Why do so many 5 & 6 string players NEVER use their low B?

[Les Fret]

Lastly because I miss having a C string on a fretted bass, I purchased an Ibanez 5 string 28.6" scale bass & I love it. My strings are GHS boomer 107 (short scale) 80 60 40 30. Big surprise! As well as tuning E-C, I can tune B-G. If I pluck that 107 gauge string carefully I get a nicely defined open B. The big surprise is that the other strings are loose enough to achieve some of the seemingly impossible effects Stanley Clarke get.s (The guitar-like vibrato, the tremolo overtones pulling the strings behind the nut). When I tune those same strings E to C, the action's raised & higher, but still there's far less tension than a 34" scale bass.

Tuning the same gauge string both to B-G and E-C? I think that is not good for the neck. Tuning down a fourth lower and switching back to normal tuning on a regular bases is a lot of difference in tension.

 

[Parrotlover]

Tuning the same gauge string both to B-G and E-C? I think that is not good for the neck. Tuning down a fourth lower and switching back to normal tuning on a regular bases is a lot of difference in tension.

I certainly don't think that on an Ibanez ultimately the neck could be permanently harmed (twisting or ski jump) given that Ibanez basses have sturdy truss rods, & even though when tuned E-C, that 107 -30 gauges on a 28.6" scale have low tension. What does happen is that when I tune upwards to E-C the action raises, & conversely it lowers when tuned down. Naturally I do have to set the action for the lowest tuning.

That said, keeping it in tune might be an issue if I don't let the bass set a while with a particular tuning.

Another concern is intonation. That I haven't checked out thoroughly, but my luthier did carefully set up the action & intonation for both tunings.

 

[chris_b]

I've been using 5 string basses exclusively since the mid 90's. Using a 5 string bass definitely broadened my horizons with regard to playing the instrument. A bass contains a bunch of notes and you play the notes that you want to play. A 5 string bass just gives you more notes and more choices. IMO which string you play them on is a relevant choice, as is deciding not to use a string.

I can understand players only using 4 string basses and not having the need or desire for a 5 string, but the one thing I can't understand is switching basses around, from a 5 to a 4, because the original song was played on a 4. I'm not saying you can't do that, but going to all that effort makes no sense to me. I don't care what bass the original song was recorded on. I'm playing the song now and making my own decisions. I've played a song which has a bass line using 2 strings. I didn't switch over to a 2 string bass. So not using strings is as relevant a choice as using them.

 

[Thum5b]

I never used the low b so I binned it, high c suits my playing style much better.

 

[foothilla]

I've been using 5 string basses exclusively since the mid 90's. Using a 5 string bass definitely broadened my horizons with regard to playing the instrument. A bass contains a bunch of notes and you play the notes that you want to play. A 5 string bass just gives you more notes and more choices. IMO which string you play them on is a relevant choice, as is deciding not to use a string.

I can understand players only using 4 string basses and not having the need or desire for a 5 string, but the one thing I can't understand is switching basses around, from a 5 to a 4, because the original song was played on a 4. I'm not saying you can't do that, but going to all that effort makes no sense to me. I don't care what bass the original song was recorded on. I'm playing the song now and making my own decisions. I've played a song which has a bass line using 2 strings. I didn't switch over to a 2 string bass. So not using strings is as relevant a choice as using them.

I have been using the low B a lot recently. I am finding (as many have said) that I can use the low B above the 5th fret to really reduce hand movement, and be more efficient. However, I have been finding that when I go and play the same phrasings, using only 4 strings (and more hand energy), I generally like something better about how it sounds.

Also, I have been realizing that the low B definitely sounds best with a lighter touch. Because I tend to have a heavier touch, the low B is forcing me to change my technique (after 36 years). Personally, I like the attack and punch of my notes better when I play with a heavier right hand attack. That fact alone is what has me questioning my future with the low B.

If I was back in my 20's and in the heart of my professional playing days, I think I would definitely play a low B fiver, just because it would make me more marketable. In my 40's, and being only willing to play music I like, I'm not sure it's worth changing my right hand technique. Although, the lighter touch would definitely be better for me physically, as I begin my de-evolution into being an old man (if I am so lucky).

 

[bbh]

I have been using the low B a lot recently. I am finding (as many have said) that I can use the low B above the 5th fret to really reduce hand movement, and be more efficient. However, I have been finding that when I go and play the same phrasings, using only 4 strings (and more hand energy), I generally like something better about how it sounds.

Also, I have been realizing that the low B definitely sounds best with a lighter touch. Because I tend to have a heavier touch, the low B is forcing me to change my technique (after 36 years). Personally, I like the attack and punch of my notes better when I play with a heavier right hand attack. That fact alone is what has me questioning my future with the low B.

If I was back in my 20's and in the heart of my professional playing days, I think I would definitely play a low B fiver, just because it would make me more marketable. In my 40's, and being only willing to play music I like, I'm not sure it's worth changing my right hand technique. Although, the lighter touch would definitely be better for me physically, as I begin my de-evolution into being an old man (if I am so lucky).

Most b strings are louder. Most of my basses now use Labella RX with .118 b string. Yes it’s a light set but they sound great and the volume and tone is equal across all 5 strings. On my custom shop 60’s 5 string, the b string poles are way lower than the other strings. Therefore RX string don’t work on that bass because the b string has already been compensated for in the pickup. There are probably youtubes on moving the pole pieces. It’s very easy to do. Check into it, you might be happy with either mod. Good luck, this is all solvable if that’s a real word.

 

[chris_b]

. . . . . . . . the lighter touch would definitely be better for me physically, as I begin my de-evolution into being an old man.

I'm ahead of you there. I've never been a "hard" player or needed to "dig in" but these days I'm finding I stroke the strings more than pull them. This isn't an intentional move, just something that's happening naturally. It also helps that I don't play music that requires aggressive techniques so, for me, this is an evolution that I'm liking.

 

[Brad Maestas]

I use mine all the time. The low E/F/G on the E string will sound very focused but you can get a much wider sound playing those notes on the B string. That is just one application. As others have already pointed out, it's all about what the music requires. 90% of the charts I've been given on Broadway or as a sideman have had parts written down to low B or lower. When I played with Ben Monder he actually insisted on a 6 string because of the huge interval leaps he writes for the bass. Just because you don't happen to see someone play the low B string on a particular song doesn't mean it doesn't ever get used. I know plenty of guys that have a 5 or 6 as their only bass. What then?

 

[Les Fret]

Most b strings are louder. Most of my basses now use Labella RX with .118 b string. Yes it’s a light set but they sound great and the volume and tone is equal across all 5 strings. On my custom shop 60’s 5 string, the b string poles are way lower than the other strings. Therefore RX string don’t work on that bass because the b string has already been compensated for in the pickup. There are probably youtubes on moving the pole pieces. It’s very easy to do. Check into it, you might be happy with either mod. Good luck, this is all solvable if that’s a real word.

In my experience I don't find B strings louder on most basses. On contrary on many basses the B string is weaker.

 

[Mark Ambler]

Most b strings are louder. Most of my basses now use Labella RX with .118 b string. Yes it’s a light set but they sound great and the volume and tone is equal across all 5 strings. On my custom shop 60’s 5 string, the b string poles are way lower than the other strings. Therefore RX string don’t work on that bass because the b string has already been compensated for in the pickup. There are probably youtubes on moving the pole pieces. It’s very easy to do. Check into it, you might be happy with either mod. Good luck, this is all solvable if that’s a real word.

OT (sorry) How do the Labellas compare to A'ddario XLs? TIA.

 

[bbh]

OT (sorry) How do the Labellas compare to A'ddario XLs? TIA.

Not sure but I think XLs are brighter while Labellas are a bit bigger in the mids.

 

[foothilla]

In my experience I don't find B strings louder on most basses. On contrary on many basses the B string is weaker.

That's been my experience too, B strings that sound weaker, muddier, and less defined. With my best low B experiences, the low B did balanced well with the other strings, but still required a lighter touch (or you risk sending the note sharp, and/or fretting out).

 

[Wayne Gulley]

Every 5 I owned - I eventually sold and play 4s exclusively now. It's just personal preference and yes - the B was rarely used and just in the way (most of the time).

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

Not sure I follow what your definition of dull is if it changes with scale length. A new set of strings on any of my basses exhibits the same brightness across the board.

Setup can have an effect, along with EQ errors and technique.

I think he means stringtension on the

Not sure I follow what your definition of dull is if it changes with scale length. A new set of strings on any of my basses exhibits the same brightness across the board.

Setup can have an effect, along with EQ errors and technique.

Stringtension is lower on rhe B compared to the other strings . What I do is buy 4str set from 40-100 and a 5 str set 45-125. I put the 5 set on one of my 4s and 40-100+ 125 on my 5str .I prefer this bexause similar tension and I don't play my 5 much since I'm a4str guy but when I do the B is a bit tighter .Sinc 5 is 35" and my 4s is 34" then the tension is similar between 4s and 5s. At least I'm happy with them like this and I tap hard with my fingertips over bridge pickup and I can tap equally on everybass without to much difference between them. Works for me ,don't care if others disagree . It is me who is using them and me being happy with them set up like that. Nothing else matters.

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

Over the years I've let lots of people play several of my basses and many are genuinely surprised when I tell them what gauges I use. They're typically just as surprised with the low action too. I get most of my setup work from that. Just hand them a bass and step back.

Different basses , tunings ,action. It all matters but for me and my basses I like it like that. I have low action, clean tone but buzzes when played hard . Thats why I pick/tap near bridge when playing metal and over splitP when playing other music. But for the last 6months I've only been able to play one of them since one mucles in left forarm almost was ruined by nervedamage .Yesterday I could finally play my old Bill Lawrence again . Thats huge for me since I was certain my hand was ruined . Take care of your arms and keep the blood flowingflowing .Selfadheesing bandages you could cut to 5-10 cm (2-4") and put them around your finger .Then you will strenghten your fingers/grip while practising .It helped me get in shape again and my son used it for 2monthsmonths ,every time he played. He stopped using it when he had same speed and control with bandages on as he did before he tried it. He was amazed how much he improved . Free tip ,if it works for you .Please share the idea . Cost about 1$ or 1£ in europe in the Biltema stores .

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

I've been playing with the low B for hours today. One thing that is tripping me up is that I have been anchoring my thumb on pickups since I was a kid, and I find you can't do that with the low B. You have to use the low B as a thumb anchor when playing on the other strings, or else you get a constant low resonance rumble out of the B string (only noticeable at higher volumes). This kinda sucks when your spent 30+ years using pickups as thumb anchors.

I find myself constantly thumb jumping from: pickup-to B string-back to pickup-back to B string-etc.etc.

Is this normal? I don't find this at all necessary when playing a 5 string tuned E-A-D-G-C

I had the same problem and put a thumbrest between pups paralelle to the B . You have to move your hand 1/2" to the side ,but it works fine for me. If you don't want make a hole in your bass, use tape or tack-it to try first . If it works ? Mount it ,if not .Don't .

 

[Per Ludvigsen]

Crazy! I might have to check those out. How is the neck balance? Does it weigh a million pounds, like many Warwicks?

Heavy ? I've had one Lx 5 str 20yrs ago and have a Stage 1now i fl maple .And besides that I love playing them ,the reason I got the stage1 is that my 2 Bill Lawrences Prizma ll is to heavy for me and the head dives if l let it go . But when l sit l prefer my first BL bass. It's just beautiful to play and l've had it for almost 33 yrs. Thats the one that'll be with me to the end of my days together with my W stage 1

 

[Brad Johnson]

I think he means stringtension on the

Stringtension is lower on rhe B compared to the other strings . What I do is buy 4str set from 40-100 and a 5 str set 45-125. I put the 5 set on one of my 4s and 40-100+ 125 on my 5str .I prefer this bexause similar tension and I don't play my 5 much since I'm a4str guy but when I do the B is a bit tighter .Sinc 5 is 35" and my 4s is 34" then the tension is similar between 4s and 5s. At least I'm happy with them like this and I tap hard with my fingertips over bridge pickup and I can tap equally on everybass without to much difference between them. Works for me ,don't care if others disagree . It is me who is using them and me being happy with them set up like that. Nothing else matters.

And all of this has what to do with "dull"?

 

[Brad Johnson]

Different basses , tunings ,action. It all matters but for me and my basses I like it like that. I have low action, clean tone but buzzes when played hard . Thats why I pick/tap near bridge when playing metal and over splitP when playing other music. But for the last 6months I've only been able to play one of them since one mucles in left forarm almost was ruined by nervedamage .Yesterday I could finally play my old Bill Lawrence again . Thats huge for me since I was certain my hand was ruined . Take care of your arms and keep the blood flowingflowing .Selfadheesing bandages you could cut to 5-10 cm (2-4") and put them around your finger .Then you will strenghten your fingers/grip while practising .It helped me get in shape again and my son used it for 2monthsmonths ,every time he played. He stopped using it when he had same speed and control with bandages on as he did before he tried it. He was amazed how much he improved . Free tip ,if it works for you .Please share the idea . Cost about 1$ or 1£ in europe in the Biltema stores .

Again, I'm confused as to why you quoted me?

 

[nnnnnn]

It's not uncommon to see some monster players that will go the entire tune without hitting the low B string a single time. I'm confused why anyone would use a 5 or 6 string for even one tune, if they weren't going to use the B string anyway.

I started on a five-string bass, and that's all I played for more than twenty years, so although I now also have a four-string bass that I use sometimes, I feel most comfortable with five-strings - so that means a fiver is my first choice for most songs whether I need the low B string or not.

Even for people who are most comfortable with four strings, if they're playing a set that needs the B string for one song they might find it easier to just play their five-string bass for the whole set rather than swapping back and forth.