I'm not sure I could ever get into more than 4 strings..

[glocke1]

I've debated getting a 5 string for awhile now, but every time I go into a music store to try one I am always left feeling "meh".

The B strings generally feel floppy and sound undefined/muddy to me is the largest issue I am running into. Granted most of what I've had access to in the stores are Fenders/Ibanez 5 string basses.

There have been a couple of 5 string basses on Reverb that have caught my eye, specifically some G. Goulds. I can't try without buying but I am assuming these would be leaps and bounds better in terms of B string sound/feel over what I've tried.

 

[RickyT]

Firstly most guitars hanging on the wall in a store are not set up well and have the wrong gauge strings on them. You'd be surprised at how nicer a 130 or 135 B string sounds. It gives it just that little bit more tension.

Secondly it takes time to fully utilise the extra notes on a 5 string. Don't think of it as 5 "extra" notes, think of it as being able to play in different positions on the neck. Play a G on the 8th fret instead of the 3rd, play an E on the 5th fret instead of an open note.

Third thing is the string spacing. Going from a 4 to 5 can feel like the strings are on top of each other. Especially on Ibanez SR basses, the string spacing is super tight. My first 5 was an SR505 and I hated how tight it was. I later got an ESP LTD B205 And the string spacing was around 17mm and so much nicer to play.

If possible get an entry level 5 that has a comfortable string spacing for you, change the strings, get a set up and play it non stop for a few months.

You'll love it (maybe not, but you gotta give it a shot).

 

[biguglyman]

Try looking for a fiver with a 35" scale too. That tends to tighten up the b-string sound. And believe me, once you grab that low D a few times, you'll be hooked!

 

[M-rek]

I'm with you... I‘ve had several basses with more than 4 strings over the years - a regular 5 string, a 5 string with 35“ scale length and even a 6er. I gave ‘em multiple chances but I kept going back to my 4 strings and selling off the 5ers and 6ers with a loss (money-wise).
Sometimes I think to myself that my playing would really benefit from leaving my comfort zone and getting into 5 strings. But I have some great (for me) 4s that I really like and I‘m afraid that when I give em another go, it‘ll end just like it always ended.

 

[glocke1]

Firstly most guitars hanging on the wall in a store are not set up well and have the wrong gauge strings on them. You'd be surprised at how nicer a 130 or 135 B string sounds. It gives it just that little bit more tension.

Secondly it takes time to fully utilise the extra notes on a 5 string. Don't think of it as 5 "extra" notes, think of it as being able to play in different positions on the neck. Play a G on the 8th fret instead of the 3rd, play an E on the 5th fret instead of an open note.

Third thing is the string spacing. Going from a 4 to 5 can feel like the strings are on top of each other. Especially on Ibanez SR basses, the string spacing is super tight. My first 5 was an SR505 and I hated how tight it was. I later got an ESP LTD B205 And the string spacing was around 17mm and so much nicer to play.

If possible get an entry level 5 that has a comfortable string spacing for you, change the strings, get a set up and play it non stop for a few months.

You'll love it (maybe not, but you gotta give it a shot).

Yeah I get the whole lack of setup thing and try to account for that in my evaluations but still Haven’t found one that works.

As for entry level instruments I’ve always been kind of “meh” on them. I suppose at some point I’ll just order something off reverb that’s a step above entry level and hope for the best.

 

[Stinkoman20xx]

I feel the same as you. For me personally I had many 5 string basses from cheap to boutique with not much improvement after a good set up. The 35 inch scale recommendations, might help but for me personally made no real difference. The only only one I ever loved and made a difference was on a dingwall that had 37 inch scale b string.

 

[bassbully]

I’m the opposite. I said the same thing “4 stringers for life” after trying fives that just left me flat. Until I tried a Lakland and A 35” scale that is. Their necks just fit my hand and never a floppy B just a workhorse bass. I love playing in several positions on the neck that I could not do with a four.
I now have a hard time playing a four, they leave me sayin..meh.

 

[Rib 13]

sounds to me like you are interested in taking the plunge but need a little more push into actively doing so......... I think almost every 5-string player (including myself) went through this initially.......heres the thing: theres no right or wrong - if ya just dont have enough "ooomph" to pursue it, thats perfectly fine

 

[Watchootognbout]

Those who buy them generally have a musical concept of what they can do with it.

Most don't go to a store having no need for it, pick up a five or six,and then expect to get inspired.

You go in with certain needs and THEN you buy a five or six string.

 

[bordinco90]

I've given 5ers a fair shot. I just have not bonded with them. Not hating on 5 string basses, but they are not my thing. I have heard some nice b-strings in some bands that I have listened to.

 

[JRA]

i've never owned/gigged a five string but i sure do see/hear the advantages. i think about them, realize i need to practice what i have (4's), and then forget about them until these threads come up.





same with short scales: think, not think, forget. the gas going 'latent'.

 

[EdwardofHuncote]

I wouldn't do it. You already tried it, and the first impression was "meh".

If you want to experiment on the cheap (or at least cheaper) buy a set of whatever your favorite strings are for a 5-string and set up your bass for B-E-A-D play for a while. If it doesn't work for you, change it back.

 

[Bunk McNulty]

Heh. I'm on my third try with a five, and now I'm reconfiguring where to play what. What I like most so far is that there are places where, for example, instead of playing D-Bb-A-G-F and reaching for the F on the first fret on the E, I can just play the G and the F on the B string. Easy-peasy. I'm thinking about trying it on a few tunes tonight. Still got a long way to go--there are a few transitions where my fingers have not yet worn a path to the right places--but I'm hopeful, which I wasn't on my previous two tries.

 

[Andy Daventry]

Roger Sadowsky says that a 35" scale gives you a nasal G string up the neck. He's right. It's all about compromise and payoff. You can set up a 34 with a tight B.

I have a five, and I play it. Four's more fun, as I just love zipping up and down the neck and digging in, so unless I actually need the five I stick with the four.

 

[JACink]

My "Aha!" moment on a 5 string came when I stopped trying to play it like a 4 string. I am a lover of short scale basses and when I realized that playing on a 5 string around the 5th fret instead of down near the nut was far more comfortable, I then felt at home with the bass.

5 strings are still a minority (2 out of 14) at my place but I do think that the next purchase will be either a 5 or 6.

 

[murph7489]

I don't know...I love my 5 string but I had a conceptual idea going into it...I like using the B..up high on the neck...awesome to utilize and you get used to it fairly quick

 

[Hippwahh]

Felt the same way about 5 strings. Finally ended up buying a 5 string Schecter and fell in love with both the sound and feel. Took a little while to get comfortable with it, but now I play it as much as my 4 strings. Play my 5 string almost exclusively at rehearsal. Once you find the right 5 string, you will learn to enjoy it. Give it a chance.

 

[Manticore]

I feel the same about five-string basses...so I play a six.

 

[Nephilymbass]

I've debated getting a 5 string for awhile now, but every time I go into a music store to try one I am always left feeling "meh".

The B strings generally feel floppy and sound undefined/muddy to me is the largest issue I am running into. Granted most of what I've had access to in the stores are Fenders/Ibanez 5 string basses.

There have been a couple of 5 string basses on Reverb that have caught my eye, specifically some G. Goulds. I can't try without buying but I am assuming these would be leaps and bounds better in terms of B string sound/feel over what I've tried.

I’ve owned everything from 4-7 string. Currently own 4 and 5 strings. Everyone’s different. I think I’ve played 4 and 5 strings so much that while I had fun playing the 6 and 7 strings they weren’t really my style. Could be the same situation for you if you’re that used to a 4. The 5 string I have is a dingwall and it’s the bass i gig the most. Which brings up another thing to consider. Most cheap 5 strings do have the issues you mentioned. My dingwall has a great sounding and very playable low b string but like most of the 5 strings I’ve bought over the years, it wasn’t cheap either. So additional money for a good one is a con to 5 string basses imo. On a lot of affordable 5 strings the low b was an afterthought and it sounds and plays like it was an afterthought. Another money factor to consider is the cost of strings. I just spent over a hundred dollars on strings for different basses this week so I was once again reminded of that. It’s not too hard to find the 4 string sets of strings I like for $20, one of the 4 string sets I bought this week was on sale for $15. The nickel rounds I use for my 5 string are considerably more expensive, normally $35 a set. . So if you change strings often it’s something to consider. Also where 5 strings really shine imo is when you’re playing a gig with really good pa support and you hit a low note that lights up the PA subs. If you’re mainly playing at home or small gigs you likely won’t feel that the same way. May sound like I’m trying to talk you out of it lol. Not really the case. I just think a lot of people try a cheap 5er and then decide from that point on that 5 strings suck. I think if you played a good one you’ll want it despite any of these cons.

 

[Afc70]

I've debated getting a 5 string for awhile now, but every time I go into a music store to try one I am always left feeling "meh".

The B strings generally feel floppy and sound undefined/muddy to me is the largest issue I am running into. Granted most of what I've had access to in the stores are Fenders/Ibanez 5 string basses.

There have been a couple of 5 string basses on Reverb that have caught my eye, specifically some G. Goulds. I can't try without buying but I am assuming these would be leaps and bounds better in terms of B string sound/feel over what I've tried.

Having played 4’s for many years, I bought my first 5’er in 2014- it was a Modulus Quantum.. All I own now is 5’s, to me they have a thicker, beefier sound than my ol 4’s. I believe it’s due to the added mass of the 5’s.. And if you ever play a Modulus Q-5, or Roscoe 5 string, you will not find a floppy low B I assure you. Tight, thick, well defined & clear. The main advantage I find with a 5, is more available notes in any given position. Not everyone will want or even like a 5, & it’s cool we have so many choices of 4, 5, 6 & beyond today. 5’s just work best for me.