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Why more than four strings?

#21
fullrangebass said:
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
Click to expand...

My first bass was a fiver as well, and I've never owned a four-string. What I really like about extended-range basses is that you have the option of playing a fretted note for the low E. You can't do vibrato very easily on an open string, and it gives you more options as far as muting, glissandi, etc. I prefer playing fretted notes to open strings when possible, which is why I prefer ERBs.
 
#22
It's hard to say...but it could be a few things.

The first is that I feel the increased mass just has something that I really like. On a good fiver the whole thing just resonates at a volume (not loudness but mass) that I like more than the typical 4 strings.

The second I believe has to do with the way that I play. My level of control on the low string isn't as good as the others. With a fiver the low B occupies a space where the attack my fingers have doesn't sound out of place as much as it does with a 4 string.

I also like larger necks. As I have large hands the fivers just seem to sit right.. On a 4 I find that I lack the ability to get out of my own way sometimes; I'll end up flubbing a note because I just can't get all of me out of the way!

I will concur that some of the reasons are the direct result of not enough discipline...which is a fair assessment. But I believe that with a fiver I am compensating for my shortcomings, but it allows me to enjoy playing more.

I'm not giving up on four bangers....to me that's something I'll always come back to for the sake of working out my own flaws in technique. But the fivers just seem to sit right for now.
 
#27
I am primarily a 4 string player.

However, my 5er comes in handy when I have to transpose for a singer. Instead of playing an awkward sounding pattern that would have to use the lowest note an octave up, I can get more continuity with the extra range.

I will say that, for me, I need to woodshed a bit when I switch from 4 to 5. I have played 4s for so many years that a 5 feels a bit uncomfortable at first.

As always, just my .02
 
#28
I had an audition a few years back and they asked if I had a 5er. I said 'yup,' and spent the rest of the day trying to find one to borrow. I got the gig and the money I made during my time with that band paid my rent for the next two years.

Whatever the gig requires is what I play.
 
#29
those extra strings, that's how they get you, man. they put secret cameras and tracking devices in them.

not me though. i wrap all my basses in tin foil. it doesn't sound so good and i got thrown out of my band but when it all goes down, I'LL be the one that's laughing...

wait, there's someone at the door. I th-

kjsfdvnkjd

OH NO THEY'VE COMIGN FOR ME AAAAARGH AL;FK;JADFKJNDZM/;LKN



........
 
#31
Putting aside the personal preference angle for a bit for a brief history lesson. It should also be noted that I don't play 5's personally.

During the 80's a lot of bass players were told to hit the road because they couldn't play a low B and keyboards/synths at that time were big and could hit a low B. It was around that time that 5 string basses starting getting more popular. When 80's synth pop died down and alternative became popular bassists came back and in most cases a 5 was not necessary for that music. With 80's style synth pop and electronica coming back these days, more and more people are using 5's. Also, really low sounds have been popular in genres like death metal.

Most people don't need a 5, but it can be useful in certain situations and make certain songs much easier to play.
 
#32
Congratulations!

This thread has some very good info in it, some honest answers to an honest (although repeated ad nauseum) question.

I'm too old and set in my ways to play a five. Had one, a very good 5-string Alembic, and if I learned a NEW song on it, it was no problem at all.... and the low B sounded massive, too.

However, if we launched into a song I've played a billion times before, I'd inadvertently switch to "muscle memory autopilot" and think that top string was my "E".... and I'd have to look at the fretboard and correct myself... no fun.
 
#33
The main reason that comes to mind is because with a 5 or 6 string you can move more vertically from note to note where as with a 4 you might have to move further horizontally on the neck to get the same combo of notes. that means less movement to create the same thing for example try playing a low g minor scale skipping thirds on a 4 vs. a 6 it’s a lot easier to play on the 6. I happen to prefer a 4 because I’m used to it.
 
#36
Geez!! Every other day!! the same question!! It's a good thing people that think that way are not in charge of the world, cause we'd all still be living in caves and eating raw meat. I can see it now... Why do you need fire? Uggh always ate his meat raw! What you need house for? Cave good enough! Why you make those pointy metal things? Stick is all we ever need! Electricity? We dont need no stinking electricity!
Ok.. I vented, you may now return to your reg, regu, regularlyscheduled program:)
...er... after you've fully mastered the one you are currently watching:)
 
#37
I'm primarily a 5-string player. Two octaves in a single position, added girth, and just the notion of greater freedom are really good qualities. I appreciate the simplicity and tones of classic 4-string basses like Precisions, but I won't spend my money on one. I used to be obessessed with vintage-type instruments and tones, but it got boring fast and I wanted to expand. Since then, I've found my place with active Warwick 5-strings, and hopefully soon a BEAD-tuned 4-string.

In my mind, even if it could be too many strings for a particular situation, I'd rather have it and not use it than not have it and end up needing it.

More than five strings is kind of leaner with me; I'm comfortable with 6-string basses, but don't currently have an application for the high C-string. But I suppose it goes the other way with people like the threadstarter.... if the music you play never warrants using a low B-string, it probably wouldn't serve any purpose for you to have one.
 
#39
The low E on a B string sounds entirely different than an open E- it sounds thicker. And that low B just sounds good. Same with the low F#, or C# in Jauqo III-X's case (he makes some awesome music). It all depends on the player. I only have four strings, but I'd really like a six string tuned F#-B-E-A-D-G. That low range is just fun.
 
#40
senorblues said:
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?
Click to expand...

Four strings are enough for almost all music

But...

I'm a bassist and I love low end. I want to go as low as I can to support the song - I consider that part of my "job". Therefore, I use a 5 string. I'd use a 6 with a low F# if it was mainstream enough (people were used to hearing it and amplification systems could handle it)
 

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