. 4's are cool...but it just feels like something is missing.

 

[JoshuaTSP]

Right now, I'm just playing straight up loud rock and roll........stonerish.

 

[bassteban]

I use my Bs a lot- my favorite note is the low D, and I like to get 'under' it at times, too. On a 6 I'll throw in the occasional chord, but not as much as the lower stuff.

 

[WalterBush]

I use mine enough that I don't consider it an extra string anymore. Even if I'm not dropping below the standard E, I'm playing on the B string frequently.