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I think I've decided I'm more of a 4-string guy...

#162
Here we go again, 4 vs 5 or more. 9 pages of arguments to prove one option as the universal, one-size-fits-all preferable solution. Jesus rollerbladin' Christ...

Ok, rant over. Back to just playing MUSIC with whatever the heck is the best tool for the particular task at hand, be it an electric 5 or 4 string bass guitar, or an acoustic upright.
 
#164
I know - and the B string looks like it's attached to the E post as well.

I'm certainly no expert, but the more I look at the bass in this pic, it seems....off?

The headstock looks like it has two different varnishes. And the G tuner looks blurry and weird. But maybe it's just the light?

Could be wishful thinking on my part too : )
 
#166
Strangely enough, a well seasoned vet that I am gracious to know who was a 4 stringer for over 45 years playing both upright and electric, suggested that I get atleast one 5 string. His reason was because a MD demanded it to play in a band he was hired for. He did the first gig without but rushed and bought one and was not prepared to give his best like he is known for. Even the MD who knew him from past ventures questioned him about it. He stated, "DON'T get caught out there like I did!" Further adding, "You don't have to play on the B, just have it for them to see". "But learn how to work the B so that you'll be prepared for anything thrown at cha". I humbled myself to his wisdom through experience. Time to start gassing.
FF
 
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#167
Here's a suggestion for 5-strings: Cobalts (round wounds). Every bass I've put them on has had an improved, more cohesive B string. A couple of them actually had a B that sounds great all the way up to the 20th fret.

They are aggressive strings like rotos, so be aware, but the tight B string is amazing.
 
#168
I don't have any 5 strings currently but from my experience 4 strings are tighter sounding and 5 stings are more loose and fat sounding. Both have their places. In general. I'd prefer a 4 stringer for rock. Also with my band me and the guitar player play riffs in unison that require drop d tuning. Yes you have those notes on a 5 string, but it requires an open low d to be able to do the slides in unison. Also, a 5 string would not sound tight enough. If I were in a reggae band though, a 5 string would be a perfect choice not only because you have extra low notes but also because the sound is fatter in general
 
#171
InnerBass said:
I know - and the B string looks like it's attached to the E post as well.

I'm certainly no expert, but the more I look at the bass in this pic, it seems....off?

The headstock looks like it has two different varnishes. And the G tuner looks blurry and weird. But maybe it's just the light?

Could be wishful thinking on my part too : )
Click to expand...
That's an E string. The bass is strung E to C to cover Stanley's tenor range.

The bass is definitely "right."
 
#174
A five string is just one more weapon for the arsenal. Sometimes one is required for certain gig. If you have one and you can play it, you might just get more work than your (4 string only) counterparts
 
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#176
If you like 5 strings, then go for it.
I tried two 5 string fretless basses today, and it confirmed I'm better off with a four string (I also tried a 4 string version of one of the 5 stringers--and preferred it)
But if 5 is your thing, go for it.

If I ever went past 4 strings, I'd just as soon go to 6 & get a fanned fret bass.
 
#177
All basses (and guitars) should use fanned frets regardless of string count. It improves the fundamental mechanism creating sound and is pretty much objectively better than parallel. I'm surprised it isn't more popular. Then again, you still have musicians chasing after single coil hum because it's vintage...
 
#179
JustForSport said:
Some (a lot of) string sets don't have E and/or B strings that match the rest, tonally. If the bass that's tried has those strings on it, how to judge the bass by the faulty strings?
Click to expand...

You are right about that and it's a problem. But you have to deal with it. I guess the best you can do is if a bass does not measure up even with good strings you get rid of it. That's what I do. I do try to be picky about basses and if they are really bad I figure that even with good strings they still won't be quite fixed. I could be wrong, of course, but I try not to try to flip a lot of basses. Usually, (but not always) high end basses seem to match out pretty well regardless.
 
#180
Mr.Ace said:
What about when a drummer adds more drums or symbols?
Is this acceptable?
Click to expand...

No it's not. All that gear for just a couple more sounds? I don't think so. Dream Theater sucks. Who do you think you are? Mickey Hart? Think of all the great drummers that didn't need anything more that the standard 4 piece kit. Sooner or later every musician comes to the conclusion that "less is more". It's better if you figure this out early.

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

:rollno:

PS. They are called "cymbals".
 

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