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RnB Bass...

Depends on the R&B:

Motown/Stax/James Brown/'70's Funk...4 should work
Neo-Soul/R&B...get a five
Modern Jazzy R&B...definitely get a five

Like Ken says, IMO/IME.


... what he said... What the five really allows you to do is play across the neck instead of up and down the fretboard. The low notes are an advantage, but it will make it easier to stay in one position to play.
 
My buddy and I argue about this all the time, but more of a 4 vs. 5 in general and not R&B specifically... I don't think you need a 5, but it's nice to have the option for the lower notes. But as others have said the biggest advantage is being able to stay in one area of the neck and not have to jump all over to get the lower notes. I have big hands and actually find the 5 string neck more comfortable than a small 4 string neck, but that's me.
 

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