The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

[Myaccount876]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

Just be like Ian Hill and really rock that E string! Maybe an A once in a while if you're feeling spicy.

Unless you want to play Tyrant. Then you'll be a lot more busy.

 

[davedvdy]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

I don't believe this is accurate. At the end of the day I think it's more about personal preference than anything else. Saying something like 5 strings are for bassists but 4 strings are for guitarists using bass to record is just blind stereotyping instead of stating a preference. There are many, many great bassists who play and prefer 4 string basses and there are plenty of guitarists who prefer a 5 string bass.

This. It's a personal preference. Many great (well known) bassists use(d*) 4 string basses primarily.
Geddy Lee, Marcus Miller, Jeff Berlin, Jack Bruce* Stanley Clarke, Pino Palladino, Billy Sheehan, Geezer Butler, Jaco Pastorius*, Flea, Larry Graham, etc.
Not to forget, the bass is modeled after the upright bass which is a 4 string instrument.

A person should play what they prefer. I would not want to be stuck with my 5 string as a primary bass instrument. Others might like having that tonal range always at their finger tips. I have one 5 string, but vastly prefer the thinner necks of my 4 string basses. It feels easier and faster to get around, and more ergonomic. A trade off I usually prefer. It's simpler and I like the B string being out of my way when not needing it. I'll use the 5 string only when called for or in the mood for it.
Instead of down tunings, its a great alternative, or use it with some of the harder styles.

 

[uOpt]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

FWIW, I have started a similar discussion over at the warwick forum. It is an impressive forum given size of the manufacturer and audience. Good thoughts in there.

http://forum.warwick.de/showthread.php/20313-How-do-you-decide-on-how-many-strings-you-want

Of course I am still not a single step closer to deciding since all I get is more conflicting information

 

[Funkfingers]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

Your opening post on the Warwick forum seems more focused than this one here. Comments about the EBMM Bongo being better for the additional mass guide the debate towards the sonic qualities of individual instruments and away from simplistic disagreements about "how many strings you gotta have."

If you need a particular instrument to obtain a specific sound or to make available a bunch of notes that would, otherwise, be off limits, have that instrument.

If a particular instrument does things that are already covered by your other instruments, it is something of an indulgence. (Nothing necessarily wrong with that.)

I love my Chapman Stick but, if I had the money to spend again, I might have been wiser to get the NS Stick. (Similar sound and note range without the "upside-down" stringing of half of the instrument.) On the other hand, my hammer on and pull off technique is vastly strengthened and I can play reasonably well on left-handed guitars, flipped upside-down.

 

[uOpt]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

Your opening post on the Warwick forum seems more focused than this one here. Comments about the EBMM Bongo being better for the additional mass guide the debate towards the sonic qualities of individual instruments and away from simplistic disagreements about "how many strings you gotta have."

Yeah, I opened it over there after digesting what we discussed here.

Focus helps.

 

[El Supremo]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

When I started playing bass, I went for a 5 string as that eliminated the need for detuning when required. A few basses later I realized that I rarely use the G string, so a 4 string with a BEAD tuning would have been sufficient for my style of bass playing. Still have 5 strings exclusively though.

 

[uOpt]

Re: The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

Yeah. Most likely I will just settle for downtuned 4-strings. Neck comfort and low boom.

I will have to look into strings, though. I need something flexible enough that doesn't run out of scale length when downtuned and that doesn't require too much thickness so that I don't have to modify the nut slots.