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 Bass-4 or 5 string?
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| Author | Topic: Bass-4 or 5 string? |
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Gary Schuldt Member From: Seymour, TN. |
posted 15 June 2005 02:00 PM
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Besides playing steel, i am first and foremost a bass player,as many forum members are.I would just like some feedback. I'm going to be buying a new bass soon. Im going to be moving to an area where there are oppurtunities to audition for a bss playing jobs in some different theatres etc.It would be more of an everyday gig of a professional nature. In your opinion do you think playing a 4 or 5 string would make a difference to the people that are hiring you? I would be playing mainly country, bluegrass, and some oldies rock and roll.By the way, I have played 4 strings for years. Just wondering if i should go for the five. Any imput would be greatly appreciated. Gary Schuldt Cougar SD-10 Nashville 400 |
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Steinar Gregertsen Member From: Arendal, Norway |
posted 15 June 2005 02:12 PM
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Personally I've always found the 5 (and 6) string basses to be a little less focused in tone than a 4-string, not sure why but perhaps it's because of the extra mass of wood (?). Could just be me though..... Anyway, in your situation I would have considered a 5-string just to be on the safe side, should a gig require that. Steinar ------------------ |
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Greg Vincent Member From: Los Angeles, CA USA |
posted 15 June 2005 02:22 PM
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Just my humble opinion, but I have never seen a 5 string bass that looked cool. For the music you state you will be playing, how could you go wrong with a good, solid Fender J or P bass? -GV |
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Jack Stoner Sysop From: Inverness, Florida |
posted 15 June 2005 03:15 PM
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My wife has both a 4 string and 5 string, and I play bass occasionally with them too. The 4 string is an old Ibanez "Blazer" bass (P bass copy) and plays and sounds great. The 5 string is a Yamaha with two pickups and active electronics. If I were doing modern Rock the active electronics offer a wide range of tones. Playing traditional country I've found a "bassier" sound and just use that. For recording the 5 string cuts much better. I also find the 5th string comes in handy. If I had to choose between the two, I'd take the 5 string. Most of the Nashville road pickers I've come across in the last couple of years were playing 5 strings. |
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Dave Grafe Member From: Portland, Oregon, USA |
posted 15 June 2005 07:28 PM
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I play an old Precision Bass and have never been dissed for only having four strings. That being said, I'd sure consider a five-string if I was spending money on a new one, that extra low range is pretty cool sometimes. |
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Earnest Bovine Member From: Los Angeles CA USA |
posted 15 June 2005 09:49 PM
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You can look cool and sound low by tuning your 4 string bass B E A D. |
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Gary Walker Member From: Morro Bay, CA |
posted 15 June 2005 10:13 PM
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I ordered a Carvin 5 string 4 years ago and it's a beaut and sounds like a dream. Their quality is second to none, and when I light up the low B string, the ground moves. |
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Les Anderson Member From: Rossland, BC, Canada |
posted 15 June 2005 10:43 PM
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About the only bass I have found that has worked for me is a four string. For the life of me, I can't see the need for a five or six string bass unless you want to do a little low end medody work with it. ------------------ |
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Chris LeDrew Member From: Newfoundland, Canada |
posted 15 June 2005 11:00 PM
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I was going through your exact dilemma a couple of months ago. I was in a store, reaching back and forth between a 5-string Fender Jazz and a 4-string Fender Precision. In the end I went for the 4-string because it is never going to get in the way - everyone knows and loves this Bass. It's a tried and true classic. The 5-string was nice, but I kept thinking that most of the fine bass on my favourite old recordings was 4-string, and did I really need a 5-string? It was heavy and the neck was bulky as well. By the way, IMHO the Mexican Precision sounds just as good as its richer USA brother. I played mine at a gig last weekend, and the bass player in the other band (who owned a $2000 custom 5-string) was shaking his head in amazement at the the tone of this bass. |
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Billy Johnson Member From: Nashville, Tn, USA |
posted 15 June 2005 11:30 PM
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As a lead player that started as out as a bass player, IMO anything below the low D is lost. Kubiki made a 4 string with 2 extra frets on the E string that is perfect.I've only seen a couple of these in Nshville but they are great and play the same. You may try a search to find out info on them. Good luck and remember EVERYONE including myself is going to have an opinion. Billy My opinion is go for 4 www.kubicki.com is the bass I'm talking about. They're not cheap though. [This message was edited by Billy Johnson on 15 June 2005 at 11:43 PM.] [This message was edited by Billy Johnson on 15 June 2005 at 11:45 PM.] [This message was edited by Billy Johnson on 15 June 2005 at 11:49 PM.] |
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Charlie McDonald Member From: Lubbock, Texas, USA |
posted 16 June 2005 04:11 AM
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I can't imagine any prospective gig where an extra string would be a factor in getting hired. It's the playing that counts. I'm with Greg; you can't beat a J- or P-bass. I like the neck width better than a 5-string. |
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Rick Johnson Member From: Wheelwright, Ky USA |
posted 16 June 2005 05:29 AM
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I have to agree with Gary, I bought a 5 string Carvin LB-75 several years ago. I got the pearl inlays and flamed Koa with gold hardware. Its the easiest playing bass I have ever played. When I play out I use a blonde Fender Showman with JBL 1/15 enclosure, it will shake the ground like thunder. ------------------ |
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Webb Kline Member From: Bloomsburg, PA |
posted 16 June 2005 05:57 AM
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I played a friend's Carvin 5 str. fretless at a session a while ago and it was the best bass I've ever played. I had a 5 string Jazz for a while, but the neck was too wide for my liking. The Carvin's strings are a tad closer together than a conventional 4 string to narrow up the neck width, but I had no trouble adapting to it. A new Carvin 5 str. is on my wish list, even though I don't play bass much other than in the studio. |
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Jim Peters Member From: St. Louis, Missouri, USA |
posted 16 June 2005 08:19 AM
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I know my bass player will never see this, so...Eric, lose the low B! To my ears , the notes lower than that E are pretty much lost in live performance,and don't blend as well with guitar. For example, a b chord with a 2nd fret 3rd string b on bass just sounds tighter than the b an octave lower on a 5 string. JP |
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Ganey Arsement Member From: Louisiana, USA |
posted 16 June 2005 08:53 AM
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I have owned 4 strings, 5 strings and 6 strings. I can play anything I want on a 4 string and be happy. The only advantages I found on the 5 string was the ability to give your arm a rest and play your open E note on the top string way up the neck where you tone and sustain live, as well as the occasional subsonic D or C. I have no use for the high C on the 6 string. You start competing with the guitar if you move too high up the neck. In short, I'm happy with a 4 string. |
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Ben Slaughter Member From: Madera, California |
posted 16 June 2005 01:14 PM
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I play a G&L L-2500 5 string, and would never play anything else. The advantage of having that lower 5th note on the low B string, particulary when playing out of the key of A (which it seems like 75% of the tunes are in), is the primary reason. Rarely do I hit that B string below the 5th fret, if only for effect. If anything, I've heard more country players talk bad about 5-strings. But it has never been a problem for me. If you don't get a job because of the instrament you play, particularly in this case, it's probably not a job you wanted in the first place. I also see quite a few country road players playing 5 strings. |
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erik Member From: |
posted 16 June 2005 06:54 PM
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I know over recent years I have heard some "new country" songs that featured a low note off a B string. It sounds cool on a hi-fi bass in a studio recording. Somehow I would think it's effect in a live situation would vary greatly depending on acoustics. Ultimately, the band leader will decide if you showed up to the audition with the right bass or not. |
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Rick McDuffie Member From: Smithfield, North Carolina, USA |
posted 16 June 2005 07:40 PM
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You will need more amp with a 5-string. I'm pretty sure Jaco and Ray Brown only had 4. |
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Gary Walker Member From: Morro Bay, CA |
posted 16 June 2005 10:20 PM
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Rick J, it sounds like you have the twin to my LB75. I even bought a Carvin Bass Amp and it fills the bill in any situation. |
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Charlie McDonald Member From: Lubbock, Texas, USA |
posted 17 June 2005 05:46 AM
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My point exactly, Rick. Could I play like Jaco and Ray Brown if I had an extra string or two? LMAO! |
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Steve Hinson Member From: Hendersonville Tn USA |
posted 17 June 2005 06:16 AM
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4 string... ------------------ |
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RUSS RICKMANN Member From: Houston, TX USA |
posted 17 June 2005 06:47 AM
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”better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it” IMHO Russ |
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Tony Prior Member From: Charlotte NC |
posted 17 June 2005 08:48 AM
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well one thing is for certain, we are not at a loss of opinions here. my opinion posted below.. [This message was edited by Tony Prior on 17 June 2005 at 10:58 AM.] |
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Gary Schuldt Member From: Seymour, TN. |
posted 17 June 2005 10:20 AM
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Thanks alot guys. Yuo've been a lot of help.A couple of my bass playing buddies play 5 string. One plays a Spector 5 string in a 3 piece Jazz group and it sounds great.My other buddy plays a very nice top of the line Warwick 5 string in a country group, and i have to agree with some of you guys, when he hits that low B string it just sounds like mush most of the time. There really was not that much good tone quality playing live. I also think that when most of us get a new toy, such as an extra string, i think we have tendencies to over use it. Besides that, what was i thinking anyway,I have been playing bass for 35 years and have not mastered 4 strings. For the life of me i sure don't know what i think i was gonna do with 5. Ha Ha !!!! Anyway i was thinking of going with a Musicman Stingray or Sterling 4 string. By the way, what are your thoughts on the Rickenbacker Basses. I have always loved the look of them ,but i don't know if you can get that low end warm sound like you get out of a Fender P-Bass or the Musicman series.Don't get me wrong i love the sound of the Fender P-Basses, but i think they have lost some of their craftsmanship quality. I just think the bridge work looks cheap and everyone i tried the volume and tone controls were lose and the pods were moving inside the guitar body.But you are right they have earned their place as being one of the most popular basses ever built.I'm very open to your comments on different basses, especially the Rickenbaker,but other brands also. I realize i'm probably opening up a pandoras box with the battle of the basses, but lets keep it fun guys and gals. Your Friend in Music, Gary Schuldt |
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Tony Prior Member From: Charlotte NC |
posted 17 June 2005 10:55 AM
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ok..I'll take my STAB... Although I like playing 5 strings, I am a 4 string kinda guy... Gary, MusicMans are excellent , my prefernce would be the Stingray rather the Sterling...The Stingray will give you more of the standrard Fender tonality while the Sterling is very bright Funky snappin' machine. I played a Sterling for about 2 years , fine Instrument. Bought it from an exceptional player who was returning to a Fender something or other.. and of course I sold my Fender P Bass with the addition of the Sterling..I really liked the Sterling but was always trying to get it to sound like my P-Bass..It never happened.. One day we were up in NYC ( '95 or so) and I visitd the 48th street stores and in Manny's I eyed this Black Fender J-bass..Never looked back, brought it home. 62RI Stack Knob J-Bass..sold the other Basses I still had including the Sterling. Put a Extender on the JBass for the low Eb's or D's.. This Bass will be with me 'till the last breath... by the way, my rig was always the same, 350 watt Hartke with a halfstack 4x10 Aluminum coned cabinet. A quality Bass, fresh strings and a quality rugged amp..can't be beat... good luck t [This message was edited by Tony Prior on 17 June 2005 at 11:00 AM.] |
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Larry King Member From: Watts, Oklahoma, USA |
posted 17 June 2005 12:47 PM
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My answer will be a little different since it has always fallen my lot to do harmonies and because I'm trying to stay on pitch, I must put the bass on 'autopilot'....that's the reason I've never taken the 5 string plunge....I simply cannot be thinking about the bass...can't split my thinker. In the words of Joe Wright, " I used to be schizophrenic, but (toss of the hair), we're better now. |
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CHIP FOSSA Member From: Monson, MA 01057 U.S.A. |
posted 17 June 2005 01:04 PM
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The way it was explained to me by some jazz bassists [who are the ones that usually gravitate to 5-string basses] is the 5th string allows you to play 'higher' notes lower down the fret board than you would be playing on the 4th string. This 'lengthens' the amount of string between the fingered fret and the bridge, which allows more vibration and probably more sustain - ie. better tone. |
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Ben Slaughter Member From: Madera, California |
posted 17 June 2005 01:48 PM
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Gary, if you're leaning toward an American made Fender or a MusicMan, please do yourself a favor and look at G&L. www.glguitars.com They are Fenders and retain the old Fender workmanship. Company started by Leo and still owned by his widow. The G&L "Tribute" series is a new line of less expensive guitars (more in line with the Made in Mexico Fenders). I've heard mixed reviews, but most have said with a little tweaking they can be really good guitars. My experience with Rickenbacker is that they sound like Rickeys. I.e. they have a distinct sound, and you're not going to get it sound like a P or J. [This message was edited by Ben Slaughter on 17 June 2005 at 01:52 PM.] |
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David L. Donald Member From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand |
posted 17 June 2005 10:19 PM
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I would miss those 5th string low notes at this point. Not in every song, but I would not be happy losing the option of lower notes. |
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Charlie McDonald Member From: Lubbock, Texas, USA |
posted 18 June 2005 06:34 AM
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I think we meant an old Fender. I agree on the G&L, maybe a little better than the Musicman. Good point about playing higher on the neck with a low string; but with less string length, less amplitude... IMO. |
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Rick Schmidt Member From: Carlsbad, CA. USA |
posted 18 June 2005 09:33 AM
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I have a Hipshot low D extender tuner on my Jazz bass. That seems to do what I personally would ever need a 5 string for. For some reason, having a low D available makes up for loss of bottom that I miss on the usual 4 string D note...whereas the next whole step down (C) seems like plenty of bottom for me. I also have a 5 string, but I rarely ever go down to the nether regions, although being able to play everything in one position up and down the neck is very cool. |
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Bobby Lee Sysop From: Cloverdale, North California, USA |
posted 18 June 2005 09:45 AM
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Earnest wrote: quote:Good idea! I hardly touch the high G string anyway. |
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Michael Barone Member From: Downingtown, Pennsylvania, USA |
posted 18 June 2005 09:50 AM
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Gary, if the band plays any songs where a guitarist tunes down their low "E" to "D", IMHO a five-string would fit well, (with the low “D” on the "B" string) or for that matter any song in the key of “D”. When I record using a 6-string bass, I don't use any notes lower than the low "D", 3rd fret, for popular music. I believe that anything played lower cannot serve common chord voicings for the style of music mentioned. I only use the “C” string for new age/jazz, for maybe a quick solo run. While you can choose either BEADG or EADGC, The low B is more common, I think, and by the way, it’s fun to use in a swing, and adds color when you drop down in that area maybe once or twice during a song. Just my opinions. ------------------ |
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chas smith Member From: Encino, CA, USA |
posted 18 June 2005 11:31 AM
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   Personally, I like a 6-string. |
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David L. Donald Member From: Koh Samui Island, Thailand |
posted 19 June 2005 08:42 AM
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Chaz.... I ain't exactly sure what it is... but I DO LIKE IT!!! |
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Mike Pace Member From: O.S. CT. USA |
posted 19 June 2005 07:20 PM
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I havent had a 5-string since '92-93. But, one of the guitarists I was recently working with was writing a lot of songs in Eb / Ab~ I wish I had that low Eb and the option of some more comfy positions on that project... Having a Hipshot or extended fretboard like on the Kubiki / Factor would definitely come in handy.. On the other end of the spectrum, Ive gotten plenty of mileage out of a Jerry Jones tic-tac bass (tuned E-E). Although I dont use it every gig, It's enough of an asset that I'm in the process of building a refined version. |
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Chris Scruggs Member From: Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
posted 20 June 2005 12:13 AM
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My first choice in electric bass is always a Fender Precision, but Rickenbackers are great. If you want to listen to a Rickenbacker really thump, listen to any thing the Beatles reorded from Rubber Soul up through Abbey Road. Paul played a 4001 through a 2x12 Fender Bassman piggyback. There is a ton of low end on those basses. "Rain", "Taxman", "Lovely Rita", "Dear Prudence", etc. CS |
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Daryl Stogner Member From: Yuma, AZ (next to nowhere and north of been there) |
posted 20 June 2005 04:49 PM
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I had always played a 4 string bass, but was tempted to a 5 string a year or so ago. But I wasn't about to spend lot's of bucks on one, so I bought an OLP MM 5 string. Looks similar to a jazz bass, very pretty finshes too. Anyway I have played it for a year and really have enjoyed it! The B string allows me to play higher on the frets and work the strings up and down the other strings, where a 4 string I would be up and down the fret board. I seldom play the B string below the 5th fret, but sometimes it is nice having the low note. I still have my 4 string jazz bass and play it sometimes too. But it has become my backup bass. Now I'm looking at G&L or Lakland 5's...but I am getting tempted by the Fender Aerodyne 4 string Jazz bass. Love the carved body and binding on the body of those things. Be happy, get one of each! [This message was edited by Daryl Stogner on 20 June 2005 at 04:52 PM.] |
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Gary Walker Member From: Morro Bay, CA |
posted 20 June 2005 11:27 PM
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At the NAMM in CA there was a guy playing a Conklin? 7 string. The top two strings were designed to play lead and when the organist would take over playing the bass line, the bassist would do some great lead work. It was a big doggie and pretty hefty but a great ax and very versatile. |
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