Why do YOU play more than four?

[Rickett Customs]

That's Bizarro Nicky

Fixed

 

[GregC]

Yeah yeah, so I'm lazy, sue me.

For sure.

But I hate that there are two ends of the spectrum, you know. Like I said earlier, I play old P basses and new multi-string boutiques. I love them all.

I'm with you on that, I wish more folks could be open-minded. I'm a weekend warrior (hell, a wannabe right now) who digs vintage tone--but If I had a lot more dedication, talent and gigs, like you, I'd likely embrace it all as well.

 

[edubb]

big hands w/long fingers. I am a newbie, but from the start 4 stringers felt too small and narrow in my mitts. fives feel just right, plus I am only interested in the lower notes, not the higher ones so no six.

 

[Darkstrike]

big hands w/long fingers. I am a newbie, but from the start 4 stringers felt too small and narrow in my mitts. fives feel just right, plus I am only interested in the lower notes, not the higher ones so no six.

F#BEADG perhaps?

 

[roysloco]

I like the B string for the same reason I like the G - more options for hand positions, and better tonal choice for the same notes. I also love the lower notes but I tend to use them as emphasis (although some bands I play with have songs which include notes between low E and B to very good effect).

Saying you don't need a B string because you'll never go lower than low E is like saying you don't need the G string because you'll never go higher than high D!

When I hear someone moaning about >4 strings, >20 frets, using effects, using picks etc... I'm reminded of those people who were outraged at the upright bass becoming horizontal 'back in the day' - basically you're behaving like an old fart whinging about it all not being proper, it's just not the done thing donchanknow sonny?

A bass is a piece of wood with some cables on it - if slapping an 18 string bass with a wet haddock gives you the sound you want then swing that haddock with pride!!!

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

What is this "progress" nonsense? Tradition must trump!

"Progress for progress' sake must be prohibited!"

-Dolores Jane Umbridge, Hogwarts High Inquisitor

 

[john turner]

I've read all that here, too, for sure. But it's also very clear that a huge number of players here (maybe half?) play 5 or more, use active basses, regularly buy higher-end basses, etc.

I've also read posts that preach just the opposite of the things you list. Hey, I understand the defensiveness of some of the ERB guys here. But TB has its share of snobbery and ignorance on both ends of the spectrum.

you know, i hear this a lot, that there's "snobbery on both ends of the spectrum" implying that folks on the high end, boutique erb side of things spend equal time slagging instruments like old squier p-basses, but i have never seens such behavior as long as i've been here.

 

[FreaqyFrequency]

It seems to me that people who don't like or are intimidated by an instrument try to justify their reasoning by listing people who don't or didn't "need" it.

Jaco did not need a 5-string. Jaco also did not need a DVD player, a cell phone, a personal computer, or talkbass.

If it sounds, feels and works how you want it to, you should never let anyone make you afraid to try it for no other reason than "it's not traditional."

 

[Enden]

I like jamming in E without using open strings or high notes

 

[GregC]

you know, i hear this a lot, that there's "snobbery on both ends of the spectrum" implying that folks on the high end, boutique erb side of things spend equal time slagging instruments like old squier p-basses, but i have never seens such behavior as long as i've been here.

I could name a regular slagger or two (not just of Squiers, but four-stringers in general), but I have no intention of causing a ruckus. Just saying I've seen it.

 

[NoobOnRoad]

i remember someone said 'To defy the laws of tadition, is a crusade only of the brave'

 

[spade2you]

I could name a regular slagger or two (not just of Squiers, but four-stringers in general), but I have no intention of causing a ruckus. Just saying I've seen it.

Perhaps you can, but one or two doesn't come near the amount of dudes who constantly bash anything custom and/or with more than 4 strings. For the most part, the bouituqe snob is grossly exaggerated. I've only known one boutique guy in my town who was kinda turd-ish, and that's because he's just a spoiled lil rich kid. Most adults earn their gear and have a deeper appreciation for everything.

 

[john turner]

I could name a regular slagger or two (not just of Squiers, but four-stringers in general), but I have no intention of causing a ruckus. Just saying I've seen it.

i guess it's a question of degrees, then. the -degree- to which erb's are slagged is substantially higher than the degree of disrespect going in the other direction.

there are many threads expounding on the benefits and beauties of the p-bass above all other instruments here at talkbass. share an opinion in those that does not follow the party line, and be prepared to be mass-attacked.

that will -never- happen in an erb thread. why do you think that a lot of the fairly well known erb players don't even participate here? because, despite my best efforts, they've been disgusted with the general tenor of discussion and disrespect sent their way.

 

[Ryan L.]

i guess it's a question of degrees, then. the -degree- to which erb's are slagged is substantially higher than the degree of disrespect going in the other direction.

there are many threads expounding on the benefits and beauties of the p-bass above all other instruments here at talkbass. share an opinion in those that does not follow the party line, and be prepared to be mass-attacked.

.

I don't think there is anything that is/has been attacked more here than ERB's. And it's always the same old, tired out slams.

 

[john turner]

yeah, jean baudin made an -awesome- flash i remember, in response to the same old tired cliche insults that everyone who says them thinks they're being clever and original with.

 

[King V]

This thread continues to deliver.

 

[NickyBass]

This thread continues to deliver.

 

[Gopherbassist]

At the moment I've only got four, but soon I'll have five. I play bass for the low notes, so why not have more low?

 

[Ric5]

I like jamming in E without using open strings or high notes

Yep the 5 string bass is good for the keys of C, C#, D, D#, E, and F.

 

[jeremiahjay]

Ok, we all know Jaco.

Wooten: He owns a fretless Compito 5 (used in Big Country) as well as a Compito fretted 6, along with some Fodera 5 strings.

Billy Sheehan has a Yammy 6er, used in Mr. Big's Just Take My Heart.

Stu: Has a Fender Custom Shop Urge 5 string, used on tour with Joe Satriani.

Les Claypool: already covered.

Even though Manring mostly uses the Hyperbass 4, I thought he had a fretted Vinny 5. The Hyperbass is just a 4, but can utilize an expanded range that most basses can't do.

Listening to some Marcus Miller tones, occasionally, I think I hear a low C or D sometimes.

Pretty sure Flea has used a 5 a few times. I've seen tabs back in the day that stated so and sounded correct.

As for being the "best" in any genre. Why does something need to be the best? What are the qualifications?! Why do musicians try to turn things into a competition. Art is art, leave the competition to shredders and athletes. The low B is definitely prominent in modern gospel and modern country.

YEs i know, can't you read??? they have more than 4 strings but they are more often seen in fours (and many of teir hits are in fours). read it again. and by the way this is not a competition. and nobody argued on which tools to use, for obvious reasons, that there are different tools for different purposes as well as basses for different songs in which they are needed. my point was the four is still best for all genre's.

Why? are you a purest not to own or use a four-string bass?