is it worth buying a 5 strings ?

[Jinobass1]

Geezer,Jaco,Marcus,Geddy,Flea,McCartney,Pino,Stanley,Victor,etc.
all did it with 4 strings.
But there’s a whole another side of adventures in 5.
It’s all up to you and your music!
Have fun and keep the groove!

 

[bass12]

IMO, one of the most overly used, and improperly used, instruments out there. It's not worth the complication and long-term neck/maintenance issues, either.
The number of pro players who have made a handsome living for decades on four strings is pretty high. So, maybe think of it that way

What long-term neck/maintenance issues are you referring to? Also, I'm going to guess that the number of pro session guys/sidemen who don't own a five string these days is pretty low.

 

[mikeswals]

I own, and have owned many other 5s (and 6s), both inexpensive and boutique. What exactly are these issues of which you speak?

I've been playing 5ers since 1991 and I too have yet to know what "issues" that guys' talkin about.

 

[Greywoulf]

I don’t have a lot of basses, but all of them are full scale 5’s, and the heaviest is 7.75 pounds. Is that too heavy for you? If so, one of mine is 7.17 pounds.

Now THAT is highly unusual! If you got fivers that light, how about showing them or at least naming them? Only one I know of that might be that light is the inexpensive short scale 5-string Ibanez Mikro. {But even then it's neck would be too far beyond the 1.5" nut that I require for my basses...} ~IMO to infer here (as a few have?) that 5-stringers are not generally heavier, thicker-necked beasts than 4-stringers is disingenuous, to say the least!

 

[GandL_Bassman]

Hello mates! One does really need a 5 ? I am interested about it but since I am intermediate player I dont want to slow down my learning or even complicate my already gained progress, but maybe the 5th also teaches me new things , like expand the scales and stuff...

Its easy to say " go get one" , just keep in mind that I dont have a big budget to own 2 basses so I would have to sell mine 4 string to get a 5.


What do you guys say?

Thanks!

I play 4 and, since '17, 5 string basses. To help me decide whether or not to go 5, I got a used Squier MB5 I found in a pawnshop for $169. I never intended to gig with it; it was a learning tool. A less expensive option would be to either detune your bass to BEAD, however if you decide to do this, buy an individual B string (.130). Otherwise, you'll have the dreaded floppy B and won't get the real picture.
Weight? I found no appreciable difference in weight, in fact one of my 4s is 4 lbs heavier than my either of my 5s.
Neck width? Obviously, the 5 is a bit wider, however string spacing is tighter making slap technique more difficult.
My Jazz V Active Dlx is now my go to guitar. If I only need 4 strings, I have them on my 5 versus vica versa. I really only prefer a 4 for slap.

 

[Snert]

IMO to infer here (as a few have?) that 5-stringers are not generally heavier, thicker-necked beasts than 4-stringers is disingenuous, to say the least!

I don't think anyone has said 'not generally' but a 5 doesn't always have to be heavier than a 4 and my Ibanez SR 5 strings are about the same nut width as many P4s, 45 vs 44mm.

 

[LPMWal]

Hi- As many have said, it's all about personal choice. I learned on 4s then at one point, decided to try a 5. I don't typically do a lot of running down the neck (rarely play much below the 7th fret). I hold down the bottom end and love that spectrum. (Hence, fell in love with the additional lower notes). The range is great but the necks are typically much wider than 4s.
Enter 'Nashville' tuning. (BEAD). If you love hanging out in the low registers, a 4 with BEAD tuning just might do it for you. It can be tricky though, not all 4s take to the B string equally. Forget short scales. Even some 34" 4s end up giving you a floppy B. It will take some patience and experimentation, but if you love the depths, you can't beat it IMO.

 

[H. Bob]

Buy it if you're serious about bass. It gives you lots of voicing options, extended range, and more fun out of life! If you can't afford one, just buy a Hipshot drop-D tuner for your E string, which is the next best thing.

 

[Pep]

I have one in case I need it but seldom use it.

 

[GandL_Bassman]

Floppy B workaround - buy a B string (@.130). String tension problem fixed!

 

[Planetguitar]

The first bass I bought in ‘92 was a 5-string. I recently bought a 4-string bass for my daughter, and I can’t even play it.

The low B string is perfect for resting your fingers.

If you do buy a 5 stringer, make sure the low B sounds good. I had to pay a premium to get a good sounding B-string.

 

[Beejay772]

I'm an outsider on TB, but I'll tell you everyone on here loves 5-strings.
I find them way too heavy. The necks are massive to counter that extra tension.

I have to disagree. Yes my fender 5 is heavy and the neck is like a highway, but look outside of fender.
I have a wasburn 4 , xb800. Love it but don't use it coz I play 5ers. So just got hold of an xb500. Identical weight and size. Neck is only slightly wider - not noticeable. And no thicker. The 5th string is only tuning up to b so puts bugger all extra strain on the neck. Neck width is less than your average fender 4.

 

[rickstrong]

Hello mates! One does really need a 5 ? I am interested about it but since I am intermediate player I dont want to slow down my learning or even complicate my already gained progress, but maybe the 5th also teaches me new things , like expand the scales and stuff...

Its easy to say " go get one" , just keep in mind that I dont have a big budget to own 2 basses so I would have to sell mine 4 string to get a 5.

You're talking to a guy who, back in the Pleistocene, after hearing Heavy Weather, went to the shop and had them remove the frets from his ONLY electric bass, a Fender Jazz Bass, and who picked it up an hour before his next concert. After that, nothing seemed like an extreme experiment again

It's quite personal, conditioned by possible business considerations. If you're playing in bands or learning tunes at home, not getting any complaints, and not missing those low notes, of course you don't NEED a 5 string bass. Be happy with what you have. If you want those low notes for reasons of curiosity, personal taste, or business, consider a 5 string instrument. You can always go back to 4 strings if you don't like it. If you're playing shows the parts may actually have the low notes written in, and you'll either have to have a 5 (or a 6) or make an octave adjustment, which can be OK...or not.

Strictly from my POV, I would never discourage experimentation; I went with 6 strings in the 1980s after hearing Anthony Jackson's work, and never really looked back. It took a while to get used to the additional strings - the hardest thing is that you lose your memorized physical landmarks, i.e. the pitches of your open top and bottom strings, their pitches at the octave, etc.. But it was worth it for me to be able to get those low notes clearly and to be able to finger passages more across the fingerboard rather than shifting constantly as with my string bass.

On the other hand, I've just been playing around with a 4 string Jazz Bass copy and loving it; it lets me play more like I'm playing my 4 string upright. You can play great bass with 4, 5, or 6 strings, it's really up to you. (Hey, a few hundred years ago basses had 3 strings!)

 

[Dennis Ristow]

Hello mates! One does really need a 5 ? I am interested about it but since I am intermediate player I dont want to slow down my learning or even complicate my already gained progress, but maybe the 5th also teaches me new things , like expand the scales and stuff...

Its easy to say " go get one" , just keep in mind that I dont have a big budget to own 2 basses so I would have to sell mine 4 string to get a 5.


What do you guys say?

Thanks!

I am a bit of a beginner, keyboards being my primary instrument, and have only been playing a few years. Personally I don't have much interest in a 5 string (maybe because my synths can cover that if I need to, LOL) but for anyone I'd say weigh it against your own level of interest. If you "want" to explore that range more or if the style you are into, requires that range then absolutely get one. If you're not too deeply set in your ways, then maybe now is also a good time to try out a 5 string. Definitely go to your local store and check them out in person. They do make some lighter 5 strings so weight isn't always a factor. I would say neck size could probably be the trickiest thing. It's the Goldie Locks problem. One neck is too wide, one too narrow, and another just right. There are a lot of differences from one 5 string to the next. Even if the neck isn't too wide, the strings may feel just too close to be comfortable. Without trying the instrument it's hard to say one way or the other. It depends how it feels in your hands and with so many personal and instrument variables, I'd say weigh it more on what your sound/style need requirements are. Many big chains even allow returns within a certain window of time if you don't find it's the right fit.

 

[GandL_Bassman]

Now THAT is highly unusual! If you got fivers that light, how about showing them or at least naming them? Only one I know of that might be that light is the inexpensive short scale 5-string Ibanez Mikro. {But even then it's neck would be too far beyond the 1.5" nut that I require for my basses...} ~IMO to infer here (as a few have?) that 5-stringers are not generally heavier, thicker-necked beasts than 4-stringers is disingenuous, to say the least!

I have an '11 Fender P Special Active Dlx, an '82 G&L SB2 and a '17 Fender Jazz V Active Dlx.
Heaviest by 4.7 lbs? The 4 string G&L.

 

[micguy]

Hmmm... < 7.75 pounds.....I have a pretty light SR655. Would you mind listing your light basses?

They're all one offs, made from Warmoth wood - graphite reinforced roasted maple necks and selected swamp ash (most are roasted swamp ash), along with aluminum hardware are the "tricks" that get you stuff that light.

 

[Cave Puppy]

My first 5 AND first fretless was on the same bass - Another Carvin I custom ordered. I hadn't played either a 5 or a fretless before that.

 

[micguy]

Now THAT is highly unusual! If you got fivers that light, how about showing them or at least naming them?

Info a couple posts up. This is Trio, heaviest of the bunch (3 active coils...Trio) The top is walnut, which, nowadays you have to stain to make it look like walnut.

 

[VicDiesel]

The point about your needs has been covered plenty.

I bought my first 5-string when I was playing in a big band. Lots of charts in Eb, Db, and I like to have a nice and low last note. So I got an affordable one. Loved it, bought a Steinberger Qsomething later.

 

[PhatBottomBass1]

I always have a P 4 and sometimes I own a 5 or acquire a 5 for a job that needs it. I do, generally, have a Hipshot Extender on the E string to have the Eb/D when you absolutely need to have it.

I am doing another 4 right now to tune BEAD because, in my experience, if I'm in need of extended range. The low end is needed and taking the higher range down is never been an issue. So, I'm now eliminating the need to find a 5 string to buy for a project.

But, If I had three (3) Basses, then one would be a 5 string B-G, the P 4 would have flats and the J (style under construction, with Aguilar Super Double pickups) would have rounds, both in standard tuning.

The thing is, ya need to be able to do a great setup to use a 4 tuned BEAD to keep it super playable. It would give you the benefit of trying an extended range Bass and hear, feel and play with that "fifth" string.

Good luck!