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Should I learn on a 4 or 5 string bass?

#21
SteveC said:
Get the G&L 5.
(I've had a few and currently have a JB-2 Tribute as a passive 4 string jazz with flats for pit and jazz gigs where I don't need/want a B string...I tend to play more old school for these gigs.)
G&L is a solid bass, there's a built in 4 string (I know 4 string people hate that but it's true) and I think 5's sound better. There's more mass. The B string is a great "moveable" thumb rest for when you don't need/use it. I have tried to go back to a 4 and I just find I really want/need that B string. I don't always use it, but it's nice to have when you want to use it.
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What do you think of the Ibanez 5 string basses, for example the 505? Would the Ibanez be better than the G&L?
 
#24
glundblade said:
Is an Indonesian made G&L 5 string a well made instrument that I can play for years, or is the MIM Fender jazz bass a better quality bass for the next 10+ years?
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My opinion is that the G&L will be a better instrument.

I'm a pretty strict 4 string player, but if you have an opportunity to learn from someone who is good on a 5 string and you are just about to dive into a new bass, I would go with the 5. The downside to being a strictly 4 string player is that you aren't any good on a 5 string if you ever need to use one.
 
#26
Id go with a 5, they can do anything a 4 can do, plus a bit more.. as mentioned previously, 5's seem to have a beefier sound than 4's (and im not even referring to the B string) in the long run, I think you'll be glad you did. However... i did start on a 4 as a teenager around 1985 & didnt start playing 5's till around 2014. It took me a week to transition & 5's are all i play, & im glad i gave 5's a chance. I will say a nice 5 (Modulus, Smith, Roscoe etc.. with a great low b will make a huge difference) However, play what you enjoy!
 
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#27
glundblade said:
I like the feeling of the jazz bass neck.
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That feel matters a LOT. This is completely a preference issue. Since you are starting out, I don't think it matters much and you should get the bass that feels and sounds best (hopefully they are the same bass!). That jazz neck will be slimmer and chances are you won't miss the extra string. If in the future you are in a band and would like to go lower, then you can consider a 5 string. If you like the feel and sound of the 5 now, then go for it! I wouldn't force yourself to get the 5 because you think you should. I like the sound of the G&L better myself but I have found the 5 string necks on those Indonesian versions are a bit thick for my preference. I currently play both 4 and 5 string G&Ls. I've had US and MIM Jazz basses. The one MIM jazz bass I had had a bad dead spot in the neck. Having someone more knowledgeable check these basses out isn't a bad idea.
 
#30
glundblade said:
I like the feeling of the jazz bass neck.
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me too! that's why i play 4's with that neck. you can too. a good teacher can teach students who play 4's, 5's, 6's.... the teacher's personal preferences aren't what you are paying for with those lessons you're about to take!

good luck! :thumbsup:
 
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#32
micguy said:
Tony Levin fan here. 3 strings is apparently enough. 4 or more is showin' off.
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Tony_levin.jpg


tony-levin-600x315.jpg
 
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#33
for me, the neck is the deal. If you have a bad neck that is uncomfortable to play, that's the ballgame I play 5s and have 3. Love each of them. - Oh, and I do have a BEAD 4, (see avatar pic) that is super fun to play. Anyway, only reason I mentioned all that is that I didn't buy any of them without knowing if comfort was a go or not.
I have a Schecter 5 that has a real flat radius (how curved the fretboard is), it's like 16" or something I think. The neck is narrower than my VM Jag V, so that works. Now the Jag V is a little less wide than a P, but not as narrow as a J, but the fretboard radius on that one is 9.5", so it's a little more rounded and less flat, so that works. Won't go through all of them, you get the idea...

If you get something uncomfortable, you won't play it, so don't peer pressure yourself into a 5 if you don't feel good about it. Plenty of great players don't prefer 5s and you hardly ever see them with one. Ibanez makes some pretty comfy playing 5s, so if you can go check one out. Sounds like you are hip to the whole getting your bass set up thing, so even if you buy new, go to someone good that can put on a fresh set of strings and fix up action/intonation/neck relief, etc...

Hope this helps!
 
#34
I have both the L and the M G&L 5 strings basses. The string spacing is narrower than some, but that's why I like them. Makes zero difference to me when slapping and I find it more comfortable. They are great instruments you wouldn't go wrong there.

Once I picked up a 5, I never looked back, but that's nothing against a 4. It's nice to have the low notes once in a while, and you don't have to jump around as much at times. 95% of the time a 4 would be all I ever need.
 
#35
glundblade said:
I am an advanced beginning bass player. I have an old Washburn Bantam XB102 PJ bass with a p bass type neck that feels very wide. I'm getting ready to begin lessons with a pro who is a 5 and 6 string aficionado. A local shop with a great reputation is selling a MIM Fender jazz bass and an Indonesian made G&L 5 string with active electronics. Which bass would be best to learn on? I want to play classic rock, blues, and one day jazz. I like the feeling of the jazz bass neck. Would I be better off getting accustomed to a 5 string neck? Both of the basses in the store are used but in excellent shape. My Washburn has developed a crack in the fretboard but has had a set-up. I appreciate your advice.
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What is an "advanced beginning bass player"?
 
#37
That G&L L-5500 still in the classifieds for $500?
BC that's what I'd buy in this situation.
There's a set of SD NYC's, also in the classifieds, if you need that direction instead of 40DC's.
EMGs aren't a bad choice for whatever ails you, but I like an immediate boutique option.

It's a great place to start with a solid 5.
 
#39
glundblade said:
I am an advanced beginning bass player. I have an old Washburn Bantam XB102 PJ bass with a p bass type neck that feels very wide. I'm getting ready to begin lessons with a pro who is a 5 and 6 string aficionado. A local shop with a great reputation is selling a MIM Fender jazz bass and an Indonesian made G&L 5 string with active electronics. Which bass would be best to learn on? I want to play classic rock, blues, and one day jazz. I like the feeling of the jazz bass neck. Would I be better off getting accustomed to a 5 string neck? Both of the basses in the store are used but in excellent shape. My Washburn has developed a crack in the fretboard but has had a set-up. I appreciate your advice.
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I'll quote you here "a p bass type neck that feels very wide". My Jazz bass (4 string) has a string saddle to saddle measurement of 19 millimeters, and so does my Pedulla Thunderbuzz which is a 5er. If you feel that p bass neck feels very wide, and you wish to go wider still, that tells me you probably will not play it. That would be a shame. I would try to find a bass that is 17 and a half mm's saddle to saddle, or stay with a 4. Then as you get older, or perhaps you may still be growing, if you wish to try a 5er, go for it then. I think if you get something that is difficult to play, then you will not play at all. BUMMER
 

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