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Revisiting my 5-string

JimmyM

JimmyM

Apr 11, 2005
127,255
125,172
Plymouth NC
Disclosures
Endorsing: Yamaha, Ampeg, Line 6, EMG
#1
After years of trotting it out once a year for a gig that requires it, I started playing my 5-string every day for the past two weeks. I resolved to play it at least a half hour a day because my chops on it have gone completely away. And now my 5-string chops are back, but I still hate playing 5-string just as much as I always did. But when I get that yearly church sub gig I get called for, I'll be ready!
 
#2
Every time I buy a 5er I end up selling it.

So I'm the same boat as you, trying to force something that just isn't there.

Someday, we might learn.

Which is why an MTD 535 is on my GAS list.

...

Dammit! :scowl:
 
#4
Im in an odd situation...

I love fours...

I love Sixers...

I don't really like five's... I have one Lakland that I can stand.



So when its time to cruise the For sale section, i see a nice load of 5 string basses I don't really want.

The 5 has become very, very popular... and that really sucks for me.

Really its almost to the point where Im going to have to adapt and "fit in"
 
#6
I have often thought about converting it to a 6. It's got a 2 inch nut and a Kahler fixed bridge, so it wouldn't be that difficult. Just drill a hole, cut a new nut, put new pickups on it, and add a saddle to the Kahler. But then I wonder if I'd play it any more than I do now.
 
#7
:cool:
Same with me.
When I have a 5-string, I don't use it all the time.
End up sell, or trading it.

But when I don't own one.
I GAS for one.

I have no problem playing 5-string.
I just still dig play 4-string.

Still have not found the 5-string that blows my head off.

Love MM Stingray-5 tone.
But need 19mm. spacing.

Gasing for a Roscoe, or a Lakland 5er.
 
#8
It really disgusts me to say this but the bands Nickelback and Creed made me love 5 strings.:hiding:

I recently joined a band that plays really cool songs by bands like Green Day and Stone Temple Pilots but also play My Sacrifice by Creed and This is How You Remind Me by Nickelback. The Creed song has a cool riff that used a low D and the Nickleback song has Eb throughout it.

I don't really like tuning to drop D as it screws me up so I pulled out my rarely used EBMM Bongo 5 (that was just about to be listed on eBAY) to play the songs.

I forgot how good the low B thump sounds in a band mix.:bassist: I think a 5 string has to be played in a band to be appreciated. In the basement, studio or just playing by myself, I prefer a 4 string every time.

I hate these stupid songs:spit:, but now I love playing 5 string and I use the Bongo 5 now as my main bass.
 
#9
I love both 4's and 5's. I play a 4 one day and one of my 5ers the next. By mixing it up, I find it more fun to practice. I play for fun and have a long way to go before I could play a gig! I have a friend that only plays 6's and I've had one of his at my house for about 2 months now. It might as well have 20 strings as far as I'm concerned :confused: He's showed me a few chops and scales but I just can't handle it :hmm:
 

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