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Is it a wise idea if I was to only play 5 string basses?

#43
Kitsapbass said:
I don't know about the enough options thing...when I got a 5 string, the only thing I really "gained" was 3 notes (B, C, & C#). All the other notes were already there. But beings that my main bass is currently a 5, I agree that it's nice to have those notes, but I don't feel they are a requirement.
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If you like tuning to DGCF or DADG on your four, why not tune ADGCF on your five? Then you gain a full five notes, and, well, low A sounds pretty friggin cool.
 
#44
I got a 5er about 6-7 months ago and I love it. I play that much more than my 4 string. there's just something about that low B!! LOL Awesome!

Cruise out to your local music shop and try out a bunch of basses...4s, 5s, 6s and see what speaks to you.

Good luck!
 
#45
h00t said:
If you like tuning to DGCF or DADG on your four, why not tune ADGCF on your five? Then you gain a full five notes, and, well, low A sounds pretty friggin cool.
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On my Kubicki I had the extender system, so the notes were still in their normal places, but it had a fret-able Eb and open low D, at least when I had the lever off...I actually have a de-tuner on my Pilot for the low B, but I'm not too fond of the sound through my current rig. When I finally get around to buying a better system, that low A will end up being the "acid test"...
 
#46
I recently took my Lakland 5'er in to get a pickup and preamp upgrade. I was left with my Warwick 4 banger, which is an awesome bass. I play in a band and in 2 churches. The last 2 weeks have been ok but in church I do really miss that low B. Now that it's back and in better condition, I think my Lakland is my go-to bass for everything.

The only thing 4 bangers are better for IMO are for slapping. Sometimes I wish I was playing the Wick just because it's an awesome slapper. However, you can easily slap with a 5'er with proper technique and maybe a scrunchie at the end of your neck. Sometimes, especially with cheaper 5 stringers, the B string is floppy and gets in the way more than helps you so you need something to hold it still and keep it from vibrating while you're beating the crap out of the other 4.

To answer your question I don't think it's wise or unwise. I just think it's a matter of what you need and what you're comfortable with. It's an easy transition if you need to pick up a 4 or a 6 stringer.
 
#50
spade2you said:
Truth be told, I'm only 5'6" and have smaller hands. I doubt I'll ever play a 9 string, but I do very well on my 6. It's all about getting a comfortable neck without any neck dive AND being religious about using proper form. That's the only way I can play anything bigger than a wide 5.
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This is so true. Technique can over come just about anything (within reason of course).
 
#52
capnsandwich said:
However, you can easily slap with a 5'er with proper technique and maybe a scrunchie at the end of your neck. Sometimes, especially with cheaper 5 stringers, the B string is floppy and gets in the way more than helps you so you need something to hold it still and keep it from vibrating while you're beating the crap out of the other 4.
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Does the B string necessarily have to be a hinderence? I think the B string can be slapped as well as the other 4 given that its tight enough IMHO.
 
#53
I have owned 3 Fender/2 Warwick and a MM 5 and I swore 5 strings sucked for many reasons. Strings didn't balance, they didn't feel right or sound right... big list. Anyway, after 6 years and 6 basses I swore I'd never play 5 because of that. The I found my Ken SMith 5M. 2 years later it is still my main bass second only to the 5M fretless Ken built for me. I only play my 4 string '65 Pbass when that is the only sound that works. Other than that the Smiths are the bomb for me. I bought it at 5:30 and opened a show at 8 o'clock after slapping some new strings on it. I guess the moal is: when you find the right one for you, the question becomes the answer.
 
#55
ericmknight1906 said:
Does the B string necessarily have to be a hinderence? I think the B string can be slapped as well as the other 4 given that its tight enough IMHO.
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Not if you have good technique. It will be if you have a cheaper bass with a sloppy B. That thing will shake all day. You can slap on the B as much as any other string but there is a difference slapping on a 5 than a 4. I play mostly 5'ers and every once in a while I'll get out my 4. I've noticed that I'm not as loose on a 5'er than the 4 simply because I'm concentrating more on technique and muting the B. With practice I'll free up a little.
 
#56
capnsandwich said:
Not if you have good technique. It will be if you have a cheaper bass with a sloppy B. That thing will shake all day. You can slap on the B as much as any other string but there is a difference slapping on a 5 than a 4. I play mostly 5'ers and every once in a while I'll get out my 4. I've noticed that I'm not as loose on a 5'er than the 4 simply because I'm concentrating more on technique and muting the B. With practice I'll free up a little.
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I got ya....by the way I love that song on your myspace. What's the name of it and are you laying the bassline??:)
 
#57
I switched to 5's last year and probably won't go back. I don't slap much, so that isn't an issue. I like the fact that I can move up to the fifth position and play the E - which masks some of my deficiencies incorporating open strings. I also appreciate the fact that I can leave my bass in standard tuning and handle most songs, while my guitar players are tuning down or juggling guitars.
 
#59
After 30 years of playing 4, I moved up to a 5. It was a very good move. The low B adds a new dimension. 2 months ago I moved up to a 7. Now I'm having a wonderful time developing my skills chording and doing more versatile soloing. No turning back now! The 7 gives me everthing I had in the 4 and the 5 plus even more. Is ONLY playing 5 a wise idea? No, but it will open up new possiblities.
 
#60
I started out on a 4, went to a five when they were somewhat a new idea, then went back to a 4 becuase even though I loved the fretted low E on the 5th fret for walking lines, over time I lost my adventurous side. I got lazy so to speak. I find that for me, anyway, a 4 makes me look for other notes higher up the neck and I feel like I'm working a little harder and it's not as boring. But, hey, that's just me. I would also suggest looking into getting a bass with a tight B string and not one that is "floppy" nothing kills the vibe more than a bad sounding string. I tend to be inspired and want to play on a great sounding bass than one that leaves something to be desired. Play whatever feels right for you! Good Luck!
 

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