The 5 vs 4 Conundrum Observation

[davec629]

I've had 4, 5 and 6 string basses and went as far as using them all at the same gigs. I never let it mess with my mind because the EADG string are always the same on each bass. I did find the 5 string came in handy at an audition. The band tuned a half step down and I didnt want to retune and throw the setup off. I transposed all the songs down a half step and having that low B was great. Really throws the guitar player off trying to watch me for the changes.

 

[smeet]

I can navigate a 4 just fine, but for a few years now I have felt incomplete without the low B. The only reason I would ever buy a 4 these days is if it was an amazing bass not available in 5 strings, like a vintage Fender.

 

[bassbenj]

People forget the one biggest argument: you just don't look cool with 5 strings.

"Cool" is relative.

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...=ve0aTaTpIOHonQfl2MmDDg&sqi=2&ved=0CEYQ9QEwBw

 

[basmicke]

"Cool" is relative.

Everything is relative...

 

[jruberto]

I'm with the 5ers. Not like I play "down there" all that much, but when I do.... kabooom!

I played about a dozen shows with a "tune down to Eb" group before anyone noticed I wasn't tuned down. The guitarist's mind almost melted when I told him: "Wait... You whaaa? Then how do you... I... How... Augh!!"

I have, however, switched back to a 34" scale length instrument for most gigs. I mostly play long (agency, wedding) gigs and the long scale length is just too much work on a 5 hour gig for this old man.

 

[Doug Parent]

I have, however, switched back to a 34" scale length instrument for most gigs. I mostly play long (agency, wedding) gigs and the long scale length is just too much work on a 5 hour gig for this old man.

Me too. That's one reason the MTD's disappeared from my arsenal and now I have 3 Fenders.

 

[jruberto]

Me too. That's one reason the MTD's disappeared from my arsenal and now I have 3 Fenders.

Ya,I've hung on to one 35" just cos it sounds so great, I bring it out on club gigs & sessions, but not on the 4+ hour gigs anymore. Got a 5 string Squier, set it up for comfortable play, it plays & sounds like a dream.

p.s. i'm cool as a fan, 4 or 5, 34" or 35".

 

[nostatic]

I have, however, switched back to a 34" scale length instrument for most gigs. I mostly play long (agency, wedding) gigs and the long scale length is just too much work on a 5 hour gig for this old man.

But with a 5'er with a good B-string, you can stay at the 5th fret and above and get every note you have on a 4-string. So you essentially have a short scale instrument at your disposal. With the 4-string, if you want a low F you have to reach down to the nut.

I've had many a gig where around the 4th hour or beyond I'm staying up there playing lines so I don't have to move much.