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Should I get a five string?
- Thread starter ColeWyatt
- Start date
If you want a 5 string you should get a 5 string. If you don't want a 5 string, forget about it because you'll never adjust properly. I have friends who didn't want 5 strings but tried them because everyone said they needed one, when in fact they didn't want one, so adjusting to the extra string became difficult. I on the other hand had been playing a 4 string for about a month (i borrowed it) when I bought my first bass. As soon as I walked into the guitar store and played a 5 I knew I would have no trouble.
I thought I wasn't using my B string much lately, but after playing a 4 string again, I decided the 5 was definately for me. The 4 doesn't do it for me anymore. I'm selling my last one on Ebay as we speak!
So my advice is this, try them. If you like it, get it. If you don't, don't listen to what others are telling you to get.
Good bass under 300 bucks:
Peavey Millenium BXP or American if you can find it.
Any peavey really...
thats just to name a few.
I thought I wasn't using my B string much lately, but after playing a 4 string again, I decided the 5 was definately for me. The 4 doesn't do it for me anymore. I'm selling my last one on Ebay as we speak!
So my advice is this, try them. If you like it, get it. If you don't, don't listen to what others are telling you to get.
Good bass under 300 bucks:
Peavey Millenium BXP or American if you can find it.
Any peavey really...
thats just to name a few.
I started on a 5 string, a Yamaha BBN5. I loved that bass and gave it to my bro. I like having the B string to rest the thumb on when I'm playing the E string.
If I were starting out now, I'd get a new SX 5 sting, or used Yamaha. You can get in for ~$200 or less. People say Squiers are very good to start with too. Whatever you get, keep cash around to get a professional setup unless you can get by with your own setup skills. Better yet, learn how to do your own setup with no fear on this bass too. Check rondomusic.com or get a Yamaha from a TBer, 'bay, or CL.
Eventually, you'll probably feel comfortable with 4 or 5 strings.
If I were starting out now, I'd get a new SX 5 sting, or used Yamaha. You can get in for ~$200 or less. People say Squiers are very good to start with too. Whatever you get, keep cash around to get a professional setup unless you can get by with your own setup skills. Better yet, learn how to do your own setup with no fear on this bass too. Check rondomusic.com or get a Yamaha from a TBer, 'bay, or CL.
Eventually, you'll probably feel comfortable with 4 or 5 strings.
I played a four string for about 16 months before purchasing my 5 string.
I agree with the guy who said "if you want one you will probably like it." For me the extra options, more notes when playing in position, and the sweetness of laying on that low B make it my preference. the only drawback is that the neck is still quite wide when you are trying to play the higher notes near the body, but I assume that with practice that won't be a problem.
I agree with the guy who said "if you want one you will probably like it." For me the extra options, more notes when playing in position, and the sweetness of laying on that low B make it my preference. the only drawback is that the neck is still quite wide when you are trying to play the higher notes near the body, but I assume that with practice that won't be a problem.
I like 5ers.
The low B comes in handy for me since our singer drops some songs a full step. It saves me tuning down or keeping two different basses handy.
As for under 300. I have Rogue 6er and like it.
They make a 5 for $199. Nothing fancy but a good solid bass.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-LX405-Pro-5String-Bass?sku=519277
They can be heavier and the neck wider than a 4 so make sure you play one first to see if you like it.
The low B comes in handy for me since our singer drops some songs a full step. It saves me tuning down or keeping two different basses handy.
As for under 300. I have Rogue 6er and like it.
They make a 5 for $199. Nothing fancy but a good solid bass.
http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-LX405-Pro-5String-Bass?sku=519277
They can be heavier and the neck wider than a 4 so make sure you play one first to see if you like it.
I'll link you here:
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6578227#post6578227
Fellow TBer selling a BBG5S, I freaking love these basses (check the harmony central reviews for more). He's asking $350, WITH case. Not bad if you ask me. I was gonna pick it up as a backup, but I'll have to hold off until funds recover.
http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6578227#post6578227
Fellow TBer selling a BBG5S, I freaking love these basses (check the harmony central reviews for more). He's asking $350, WITH case. Not bad if you ask me. I was gonna pick it up as a backup, but I'll have to hold off until funds recover.
The answer is...maybe. Try it. If you like it then yes, yes you should. Some people prefer 4's, some prefer 5's, there's no real reason why it should affect how or what you play. As a summary:
Pros:
The extra string gives you some extra low notes and allows you to play certain lines in different positions on the neck. Being able to play a bass line on the low B in the middle of the neck may be more comfortable than at the bottom end of the E.
Cons:
If you are used to playing 4's, it can take a while to get used to 5 strings (but not long). The neck will be wider, which takes some getting used to. 5 string sets of strings cost more!
I still like 4 strings, and I don't seem to be missing out on anything...
Pros:
The extra string gives you some extra low notes and allows you to play certain lines in different positions on the neck. Being able to play a bass line on the low B in the middle of the neck may be more comfortable than at the bottom end of the E.
Cons:
If you are used to playing 4's, it can take a while to get used to 5 strings (but not long). The neck will be wider, which takes some getting used to. 5 string sets of strings cost more!
I still like 4 strings, and I don't seem to be missing out on anything...
Easy... do you like notes lower than E? Is constantly tuning down a PITA? Then get a 5!
Try a lot of them and save up a few bucks so you can get something you'll be happy with.
Try a lot of them and save up a few bucks so you can get something you'll be happy with.
I think you have to ask yourself whether you want a 5'er because it is "the trend" or do you actually need one? To me 5 string basses look sexier than 4 stringers, so you have to choose whether to follow your head or your heart!
Most people have learnt on a 4 then moved on to a 5. As you are just learning, my advice would be to stick to a 4 string for a couple of years and then progress on to a 5 if you feel you need one.
Most people have learnt on a 4 then moved on to a 5. As you are just learning, my advice would be to stick to a 4 string for a couple of years and then progress on to a 5 if you feel you need one.
If you have a good working knowledge of the four and have bass concepts down, or when you do,then yes, a five is a good idea.
I played fives for over 10 years before going back to fours and really enjoyed them. Health issues caused me to go back to fours, which I do love to play, but I miss my fives. I still keep them for my recording sessions.
Playing E on a fretted note sounds better to me, and I really like the thought of having a low D.
I played fives for over 10 years before going back to fours and really enjoyed them. Health issues caused me to go back to fours, which I do love to play, but I miss my fives. I still keep them for my recording sessions.
Playing E on a fretted note sounds better to me, and I really like the thought of having a low D.
I wanted to try a 5, so I scored a Squier off craigslist for $90. A cheap way to try one out, and it's pretty decent.
Here it is:
My suggestion is try one at GC, if you kind of like it and just want one around, get it used on craigs. There are alot of instruments on there now with the hard times.
Good luck.
S.
Here it is:
My suggestion is try one at GC, if you kind of like it and just want one around, get it used on craigs. There are alot of instruments on there now with the hard times.
Good luck.
S.
Ric5
Inactive
- Jan 29, 2008
- 29,772
- 30,452
- Disclosures
- I like 5, 8, 10, and 12 string basses
I actually think there's value in being able to go back & forth between the two, since differing gigs suggest different basses. Learn to make that swap effortlessly and then the question becomes moot... except that you DO need to find a 5-er.
There are at least important factors to keep in mind in considering a fiver (in addition to all the usual issues of tone, appearance, etc.):
First, many fivers have a longer scale length -- often 35" instead of the standard 34". This usually means that the frets are slightly further apart all the way up and down the neck. Some people find this to make little difference, but others have a hard time adjusting to the wider stretches. The longer scale is common because it usually means a tighter and better-sounding B string.
Second, the string spacing varies greatly across different fivers. Some maintain the standard spacing of a typical four-string, which means a somewhat wider neck but a more familiar feel to the right hand. Others squeeze the strings closer together, which keeps the neck narrower but requires some adjustment to right-hand technique.
For the combination of 35" scale with standard (wide) string spacing -- my own preference after some experimentation -- you can't beat an MTD Kingston Artist for the price. Keep your eye on the TB classifieds for a good used one.
First, many fivers have a longer scale length -- often 35" instead of the standard 34". This usually means that the frets are slightly further apart all the way up and down the neck. Some people find this to make little difference, but others have a hard time adjusting to the wider stretches. The longer scale is common because it usually means a tighter and better-sounding B string.
Second, the string spacing varies greatly across different fivers. Some maintain the standard spacing of a typical four-string, which means a somewhat wider neck but a more familiar feel to the right hand. Others squeeze the strings closer together, which keeps the neck narrower but requires some adjustment to right-hand technique.
For the combination of 35" scale with standard (wide) string spacing -- my own preference after some experimentation -- you can't beat an MTD Kingston Artist for the price. Keep your eye on the TB classifieds for a good used one.
My responce to you is stay with a 4 string until you've semi-mastered the 4 string(hitting all the right notes in the dark) as well as knowing the neck of your bass...feeling your way thru...then if you wish get your 5 string.I played 4 string basses my whole career,and just recently started playing a sweet Spector Legend bubinga 5 string bass.....and love it beautiful bass with a ggreat sound and feel.
I find I use the low "B" as an accent adding some sweet low thumpn' notes to my playing.
But even I had to get use to the low B and its notes but now I have it down pretty well. and I won't go back to a 4 stringer again.......take your time don't rush it...get to know your bass then take the 5 string plundge. I think you'll like it
Spector club member # 109
Ampeg club member # 436
I find I use the low "B" as an accent adding some sweet low thumpn' notes to my playing.
But even I had to get use to the low B and its notes but now I have it down pretty well. and I won't go back to a 4 stringer again.......take your time don't rush it...get to know your bass then take the 5 string plundge. I think you'll like it
Spector club member # 109
Ampeg club member # 436
