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Why more than four strings?

#41
mozarwasagenius said:
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)
Click to expand...


Forget about whether it's mainstream or not. Just be true to yourself.



And most amplification can handle the low F#.


Oric said:
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.
Click to expand...


And Oric thanks for the shout out.
 
#42
So I guess the lesson here is.... whatever works for you. Lots of great music was written and performed with the support of a 4 ( or even 3) string bass. Bach, Beethoven to Jamerson and Jaco (and lets not forget Victor) all got a lot of mileage from a traditional bass, however, it has always been human nature to take it to the next level , to expand the horizon as it were. If 4 strings is all you need or want you are in large company and if you feel the need for more to express yourself or to overcome ergonomic technicallities than thats all good too. Its all music to somebody, dont nitpick, get out there and do yer thing.
 
#43
Reasons I like my 5:

1.) Extended range in one position
2.) Comfort (the B string makes a great thumbrest, and I'm not limited to just over my pickups)
3.) Sound
4.) E-String - It may be all mental, but because the B string is on the bottom edge of the fretboard, the E seems more inviting, it gives me more breathing room.
 
#45
I agree that it's all about versatility. You can solo on a four string as easily as you can on a six or more, but six string (+) make it more...I don't know, stylistic? For bassists who like to compose their own music as well as play in groups, and either don't have the needed proficiencies or the means with which to add guitars/drums/what have you to their work, a more versatile instrument results in more dynamics and more potential for something that is "filled out."

There is a place for everything. If you're playing in a group and you don't have a lead role, it's about filling the gaps everyone else leaves open. If you do have a lead role, versatility = more potential.

Having said that, why not own more than one bass so you can fill whatever role you're needed for? I own a four string Fender Mexi Jazz that does awesome for picking and slap work, which I use in heavier, more straightforward, guitar driven stuff. I use my six string Warwick Thumb for my post rock band and all of my solo stuff because it offers more - you guessed it - versatility.

Even then, it's still all about preference. I stick to standard tunings most of the time, but that's not to say (in any way) that drop or open tunings don't have their place in music.
 
#47
We play 5ers to make it look like we can actually play an instrument. Since "anyone" can play bass and we're just frustrated guitarists who got left out. 5 & 6's seem more complicated and thus make us "real" musicians. :rollno:


Seriously though I play both 4 and 5 but prefer the 5. I started playing bass because I love the low end, you can feel the bass. and the 5 lets me get that much lower.
 
#51
Fender made 4 string basses based on upright basses( normally 4 strings)
But, the bass guitar ( guitars have 6 strings) can be based on that, and a lot
of guys really like it.
I started using 5 string basses 18 years ago and will not play without one.
Yes, most music was recorded on 4 but 5 is nice and 6 even better.
The 5 offers a great thumbrest too, and 6 is great for soloing IMHO.
 
#55
why more than 4 strings?.... well why not?
why have a car that does 190mph when the speed limit is 70mph?

i myself only play 4 strings i do this because
i like the look
i like the feel
i like the sound
and playing a 5 string makes me feel that i'm somehow cheating or being lazy

where as a 5 string owner plays them because
they like the look
they like the feel
they like the sound
and why would they wanna chase low notes up and down the fretboard when they can just move up a string

different strokes for different folks

next week we'll cover fretless bass's and next season we'll do fretless 5 strings and active vs passive thanks for tuning in we'll see you then goodnight :hiding:
 

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