Why do you play fours?

[Lachlan Legge]

Because I can't afford to get a 5-string.

 

[Hypercaffium]

Its about all I can handle, hahaha... ; )

Me too, at least for now.

 

[Nashrakh]

Because I can't afford to get a 5-string.

Same here. I'm gassing to get a six string finally, but I want it to have a splitcoil pickup, which is really uncommon in a sixer and if it exists, out of my price range. So I have to make do with my four-string for now.

 

[drummer5359]

I dabble enough with a five just enough that I "can" play a five string if I absolutely have to. That being said, ten of my eleven basses are of the four string variety. I play drums in a band with a guy who plays five strings exclusively. We cover classic rock and soul and not a single song calls for a five string. He is 68 years old and I get the impression that he thinks that playing five strings is "hip" and "cool". I'm more comfortable on four strings and since I play mostly blues and classic rock on bass I have no need for the low "B" string. Your results may vary.

 

[Mandavel]

For what my opinion is worth, I'm a multi-instrumentalist that has had to play pretty much every instrument either in a large church, or out in the gigging world. The first bass in my house growing up was a 4, but I can't say I actually learned bass on it. When I actively started learning and using bass, it was on a 5 string. I got comfortable on it, and once I learned that a 5 string is just a 4 string with a low B, I realized that to me, there wasn't much difference between a 4 and 5.

that being said, in my current situation, I just got asked to play bass for a popular gothic metal band and this, in my opinion, will be the most important music venture in my life. I am actually buying a new 4 string, and will be tuning it to CGCF. I have decided to live out the rest of my days in the 4 string world, simply because I have never used the high string in my life for any serious situation, so I'll either start going BEAD for standard bass tuning, or CGCF in my metal band.

I have no preconceptions about "comfort" or "style" or "too low" or "odd number of strings" or anything like that, since I'm not a true home-grown bassist. In my head, a 5 string, for me and my skill level, and the music I'm playing, is just an unnecessary high string.

 

[BasBeestNL]

I dont. Learned to play on a 5 string. And love it. Tried a four string but it feels to me that something is missing.

 

[bholder]

Because they exist.

 

[TuneSalad666]

- I don't feel I really need the extra range

- The narrow neck is more comfortable to me

- I like the aesthetics of a four string better (especially compared to 5 string basses, somehow 6 string basses looks better though)

I won't likely ever get a 5 string, if I do it will probably be the Ibanez Mikro GSRM25, as mentioned I like the aesthetics of a 6 string better, at least if the string spacing is not too big.

One thing is almost sure though, I will get a Bass VI type instrument at some point, that unlike regular 6 string basses looks a bit more like a big guitar, with narrower string spacing and usually tunes E-E, like a guitar just an octave lower.

For the music I play mostly, which is "Metal", four strings seems to be the best.

Think again:

 

[Artman]

I’ve played both. Right now, both my basses are 4s. A fretless and a fretted. I would like to add a fretted five, but haven’t yet found one that balances perfectly, sounds great, doesn’t hurt my damaged neck and shoulders, and has an affordable price tag. Not willing to spend too much on one since I only on occasion miss the low D and have never had much need for low B or C. (Although I did find positions up the neck more convenient. When I do find the right one, it will be mine.

 

[taosword]

I play 4s because I cannot really hear the low B well enough, and my arthritis does not like a larger neck, heavier body, and tighter string spacing. Most of the music I play was recorded with a 4 string standard tuning and that would be another reason. Another reason is the opposite of what you would think. Playing a 5 or 6 string bass allows you to stay in one area of the neck longer by being able to hit more notes without moving your fretting hand much. For me that is not a good thing since moving up and down the neck playing passing notes and higher octaves on and off is less stressful on my hands.

 

[kkaarrll]

started on 5s
kind of an ocd type decision---if 4 are good, 5 will be better

then got a 4 string jazz

transitioning to all 4's now, they just feel better to my hands, plus I only really play stuff that needs 4

 

[selowitch]

I play a 4 because the model of bass I like doesn’t come in a 5-string version.

 

[Anders Barfod]

I’ve played both. Right now, both my basses are 4s. A fretless and a fretted. I would like to add a fretted five, but haven’t yet found one that balances perfectly, sounds great, doesn’t hurt my damaged neck and shoulders, and has an affordable price tag. Not willing to spend too much on one since I only on occasion miss the low D and have never had much need for low B or C. (Although I did find positions up the neck more convenient. When I do find the right one, it will be mine.

Try D standard tuning. If you have a 34" scale bass with a set of 55-110 and a set up you basically have a 30.3" short scale in E standard with a capo
..

 

[Artman]

Try D standard tuning. If you have a 34" scale bass with a set of 55-110 and a set up you basically have a 30.3" short scale in E standard with a capo
..

I only like short scale for guitars. I can live without heavy downtuned strings. 45-100 or 105 max for my fours.
No, I’ll find the right five and add it to my arsenal.

 

[bluesblaster]

Its what I know, its what I like...........it works , that is good enough. had five's, played sixes, I can do fine without them.

 

[Badwater]

I'll add my 2 cents. I play 4 because it's all I need to get the job done.

 

[Rob Martinez]

I'm use to 4 strings, it's that simple. I would say tradition, but I love playing 12 string bass, but the one I play is arranged in four courses of three strings. I had a 5 string once and that low B string, I kept thinking, "What the hell is THAT doing there??"

 

[Danthedude]

Pretty much a root fifth kinda guy. Luv my les Paul triumph . it does everything g ineed n more than I'm capable of! 61 yes old n Arthur it is is my best friend?!?!?!

 

[Woofer]

Laziness.

In my current band I keep my 5 in standard tuning and my 4 down a half step to Eb. I could just use the 5, but I'd rather not relearn the Eb tunes without using open strings.