4 string or 5 string basses?

[darkshadow54321]

The idea of an extra string seems to be good in theory, but I suspect I'd get tired of it... When you add that to increased neck size (making it more difficult for me to play), it just doesn't seem worth it to me...

Is the extra string worth it, or should I just get a 4 string?

 

[Quencho092]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

4 string dude, 5 and 6 just gets uncomfortable, cumbersome, and you can do the same stuff if you got the technique on a 4 string.

 

[nuntius]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

If you have any 7 string guitars, or downtune, get a 5.

If not, get a 4 unless you feel you'll want to use the extra range..

It's preference at the end of the day. It's not really that hard to get used to a 5 string or even 6 string if you spend some time with it..

 

[JB_From_Hell]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

...you can do the same stuff if you got the technique on a 4 string.

So long as you tune the low string to B. If you want a low B on bass, seems like it'd make more sense to tune the whole thing down a 4th, and eliminate the G. That way, you keep the same size neck, and only lose the top 5 frets.

 

[nuntius]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

So long as you tune the low string to B. If you want a low B on bass, seems like it'd make more sense to tune the whole thing down a 4th, and eliminate the G. That way, you keep the same size neck, and only lose the top 5 frets.

Problem being you'd deffinately need to recut the nut and have a set up to accomodate the kind of strings that'll cope with that tuning. If you wanted to go back to standard again that'd pose the same problem...

In that scenario I'd far rather go for a 5 string.

 

[Imp]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

i only have one, a 5 string bass, tuned in GDAED.. i use the octave pair to slap with, i found i never used my 4 string so i sold it..

best bet? try and play one of both to see how you like them. failing that, get a 4 string and get the rudiments down, then possibly look to a 5 string.. IMO the two are fundamentally different instruments!

tom

 

[FretFire]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

I'd go with a 5 string personally. I just like the extended range for the bass, and if you play a tune that only requires the "standard" four, you have a nice thumbrest :laugh2:.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

Yep, the 5th string makes a great thumb rest!

 

[pm12]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

hey man if you dont want to tune down how about you go the other route and get one with the high c instead of low b. i used to play a carvin 5 string that my friend had for some shows but i hated it and when id switch back to my trusty jazz people noticed. im sure id have stayed with the 5 had i had it tuned with the c instead of b but different bands have different needs.

 

[nahfuten]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

I love my 5th string. Make sure your amp can handle that bottem end, though. I am talking the actual woofer. Don't go any smaller than 12" with a 5 string.

 

[Chris P]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

Jaco only needed 4

 

[FELIX57]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

it depends on the type of music u play for most players its a novelty and they get bored quick also there is less choices of strings pickups and guitars and its more expensive

 

[Kommerzbassist]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

I've got a 5 String and I find it to be way more comfortable to play than a 4 String... as long as you dont have small hands or don't have any technique, I'd say you can't be wron with a 5 String... The thing with the thumbrest is absolutely right... very comfy

 

[Imp]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

Jaco only needed 4

in the same way elvis didnt need a bassist at all, meaning the bass itself is worthless

as for strings, i know for sure rotosound go to at least 165 gauge (thats why i have).. and the thing about watching the speaker type is good advice, especially if you're playing at practice levels or above.. i tune my bottom string to D most of the time, hook my thumb around the neck and use the octave pair to play rhythm.. its a weird strategy, i kinda got there through experimentation and i havnt seen anyone else use it.. i love it though

tom

 

[Zerberus]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

I´d go for the 5.....I have a 4 and miss the extra range and the wider neck (4 strings generally have thinner necks than a standard 6 string electric).

And as others have said, if nothing else the b string is the ultimate thumbrest for the other 4 (extends full playing length, is not "hard" so it´s easier to reach the 1st string and stays more comfy for the thumb for the same reason...downside is possible noise w/ bad technique)

 

[Zhangliqun]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

I've got a 6-string Carvin and I'd feel lost without the C-string when they say say "take a solo". Gives you a lot of extra range, and is also extremely useful for funk when you have to snap a note with the index finger because: 1) it means the note is right there so you don't have to slide up another 5 frets, and 2) it is even funkier/snappier sounding then the G-string.

The B-string is a must when you're playing with keyboards or horns because they do so many songs in E-flat. With a 4-string it's a drag to not be able to reach down that one extra half-step to play the root note with a full rumble and have to settle for the relatively wimpy E-flat up an octave.

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

As Chris P said, Jaco only needed four strings. It's not about how many strings you have, it's what you manage to play on the instrument. Sure a low b or a high c may be useful, but i reccomend playing good on the four standard strings than to play bad on 6 strings.

Also, a low b or a high c is often hard to fit in with the rest of the band imo.

Just my 2 c,
-Erlend

 

[Imp]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

the whole thing with jaco here, i totally disagree with. sure, jaco didnt need frets either, you might as well take up cello!

it comes down to what you're looking to play. if you want to stay in punk, rock or the simpler styles of bass, a 4 string will do fine. funk, detuning, and anything where the bass is a lead instrument, you're gonna start wishing you had the extra range!

tom

 

[Erlend_G]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

Imp:
About your jaco comment: I don't understand your comparison about no frets and cellos. Jaco played fretless, which is a completely different instrument, and not a cello.

Also, did'nt Marcus Miller or Bootsy Collins funk with their 4-strings?

Im not trying to be rude, i must say that i totally respect your opinion, but i just wanted to discuss this subject a little

-Erlend

 

[Imp]

Re: 4 string or 5 string basses?

hell, i just find a 5 string easier to play funk with - i used to have one of each, figured i just didnt need the 4 anymore..

they do feel so much different though - the string spacing is much tighter on 5 + 6 strings, chording is made much easier

tom