• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Should I get a five string?

C

ColeWyatt

Nov 26, 2008
1
0
#1
I don't know if I should get a 5 string bass. People around have told that it will just confuse me since I'm not really that great yet. But I think it would be cool.

I plan on going to a music store and to see if I like the feel of one.


I've only been playing 5-7 months.

And if you could recommend a good 5 string under 300$, I would be grateful.

Apologies if this has been asked before. I r a n00b.

(I've been looking at Level 11 basses, are they any good?)
 
#2
I would get a 5 string if you want to and think it would be useful. Its not anymore complicated than a 4 once you get used to it. The low B is really quite useful, even if you dont need the low notes, just because you can play a fretted low E and because of the different positions you can play stuff in. I also like the extra thickness of the neck. I would get a used Peavey Foundation fiver from Ebay. They can be had for under 200 and are made in the US and are as good as any bass out there. I picked one up for real cheap and it is definitely as good as anything Ive used for under 1000.
 
#3
If you're interested, then I would give a 5'er a try. I have one C-E and another 2 G-B as well as several 4's. Five stringers give you more options in the toolshed. Kind of like having a five piece wrench set instead of a four piece set. The fifth wrench isn't necessarily needed, but it can be useful at times and make some jobs easier.

I wouldn't wory about getting confused. I learned on a 5'er without to any problems. As my dad told me, just play that string (the low b or high c) like the rest of them.

As far as budget 5'ers, try an Ibanez soundgear. They are usually solid at a budget price and the narrower string spacing will make the wider neck easier to transition to.
 
#9
I started with a 5 string then went to 4 after a year or two of on and off learning. Some of the basses I wanted were all 4 strings, and I felt that I wasn't making any use of the low B based on my skill level. It was a glorified thumb rest.

Now that I have some notches under my belt I feel that I would be very comfortable playing a 5 string, but I still like my 4s. Maybe I will get one some day.
 
#17
95% of my playing is on a fiver. I have small hands and so a fiver lets me play lower notes further up on the neck where I have a better reach of the fingerboard. Also, it lets you play a lot of modern country and modern rock go below E. You won't have to detune your bass; just slide on down to those low notes on the B string.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back