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Pros of four string bass

#41
cnltb said:
Do you have clips of the atlansia?
I'm quite into the idea of getting one but have never heard one...:)
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Sorry, it's a pic from a dealer. I did try one back when I lived in Tokyo. Obviously the ergonomics are very strange (but workable), and the sound was not outrageously different from any other fretless bass, but the cool novelty value and relative affordability (around USD 550 v USD 3k for an Atlansia Stealth) were outweighed by the obvious limits of the design and my inability to justify the purchase to the missus.
 
#44
Dabndug said:
Sorry, it's a pic from a dealer. I did try one back when I lived in Tokyo. Obviously the ergonomics are very strange (but workable), and the sound was not outrageously different from any other fretless bass, but the cool novelty value and relative affordability (around USD 550 v USD 3k for an Atlansia Stealth) were outweighed by the obvious limits of the design and my inability to justify the purchase to the missus.
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There is a place in Tokyo that sells Atlansia?
If so; would you let me know which one and where it is?
I'll be there in the not too distant future :).
 
#45
glocke1 said:
Just curious, but what "issues" are you talking about? I know plenty of pros (this means they earn their living playing bass in living performances, studio gigs, etc) and they play only four string basses and don't seem to run into any problem.
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The leader is the arranger of the music and directing the studio session and wants a low C, he's probably in the position to demand that wouldn't you say? Many broadway shows have low D's, C's and B's. If you can get a copy of the bass book for "Legally Blonde" you'll see many. (if memory serves there is even a low Bb). If you're hired to play it, you should have the equipment. Scott's Bass Lessons even touch on this, when he talks about 5 string bass.
 
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#47
The pros of 4 string IMO

1- Generally lighter
2- Wider string spacing which many find to be more comfortable
3- Way more models to choose from
4- Because of the wider string spacing they are usually easier to slap on
5- Usually a wider selection of strings available when shopping in a store

I think that is about it. As others have said if you intend to be a "pro" you should be proficient with a 4 or 5. If you told me I could only play one bass the rest of my life, I would pick a 5 (your 5 string Yamaha PJ would be a great choice). Luckily we are not limited to one bass, and I generally play the one I feel like playing that day whether it is a 4 or a 5.
 
#49
WardEarth said:
Both are nice. I like 4 strings. Neck width, weight, simplicity, etc. Most songs use 4 strings EADG.

A 4 string can also be set up for BEAD tuning, so you still have that low B.
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BEAD, whomever came up with this concept was a geiusg. I have a five and honestly, don't need it. The lowest any band has ever asked for was drop C. Some bands do use the low B, but with fifty bucks worth of work, BEAD solves the problem
 
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#50
Kukulkan61 said:
If Leo Fender wanted the electric bass to have 5 strings he would of covered that back in 1951 or whatever year he busted out with it...
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He said, on an online forum in 2018...


By that logic the electric bass as a concept is unnecessary - why bother when a good ol’ upright double bass is good enough? :banghead:

Play the instrument which you find comfortable to play and is appropriate for the kind of music you’re playing.
 
#53
Bijoux said:
I started on a 4 string bass and to me that feels like home. many of the younger students have started on a 5 string bass, and they tell me they can't imagine playing a 4 string bass! lol
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I started on 5 mainly because the neck width felt more natural to me. But after 20 years of my 5 being my Number 1, I now only own 4s.

The truth is, I never used the B string for much more than a thumb rest, but it's nice to have, when the need for it comes up. In my case, that's usually for an octave drop for dramatic emphasis.

When you've played 4s, 5s, and 6s, you find there's a comforting simplicity to the 4-string bass.
 
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#54
If I have to read new music that I have never seen before I'll have my 5er with me just in case. But on all my 4 string basses I have Hipshot extenders that will go down to a D and a C, and occasionally a B if needed, and I prefer those basses. I just can't think that fast if I am sightreading, and be able to flick the lever back and forth.
I definitely prefer the sound of the low D played on the E string tuned down, than on the B string, which would be a thicker string vibrating at the third fret, which is basically a lower note than the open E vibrating on a relatively much shorter string length. To my ear the whole range of the instrument sounds a little out of balance that way.... IMHO
 
#55
Bassguitar man said:
Hello, I'm the bassist who try to play the bass really seriously as a pro.
I got a 70s Jazz bass(4string) and Yamaha high end PJ bass (5string).
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It sounds like you have a perfectly good 4-string and a perfectly good 5-string. If you really want to play seriously as a pro, stop worrying about buying more basses and get back to work learning how to play like a pro. You can think about getting a new bass sometime down the road if and when the need arises.
 
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