I never could figure out what that 5th string was for. I just figured it was a spare in case one of the other 4 broke.
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Who made the permanent switch to 5 Strings?
- Thread starter tonymcbony
- Start date
I am strictly a 5-string player with a 6-string in the mix. I'm considering getting a 4-string though. Most of the greatest basslines were played on a 4!
Yeah, some of the greatest lines were played on a 4, but I’m not sure that’s a reason to play one. I was at our local shop today and picked up a coupe P basses. I suppose I could get used to one, but then I ask myself why should I? Just because one of my influences did? Maybe.
I think I have really integrated a 5 into my playing. I use the B string for more than the low notes. When I played those 4’s today I felt like I was missing a tool. I know I go back and forth, but I’m so comfortable and efficient on my Roscoe 5, I’m not sure why I’m considering a change/addition.
I think I’d be better off getting a nice acoustic to play/teach/challenge myself. Working on more than one instrument would probably do more for me than buying another bass.
I had more fun playing this today than any bass I picked up,
I’ve been exclusively on 5’s for about 8 years now. When I play a 4 it feels like something’s missing.
Does that mean you can't play them equally successfully on a 5 string bass? A large proportion of the greatest basslines were also played on Fender Precisions. Does that mean we can only be playing these lines on Fender P basses?
Got my first 5 in 1997, 2nd in 2000. 2.5 years ago I got my first 6 and have it tuned F# B E A D G.
Playing a 4 string now feels completely wrong. I get lost on it not having a low B.
Not at all! I'm just giving props to the 4-string! Players are killing on the 5 and 6!!!
Very long time ago, I got my first fiver, now I have 5 basses, all are 5 strings. I like to have the possibility to transpose tunes easily when singers need it. If a tune in F have to be played in Eb for example, I can keep that low E.
Then many tunes that can be played on 4 but moving up and down on the neck, have much easier fingering on 5ers
Then many tunes that can be played on 4 but moving up and down on the neck, have much easier fingering on 5ers
"Session legend" - isn't that something you become when all the bands you've ever played with has refused to take you in as a permanent member?
>duck<
Well, I’m not even a season player so I guess it doesn’t matter for me. I haven’t lost a gig (that I know of anyway) because of the instrument I use. Heck, when I did do a session for a local guy (older guy, Sinatra tunes) I used a Geddy Lee jazz bass. Rolled off the tone, turned the volumes down about 20% and played in an “upright” style and it sounded awesome. We recorded old school, all together, same room, same time, analog 2” tape. It was fun.
I’m still a relatively new bass player.
I played four strings for about 3.5 years.
Then I sold everything and played nothing for about 1.5 years.
A year ago I bought a 5 and that’s all I’ve had since so I’m really having to learn it because I need it to do everything.
I’ll probably get a 4 string in the next couple of years and then get used to switching back and forth.
I played four strings for about 3.5 years.
Then I sold everything and played nothing for about 1.5 years.
A year ago I bought a 5 and that’s all I’ve had since so I’m really having to learn it because I need it to do everything.
I’ll probably get a 4 string in the next couple of years and then get used to switching back and forth.
Also, Jimmy Johnson has played forever with James Taylor...not with a P bass, an active Alembic 5 string. Good enough for JJ and JT, good enough for e.
What a pointless discussion going on here..
Let's be honest, you can get away with most basslines on a 4-string. It might be easier to play on a 5-string, but it was originally done on a 4-string. WHO CARES!?!?
If you play what you like, get the sound you want, the feel you want and have an option of either retuning if that low D is needed, or okay with it sounding abit higher than put in the score, you'll do alright!
There have never been a situation in my gigging life, where I've been told I couldn't bring a 5-stringer. I've been told on the other hand, that if I have one, they would prefer that. It's as simple as saying why would you have a 66 key keyboard over a 88 key? There is only a personal answer for why, and the expectations of others..
Back to the post: I've made the switch with most of my instruments, I still keep a 4-string P bass handy, for those pesky soul/funk/pop concerts. But I prefer playing on my 5-string MusicMan for most other things, mainly because of the versatility and the extended range down to the B.
Let's be honest, you can get away with most basslines on a 4-string. It might be easier to play on a 5-string, but it was originally done on a 4-string. WHO CARES!?!?
If you play what you like, get the sound you want, the feel you want and have an option of either retuning if that low D is needed, or okay with it sounding abit higher than put in the score, you'll do alright!
There have never been a situation in my gigging life, where I've been told I couldn't bring a 5-stringer. I've been told on the other hand, that if I have one, they would prefer that. It's as simple as saying why would you have a 66 key keyboard over a 88 key? There is only a personal answer for why, and the expectations of others..
Back to the post: I've made the switch with most of my instruments, I still keep a 4-string P bass handy, for those pesky soul/funk/pop concerts. But I prefer playing on my 5-string MusicMan for most other things, mainly because of the versatility and the extended range down to the B.
Yes it does! Just ask anybody here on TB!
(And if you have flats and a tort pickguard that also goes a long way toward making the bassline authentic)
