Is this a good trade?

[davemao]

I've been offered a Stingray 5 in trade for my Sterling and I'm not sure if I should take it. What do you guys think?

My Bass:
2000/2001 Blue Pearl Sterling
Maple Board (slight birdseye figuring)
White Pickguard

His Bass:
2004/2005 Lava Pearl Stingray 5
Rosewood Board /w Maple Headstock
White Pickguard

Let's assume both guitars are in mint condition. Purely from a standpoint of the value of the instruments, would I be trading up in value?

From a personal preference standpoint, I'm not wild about the Lava Pearl/Rosewood/Maple combo, but I might get used to it.

[Mobay45]

My impression would be that you might be coming out $50 to $100 ahead in value on the deal just because the SR5 does seem to bring a little more used than the Sterlings do.

[Dr. Nick]

I agree with Larry...

the real question is: "Do you want a 5-string?"

...I know what I would choose!

[Hutton]

Would you miss your Sterling? The fact that you are considering the swap suggests that you would be willing to part with it.

[shamus63]

I'm not a 5'r guy, but that Lava Pearl SR5 looks pretty cool (you know they sound great!), and if you're willing to make the transition to 5, you should go for it.

[Motojunkie]

I personally play 4-strings, so I'd keep the Sterling. But, based on value I have to agree that you are going to be either dead even or slightly ahead. If you want the 5-string then go for it. If not, wait for a color that you like, or sell your bass outright to buy the one that you want.

I'm not a 5-string guy so I'm the worst guy to ask. I just figured that I would get in on this before Andrew so I could counter-act his 5-string bias.

[davemao]

Am I a five-string guy? I just started playing bass about 4 months ago, and up until about a week ago, I only played 4 strings. Last week, I picked up a $100 fiver to play with, and I think I actually *AM* a 5-string person -- or I will be.

What are the pros and cons with playing 5-string vs. 4-string? I'm not sure I understand the whole debate. It would seem that 5 > 4 simply for the fact that you can achieve more range from a 5. Does that 5th string restrict you in any way or make it difficult to play certain styles?

[Figjam]

It isnt really about trading up or down, they are essentially equal, just the 4 string vs 5 string. One would tihnk there is nothing to lose by going to a 5er, but some people just feel more comfortable on a 4 string. Its simply a matter of preference.

[shamus63]

Am I a five-string guy? I just started playing bass about 4 months ago, and up until about a week ago, I only played 4 strings. Last week, I picked up a $100 fiver to play with, and I think I actually *AM* a 5-string person -- or I will be.

What are the pros and cons with playing 5-string vs. 4-string? I'm not sure I understand the whole debate. It would seem that 5 > 4 simply for the fact that you can achieve more range from a 5. Does that 5th string restrict you in any way or make it difficult to play certain styles?

It really comes down to whether or not you have a practical use for the extra string, as opposed to just using it as a thumb rest...or throwing in the obligitory low-octave note (Eb on down) because you can.

[corrosiontrav]

On completely different note, if you decide not go with that 5 string, I'd trade you my EBMM HH Bongo for your Sterling.

[maddog]

I think I actually *AM* a 5-string person -- or I will be.

Sounds like you answered your own question.

What are the pros and cons with playing 5-string vs. 4-string? I'm not sure I understand the whole debate. It would seem that 5 > 4 simply for the fact that you can achieve more range from a 5. Does that 5th string restrict you in any way or make it difficult to play certain styles?

You probably will just need to adjust to the tighter spacing. I also find the 5'er nicer because I can move my hand down to the 5th position where things are a little easier to play due to the fret spacing and still have the low E.

I think that lava pearl SR5 is gorgeous.

[phatduckk]

I agree with Larry...

the real question is: "Do you want a 5-string?"

...I know what I would choose!

+1

[PatAttack]

I love my Stingray 5
and My sterling.
I use them for different bands/styles of music.
With the stingray 5 you can always put a high "C" so it's tuned like a 4 string with one higher string and do more solo type stuff. I do that a lot.

[adouglas]

It would seem that 5 > 4 simply for the fact that you can achieve more range from a 5. Does that 5th string restrict you in any way or make it difficult to play certain styles?

IMHO:

Yes.

and

No.

Yes, you get more range. Playing a 5 lets you transpose music downwards easily, which routinely happens as we age. We can't hit those high notes anymore. My band plays covers, and a lot of our stuff is dropped a whole step. So there's more to it than just arbitrarily hitting notes below low E for grins.

and

No, it doesn't restrict you. In fact it liberates you, because you're no longer limited to playing down near the nut to get the low notes.

[tkarter]

Am I a five-string guy? I just started playing bass about 4 months ago, and up until about a week ago, I only played 4 strings. Last week, I picked up a $100 fiver to play with, and I think I actually *AM* a 5-string person -- or I will be.

What are the pros and cons with playing 5-string vs. 4-string? I'm not sure I understand the whole debate. It would seem that 5 > 4 simply for the fact that you can achieve more range from a 5. Does that 5th string restrict you in any way or make it difficult to play certain styles?

Then you need to hear from a person that in spite of everything gave his last 4 stringer to the first person that said I want it.

5 stringers are not a big switch for anyone new to the bass. They can play any bass line you may play on a 4 and IMHO the B string never gets in the way.

Both of those are good looking basses. The neck on the SR5 is a wonderful neck to transition from 4 strings to 5 on.

Still it is up to you and you should not listen to any of us hardcore fanatics of anything here. When it comes to having your dream that is.

tk