When would a 5-string be required?

[XLunacy]

It's completely reasonable for them to require a 5 if all the stuff they play has been written for a 5.
You want the job, you comply, at least for the audition.
If you happen to be able to cover all their already written 5-string material with a 4, good, but you're going to have to prove it.

 

[droo46]

I've been seeing a lot of threads lately about whether 5 string basses are necessary or what they do, and I'd just like to take this opportunity to share a video I made on the subject that I think can help people who are new or considering a 5er.

 

[jeff62]

Who needs 5 strings when a four-banger tuned BEAD will do just fine and be more comfortable?

 

[Pings Bass]

A five-string is required when the band leader says it's required. I don't think that's even remotely controversial.

 

[And I]

Literally nothing requires a 5 string. Tune BEAD, you're good. That having been said 5 string makes a lot of things a lot easier to play...

 

[Joybass]

Listening to their tune I'd say you only need a low B string, maybe tuned down a few notches. But it isn't bad music if you like the genre.

 

[Ric5]

When would a 5-string be required?

For me that would be every day

 

[factory presets]

I will say this, however, if a particular group tells you that YOU need to play a 5 string say this to them - "Are you going to purchase one for me?" That will either shut them up or they will fire you....

Confrontational, right out the blocks? Looks like we've found our new bassist.

Used to play a Youssou N'Dour song on a five string and routinely wished I had a 6er for the open C. Closest I've come to actually needing extra strings.

Well...song would've been beyond me on a bead.

 

[Element Zero]

Literally nothing requires a 5 string. Tune BEAD, you're good. That having been said 5 string makes a lot of things a lot easier to play...

I mean, there’s lots of jazz and metal players who play up high on the G or sometimes C string… so there’s that.

 

[two fingers]

Obviously their music must have bass lines written in the extended range of a five string bass

Simply this. Don't over think it.

 

[lowfreqgeek]

I mean, there’s lots of jazz and metal players who play up high on the G or sometimes C string… so there’s that.

He's probably not at all acquainted with Anthony Jackson and Jimmy Johnson, both of whom manage to make very musical choices on the whole of their respective instruments.

That doesn't mean that everyone will make those same musical choices, but they do it very well and in a way that enhances the music.

 

[perfektspace6]

Seems like a reasonable request to get the lower range of a 5. Guessing their previous bassist had a 5 or the guitarist who recorded bass for the song used a 5 and therefore believes it to be necessary. Could always tell them you tune BEAD and they probably won't care.

 

[J Wilson]

It's amazing how much 'you need a five' vs. 'nobody needs a five' ink gets spilled around here, I'm always impressed the buttons it pushes.

It's a job. This is what the job requires, according to the group that's going to be paying you, it's what they want out of whoever going to be in the bass chair. That's all it is. Whatever you can do or not do to make a 4 take the place of a 5 isn't in play here, they are requiring a five string. Like a lot of 'bassist wanted' situations, it's either for you or it isn't.

These sorts of demands or requirements are often part of going in to this or that playing situation, even at the highest professional levels. If you want to just do what you do, fine. If your playing involves being in these kinds of situations and rolling with them, that's fine as well.

It's up to you.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

"It is required to have a 5 string bass and your own bass rig."

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Sorry, not getting it. (I didn't open their link as I don't do spotify.)

Most of the music written in this century was arranged with a 5 string in mind. I only had a 4 string bass for 41 years, until I started with a corporate wedding band where half the songs required a 5 string bass. It was fast pace and there was no time to switch basses or tunings. I bought a 5 string within a week.

What I found out was, it’s the most convenient easiest way to adapt to needing that low B and not giving up your upper range of your bass. The second thing I found out is is not as big of a deal as I thought.

 

[Ric Vice]

Well, certainly Broadway Shows like Wicked, Aida (Elton John), The Adams Family, In the Heights, et.al. are writing lines that access the notes below the open E.
I also find that having a 5 String really helps with reading Hymns during church services. When Pop, Country, R&B, Soul, Reggae, started using synth basses our
only resort was to start using 5 Strings. My Lakland 55/94's are easier to play than my 59 Precision in some ways.

 

[tbz]

As a bassist that is decidedly in the “hobbyist with some forays into professional” category, I find a lot of these responses to be quite puzzling.

It’s really up to the bandleader to start with. Full stop. If you want the gig and disagree, then show up with a 5-er. Get the gig. Then occasionally bring a 4 into rehearsal. If you pull the parts off flawlessly after all that, guess what; they’ll let you use a 4.

In addition, an extra string or two really helps with position shifts. Which can be an issue if you’re dealing with fast and complex music. A big reason I went from 4s to 6s was just due to wanting a few extra notes quickly available without shifts.

 

[Lesfunk]

I tried to get a gig as a carpenter and the guy demanded that I have a hammer. The nerve of some people…

 

[BrotherMister]

When the music, or the personal hiring you, calls for it. Simple as that. If you can’t do it in a different tuning or don’t want to do it, then don’t do it. Also simple as that!

In my own experience most modern theatre shows are calling for a 5 string. The standard of writing for the bass is really improving as well which is great, so you cover a big range and I don’t think BEAD would be an easy solution. If you are doubling DB and EB then you don’t have to carry 2 EB basses and a DB and space in the pit is a luxury.

The orchestrators are starting to get to grips with the instrument. I’ve seen parts call for foam mutes, plectrums, effects and a host of other specifics for the instrument. When they are asking for that range and instrument they have clearly thought it out and looking at the big picture of the show, not the bass players personal preferences.
In the past month I’ve been asked by 3 musical directors of theatre shows if I have a 5 string. Now, I could kick up a fuss and or I could just get on with the job, get paid, pay some bills and eat food.

 

[Al Rivera]

A five-string is required when the band leader says it's required. I don't think that's even remotely controversial.

Exactly it's all part of the gig! Not unlike the bandleader asking you go wear black clothes,dress shoes etc.
If you can't hang with the program,somebody else surely will!

 

[micguy]

Who needs 5 strings when a four-banger tuned BEAD will do just fine and be more comfortable?

Some of us use the B and G strings in the same tune on a regular basis. I play certain parts where I'm playing them simultaneously.

By the way, if you have ginormous hands (I do) a 5 can actually be more comfortable than a 4.

I don't do gigs where I've been TOLD I need to have a 5'er, but I do get called for the gigs I do more often than some guys who play 4's. Is it the bass, my awesome talent, or my incredible disposition? Not entirely sure. I just know to do the best job I can, a 5'er is part of what I need, so that's what I play - for me it's just taking my playing that bit further..