The 5-string question (versus 4 string)

[BlueTalon]

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

Or if you're like me, you could try playing a 4 string, but use really heavy strings and tune down to BEAD (or Bb Eb Ab Db). I only tune my guitars to Eb, but sometimes it would be nicer to be able to go lower on bass. I don't really play anything that absolutely requires the G string, as I pretty much mainly use the 3 bottom strings.

That's a good idea and a viable option. The only potential problem with it is if someone needs a bass with the higher notes available, then it requires taking two basses to a gig. Nothing wrong with that, but if someone wants to just haul around one bass and do the job with that one, that person would be better off with a 5 string.

 

[blueman335]

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

if someone wants to just haul around one bass and do the job with that one, that person would be better off with a 5 string.

Depending on the genres being played. In most of the live music I go to, 4 strings still rule.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

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

Or if you're like me, you could try playing a 4 string, but use really heavy strings and tune down to BEAD (or Bb Eb Ab Db). I only tune my guitars to Eb, but sometimes it would be nicer to be able to go lower on bass. I don't really play anything that absolutely requires the G string, as I pretty much mainly use the 3 bottom strings.

If you're going that route, I'd recommend you either 1. buy a 5 string bass set and pitch the G string, or 2. put together a set from singles that will be the bottom four of a 5 string set. You'll get a better tone, as most of the regular 45-105 sets and even some of the 55-115 sets sound a little muddy and have a distinct rattle when you're tuning them that low (unless that's what you're going for, which some guys are).

 

[BlueTalon]

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

I think you two just chose different ways of saying the same thing.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

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

I think you two just chose different ways of saying the same thing.

I was assuming when he meant "really heavy," it was more like a 50-115 set, normally meant for regular EADG tuning, tuned down lower to BEAD (which we have a number of artists that do that). Which gives you a different tonality than putting together a 65-130 set and tuning it BEAD on a 4 string.

If not, then yes. You're correct.

 

[BlueTalon]

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

Depending on the genres being played. In most of the live music I go to, 4 strings still rule.

Since Myaccount876 said he hardly ever plays the G string, 4 strings in BEAD would still rule with him. But for someone who plays both low and high, the choices are to bring two basses with different tunings, or bring one bass with more strings, regardless of genre.

 

[BlueTalon]

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

I was assuming when he meant "really heavy," it was more like a 50-115 set, normally meant for regular EADG tuning, tuned down lower to BEAD (which we have a number of artists that do that). Which gives you a different tonality than putting together a 65-130 set and tuning it BEAD on a 4 string.

Fair point.

 

[uOpt]

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

Different tunings are problematic for me. I have difficulty quickly adjusting and don't want to be screwed when I have to use a standard tuned bass when I'm using something else on my own.

Likewise, for a person like me it is important that I settle for one string number and not constantly move around.

 

[blueman335]

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

Different tunings are problematic for me. I have difficulty quickly adjusting and don't want to be screwed when I have to use a standard tuned bass when I'm using something else on my own.

Likewise, for a person like me it is important that I settle for one string number and not constantly move around.

Agree 100%. 4 string basses make sense to a guitarist, easy conversion. You already know the fretboard. If I got used to playing in alternative tunings and with an additional string, I'd be all screwed up when I played a guitar or 4 string bass.

 

[Johnny the Kid]

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

once again, 5 strings are for bassists and not guitar players using bass for a recording.

 

[Funkfingers]

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

Utter nonsense.

 

[Snake Aces]

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

once again, 5 strings are for bassists and not guitar players using bass for a recording.

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.

 

[DrNewcenstein]

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

I do prefer the tone of the E fretted on the 5th fret of the B string over the open E for some things. Easier to get that "ending on a downward-sliding E" as well.

 

[PFDarkside]

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

Active 5-String and passive 4-String P-Bass. Boom, nailed it. Wish I would have done this.

As it stands I've got a 5-String Jazz that just isn't quite there on the low B, so I string E - C. But let's be honest, I'd be fine with a 4 String at that point.

 

[Myaccount876]

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

once again, 5 strings are for bassists and not guitar players using bass for a recording.

Are guitars for bassists who want to feel like they are musicians and can actually be heard?

 

[DrNewcenstein]

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

Who here uses all the frets of a 4 string? I mean all of them, and seriously, not saying "oh yeah, all the time dude" just to feel like they "won" something.

If you're not using every fret regularly - like every song, or every other song - then it makes sense to have a low-BEAD setup. You've still got your EAD and can simply move up a few frets to do your G-string stuff on the D, but you also have the low B when you want it.

Better than lugging 2 basses around IMO, unless you just want to show up the guitarist :lol:

 

[Johnny the Kid]

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

I can see where i over simplified.

 

[blueman335]

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

Better than lugging 2 basses around

Most guys I see on stage have one 4 string, with Jazzes and Precisions the most common.

 

[One Bad Monkey]

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

Who here uses all the frets of a 4 string? I mean all of them, and seriously, not saying "oh yeah, all the time dude" just to feel like they "won" something.

In all seriousness, I use up to the 15th fret, across the strings, regularly. There's a much bigger tonal difference in playing the 12th fret E on the E string over the 3rd fret on the D that on some tunes, is a better choice. So, using nearly all of the frets for me isn't so much as boasting, but rather picking the notes and sound that fit the best. Everything in between is just being used to get to said notes.

 

[El Dunco]

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

Who here uses all the frets of a 4 string? I mean all of them, and seriously, not saying "oh yeah, all the time dude" just to feel like they "won" something.

If you're not using every fret regularly - like every song, or every other song - then it makes sense to have a low-BEAD setup. You've still got your EAD and can simply move up a few frets to do your G-string stuff on the D, but you also have the low B when you want it.

Better than lugging 2 basses around IMO, unless you just want to show up the guitarist :lol:

That depends on what you play. I've tried the BEAD setup before and always found myself reaching for the next string for certain shapes and patterns. It could be as simple as grabbing octaves for a bass fill and other times for parts of the song where the bass is the lead instrument (suspended arpeggiated chords in a proggy jazz piece for example).

That would just be impractical for me having to go so far up the neck to do that and with a good five string, most of my bass needs have been met. I don't use every fret all the time, but I also don't use every key on a piano all the time either.