I played a five string today...

[bassbenj]

That's my only concern about playing 5 string exclusively. A couple times I've sat in with bands and had to play four string; it's a challenge.

On the other hand, I once had fun when someone sat in with my band, not realizing I was playing a five string. I laughed with him, not at him. He was as uncomfortable on fiver as I was on four. I've felt your pain, buddy!

Hey, I only play 5 or 6 these days, but I can handle it if handed a 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15 string bass even if fretless! Because I played 4 for years and and 8 or 12 is just like a 4 and now I play 5 and 6 (basically the same instrument as a 5 where the 6 has greater range) and a 10 is like a 5 and a 7 is like a 6 with greater range (though I'm a 7 string noob and don't quite know what to do with that extra range)

However, I can say that in my opinion life would have been better had I been playing 5ers and 6ers right from the start and would freak if handed a 4! Worst jam session ever was when no bass was available and I was handed a guitar to play bass on the 4 lowest strings! Yeah, I did it because I play guitar too.

 

[wrench45us]

I occasionally visit an small independent music store. The owner plays bass, 4 string bass. Consequently I'd say 98% of the basses in stock are 4's.
The drummer in his long-time band works at the store. He plays a 4 piece kit. Consequently all the drum kits in stock are 4 piece kits.
You see how this works.

They're very friendly people so I like going there, but I'm disoriented playing a 4 string.
I don't think me just showing up and playing what's on the rack is going to change what they order for the store.

 

[Fuzzbass]

I occasionally visit an small independent music store. The owner plays bass, 4 string bass. Consequently I'd say 98% of the basses in stock are 4's.
The drummer in his long-time band works at the store. He plays a 4 piece kit. Consequently all the drum kits in stock are 4 piece kits.
You see how this works.

I try to patronize independent brick-and-mortars. Jive Sound in Alexandria VA is perfect for me (no affiliation except as customer): Jong Lee stocks a wide range of basses and bass amps. I think 50% of the basses are fives, and he carries some sixes as well. He's an exception, catering to bassists looking for "boutique" gear.

A store in Edgewater MD called Bay Tunes Guitars is the norm: low to mid-range gear. Nearly all the basses have four strings, simply because of demand. Even though five and six string basses are common these days, four is still the most popular choice.

 

[bikeplate]

Overrated

 

[Amplified]

Same boat as the OP. Have 4 4-stringers and they sit pretty in their cases. 5-string basses almost exclusively for me. Have been recently playing the 6-string.....

 

[Fat Steve]

Overrated

What does that even mean?

 

[bikeplate]

It means that 5 string basses are overrated

 

[StuartV]

What does that even mean?

Do Not Feed The Troll

 

[stigbeve]

Used to think I would only play a 4. The extra string just confused me. When my band (metal) went to 7 strings
I just strung my '82 MM BEAD. Nut had broken anyway after letting a friend borrow it so just glued it back and filed it for
the thicker strings. The low B was an absolute monster but there was understandably many dead spots. Finally just knew
I had to get a bass that was meant to have a low B. So I just thought "If I'm going to get a 5 string why not a 6?"
Got a beautiful '08 Corvette bubinga 6. Low B isn't a monster like the MM but no dead spots.

When I first got the 6 I thought "What have I gotten myself in to!!!???" and thought about selling it.
But I just spent some time with it and the adjustment wasn't hard at all.

 

[bikeplate]

Just my opinion. I've been on this board for 14 years. Far from a troll

 

[Fat Steve]

I didn't know they were rated at all, much less over rated.

 

[ggunn]

It means that 5 string basses are overrated

That's just silly. They aren't "rated" at all; they are just a different tool.

 

[OOD]

Just my opinion. I've been on this board for 14 years. Far from a troll

I didn't know trolls had that long of a life span.

 

[bikeplate]

Cheer up guys

 

[warrplayer]

Look at my avatar. That's two six string basses on one neck. One for each hand. In fifths tuning.

When I switch to bass, all I play is fours of which I have many. The simplicity and limited note choices are a joy.
I almost bought that Roscoe three string that was floating around the classifieds for a few months. But, even I have my limits!

 

[Ric5]

When I play a 4 sooner or later I start looking for the B string and it just aint there.

 

[silky smoove]

I need a 5-string that has the same string spacing as say a 4-string Jazz bass. As soon as it gets narrow, my long fingers immediately stop functioning properly.

 

[OldCityBassman]

I still have never played one, seems weird but I always think it must be more of a jazz thing. I still don't get the purpose of a six string bass, to me its a guitar with fat strings. I guess I'm just an old classic rocker. No offense meant to you players of those basses.

 

[Volkov]

I played a 4 in a shop today & I just felt lost having to play parts an octave higher than I normally, it sounded weak which wasn't helped by the fact that our guitarist was messing with an RG9 tuned lower than the bass.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

If I went to the woodshed with a 4-string, and practiced hard for a week or two, I *might* be able to switch back. (but I don't want to.)

Seriously, I think everybody should just play whatever is comfortable to them... I make it a point to never push it on anybody else, but 5-string is completely natural-feeling to me, and everything else feels wrong.