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Who has gone from more than 4 string back to only 4 strings

#101
I guess I'm not introspective enough. I just grab a bass and play it without all of the consternation about color, pickups, finish, active/passive, 4 or 5 string, etc., etc., etc. I mostly play a 4 string, but have a 5 string in case I need one; it's all about using the right tool for the job. If you feel you need a 4, 5 or 6 string (or more), it's nobody's business but yours. A lot of TBers spend too much time worrying about how many angels can dance on the head of a pin, IMHO. Just get off my lawn and play your bass.
 
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#105
Considered buying a multi-string bass, but finally chose a second Fender last year to add the sound of a fretted JB to that of my fretless PB and double bass. As I am unable to find many other musicians up here, I enjoy playing along with a large vinyl/CD collection. It's not the same, but at least I get to play with the best...

My aim in this purchase was to increase the sounds I can play for every variety of music. Loving the neck geometry of the Fender GL JB. It has a special tonal quality with maple neck, frets, heavy gauge flats, and using a plectrum. I can get a great "Knackbass" or Plectrum Bass sound, like that of Ladi Geisler with the Bert Kaempfert Orchestra



Or Carol Kaye



It's amazing to hear how much the plectrum adds to a bass line, in addition to pizzicato, and the tonal changes available by changing between medium, heavy and x-heavy thicknesses.

But the need for a harmonic instrument was better served with guitar and four string plectrum banjo. The time and effort invested is rewarded with an ability to play all types of music on instruments that are versatile in melody and chords. If one has money to spare, a five string bass is an interesting challenge, but I went for second hand instruments that can cover a wide range of music and situations.

Although I'm a BP first and foremost, I feel the need to expand as a musician. I'll never be a pianist, but I can at least play some of their songs on guitar or banjo and this lends deeper insight into playing bass. I couldn't justify the cost of a five or six string bass.
 
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#106
honestjohnny said:
I always wonder why more people don't just use heavier strings and tune BEAD? Or tune and intonate the lowest string to A0 and maintain the perfect 4th tuning? Or use standard tuning and an octave down pedal? Then the keyboard become a mute point. You would have to have a large array of subs though :)
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I played an octave low bass a couple of times. It was a 39.5" scale Knuckle Quake. What I found is that I actually could play the low notes and have it be musical, but I had to play very slowly or it would all turn to mud.

If you tried tuning an octave low on a regular 34" scale bass, I think you'd get a lot of string fart and not much else.
 
#107
Started on a 4, played that for about ten years. Went to a 5, played that for about 10 years. I have now been playing 4 string basses exclusively for about the last 8 years. So I'm one of those who've gone back. I prefer 4 string basses to 5 or even 6 sting basses. However the biggest reason for the switches is my needs at the time. Some bands just require a 5 or 6 string bass and others work great with a good ol' 4 string.
 
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#110
SteveC said:
I know, but there was a 4 to 6 thread so I thought I'd try this. I have been playing a 5 string for a long time. There were a couple short stints with 4 but basically, for 10-12 years I have been a 5 string guy. I play at church and am going to start with a cover band again next month. I like some music (smooth jazz) that makes use of low B (and high C) once in a while but that's mostly playing along at home. We do transpose stuff at church and the 5 is nice for that sometimes. I use the B but could probably get by if I didn't have it. I almost always play with a keyboard player so the "octave down, last note of the song" thing is covered.

Every so often I think about "simplifying" things or making myself take a different approach to shake things up a bit. Going to a 4 string would make me "rethink" how I approach tunes, and even redo how I play some tunes. I have been playing a lot of tunes the same way for a long time. Joining the old cover band has me thinking that I'd like to change it up this time around.

I know it's a personal and situational thing, but I'm wondering how much players who have made the switch really miss their "extra" strings and options, or if it has opened up other doors for them.
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I just sold my fiver, and I was looking for years to find it due to its rarity. I just came to realize I love my fours and just uncomfortable playing a five or six. I think sometimes we hear cool songs and hear a low b and say " damn I have to get a five."
I won't be doin that anymore..
 
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#111
Depends on the music you play. I've been given to understand a 5-string is almost a "must have" in certain genres like modern worship. But that's not my thing, so it's a nonissue for me.

I own a fiver (Euro Spector ReBop) and I really like it. But I still prefer a four string for everyday playing. It's what I'm most used to, so habit and familiarity probably plays a large part in that. But I also didn't end up needing the extra low notes anywhere as much as I thought I would.

I do like having that low D always on tap since I play mostly rock. But I'll just drop my E a step if I absolutely do need that D for something. Or drop tune the whole bass if I'm going to be doing several things way down low. But I found I don't need a low D that often that I even bother with a Hipshot any more.

tl:dr - Just use whatever works for best what you're doing. No fault. No foul. :thumbsup:
 
#112
SteveC said:
I know, but there was a 4 to 6 thread so I thought I'd try this. I have been playing a 5 string for a long time. There were a couple short stints with 4 but basically, for 10-12 years I have been a 5 string guy. I play at church and am going to start with a cover band again next month. I like some music (smooth jazz) that makes use of low B (and high C) once in a while but that's mostly playing along at home. We do transpose stuff at church and the 5 is nice for that sometimes. I use the B but could probably get by if I didn't have it. I almost always play with a keyboard player so the "octave down, last note of the song" thing is covered.

Every so often I think about "simplifying" things or making myself take a different approach to shake things up a bit. Going to a 4 string would make me "rethink" how I approach tunes, and even redo how I play some tunes. I have been playing a lot of tunes the same way for a long time. Joining the old cover band has me thinking that I'd like to change it up this time around.

I know it's a personal and situational thing, but I'm wondering how much players who have made the switch really miss their "extra" strings and options, or if it has opened up other doors for them.
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#113
I've been playing an Alembic Epic 6 String for about 20 years or so. I love the bass, but I am getting older and the bass is very heavy. I've been playing an Alembic Essence 4 String for about 9 months and my back feels much better!!! It seems to work out at the moment I've been gigging primarily with a Retro Classic Country Band. The Essence is a very light weight and comfortable bass. I've switched up some with a Jazz & Precision. Still making up my mind.
 
#116
AngelCrusher said:
Me. I will always have a 5 because it's a must in my area of work, but I love 4's.

I also had a 6 and am glad I scratched that itch. For me there is nothing more satisfying than playing jazz/fusion solos on a 4 string Pbass. Probably because so many think you need high end boutiques to do so, when it's really more about your hands, talent and work ethic.
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This is truth! However, in my case I do prefer to put my hands, talent and work ethic around a high end boutique 6 string! :)
 
#117
Chico Ruger said:
With your experience with 5s, if you are going tolimit yourself to one bass, make it a fiver. It is just a 4-string with an extra string anyway. You can play it like a 4, but the extra string will be there for the odd occasion you want it or if you decide to play more fiver note patterns again. Seems the only downside might be weight.
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My thoughts exactly, one 5 string and you can play as a 4 string if you please . 2 for 1.
 
#118
Dougie44 said:
My thoughts exactly, one 5 string and you can play as a 4 string if you please . 2 for 1.
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Except the neck is a little wider. You can "limit" yourself to the E-G strings and use the B as a thumb rest, but you don't have they're 4 string neck. I think that makes a difference in how you play and approach things - mentally and physically.

I watch all kids of videos of guys killing it on 4 strings. I have always felt "faster" when I grab a 4 string. It's probably all in my head, but a lot of music is in your head.
 
#119
SteveC said:
Except the neck is a little wider. You can "limit" yourself to the E-G strings and use the B as a thumb rest, but you don't have they're 4 string neck. I think that makes a difference in how you play and approach things - mentally and physically.

I watch all kids of videos of guys killing it on 4 strings. I have always felt "faster" when I grab a 4 string. It's probably all in my head, but a lot of music is in your head.
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I agree. A 4 string bass is a 4 string bass. A 5 string bass is NOT a 4 string bass even though it may have all the 4 stringer notes on it. To try to play a 5er as if it's a 4 banger is like trying to play a lute like it's a guitar. Yeah, it's a lot like a guitar, but it's NOT a guitar. If you want the feel and limitations of a 4 string then use a 4 string. I find that if I don't, next thing you know I'm "improving" the basslines of the 4 string masters and you KNOW that is not going to end well.
 

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