Why more than four strings?

[senorblues]

Are there any good reasons why 5 and 6 string basses are so popular?
E seems plenty low enough and I don't understand why anyone would want a wider neck. Is it just a fad or craze?

 

[The BurgerMeister]

hee-hee!

 

[NJL]

Awesome WIN thread.

 

[atheos]

Some just need a wider range and the wider neck is mostly a side effect. Not everybody plays basic rock/blues/country/you-name-it you know. And even if they do they might do it a bit differently.

Oh, wait... What was that sudden deja vu feeling?

 

[Planets Collide]

why only four strings? why only tune to E? why not G? why not A? why tune it in 4ths? why not tune every string to middle C?
for an instrument that has only existed for under a hundred years, there sure are a lot of purists.

 

[senorblues]

2 or 3 strings would be enough.

 

[TheWalrus]

Two full octaves in first position for one...

 

[cookiesRfalla]

variety. also, a 5st is easier than tuning a 4st between songs. and it looks cooler lolololol

 

[ihateusernames]

why only four strings? why only tune to E? why not G? why not A? why tune it in 4ths? why not tune every string to middle C?
for an instrument that has only existed for under a hundred years, there sure are a lot of purists.

hehe

 

[sethlow3]

because a low E isn't enough for some people like me. Another low string, with the same thickness in the neck like a 4, a 34" scale, and tighter spacing feels GREAT to me. Lower than E is actually found in so much music. Metal, Rock, R&B, Jazz, etc...

A high C makes soloing way easier as well.

 

[DanielleMuscato]

Are there any good reasons why 5 and 6 string basses are so popular?
E seems plenty low enough and I don't understand why anyone would want a wider neck. Is it just a fad or craze?

Range, and fewer position changes. If you're happy with a 4, knock yourself out. I prefer a 5- or 6-string, but to each his own.

P.S. I also came to electric bass from a classical guitar background, so 6 strings just feels "right," and the nut width of a 6-string bass is about exactly the same as a classical guitar.

 

[fullrangebass]

IMHO only the low C# would suffice for every application

 

[DanielleMuscato]

why only four strings? why only tune to E? why not G? why not A? why tune it in 4ths? why not tune every string to middle C?
for an instrument that has only existed for under a hundred years, there sure are a lot of purists.

Basses have been around for about 400 years. By the way, many basses had only 3 strings until as little as 100 years ago.

 

[nicktheninja222]

I think he was referring to electric bass, not basses as a whole.
Paul Tutmarc invented the electric bass in the 30's, then Fender picked up in the 50's.

 

[phxlbrmpf]

E seems plenty low enough

Have you ever played with a guitarist who's into downtuning or a keyboard player who likes the lower register? Something tells me you haven't.

 

[fullrangebass]

I started out on a 5, so I never had to take the 4 as the standard for myself. That's one reason why I don't own as many 4's as 5's

 

[Sonic Napalm]

heck why need 4(or even 3 for that matter) when you only need 1

Invalid Link Removed

 

[dealbreaker]

troll :/

 

[P. Lacey]

troll :/

Who is a supporting member? I dunno, I would like to think not. I am a four string player myself. 15 years old, been playing for close to three. Been looking to buy a five string, but only after I get the Spector that I'm ACHING for.

 

[PoundinThunder]

well my band tunes to drop a have u done that on a 4 string? sounds horrible. the extended range is fun to play with too. but i do love my 4 string jazz.