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is it worth buying a 5 strings ?
- Thread starter 10emmanuel
- Start date
I owned and played nothing but 4s for the first dozen or so years I played. Switched to 5s and played them exclusively for about a dozen or so years.
The 5s I owned or still own have all been active basses with onboard battery powered preamps. I joined an all blues band that was focused on a specific overall tone, so I built myself a Jazz bass with everything as close to a ‘62 Jazz as I could get it. I also started playing through an all tube amp head converted from a Fender Studio Bass combo.
I went back to a mostly rock band and couldn’t get any of the 5s I owned at the time to get the tone I wanted. I had become accustomed to, and enamored with, passive bass tone. I still play a 5 string occasionally, but I have 4s that sound like I want my bass to sound. I also began playing a lot more slap, which I find much easier to play on a 4 string.
I think a 5 string has a lot of pros without too many cons, but with my current basses, I have more tone and slap options with my 4s. String spacing on the 5s I’ve owned or currently own is not as comfortable as my 4s, especially when slap is required.
Most players can get by with either 4 or 5. I choose the 4 most often, because I can do more on a 4 with less effort, and sing more, all while getting the tone I prefer. At one time, I thought I would never be able to get by without a B string, and I made more mistakes going back to a 4 than I made when I first started playing a 5. Now I can play either one about the same(except for slap!). I have more trouble going from a 21 fret bass to a 24 fret bass than I do switching between 4s & 5s….
The 5s I owned or still own have all been active basses with onboard battery powered preamps. I joined an all blues band that was focused on a specific overall tone, so I built myself a Jazz bass with everything as close to a ‘62 Jazz as I could get it. I also started playing through an all tube amp head converted from a Fender Studio Bass combo.
I went back to a mostly rock band and couldn’t get any of the 5s I owned at the time to get the tone I wanted. I had become accustomed to, and enamored with, passive bass tone. I still play a 5 string occasionally, but I have 4s that sound like I want my bass to sound. I also began playing a lot more slap, which I find much easier to play on a 4 string.
I think a 5 string has a lot of pros without too many cons, but with my current basses, I have more tone and slap options with my 4s. String spacing on the 5s I’ve owned or currently own is not as comfortable as my 4s, especially when slap is required.
Most players can get by with either 4 or 5. I choose the 4 most often, because I can do more on a 4 with less effort, and sing more, all while getting the tone I prefer. At one time, I thought I would never be able to get by without a B string, and I made more mistakes going back to a 4 than I made when I first started playing a 5. Now I can play either one about the same(except for slap!). I have more trouble going from a 21 fret bass to a 24 fret bass than I do switching between 4s & 5s….
Some people feel the added mass of a wider neck makes the tone of a 5 string bass different from (and not as good as) a 4 stringer. I personally like the feel of a wider neck, plus the greater flexibility of playing the same notes but higher up the fretboard. YMMV
I have a 4 and a 5, and I'm really happy with them. I too, as another poster stated, would not tune down my 4, I couldn't be bothered with that, as all my own stuff is on standard tune all the time, so if I have to, it's far easier to just pick up the 5 for any lower stuff.
Owning a 5 string bass is a personal decision that should not only be technically based. I am a real amateur but I have come to appreciate the extended range and the feel of the neck, even if' I'm not using the B string as often. It just feels really good. I've had 4 string basses that were 11 lbs (a Godin) and I have a couple of Roscoes that are very light. With a 5 sting bass you will always have extended possibilities where with a 4 you won't. It will not hinder your progress, in fact, after a brief acclimation period with will help you. Think of all the intervals and number of octaves located in such close proximity. I love them and just ordered a new PJ5 Bluesman Deville. Take a chance you can always sell it in this high priced market.
My US Geddy Lee weighs more than my MTD Super 5 which is 35” scale with a huge neck.
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I just want to say that I love fives largely because, as a young man, I fell under the spell of the great Anthony Jackson and I just had to have those low notes, however, I never heard Marcus Miller, Victor Bailey, Victor Wooten, Rocco Prestia, Jeff Berlin, etc. and thought “if he only could hit an Eb.” Great musicians know how to sound great with what they have.
I’ve actually found the opposite to be true, that the added mass of a 5 seems to beef up the tone in some instances.. But we all have different experiences, and it’s great to finally find what instrument suits us the best.
Great musicians know how to sound great with what they have.
You mean like this?
You mean like this?
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I would ask a different question
Is it worth it to buy a 4 string?
for me no ... unless I will convert it into a 5 string bass
Is it worth it to buy a 4 string?
for me no ... unless I will convert it into a 5 string bass
In the end, it all comes down to either need, personal preference, or physical reasons. I gave up playing 5's due to mostly not needing the extra bass notes and the difficulty of a wider neck after injury to my fretting hand.
I don't find the need to move around the neck more on a 4 a problem, I have played classical guitar and slide guitar for years and both mean pretty constant movement up and down the board.
I'm neither team 4, or team 5, so I'm not pushing either instrument, I pretty much like Dr. Cheese's comment, (given he's a confirmed 5 stringer) "I never heard Marcus Miller, Victor Bailey, Victor Wooten, Rocco Prestia, Jeff Berlin, etc. and thought “if he only could hit an Eb.” Great musicians know how to sound great with what they have."
Beyond that, each to their own path, it's the music that counts.
I don't find the need to move around the neck more on a 4 a problem, I have played classical guitar and slide guitar for years and both mean pretty constant movement up and down the board.
I'm neither team 4, or team 5, so I'm not pushing either instrument, I pretty much like Dr. Cheese's comment, (given he's a confirmed 5 stringer) "I never heard Marcus Miller, Victor Bailey, Victor Wooten, Rocco Prestia, Jeff Berlin, etc. and thought “if he only could hit an Eb.” Great musicians know how to sound great with what they have."
Beyond that, each to their own path, it's the music that counts.
Need or want? It’s not as big an issue as some people make it out to be. Every 5 string bass has a 4 string bass built in. After more than thirty years playing 4 string basses professionally, I now only play 5 string basses. None of them are over 10lbs. I play mostly original material these days and all the bass lines have been created on 5 string basses. They would lose a quite a bit if they were transposed to 4 strings.
There was a period of adjustment but really, your fingers don’t make music on their own. You have to learn how to do it and that requires practice and study. Diligence that you would have to apply no matter what instrument you choose.
I prefer 5 strings now and believe me, I use those lower notes. The across-the-neck fingering advantages are significant.
There was a period of adjustment but really, your fingers don’t make music on their own. You have to learn how to do it and that requires practice and study. Diligence that you would have to apply no matter what instrument you choose.
I prefer 5 strings now and believe me, I use those lower notes. The across-the-neck fingering advantages are significant.
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A five gives you a few things, a few notes below E, a different place to play certain notes so you can stick to familiar patterns and finally, a low Eb!!. If you play with winds or keys, they usually love the flat keys and Eb is the second flat in the circle of fifths. It's important. You can absolutely get away with using a four string without any problem. If you're playing with keys frequently, if you find yourself missing out on low notes, maybe you want a five.
short answer;
If you have to ask, then probably not.
When / if it's time, you won't have to ask.
If you have to ask, then probably not.
When / if it's time, you won't have to ask.
I prefer playing 5ers but I'd say very few of us actually "need" one. I can play 100% of the music I need to play on a 4. I could string it BEAD if I had to.
If you can only own one bass and you like the one you have, don't go out and buy a 5 without trying it. They're not for everyone and if you have to sell a bass you like to get one you don't know if you will like... you might regret it.
If you can only own one bass and you like the one you have, don't go out and buy a 5 without trying it. They're not for everyone and if you have to sell a bass you like to get one you don't know if you will like... you might regret it.
And his son uses 6.
I have 1 four that I use on occasion as it's sentimental and will never go. The others gather dust and are going to be sold. Once used to them, I see no reason at all not to own a 5 as I've had many 4s heavier than my 5s. As for a wider neck and extra tuner making a 5 neck heavy, no. Ever weighed a traditional Fender style tuner compared to a Gotoh 707 (or clone), or a GB350 or Hipshot UL? Let alone the long 4IL style of headstock compared to a more compact 3+2. Most of my 5 necks aren't much bigger than a P4. Muting an unplayed B isn't difficult with a little practice. Also playing in 5th position is usually easier on the fretting hand/wrist than playing 1st on a 4 and is less of a reach.
If I were to apply to join a band and they insisted I play a 4, I'd not join*. No one in the audience will tell or care and as you're hiring me for my skill, let me choose my own tools. I have some flashier looking 5s and 6s, but my main is plain blue and looks good for everything.
If a kid wanted to start today, I'd hand them a 5, might as well get used to it.
Before the chorus of 'you're a 4 hater' starts, play whatever you like, but most of the arguments I see against 5s seem quite specious to me, with the exception of those that have a physical condition that makes them harder for that individual.
* A tribute band etc, I'd play what I needed, but I'd know that going in, so it's not like I'm going to be surprised by that.
The thing I remember: I was practicing (thankfully it wasn't on a gig), looked down, and thought: "I have a middle string? - it was kind of a senior moment - that feeling like when you get up from your desk, walk intently down a hallway halfway to.........wait, where am I going?
Once you get past all that, it becomes much easier, but yeah, it takes a while for a 5'er to become "home".
Definitely been playing 5s since the 1900s and all of my 4s have been gone long ago.
Playing across the neck opens up some nice options and potential efficiencies of motion, walking lines, etc. Lower range can be super useful in filling out the sound in support of other musicians in the band too e.g. - during solos, etc. and of course 5s ARE useful for all styles of music.
I prefer tighter string spacing (16.5, 17 and 18 max) thinner necks and play with a floating right hand… double thumbing and slapping are IMO faster and allow for economy of motion with tighter spacing too.
Also love some of the responses!
As I read some of the rationale against, I do love some of the silly reasons not to play 5’s, such great advice to not learn, or grow your capabilities, and limit hand position options, limit knowledge and limit extending your range.
Are they expensive?
-Not all of them
Are they heavy?
-Not all of them
Require a different amp?
-No, but love this one!
Require a wider neck?
-Not all of them, unless you “require” 19-20mm string spacing
Floppy B string?
-Have yet to own one of these, sounds cool though.
I have several under 7lbs a couple around 8lbs and one just under 10lbs (heavier woods). I’ve also owned Jazz 4s that weighed way more (10+ lbs) than most of my 5s.
I don’t dislike 4s they’re just not as practical/useful for me as a 5. I have 6s too but generally don’t need to get in the guitarists range for the music I’m playing. But do use them occasionally.
And remember what Mama said in the Waterboy…. “5 strings is da-debbil Bobby Boo-shaaay”.
Playing across the neck opens up some nice options and potential efficiencies of motion, walking lines, etc. Lower range can be super useful in filling out the sound in support of other musicians in the band too e.g. - during solos, etc. and of course 5s ARE useful for all styles of music.
I prefer tighter string spacing (16.5, 17 and 18 max) thinner necks and play with a floating right hand… double thumbing and slapping are IMO faster and allow for economy of motion with tighter spacing too.
Also love some of the responses!
As I read some of the rationale against, I do love some of the silly reasons not to play 5’s, such great advice to not learn, or grow your capabilities, and limit hand position options, limit knowledge and limit extending your range.
Are they expensive?
-Not all of them
Are they heavy?
-Not all of them
Require a different amp?
-No, but love this one!
Require a wider neck?
-Not all of them, unless you “require” 19-20mm string spacing
Floppy B string?
-Have yet to own one of these, sounds cool though.
I have several under 7lbs a couple around 8lbs and one just under 10lbs (heavier woods). I’ve also owned Jazz 4s that weighed way more (10+ lbs) than most of my 5s.
I don’t dislike 4s they’re just not as practical/useful for me as a 5. I have 6s too but generally don’t need to get in the guitarists range for the music I’m playing. But do use them occasionally.
And remember what Mama said in the Waterboy…. “5 strings is da-debbil Bobby Boo-shaaay”.
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