I want a 5 string Jazz

Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

I use a set of Model Js as well. I love 'em. The bass doesn't sound like a classic J, though...and that was the point. I have my Fender '64 reissue for that sound. The classic tone is nice to have on hand, but it isn't my favorite sound, so I don't need multiples of it. So on my other Js, I go for different things. The third one has only a Fralin neck pickup (no bridge pickup), mostly vintage style, but overwound and with staggered poles.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

I swapped out my QP (which was in my '76 P for decades) for Model P a few years ago.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

I switch from 4 to 5 strings 5-6 years ago, it was very easy. Now I like 5-strings better, not only because of the low B but mainly because my right hand is having the same feel on the E string as the A-D-G strings, the E string is more controlled. It's fun to have a lower D and C note on hand and also easier to transpose songs.
I bought a Squier VM Jazz 5 because I wanted a passive J in natural finish, bound maple neck with black block inlays and the Fender Professional was out of my budget. If you shop a bit you can find a really good one as I did.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

Having a hard time deciding if I'd rather have a low B or high C, so I think I'm gonna skip the 5 and go for a 6.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

What music do you play bass on? That music. [emoji16]

I’ve been playing 5 strings exclusively since 1987.

I can't get into anything besides guitar and keys these days. A bass 6 would probably be cool cuz I could play my guitar patterns on it but it would probably just sit. Trying to get into singing and songwriting but it's just so annoying.
 
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Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

I can't get into anything besides guitar and keys these days. A bass 6 would probably be cool cuz I could play my guitar patterns on it but it would probably just sit. Trying to get into singing and songwriting but it's just so annoying.

I have always played bass in bands, but at home played guitar and keyboards as well. And the last few years I’m mostly playing guitar. I write on guitar and didn’t want to teach someone the parts. lol

I just joined a band playing bass. First time in about 4 years. Ironically the other two members are the drummer and bass player from my other band. That bassist is really a guitarist, so our roles are switched.

In this band the guitarist tunes down to drop C#. Playing those riffs were awkward on the 5-string since he plays a lot of low C#s. So I tuned the bass up a step to C#-F#-B-E-A. It’s interesting because I’m spending a lot more time on the 5th string, and I rarely touch the 1st string. I have a .040 - .120 set on, but next string change I’m going lighter (.035 - .110). I think I’m going to string up my ‘73 Rickenbacker 4001 with the bottom 4 strings for this band since I don’t need the high strung.

I had wanted a six string (BEADGC) at one point. But after playing a few I was repairing I lost interest. The high C string wasn’t that useful, and really doesn’t give you all that many extra notes. I suppose it makes it easier to play higher notes without switching positions. Back when I was playing prog rock and fusion I probably would have used it.


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Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

Ya I don't think the high C sounds that epic for electric. I think it would sound insane on upright for plucked and especially bow. I like just playing the concert notes even if I'm in a different tuning. I've been playing in D standard exclusively on my guitars and bass since about 2017 and have adapted to where I know all the notes and can play with records and others easily in concert pitch. You could always nerd out and focus on chords and harmony on the 6 I suppose. :)
 
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Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

I had a Warwick. It didn’t play or sound like my Jazz. I traded both in and got a G&L JB2. It plays much better and warmer than either one. If you want a 5 string, the Jazz isn’t the one. It has a huge uncomfortable neck for me. Ibanez makes much more comfortable 5 strings.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

The best 5 string Jazz-type I've ever heard and played was a Dingwall. I think the B string was 36" scale or something, with fanned frets. Absolutely massive B string that was actually super balanced to play.
 
Re: I want a 5 string Jazz

Maybe someday I’ll get to go out and play a bunch of 5s and see what I like. Probably gonna stick with 34”, since I’m going high C rather than low B.

A fanned fret that went from like 33” or 34” down to 31” would be cool for that.
 
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