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Still shopping for a new bass...

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by Firestrung, Aug 2, 2009.

  1. Aug 2, 2009 #1
    Firestrung

    Firestrung

    Jul 7, 2009
    Okay, I'm still shopping for a new bass, and I've come across another good deal.

    There's a used Fender MIA Deluxe 5 string jazz for sale at the local music shop. It was in their rental department, so it's not some 'mystery' bass that could have different parts missing, etc. I can get it for the same price as a NEW MIA Standard jazz bass. Case and everything is included, and I believe its an early '08 model, amber with a maple pickguard.

    I feel that this is a pretty good deal. It's in nearly flawless condition (a few small dings on the headstock, a few on the bottom of the body, no belt rash or anything else).

    My only thing is, I've never owned a fiver before. I play quite a bit, actually have about 6 gigs this month. My question is this: how long did it take you to get used to the five string, if you switched from a four?

    I understand the advantages: being able to play more notes in the same position, being able to play songs that are in Eb (or lower) in their correct octaves without needing a second bass tuned lower, etc, which I would enjoy... no need to bring more than one instrument.

    Also, if you have any expierence on this bass, please share.

    Thank you for your knowledge, fellow musicians!

    Ryan
     
  2. Aug 2, 2009 #2
    motionkid

    motionkid Guest

    Jan 28, 2008
    Central Wisconsin
    It took me about a month or so to get used to a 5 string. I played (and still do! :D) a Fender J (4 string) for about a year and a half (which was the amount of time I had been playing at the time) before I switched to an Ibanez SR405QM (5 string) bass. I havent been playing for very long but I can tell you about a few things on the switch to 5 strings that helped me: First, you want to make sure you note that the low E string isnt your lowest string anymore. Second, try playing some of your favorite songs on the 5 string at 1/4 the speed, and break it down part, by part, making sure that when you switch over strings its to the correct one. And finally... after a while youll naturally play the correct strings without having to slow down and figure out "oh, whoops, thats not the E, its the B string" and be able to play any 4 string song automatically on the fly at full speed on a 5 string. I hope this helps, best of luck...
     
  3. Aug 2, 2009 #3
    Firestrung

    Firestrung

    Jul 7, 2009
    Thanks for the advice, Motionkid. My concern is mostly that I'll be able to play the five string at my next gig on Saturday night. I suppose it's different for everyone, but I'm hoping that I'll get the just of it quickly.