Number of strings...

[Johnny Dark]

4, why would anyone need more.

 

[BassicJohn]

This is interesting... I find that I prefer 5's, but primarily because I like the tighter strings of the 35" scale. Lately I find I prefer a 4 over a 5 for playing purposes.

So now I am interested to find a 4 string that is 35", because I find the regular 34" scale to be a little too sloppy, not reactive enough when I play. I tried going up to heavier strings, but they never settled with me either. I like the sound and feel of 45-65-85-105-125 strings at 35", but don't really use the fifth string enough to really feel I need it.

I'd like to try my normal strings on a 4 string 35" scale bass, but have no idea what my options are for this.

The Peavey Cirrus 4 and G bass are both 35" scale 4 strings. I have seen G basses go for around $300 on eBay. There are probably others out there as well.

 

[Subculture13]

The Peavey Cirrus 4 and G bass are both 35" scale 4 strings. I have seen G basses go for around $300 on eBay. There are probably others out there as well.

Cirrus huh? Very interesting. I only played one once, and in a store, so not long. But damn, I loved it. Maybe that was one reason and I just didn't have the time to fully analyze it.

In a perfect world it would be a 35" jazz style bass with 4 strings and 22+ frets.

 

[Fretless1!]

5 BEADG mostly. 4 sometimes when I just have to have my Precision fix !

 

[Lysdestic]

I switched to a fiver-string recently, it was a lot easier than I thought, I didn't have to deal with the whole fear that a new top string would mess with me, because I had made a concerted effort to think in notes.

I still switch between a four and a five, depending on the song, but I love my fiver more.

I'd love to try a 8 or 10 string bass.

 

[dave64o]

I have nothing at all against basses with fewer or more strings, but all I've ever owned are 5 strings and that's what I'm comfortable with now. Anytime I pick up a 4 I get really messed up and end up putting it down, though I've messed around with 6's in stores and have had an easier time playing them than I have with a 4.

However, lately I've toyed with the idea of getting myself an inexpensive 4. Since they're more or less "the standard" (no, that is NOT a knock on ERB's!) I should probably at least get used to playing one.

 

[Dash Rantic]

I play the stringless bass

OK, I play 4rs. I haven't found a need for anything more, really... Kudos to those who can wrangle ERBs, but 4rs really just fit my style better.

-Dash