• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

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

Who knows about "cooler"? One person's cool is another person's lame. Within one set of people you will never convince them of something outside their personal interests or biases. For me basses are tools- you use the one you need for the job at hand. Sometimes a 4 will get it done, sometimes you need a 5 or a 6. What's really "cool" is having your stuff together enough to meet any demand.
 
  • Like
Reactions: GroovyBassist
Its not how many strings you have, its what you can do with them. Most 5 and 6 string bass players could not create on their bass what Jaco did on 4 strings. Not saying they couldn't learn his lines. That is not creating. Like the wonderful lines Paul McCartney created with his cheap Hofner with the Beatles. Most bass players can learn these. But to create this blended melodic stuff with the other 3 guys that is forever in our music is another story.
 
After 35 years of 4-string basses only, I went to 6’s 4 years ago or so.

No comparison, no going back. Should’ve done it decades ago.

I choose 6 strings because of the extended range and far less fretting movement up and down the neck.

But then I only play prog and prog metal and require every advantage the instrument can bring.

Cool? Nope.

Care? Again, nope.

:bassist::bassist::bassist:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Garret Graves
Honestly, I only read the first and last pages, so if I'm repeating something, forgive me.

Four strings maybe 'cool' and more than enough for rock and indie music, but, based on the charts, that's not the most popular music these days- that'd be rap, r&b and electronic stuff. Anytime those artists tour, and they bring a band, the bassist is usually using a 5 or a 6, a synth, and pedals, to replicate the recordings. It's almost odd to see anyone using a 4 on that side of things. So, it's all subjective, and based on what the music calls for.
 
No, that's when you are so constrained that you rout out your own personal mutant like a MM-H-PJ out of the pile of random parts you've collected over the years without having to buy a single thing.

With out a doubt! A Fender P will automatically increase your age by 20 years. A Jazz is about 15. I think your safe with the Squire

Glad my post makes sense even though it appears I posted it in the wrong thread! :laugh::D
 
  • Like
Reactions: JOME77