Tone Vs. B string

[ericmknight1906]

This is not another 4 vs. 5 string thread. But the 4 vs. 5 is sort of relevant.

Recently, I was in a thread that was discussing whether a 4 or 5 string bass was more appropriate for contemporary gospel with emphasis placed on the Eb and Db notes.

My question now is if you have a 4 banger with awesome tone, will anybody really care if the frequency is 30 and below? I'm thinking the fact that if the timing is spot on and the tone is awesome that it will cancel out the need for a low Eb and cancel out that void and need for a low note that most 5'vers claim is almost necessary for today's music.

opinions?

 

[Steve]

I would not go at urban gospel with a 4 string. I'm sure it's done successfully every day but, I wouldn't do it.

Most all of that stuff I've heard would require both awesome tone and lower notes.

 

[Lee H]

It really sounds like you are trying to convince yourself that your 4 string is as good as a 5er, and that you do not need the B string...
OK...If you do not want a 5er, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Drop your tuning, and enjoy. You do not need validation from us

 

[WayneP]

My question now is if you have a 4 banger with awesome tone, will anybody really care if the frequency is 30 and below?

My question is, who is “anybody?” I assure you, no one in the audience cares a flip about how the bass sounds, much less knowing an “awesome tone” if it hit them in the head.

Regards,
Wayne A. Pflughaupt



Administrator, Pedulla Club #45
Administrator, Tobias Club
Big Cabs Club #23
Pedulla Club #45

 

[Bassoballs]

Actually I don't believe the human ear can hear below 40. You can feel it but you can't hear it.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

Actually I don't believe the human ear can hear below 40. You can feel it but you can't hear it.

well, if the sound system is good enough to reproduce it well you´d hear it for sure unless you have some trouble with your hearing. I do hear those frequencies and even below.

About bass...the fifth string is not about the low freq it´s about the second and upper harmonics and the way it rattles.

IMO...etc

 

[georgestrings]

IMO/IME, if you need the notes, you need the notes - anything else is not properly getting the job done... Fool yourself as much as you want to - but if a song calls for notes lower than E standard, and you're not playing them, you're not playing the song properly...


- georgestrings

 

[smogg]

If you love the tone of your 4 string just get a 5 string version of that bass or, just down tune the 4 banger. End of problem

 

[David Jayne]

Actually I don't believe the human ear can hear below 40. You can feel it but you can't hear it.

Humans can hear to 20Hz.

 

[kb9wyz]

Humans can hear to 20Hz.

Not exactly true. Some can. I cannot. Not anymore. Used to, though.

As for the tone of a B string, I love my "4 banger," but have thought about this. I have thought about some kind of octave effect to add the nuts I lose playing the B on the A string. But then, I don't exactly care. There are some really amazing bass lines played without a low B. Or any really strong bass rumble. So I think you can just go with your own personal preference and you'll be good.

 

[grendle]

This is not another 4 vs. 5 string thread. But the 4 vs. 5 is sort of relevant.

Recently, I was in a thread that was discussing whether a 4 or 5 string bass was more appropriate for contemporary gospel with emphasis placed on the Eb and Db notes.

My question now is if you have a 4 banger with awesome tone, will anybody really care if the frequency is 30 and below? I'm thinking the fact that if the timing is spot on and the tone is awesome that it will cancel out the need for a low Eb and cancel out that void and need for a low note that most 5'vers claim is almost necessary for today's music.

opinions?

You can always tune your 4 down to a 5 .

 

[NoxNoctus]

Do you see going to BEAD as an option?

 

[mellowinman]

If you love the tone of your 4 string just get a 5 string version of that bass or, just down tune the 4 banger. End of problem

This.

I enjoy my Jazz IV so much, I got a Jazz V.

Two basses; both have nice tone.

 

[totallyfrozen]

Humans can hear to 20Hz.

Not exactly true. Some can. I cannot. Not anymore. Used to, though...

Well then--with all due respect, of course--if you have a hearing deficit, your hearing is not representative of [normal, healthy] "human hearing".

 

[klokker]

I really don't think it's a huge deal. You can get by with a four, of course.

I couldn't though. On a lot of Gospel Praise and Worship stuff those low notes are "signature". I WANTED it.

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

I play both, enjoy them both, I started to play mostly the fiver lately but yesterday I took the Jazz and, man I felt like home, sweeeeet tone.

But in praise and worship you sure use that big string, I mean the b

Emi,

 

[ericmknight1906]

Do you see going to BEAD as an option?

No sir. I need that G string.

 

[ericmknight1906]

It really sounds like you are trying to convince yourself that your 4 string is as good as a 5er, and that you do not need the B string...
OK...If you do not want a 5er, don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Drop your tuning, and enjoy. You do not need validation from us

Yes, I desperately need validation from the Talkbass experts. I've been looking for excuses to refute the claim that the B string is necessary for todays music. But rather its an option.

I guess I will find out for myself when I play this sunday. But I will also bring my 5 w/ me just in case.

 

[WalterBush]

In my experience, the use of the extended range provided by the low B is more about avoiding having to play an Eb on the 6th fret of the A string, and leaving plenty of room in the mix for dense vocal harmonies while providing a solid low end.

In other words, it ain't about making the bass sound good, it's about making the vocals sound good. Try it at rehearsal, and see if using the lower notes doesn't help keep the vocal parts clear.

 

[TimmyP]

A friend plays a lot of Motown and other oldies, and has a 5. When a note on the B will work, he plays it instead of the one Jamerson et. al. used. I love it.