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Why do YOU "only" play a 4 ?

#183
I've been using 6 string basses on all of my gigs for 18 years now. Nothing else feels or sounds right anymore. Play whatever you want as long as YOU sound great and YOU can say what you feel needs to be said musically. The 6 string bass felt very natural to me from the first time I picked one up and I have never looked back.
 
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#187
I've had several 5s, but don't have any anymore…
I originally wanted 'more bass', lower notes I guess. I suppose I ended up feeling like I had to alter my technique to play that low B well (that took me a while to really suss out), and I may have realized that I rarely ever used those five lower notes (also took a while to really admit to myself).
I did like the ability to play passages in different positions because of the fifth string, but over all I found myself gravitating back to four strings. I've heard it referred to as the 'meat and potatoes' range of the bass guitar, and my ear has been agreeing with that for several years now.
I have much respect for people who play ERBs, but four strings seem to fit me these days.
(I could totally see getting a D tuner at some point, but would I use it?!?)
 
#189
Like all of us, I started on a 4. Then I switch to 5 exclusively for many years. Bought a beater 4 for practice, now it's all a play. I have since replaced my beater 4 with a nicer one. The little coffee shop style places I play, a 4 fits the venue much better than a 5 does. I still have my five. Mainly used it for playing at church . But I have not done that in several years. It has been nice to get back to the basics of 4 string bass playing.
 
#194
I haven't found a 5 string with a neck I like. Every time I go into a music store I check out every 5 stringer they have. I've even tried 5 string Sydowsky's(hope I spelled that right). Necks just don't work for me.
 
#196
I don't. But when I do I play this. A Slap Machine. Geddy Lee Jazz (MIJ) with DiMarzio Ultra Jazzes and Audere 4 Band Pre. Hifi but still organic.

AuderePre.JPG
 
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#199
AndreasR said:
A 4 string bass guitar isn't a guitar?
Click to expand...
It's an electric BASS, the electric version of an upright acoustic bass, designed to be easier to play than an upright bass, for those who either can't play a fretless bass in tune or who need the "cheaters" (frets) to know what notes they're playing! Its inherent pitch / range dictates that it is NOT a guitar, despite its horizontal orientation and similarity in shape, style and design.

Other than some banjos, tenor guitars or ukes, only basses have four strings, unless you're a poopie-disturber hung up on semantics or some kind of fricking Commie guitarist! (hehe)

Poopie disturber! HAHA!!!!!
 
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