• 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 free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Is there really a NEED to own a four string bass?

#141
Kwesi said:
I'm not saying that 4s are no good by any means but as a comfortable 5 string player is there any real need to own one? Does anyone else feel this way about 4s? Just looking for for some opinions and good discussion :)
Click to expand...

I agree. I tried to go back to a 4 string but I am just a 5 string guy. I think that there is a certain "vibe/feel/even sound" to 4 string basses, but for me, I have a 4 string in my 5. The B is a great thumb rest or "ramp" when not in use. I have tried 6 strings as well, but I don't feel the same about them they aren't a 4 and 5 string in the 6. The C string is just not necessary for me.

It's totally a personal choice thing, but I have tried them all, and I keep going back to 5.
 
#142
mcm said:
yes, to look cool playing rocknroll, which cant be achieved by playing 5 and 6 strings basses.
Click to expand...

I might agree if you equate 5-6 string basses with the "furniture" look of much of the top end stuff.

But, with the great variety of Fender-ish fivers available, you can hardly tell. I could play any of my Fender fivers on a rock gig and no one apart from another bass player would even notice they were fivers.
 
#143
This guy needed 12.

mattmurphy.jpg



I got a 5, but keep wandering back to my 4, after the initial love wore off. I might even sell the 5 (Stingray, a very nice bass), but haven't decided yet.
 
#146
This question reminds me of a guitar player that asks the question, "How come you don't play a 5 string?" Answer, "How come you don't play a 7 string?" and it's usually met with a look of confusion.

Do the "elitists" who think they are better because they play 5-6 strings as opposed to a 4 have the same thoughts on guitar players who play a regular 6er instead of a 7?

I play a 4 string because I like it. I've never had a need for anything lower than D so I just tune down if I need to.

It's a personal preference...if you want to play a 22 string bass...go for it...you're the one who's going to have to deal with the hand cramps :D
 
#151
:cool:

I grew up on 4-string, it's home.
Went from 4-string to 6-string for awhile. (3 years)
Then to 5-string.
Now I'm playing more 4-string again.
I'll always have a good Jazz and P-bass.
But, I still want a 5-string to. (I have a nice MTD535)
I never got completely use to 35" scale. (and yes the notes are different)
I gasing for the perfect 34" scale 5er.
Maybe a Sadowsky, or a Norstrand?
 
#152
SteveC said:
I agree. I tried to go back to a 4 string but I am just a 5 string guy. I think that there is a certain "vibe/feel/even sound" to 4 string basses, but for me, I have a 4 string in my 5. The B is a great thumb rest or "ramp" when not in use. I have tried 6 strings as well, but I don't feel the same about them they aren't a 4 and 5 string in the 6. The C string is just not necessary for me.

It's totally a personal choice thing, but I have tried them all, and I keep going back to 5.
Click to expand...


Same exact development path for me. I feel uncomfortable as hell playing a 4-string because I 'know' there's going to be times every set when I want to go lower for dynamic reasons. Never need to go higher, but there's just something about a meaty low B, C, etc at the end of the song that says "THE END".

And I definitely do not hold anything against someone who prefers 4-strings or extended range basses. It's all preference. However, I do find it funny when 4-string fanatics try to enforce why I'm wrong for preferring 5-strings.

.
 
#153
Demon_Hunter said:
Do the "elitists" who think they are better because they play 5-6 strings as opposed to a 4 have the same thoughts on guitar players who play a regular 6er instead of a 7?
Click to expand...

I don't think I'm elitist at all. I don't think I'm better than you, either. I prefer a 5 string. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less.

Bryan R. Tyler said:
Just a side note, but a string or thumb rest doesn't act as a ramp at all.
Click to expand...

Sorry.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back