Poll: How many strings?

[Shanannigan]

I already made my choice, I've only owned 6-string basses for roughly the past 12 years. It's just become what I'm most comfortable with in my hands.

 

[City]

As many as it takes. 90s or new country 5 string. Classic blues...use my fours. But all currently collecting dust.

 

[E Joe]

5 is the correct answer. Although sometimes it’s nice to slapp a 4 around and not think about the B

 

[Darth Moley]

I'm still trying to master 4 strings!

Billy Sheehan said the same thing at a clinic I went to when someone asked him why he doesn't play fives.

 

[Thumpin6string]

Absolutely a 6, but in the worst case never less than 5. A 4 string just doesn't have enough low end for me.

 

[Sam Dingle]

I prefer 4 strings and just use drop tunings when needed

 

[BassToGoGo]

 

[LowActionHero]

I own one 5 string, but I really prefer 4. I have a drop tuner for Drop D, and a pitch shifter that puts me in BEAD if I really need it.
It's more of a comfort thing.

 

[jimmydean]

5's have a big seat at the table and I like them , but the worlds greatest players all play 4's by a wide margin and I am not better than any of them ......so 4 string wins .

 

[sleddogn]

4 score and seven years ago i voted for 4, score that for seven years and future threads.....

 

[misterCRUSH]

got my first five from my wife for Christmas. I haven't put it down. It would be my number one choice.

 

[Zak TMD]

I voted 4, but I run with 2-3. I have 4, but I probably will never need to change my g string on any basses I own.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I chose 4 because with short fat fingers, 5 and up are difficult for me. Even though lately, I've been playing 5s to avoid tuning down... I hate tuning down.

 

[bunkaroo]

5 forever. Been on low B since 1994 (thanks Dream Theater!)

 

[sergeykuimov]

6 для меня. давно подсел на нее, и хотя у меня есть и я использую 4 струны, 6 - это для меня.

Самая большая причина в том, что я играю много транскрипций, которым просто нужен этот диапазон.

[МЕДИА=youtube]xxKz9LTV3zk[/МЕДИА]

Очень часто такие пьесы могут «просто сделать это» на 6-струнном инструменте. У меня даже есть один с 26 ладами, что делает возможными определенные произведения, которые иначе были бы невозможны.

В конце BWV 926 есть канденца, которая проходит от ноты ре на струне си до самого верха струны до. Я в меньшинстве, но мне нравится играть на этих вещах, и 6 струн делают это возможным.

sound very impressive

 

[chris_b]

I've been playing a 5 string bass for 26 years. Looking forwards to the next 26!

A 5 string bass, all the right notes in all the right places.

 

[GTx2]

Whatever is best for the metal I'm playing that night.

 

[Aussie Player]

4.
Never warmed to wide necks and the B string notes were limited to 2 or 3 songs for me.
Also found that sliding up to what would be 2 octaves above the B string "D" for example attracted a lot more visual expression from listeners because no-one does it. Playing the bass differently appeals to people more than going deeper on a couple of notes.

 

[crankypants]