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The 5 vs 4 Conundrum Observation

#21
Duplo42 said:
Later, I switched regulary between bowed DB, 4 string and 5 string. DB -> e-bass (or vica verse) took quick run through B or F major, finding all G's and i was ready.
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Upright is a different beast - totally different approach and mindset so if one lands in my hands it isn't a challenge mentally. As for 4 vs 5, I often key off my lowest string for positions and notes. For my simple brain, if that changes (B vs E) then I have to think - and thinking is a bad thing. Also, I've arranged certain bass lines on certain tunes, and often incorporate the low B, usually up the neck. While I can rearrange on the fly, it is a pita. And I also play a fair amount of lower 5th ghost notes, and if you're playing on the E string you now have lost that ability. Not the end of the world, but if it is part of your playing style, then you're missing something. You can get creative and work around it, but depends on what your goals are. In some bands I need to nail the parts, and whatever tool allows me to best do that is what I'll use. For others whatever tool works best for them is what they should use. Just offering my personal take on why I don't go back.
 
#24
I own and use both, depending on the band situation. I would rather use a 5 if the band is playing any songs with drop-tuning. I just don't like having to keep track of different patterns on a 4-string depending if the E string is tuned to E or D, and having to remember to re-tune between songs. A 5 is also easier to transpose on because there is a fretted low E and D available.

All that said, I will always use a 4 if none of the songs call for anything below E. Another factor is many bandleaders are prejudiced against basses with more than 4 strings and will not hire you if you show up with one.
 
#25
If you have a 5 string, you also have a 4 string. Remove (or simply ignore) the B string and VIOLA! a 4 string.

Adding a B string to a 4 string bass is significantly more difficult, especially on the fly during a gig.

I learned on a 5. Never owned a 4. Saw no logic in owning a 4. Bass is about BASS. I want that low string. I feel lost on a 4 string. If I want to go a fifth below the root that I'm playing on the E string, then I have to move my hand position. If I want to play two complete octaves using one hand position, I can't.

The only downside to playing a 5 string is finding the string sets you want in stock at a local music store. Luckily, I have developed a fondness for D'Addario XL Nickels. They are easy to find.
 
#29
I have both but find a 4 string easier to play. One problem IMO is that the B-string takes a lot of sonic tightness from the other strings and a lot of physical energy goes just to stop strings from ringing into each other on 5- and 6 strings.
On the other hand the advantages of bigger tonal range sometimes makes it worth the sacrifice. It all depends on the music and the situation.
 
#30
Mayers said:
Many people seems to need some approval or they do the right thing.

Well, don't play a 5 strings, now let me play my 6 strings in peace.
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you said it! I really don't get all these: "I've gone back (or never left) a 4 string so won't as many people as possible agree with me that 4 stringers are the ONLY bass before I start to feel like I don't know what I'm doing!"

Thread after freakin' thread of this crap. I never saw so much misunderstanding of what a 5 string bass is and how you play one in my life! These are like the literary critics who say "I never read his book, but it's total crap!"

So if you think Jaco only needed 4 then fine. Just shut up and forget that he wasn't in some 4 string rut. He ripped the frets out and used harmonics to extend the range.

Hey, I remember when Jamerson "sold out" by going from upright to Bass Guitar. It was as big a shock as when Bob Dylan tried to do electric folk. It was a lucky thing nobody ever notices the bass player (unless he stops playing) so Jamerson never had to tolerate all the jeers and boos that Dylan did!

So all of you clowns playing 4 string bass guitars need to know that they are crap. I started on 4 strings but on an UPRIGHT bass. And I think I'm going back again! Bass guitars are just so bogus! I don't care how many strings they have. Come ON! I need some approval here! Hey I want a bass with some scale length and some TENSION in the strings. Hey, I haven't had a decent blister on my right hand in years! I need people to chime in and AGREE with me that UPRIGHT is the ONLY "real" bass. Let me HEAR IT!

<sigh>
<wanders off to woodshed the bass chord book on his 7 string>
 
#33
nostatic said:
I likely won't buy another 4-string - the low B is incorporated into my approach to playing and my brain doesn't want to have to think that much while playing. But many here have no problem going back and forth so ymmv.
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This is where I'm at right now. I'm also trying to just stick with the bass I have as well.
 
#36
I play fours mostly but I have absolutely no difficulty managing a five string bass. It's just another string tuned to the same interval... if you know theory well enough it makes zero difference in your approach, or at least that's how it feels to me. The first time I picked up a 5er in a GC I had a blast, although I didn't end up taking it home because I didn't see the practical need at the end of the day. Still, I doubt anyone was thinking, "Boy, that guy's never played a 5er." It made just as much sense as a 4 does.
 
#37
cassius987 said:
I play fours mostly but I have absolutely no difficulty managing a five string bass. It's just another string tuned to the same interval... if you know theory well enough it makes zero difference in your approach, or at least that's how it feels to me.
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Theory has little to do with it unless you're only worried about "notes". If you have worked up a song where you are playing, for instance, low F and G on the B string because the other phrases/changes put you conveniently up in that position, then moving to a 4-string forces you to not only change positions, but also you're changing the tone of the notes by playing them on different strings (even though they are technically the same note). F on the E string sounds different than F on the B string, and you have different limitations/capabilities wrt attack, sustain, etc. Theory doesn't help you with that aspect of crafting a line.
 
#38
chadhargis said:
I learned on a 5. Never owned a 4. Saw no logic in owning a 4. Bass is about BASS. I want that low string. I feel lost on a 4 string. If I want to go a fifth below the root that I'm playing on the E string, then I have to move my hand position. If I want to play two complete octaves using one hand position, I can't.
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That pretty much makes my point right there.
 
#39
I played 4's forever it seemed. Got my first fiver and sixer alongside some four string basses. I didn't like switching between all the different setups, so I sold all my fours and sixes and just play 5's now. It's not so much because of the lower-than-E notes, but because it's easier to play in higher positions for me, and like having that 5th string to help out there. I just can't go back. It feels like something is missing for me.
 

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