Why a 5? Or, How Much Do You Use That Low B?

[bunkaroo]

The low B is an integral part of my playing, and has been since I converted to 5-string back in 1994. Haven't had a 4-string EADG bass since. I've dabbled with drop C and BEAD 4-strings, but 5-string is home.

I never saw the low B as an extra string - it is part of what bass is for me. So in that sense, a 4-string is very much missing a string to me.

Now my 6-string, that has an extra string.

 

[Arvin]

The biggest problem I have with 5-strings is that the B string just never sounds right to me, no matter the quality of the bass, the scale length, the type of string, etc. Something just seems "off" to me about them. Maybe I'm just neurotic.

 

[Tom Howland]

The B-string makes a great thumb rest.

 

[huckleberry1]

This! ^^

 

[ggunn]

I use it often. For me a 5 string is about position, not range.

Yeah, but the range is nice as well. I'll never go back to a four string.

 

[Larry V]

I switch back and forth. For drop D, I grab my 4. For anything lower I grab my 5. It's nice to have choices. [emoji41]

 

[radioface]

When I play a 5, I use the low B string often and, miss it when playing a 4 string.

 

[londonbasshead]

I often incorporate the low string in my playing style. I find it invaluable for that low-down thump.

 

[Linnin]

The biggest problem I have with 5-strings is that the B string just never sounds right to me, no matter the quality of the bass, the scale length, the type of string, etc. Something just seems "off" to me about them. Maybe I'm just neurotic.

+1111 Agreed! Plus the B string is always in the way when I don't need it for anything.

 

[AlexBassMP]

I play in three bands and we all play in standar tunning.

In my Helloween tribute band I use a 4 string MIJ active Fender P bass because I dont need those low notes to play those 80's metal songs , but when I play in my cover band and my metal band , low B is a must-have for several reasons.

In my cover band we play several styles and sometimes those songs have low notes or we need to play them in other keys to match with our singer's vocal range.

In my metal band, sometimes I like to play a low D or low C to add some dark vibe to the songs... we play some covers too and sometimes those songs are recorded in droc C or drop D , so having a Low B helps me to play those songs.

 

[SteveC]

The biggest problem I have with 5-strings is that the B string just never sounds right to me, no matter the quality of the bass, the scale length, the type of string, etc. Something just seems "off" to me about them. Maybe I'm just neurotic.

I thought that too until I tried a Roscoe.

 

[AMJBASS]

Roscoe's have an incredible B. There are several basses out there at a lower price point that also have good B's. The Lakland 55-01 can be had for around $600-700 on the used market and the B is terrific on them. Tight, and thunderous. A lot of the problems associated with the low B being floppy and tubby sounding have to do with the construction of the bass, scale length etc.

Having that Low B string is pretty important to me. I have played 100's of gigs and sessions on a 4 string, but the 5 just opens up a world of possibilities from not only the extended range but the ability to stay in one position longer(which is great for sight reading). I think its a great tool to have as a professional player. The bottom line is play what you are comfortable with.

 

[Skip_NJ]

I went from playing a 4 string that was almost always in drop D to a 5 string. The 5th string actually sounds clearer sometimes. It's been a little difficult adjusting but I'm having fun and now I don't have to retune for anything.

 

[MisterMagician]

I find it obscenely useless, but it makes for a nice rest and looks good on some basses.

 

[Larry V]

Obscenely useless? (smh)

 

[Zooberwerx]

How else are you going to play "Oye Como Va"?

5 bangers are great for pattern players like myself.

Riis

 

[MisterMagician]

Obscenely useless? (smh)

Too much music is made on the lowest notes of any instrument.

Going perpetually lower and playing notes that become more and more indistinguishable is not the solution music needs for innovating.


I have seen what the detaining fetish did to modern guitar music, it isn't pretty.

 

[Larry V]

Too much music is made on the lowest notes of any instrument.

Going perpetually lower and playing notes that become more and more indistinguishable is not the solution music needs for innovating.

You know what is often said about opinions, right? It's even more true when applied to music. [emoji6]

 

[MisterMagician]

You know what is often said about opinions, right? It's even more true when applied to music. [emoji6]

And you going after my opinion for no damn reason (I know the reason, it's insecurity, but I was trying to be nice) does what for anyone, exactly?

 

[Larry V]

I'm the furthest thing from insecure but go ahead and have another opinion based on nothing. That's two in a row, you're on a roll.