Sound difference between 4 and 5?

[AphekGreg]

Hi All.
This has probably been discussed, but I can't find it in a search. What difference in tone should I expect between a 4 and 5 string? I've always played a 4, but have been considering a 5. I played a Stingray 5 alongside a Stingray 4 and the tone was quite different. There was a lot less clarity or crispness in the 5 compared to the 4 or conversely, the 5 was smoother and warmer. They were both maple boards, so it wasn't a rosewood/maple issue.

There was a slight difference when listened to acoustically and even more when amplified. I'm assuming that the wider pickup spacing is adding mids to the amplified sound, but I'm wondering why there's a difference if the un-amplified sound too?

 

[steviecsg]

The Stingray 4 and 5s, I believe are different animals altogether. The pickup material is different and so are the electronics, which explains the difference in sound.

 

[Joe Nerve]

The stingray 5 has the Sterling electronics - I believe although it's called a Stingray, it's actually a Sterling. You can get a lot more info at www.ernieball.com/forums .

As for other basses, although I can't speak for all, I believe they're essentially the same. I have a Bongo 4 and a Bongo 5 and they both sound identical lest the added notes on the B.

I also don't think the Stingray differs all that much if the pickup selector switch is in the proper position. The strings may have been newer on the 4 than the 5 which sould make a HUGE difference.

 

[Pickebass]

I've played other basses that are 4 and 5 and sound very similar including a Fender Jazz, Musicman Bongo, Sadowsky, MTDs and Ibanez. As long as the electronics are the same I have noticed much difference. In just about every price range the result as been the same when compariing apples to apples.

I would agree about the Stingray comment. That explains why I couldn't get the sound I was looking for recently after looking at a Stingray 5

 

[AphekGreg]

Thanks guys, that's great. So, this is just a Stingray thing, not a common problem. That's good to know.

You obviously heard it too pickebass. I've always wanted a Stingray and the 4 sounded exactly the way I expected, so I was surprised by the 5.

The strings on the 5 were older, but it was more than that.