Not sure if this is the right place to post. Basically, which do you prefer and why?
More strings, less frets
Less frets, more strings
More strings, less frets
Less frets, more strings
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More frets or more strings?
- Thread starter Onelessrant
- Start date
I play a 4 string 24 fret bass. Don't need anymore frets 24 is all I need. Not sure I need a 5 string, have given it some thought and if I played from standard notation the B string would be nice for the lower ledger notes. Right now I'm happy with my 4 string.
24 frets don't do me much good with my fat fingers so I do like more strings sometimes but I do normally play a 4 string.
I'm not a big fan of 5 + string basses and 24 frets works fine for me, though I rarely ever need that range.
My answer is.....Yes! Ha.
I let the style of music/song dictate what I'm going to use.
i.e. If i'm going to play more chords or melodic runs I prefer more strings. That way I can keep most of what I do compact rather then running up and down the neck.
However I really like a 4 string when I'm playing Motown/Funk/& even country. It, in a sense, forces me to approach runs & grooves differently then I would if I had a 5 or 6 string.
Those are just a few examples of how I approach some scenarios from time to time. No matter what though I make sure that I'm comfortable playing any style on any bass (4, 5, or 6 strings). Though my preference is a 5 string I never want to play only 5 string & then be uncomfortable or not know what to do if I'm forced to play a 4 or 6.
But if you really need a solid answer, my preference has always been 5/21
I let the style of music/song dictate what I'm going to use.
i.e. If i'm going to play more chords or melodic runs I prefer more strings. That way I can keep most of what I do compact rather then running up and down the neck.
However I really like a 4 string when I'm playing Motown/Funk/& even country. It, in a sense, forces me to approach runs & grooves differently then I would if I had a 5 or 6 string.
Those are just a few examples of how I approach some scenarios from time to time. No matter what though I make sure that I'm comfortable playing any style on any bass (4, 5, or 6 strings). Though my preference is a 5 string I never want to play only 5 string & then be uncomfortable or not know what to do if I'm forced to play a 4 or 6.
But if you really need a solid answer, my preference has always been 5/21
More strings. And more frets - why not? I have several 24-fret five-strings.
It probably belongs in "Basses"...
That said, this is one of those false dichotomy questions - and I dislike false dichotomy questions. But if at all possible, I like to have a full two octaves, 24 frets - regardless of whether it's a four-string or five-string bass. Even if I rarely actually fret notes up that high, I have been known to play harmonics and overtones in that range - and having frets there makes it possible, or at least easier. That's one good reason why I prefer neck-through instruments - since very few bolt-ons offer a full two-octave board.
MM
I like one fret with 24 strings. 
But seriously (folks), I like 24 frets regardless -- just like having that 2nd octave. Somehow, it's easier for my little brain.
But seriously (folks), I like 24 frets regardless -- just like having that 2nd octave. Somehow, it's easier for my little brain.
too me, if i were to get a 5 or 6 strings, i would make sure it had more frets. I'm fine with a 4 string wth however many frets.
Seems the tendency is from fewer strings and fewer frets to more strings and more frets. If wildly generalizing that would be going from a traditional low end and more narrow pitch range supporting role to a newer more solo and chord oriented and wider pitch range style.
Personally I'd choose more strings (i.e. low B) over more frets as I tend to play that traditional supporting bass role, albeit with some lower notes thrown in where they fit. Occassionally some chords and double stops but really not much higher than the twelfth fret or so. Two guitars and a keyboard in the band leaves little room for playing way up the neck.
Personally I'd choose more strings (i.e. low B) over more frets as I tend to play that traditional supporting bass role, albeit with some lower notes thrown in where they fit. Occassionally some chords and double stops but really not much higher than the twelfth fret or so. Two guitars and a keyboard in the band leaves little room for playing way up the neck.
I thought I'd like a five sting for the lower notes and the two octave range from one position. However, after seeing so many double bass players playing more on the the higher strings than the E string, I concluded that a B I'd never need a B string. Reaching beyond the 15th fret on my Gold Tone MicroBass is not all that comfortable. I do not usually solo, so the standard four strings is fine for me.
That said, I enjoy the virtuosity displayed by those who play extended range basses with two octave necks, so play and enjoy what you have and buy the basses, or other instruments want.
That said, I enjoy the virtuosity displayed by those who play extended range basses with two octave necks, so play and enjoy what you have and buy the basses, or other instruments want.
I pretty much only play fivers with 24 frets. Would love the extended range but wouldn't like another string (plus I don't need the upper register that much to justify another string). However having more frets (or lack thereof) seems like an ideal solution. If and when I buy a custom bass it will likely have 36 (not)frets.
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Yep that's an issue with Ric pickups. But I think that with some engineering you can get one under the fretboard.
Lately I feel m very confortable playing 4 strings and 20-21 frets. I have some reasons:
-I have more space between the neck and the bridge. So my right can find more possible sounds to attack the strings, so it means more variety of possibles sounds that with 24 frets.
-I´ve checked that the slap it sounds fattest in 20/21 frets. I find it with less lows and higher in 24 frets.
-Usually the first notes of the neck (E, F, F#... in E string) they are a little bit closest. So it´s not necessary strecht my left arm too much. With 24 fret I find´em not so close.
-Not ever but usually the uppon cutaway of the 20/21 frets hold better the bass guitar in your shoulder and doesn´t have too much problems with equilibrium. The headstock don´t have this awfull tendency for going to the floor. (Sorry: I can´t find the precisse worlds in english to explain it).
