Is it "cooler" to play a 4 string bass?

[aus_bass]

4 strings ? Hell, I only use 2.

 

[Christcr]

Really? On my basses the notes on my B strings sound fatter than the same note, same octave on other strings. I play a lot around the middle of my neck... fatter and easier once you learn how to control the B string.

But that's exactly what I don't like about it. Now, before anyone starts on the "why don't you just play guitar" (actually, I do), it's not that I want a sizzly top end. It's definition that I want to hear, not anything "fat." That's one reason I used to play Zon basses exclusively (I just bought another recently as well). There is a definite articulation and clarity, not so much top end sizzle (of course, that's there if you want it as well), but just a really tight, defined, pointed sound--maybe like the sound you hear on a lot of Latin type music from Brazil.

Yet, even on Zon 5-string basses I've owned, that is lacking to some extent (at least the way I hear it). I've even played a few 36 inch scale basses (briefly). Same thing. I don't hear what I want to hear out of the upper register B-string. Thus... as I said, I tend to stick with 4-strings or not really use the low B on a five unless I go to the "pitch basement." I once got to play a Warwick Vampire with the super-low F#. The lowest notes were kind of cool in a "wow" kind of way--not all that useful in my opinion. Higher registers were almost indistinguishable in pitch for that string. Of course, that is an extreme example... but you could call that "fat" as well.

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

There was a time that it wasn't cool to play electric bass, regardless of whether it had 4 strings or not. An upright bassist believed anything with frets on it wasn't a bass. Over the years, music changes, technology changes, times change. Now it's, is it 4, 5, 6, etc....passive/active electronics, etc.? Leo's Precision bass took a while to catch on and gain acceptance. It was launched in 1951 but it wasn't until well into the 60s that it became commonplace, and even then some bands used both(tic tac bass). A bass purist would argue none of the above is cool unless you play upright. It's all perception. I think music is cool and if you can make music...that's cool. So, if you think just because you play a vintage P bass that you are cool...just remember that any electric bass at one time wasn't.

I hate it when someone brings "logic and reason" to the discussion!

 

[dbsfgyd1]

Last year, I joined a band who were coming together for some reunion gigs. They had played in the late 70’s-early 80’s. I showed up for the 1st rehearsal w/ one of my 5’s. The first thing I asked was, “Is it cool with you guys if I’m playing a period-incorrect bass?” They all laughed & told me to rock out on what ever I wanted!

It is about the music and if you can play more so than how many strings your bass of choice has.

 

[drifter grey]

I play a four string cause it's most comfortable to me. Not cause I thought it was cool. I tried 5 string for a while, but found it uncomfortable, and there was way to much sympathetic vibration.

 

[ryco]

It's very "cool" to play 4, 5 or any number of string basses. It's all up to user preference.
I personally LOVE playing both 4 and 5s. They all serve a purpose.

 

[soulman969]

Cool? Nah.

A bass is a musical tool. Some jobs call for a 4 string PBass or PBass type with Flats. Others call for a bass with rounds and more high mid punch. Some call for a 5 string or 6 string and others for a bass that sounds good when slapped.

The only real advantage of a 5 string is it can more easily do unmodified what a 4 string can't unless modified. If I have no use for the B string at that moment to me it's like a 4 string with a wider neck. If I have a lot of vocals to do I prefer a 4 string but otherwise it's not an issue.

 

[jaynov26]

Cool starts when I walk into the room. After that my 5 strings are cool and my 4 strings are cool. Which ever one "I' am playing.

 

[MrLenny1]

No, a 5 is cooler. 4's are passe.

 

[7615]

Everyone knows "less is more".

A 5 string just cries out as trendy, overcompensating. 4 string doesn't care about the latest fads. A washtub bass - 1 string - everyone knows is the absolute coolest. 4 is closer to 1 than 5.

Just do the math.

 

[BoogerMan79]

Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out!

 

[7615]

Three shalt be the number thou shalt count, and the number of the counting shall be three. Four shalt thou not count, nor either count thou two, excepting that thou then proceed to three. Five is right out!

That would be the New Math.

 

[5StringBlues]

I wonder if this thread will make 40 pages, like the Delete thread did?



It seems as relevant.

 

[RickJones]

I rarely use more than the E-A-D strings. On my acoustic bass (a GT fretless with those rubber strings) I was trying to tune up my G last week and was winding the wrong key (D). I just kept on a winding...snap! I ended up recording a song using the E and A strings. The bass line was simpler and sat better in the mix. Now I long for a 2 string bass guitar - there's something about the consistency of tone between the E and A which I like. True story.

 

[7615]

it should continue until one opinion wins. Something above .... freezing over...

 

[7615]

I rarely use more than the E-A-D strings. On my acoustic bass (a GT fretless with those rubber strings) I was trying to tune up my G last week and was winding the wrong key (D). I just kept on a winding...snap! I ended up recording a song using the E and A strings. The bass line was simpler and sat better in the mix. Now I long for a 2 string bass guitar - there's something about the consistency of tone between the E and A which I like. True story.

imagine the action on a 2 string.

 

[RickJones]

imagine the action on a 2 string.

I have for decades. That's why my wife left me.

 

[7615]

I have for decades. That's why my wife left me.

all that EEEE and AAAAA - you got caught.

 

[Brad Johnson]

But that's exactly what I don't like about it. Now, before anyone starts on the "why don't you just play guitar" (actually, I do), it's not that I want a sizzly top end. It's definition that I want to hear, not anything "fat." That's one reason I used to play Zon basses exclusively (I just bought another recently as well). There is a definite articulation and clarity, not so much top end sizzle (of course, that's there if you want it as well), but just a really tight, defined, pointed sound--maybe like the sound you hear on a lot of Latin type music from Brazil.

Yet, even on Zon 5-string basses I've owned, that is lacking to some extent (at least the way I hear it). I've even played a few 36 inch scale basses (briefly). Same thing. I don't hear what I want to hear out of the upper register B-string. Thus... as I said, I tend to stick with 4-strings or not really use the low B on a five unless I go to the "pitch basement." I once got to play a Warwick Vampire with the super-low F#. The lowest notes were kind of cool in a "wow" kind of way--not all that useful in my opinion. Higher registers were almost indistinguishable in pitch for that string. Of course, that is an extreme example... but you could call that "fat" as well.

Hey, you do you. In the meantime I think you have a seriously mistaken idea of what I mean by fat.

I got the same thing out of my Zon legacy Standard fretless 5, which was my long time gigging bass.

 

[Goatts]

If you want to really be cool, play with one string. Get a washtub and a broomstick and put a string on it

Or try to play a balloon....