What year did you get your first 5 string bass ?

[Fuzzbass]

Frankly, I'm surprised that anyone still bothers with the anachronistic four-string anymore. Why settle for such an arbitrary limitation in range and playability if you don't have to?

Five is hardly a huge step up. We should all be playing seven, minimum.

 

[juanete]

In 2002. A translucent green Yamaha RBX765a. I tend to trade/sell my basses but I still have this one. I am not too crazy about the sound but I absolutely LOVE the feel.

 

[LowBSix]

Five is hardly a huge step up. We should all be playing seven, minimum.

IMHO getting beyond the 6 string tells me one might consider switching to guitar or "stick". I play a 6er for convenience of not having to jump all over the neck to play higher notes that are "functional" and still sound good on a bass.

That being said, I find the extended range basses are more attention getters. IMHO

 

[Philbiker]

Frankly, I'm surprised that anyone still bothers with the anachronistic four-string anymore. Why settle for such an arbitrary limitation in range and playability if you don't have to?

I love four string in my current rock/country band. There are a few musical moments when I miss the "B" string, but I never miss the "C", and I prefer the sound and feel of the four for most of our material.

However, if I have to "sit in" without knowing what I'll be playing, for an open mic night or sitting in for another bassist on talkbass or something like that, or for recording, my six string fretted is definitely my "go-to".

 

[Sir Edward V]

I can't remember... lame... I'm thinking march 2005... maybe 2006... I can't remember anything right now, lol but I had a 6-string 6 months before I had a 5

I think the next bass I get I will build myself (from parts... I can't route worth ****...) and make it a jazz-style 4-string that is BEAD. I also want a kahler bass tremolo on it... I can't wait til I have the extra cash to do this... it will probably be a while...

 

[Basshole]

I will agree that the general feel gravitates from bass neck to ironing board at about 7 strings. 6 can still feel somewhat like a bass neck...7 and up it's all aircraft carrier.

 

[Lammchop93]

December 2006, like two weeks before Christmas.

I didn't even have my four string for half a year before I got my fiver.

 

[mimaz]

I will agree that the general feel gravitates from bass neck to ironing board at about 7 strings. 6 can still feel somewhat like a bass neck...7 and up it's all aircraft carrier.

Well stated!

 

[DanielleMuscato]

What year did you get your first 5 string bass ? I got mine in 2000.

Me too, Fender American Standard Jazz V, rosewood board with opaque red finish.

 

[TylerlovesAva]

2002, while I was living and playing in Singapore. It was a fine one too: a Yamaha TRB 5PII.

 

[LowBSix]

I will agree that the general feel gravitates from bass neck to ironing board at about 7 strings. 6 can still feel somewhat like a bass neck...7 and up it's all aircraft carrier.

Bingo!!!

 

[MattChancellor]

January 2008. >.>

I loved it at first, and it's good for chops building (Especially with how much better you play on thin necks from a 5-string warwick.), but I'm sticking to 4 strings from now on. It's all I really need for the moment. But for those random Primus songs, it's helpful.

 

[FunkyFlashFive]

'02 with a dean improv for my b-day. transitioned in 2 days to play it for my jazz band concert.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

Probably around '97 I think. Was my G&L L2500 (still have it and still love it). It's of the first production run, S/N is under 1000.

 

[smakbass]

First 6 in 89 or 90 (custom Iverson), first 5 in 90 (Warwick Thumb), and a fretless 6 in 91,,

I mostly play 5's now but 4's have been creeping into my collection.

 

[Thomas Peasley]

In 1996 Carvin built a custom LB75 for me from koa with walnut and maple stripping. It's a keeper along with my Bean and Gibson 4s.

 

[motleystew]

1993..Senior in High School..2nd bass, a Washburn XS-5 in woodstone blue..Prettiest color I've ever seen. I still have the bass and I will never let it go. I still prefer 4's however.

 

[mellowgerman]

2003. it was an ibanez gsr-205. i sold it in the beginning of 04 and haven't gotten another five since. i probably will eventually, just to have one in my collection, but i don't think it's necessary. just my opinion.

 

[PilbaraBass]

May 2008

 

[Debased]

IMHO

That being said, I find the extended range basses are more attention getters. IMHO

I'm sure the four-string conservatives say the same thing about your six-strings. Are they correct?