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ashiin

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Recently i have been pondering about whether to change to a 5 string or not. Some songs i wished to make might require a 5 string to work, and now i'm really considering getting one.

Can someone tell me the pros and cons of changing to a 5 string?
 

SLUGGO

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Instead of changing to a 5er....how 'bout simply adding a 5er?? :cool:
 

Bill

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I've been a 4-string player for most of my bass-playing life, but I had a 5-string about a year ago, and I currently own a 5-string once again (I'm keeping this one!).

The pros are obviously the extended range if you need it. You can use a 5-string instead of tuning down a 4-string if the songs require lower tuning. Also, you can play some positions higher on the neck thanks to the B string, such as songs which require the low F note.

For me, the 2 biggest challenges have been (1) figuring out a way to mute the strings that aren't being played and (2) trying not to get lost with my fingering...that extra string sometimes makes me lose track of where I am & what string I need to jump to next. But I can say that I'm probably 90% comfortable on a 5-string, and the more I play it, the more comfortable I will be.

Good luck!
 

brooklynfall

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The 5 is the way to go for me, and has been for the last 6 or 7 years. The biggest pro aside from the extended low range is the ability to play, for example, an E scale in 5th position - the ability to fret that low E makes for awesome new ways to fit into the pocket - muting and such. Figuring out how to mute will come with time and practice; it's not entirely different from learning to properly mute a 4-string. I say there is no reason not to switch (or simply add a 5) - you will be adding to your "arsenal" and will be able to meet a wider set of musical demands than before.

Do it. :D
 

adouglas

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This has been covered several times...do a search for more on this topic.

My take is this...

Pros
-Access to notes below low E (often thought to be the primary purpose, but I think this is actually one of the less important benefits of a 5).
-Ability to transpose songs down (highly useful to accommodate singer capabilities, especially age-related lowering of range).
- Ability to play lines in closed position farther up the neck (very useful indeed, opens up flexibility in creating bass lines, better ergonomics for less fatigue in the long term).
- Making the rafters shake with your low B is fun. Besides, chicks dig it. Offer to let her sit on your cabinet. ;)

Cons
- String confusion as noted above. A non-issue after a short adjustment period. If you can tell your E string from your A string, you'll be fine.
- Less room for popping/slapping due to closer string spacing. How much do you pop and slap?

Myths
- You'll have a problem if you've got small hands. Hogwash. I've got small hands and I have no problem at all. The string spacing is not unlike that of a Sterling. Think of it as a 4-string with a little something extra along one edge of the fretboard.
- Real men play 4 strings. By that logic, a real "real man" should play a one-string bass.
 

Dr Stankface

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It just takes some adjustment. My second bass was my trans red StingRay 5 and I took it and gigged it that night. DEFINATELY shouldn't have done that. I was like, "What's this thick string do?"

Slap stuff is easier to me on a 5 as well. I guess just since i'm so used to it...

My opinion.... 5s aren't for everyone. Just depends on what's comfortable. :)
 

EBMM7181

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Its all personal preference

I like 4 string basses, Stanky loves 5ers, and some people have both, it all depends on the individual.

If you do switch, or add a 5 string , just make sure its an EBMM, and you'll be just fine.
 

scowboy

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Jan 29, 2007
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I have a SR 4 and SR 5 and I have been playing my 5 on an "as needed basis". I also still don't have the muting quite down yet.

On the positive I have smaller hands and I have no trouble what so ever with the 5. In fact I find it easier to play at times. Still struggle with the muting though. My SR4 is like and old pair of jeans it always feels like home.
 

asianjeff

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columbia, sc
i recently switched to a 5er... honestly, really starting to enjoy it. it will require some time and getting use to... but don't all changes require that? the extra B really opens up a lot more options... and to me, its worth the time and effort.
 

strummer

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Instead of changing to a 5er....how 'bout simply adding a 5er?? :cool:

I had to change, can't alternate between 4 and 5 at all.

A 5 is a bit heavier, that is a con. And you are no longer a real man, according to BP:p

Pros, well it goes down to B, less position shifting, idiot audiences think you know what you are doing just because you have more strings...

Dunno I just feel totally comfortable on the Bongo 5's
 

SLUGGO

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I agree that changing back and forth can be difficult. I used to think that if 4 is good, then five is better. Why not play the 5 with the extra string, if you don't use , who cares, right?? But I have since decided that the 5 is completely different animal than the 4, at least for me. The 5 has a greater range, but I feel like I can play more "aggressively" with a 4. (Now, all you full-time fivers, please don't get me wrong!!) Maybe a better term is that the 4 offers greater margin of error? Aw man, I am just stepping deeper! But, nothing beats the thunder of low B....unless you tune down a half-step or 2!!!
 

ashiin

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i tend to slap and pop quite a lot, i like the fact that i will be bigger range.

But a problem is that i have really small hands and i thought that maybe playing some stuff may be really hard for me. But since adouglas has no problem i should add a 5'er to my arsenal :) I'll have to see what happens.
 

cdb

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Pennsyltucky
Its weird, I just feel more relaxed with a 5 after playing 4 strings for 25 years... with a 4 I have to think about open strings, and dampening strings and hitting things just right right to produce a consistent tone/volume across all strings and notes. With a 5 -- well I just play my stupid patterns and move positions up and down and I hit everything fretted because I am lazy and weak. But since all the notes are fretted I dont worry about ringing open strings and unwanted subharmonics. And I get more consistent intonaton with all notes fretted. YMMV.
 

ashiin

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HK/NY
i have come down to two picks for 5 stringers.

A dargie or a 20th anni SR5... if i can find any :(

edit//

to poppa, will there be any 20th SR5s being shipped to Hong Kong?
 
Last edited:

Slim

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Illinois near Chicago
I am a guitar player converted to a bass player and I started out with 4 strings but I switched to 5 strings due to so many songs my band plays require low notes but it only took me less than a week to adjust to extra string and now I don't even bother to use 4 string bass. I bought an used 1991 SR5 with alnico pickup and it sounds fantastic. I have been practicing on 6 string bass lately and now when I play 5 string bass it feels so small and so much easier to play so I recommend to go 5 string bass and also get 6 strings to practice so you will feel very comfortable on 5 string bass:)
 

Rano Bass

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I go back and forth between 5 and 4 strings, once you get used to it, it's no big deal.
Go get one of each!
And if you're girlie enough get a six strings bongo! :D
 
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