What would be the purpose of keeping a four string around if you like, and gig a five string exclusively? The four string drop D tuning is not required if you've already got a five string bass.
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I am a 5-string-exclusive player. I've never owned a 4. I am too used to having that string under my hands, even when not playing it. I joined a band about a year and a half ago that wrote all their songs on a 4-string. It was a challenge to me to not add in the low B-D# when I thought it should be there. And surprinsingly, the songs sounded "wrong" with those notes. For that reason, I have considered a 4, and occasionally I think what it might be like to play higher and more melodic instead of lower and more thundering. Then I think, "nahhhh".
songwriter21
I have an obsession for wood. The musical kind.
Nope, I have no use for a four-string at all anymore. Slapping is a bit tougher, when it comes to keeping the low-B quiet, but other than that...no need for a 4.
My only fretless is a 4, and whenever I play it I wish I had a 5. I'll always Love my Gibson EB-2c, but it is not a rig I play with any more other than for my own ears. I play 5 strings, and I likely won't ever but another 4... But I'm also not keen on parting with instruments so I'll always have those 2 in my collection.
I learned on a 4 and switched to 5 a few years ago. I find playing on a 5 much easier, since I can play more vertically with the B string. Plus I have damn good B strings (all Dingwalls). I kept only one 4 string, which I cannot bring myself to sell, only because it has sentimental value - a 1981 (first year made) G&L 2000 with the pre-lawsuit headstock.
I see a resurgence of bass players using 4 strings - mostly Precisions. Can't decide if this is fashion (i.e. vintage look) or some other reason. Personally, I will never go back to a 4 string. Too limiting.
So, if you are not using the 4, I see no reason to hold on to it. It's not like it is going to increase in value.
I see a resurgence of bass players using 4 strings - mostly Precisions. Can't decide if this is fashion (i.e. vintage look) or some other reason. Personally, I will never go back to a 4 string. Too limiting.
So, if you are not using the 4, I see no reason to hold on to it. It's not like it is going to increase in value.
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I'd keep it. I have 2 5's that are my primary axes and a "project" 4 that I lend to kids at my church, but I'm selling my Sterling MM S.U.B. 5 to get a Sire M7 4 string for those songs when I need to get slap happy. My MTD Heir 5 is good as well, but the additional spacing (and less muting) comes in handy!
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I started on 4 string and bought my first 5 in 1990. I used 5 strings exclusively until about a year ago when I revived my old ESP 4 string and I love playing it. I don't know why but it just feels right. I still like my 5-er and having the low B available and there are certain things I can't get around but I'm finding myself playing it less and less.
It's not a fashion thing I just like playing it!
It's not a fashion thing I just like playing it!
If you need $400, sell it. If you don't need $400, keep it. There is no harm in keeping one extra bass around, especially if it is different than the others.
I'm in the position that I rarely play electric bass except for the rare pit band gig and a one off blues gig here or there. That being said I love collecting instruments and have to stop myself from buying electric basses. Its a collecting thing more than a playing thing. Right now I've got the necessities:
5 string active jazz
5 string active jazz fretless
4 string fender jazz
the 4 string I'll never sell. Parents bought it for me when I got into college. 2009 American Standard (bought in 2012). I'll sell my 5 strings before that bass.
Everything else is played on my upright.
5 string active jazz
5 string active jazz fretless
4 string fender jazz
the 4 string I'll never sell. Parents bought it for me when I got into college. 2009 American Standard (bought in 2012). I'll sell my 5 strings before that bass.
Everything else is played on my upright.
I play a five almost exclusively. However I will probably always have a good four string around because it inspires me to play a little differently than the 5.
That, and just because I can
That, and just because I can
I got rid of my 4-string when I upgraded to a 5-string. I have no use for a 4-string as the fiver can do everything the 4-stringer can, and more!
I sold off my 5-string several years ago and bought into the whole "you only need 4" thing. It was stupid. I miss my 5er terribly. If I buy another 4-string, it will be short scale only. Then it's worth it.
I play 5 exclusively, and I have 3 four strings that are gathering dust. I bring one of them out to rehearsal every now and then. I even brought one out to a gig subbing for a band where the bassist plays a 4. But the next time I subbed for them I used the 5 and it was more comfortable for me. I don't think I'd regret having no 4 strings around because I really don't play them much anymore and when I do I find myself regretting not having brought the 5. I am trying to sell my "nicest" 4, but it's a custom built Warmoth and no one is interested (haven't tried talkbass classifieds yet). I am only looking to sell one because 2 of them would have very low resale value and I'm not hurtin' for the cash. The Squier VM Jazz actually sounds really good. And the Squier PJ Special is black with black headstock and mirror pickguard so it looks great, and it has barts so it sounds good too. It's got flats, so I'll keep it around if I need to record something with flats...
I play fives primarily, and have for the last six years. I do have quite a few four strings around, and I'm glad I kept them. I play in two bands regularly, one I use standard tunes fives, the other I use drop tuned fours in. I don't have to reset basses up for different tunings and I'm glad I kept them. I'd keep it. It's paid off
I have two Lakland 5's that I play exclusively; a J bass and a P bass - all I need. However, I do still keep around my 1988 Charvel 4b. It was the first bass I ever bought and the most solid instrument I have ever played. I hardly touch it anymore though. I keep it around because it is pretty sentimental to me. The only other 4 I've had was a Squier VM jazz that I modded to be a Geddy jazz. I loved that thing as well and it played phenomenally but I sold it once I turned to 5's. The group I play with is a corporate cover band and I just need a low b string for a lot of material.
I agree with more basses being a distraction as well. I have another 5 (modded MTD Saratoga) that is a great instrument but I'm selling it because I only ever play my Laklands, they are just the right basses for me. I'm a believer in finding one or two instruments that really get you and digging into them as much as possible. No other bass that I can buy is going to make me a better player, make due with what you've got if it pleases you.
I agree with more basses being a distraction as well. I have another 5 (modded MTD Saratoga) that is a great instrument but I'm selling it because I only ever play my Laklands, they are just the right basses for me. I'm a believer in finding one or two instruments that really get you and digging into them as much as possible. No other bass that I can buy is going to make me a better player, make due with what you've got if it pleases you.
I have 5's and 4's and enjoy playing them all! Typically I play the 4's with the Americana or the dirty rock blues bands I'm in, because the 4 string (always P basses) vibe just feels right in those settings. I play the 5's in the rock cover band because it's more versatile for different tunings, etc.
However, if you don't like playing the 4 or have a need for it, I'd sell it. But then, I tend to flip gear like nobody's business...
However, if you don't like playing the 4 or have a need for it, I'd sell it. But then, I tend to flip gear like nobody's business...
Keep the 4 string. I find myself going back to my 4 strings more and more these days. You never know what you will be into a few years from now.
But Electric Bass starts with the letter E. And the Doghouse starts with D. Hmmm.....
But you don't necessarily need electricity to play Bass! Doghouse is important because we will always been in the doghouse with our wives for buying too many basses
My logic when I went to a fiver was that I want to play BASS. If there are more audible notes beyond low E that we are capable of hitting, when why not hit those notes? Would you rather the keys player hit them for you?
The fiver is also essential for playing along with my favorite gospel music.
