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I play 5s when playing electric but I do have a ABG that is a 4 string so I said both..
4&6, I don't do odd numbers
I voted I will play anything but that is not really true, just the closest available option. I have fours, a five, and a six and that is the order of their playing time/frequency as well. It was actually the six (it's a Squier VI) that taught me to play a five and it also taught me that I would not want more than six strings! Up to you, if you want to add 4/5/6 as an option you can move one vote from anything to that option.
I 4 string it all the way. No matter the tuning. I'll just set my basses up to cover a large spectrum. My main Gibson EB is standard. My backup EB is C standard and my Fender Jag is BEAD.
I do love me some Bass VI and that's the only way I'd have a "6 string" bass.
I am a 4 stan'gr all the way. I don't think I'll ever want or want to play anything other than a 4 string. I mean, Ive have played rock or hard rock, blues and a few other styles in my time, but I have always stuck to those predominantly. Its always what got me off. I have no urge to play R&B, hip hop or any other genre that would warrant going beyond 4 strings. Now, in saying that, I dont mean that those genres, or any other genre for that matter, is prerequisite for a 5 sting bass and up. But there are certain genres that do in fact benefit from a 5 sting and up. Some metal, stuff like that. And Im not close minded about it either, I just like my 4 strings. Period. If I want a lower tune, I tune down. Simple. And I could def see why some use 5 stings and up for different things too. Im just a 4 string kinda guy and aint liable to change.
I also like the aesthetic of a 4 sting. If it goes above that, I tend to think they just look wrong. And ugly.
Fivers exclusively-- I NEED that B now, and love the wider neck.
I don’t have any use for another higher string.
I’m wondering if four-strings tuned BEAD shouldn’t be considered its own category.
It’s technically four strings, but kinda like cheating, using the benefits of a fiver, just losing the less-used G.
It depends on how you look at it, I guess…![]()