Question 5-string and 4-string in the herd

[projectapollo]

Hi there. I just added my first 5-string to my two other 4-strings. So far, I am adapting quickly to the 5-er and really like getting the lower octave without shifting hand positions.

Question: I'm looking to maybe swap a 4-string I have and wonder if I should just move toward all 5-strings. Do you 5-ers out there find it confusing to switch between 4s and 5s? Should I commit to the 5s -- or mix it up in the herd?

 

[spencer]

No there is pros for each, a 4 to me is funner while a 5 is a little more technical? If that makes sense, I'd only use a 5 for it's lower notes.

 

[bizmarckie]

I like having both on hand, though I prefer the 4

 

[ekb16b]

It depends on what your more comfortable with.

Just don't sell the 30th, you have the best pair of rays.

 

[bovinehost]

Hi there. I just added my first 5-string to my two other 4-strings. So far, I am adapting quickly to the 5-er and really like getting the lower octave without shifting hand positions.

Question: I'm looking to maybe swap a 4-string I have and wonder if I should just move toward all 5-strings. Do you 5-ers out there find it confusing to switch between 4s and 5s? Should I commit to the 5s -- or mix it up in the herd?

I don't find it confusing, but I do find that I'd rather have a fiver all the time when gigging. I'm just used to it now. I still play four-bangers around the house occasionally....and every now and then I'll go hog-wild and gig with one, but I've made my peace with playing fivers (almost) all the time.

 

[five7]

Keep both if you can.

 

[AtomicPunk]

I am all 5-string now but a 4-banger followed me home the other day. Fun to play with for a little while but then I needed that low D and it was not available. Once you get a taste for it, you'll miss that big B string up there.

 

[Aussie Mark]

a 4 to me is funner while a 5 is a little more technical

That's why I only use 4s. Funner is good.

 

[Basspro]

They are both fun once you get use to them, i even like a 6'er from time to time.
But sill much love for my 4 bangers.

 

[keko]

Since I bought my Sterling 5, don't play my old F..... 4-banger any more!
I put my old pal in to the local second hand store for a sale!

I've totally switched to 5-er and have adjust arrangements for whole set list of my band! So, there's no return to 4 strings any more!

Anyway, I always can play on a 5 stringer everything what I was playing on a 4 stringer! Oposite doesn't works!

 

[RaginRog]

Hi there. I just added my first 5-string to my two other 4-strings. So far, I am adapting quickly to the 5-er and really like getting the lower octave without shifting hand positions.

Question: I'm looking to maybe swap a 4-string I have and wonder if I should just move toward all 5-strings. Do you 5-ers out there find it confusing to switch between 4s and 5s? Should I commit to the 5s -- or mix it up in the herd?

This is a very good question. I've primarily been a 4 string player...finally a couple of weeks ago I purchased yet ANOTHER 5 string(I've bought and sold about 4), with the goal of keeping it. I'm not rich, so I'm limited to the number of basses I could keep in my herd. I did what everyone on here suggested....leave the 4 string alone, and play the 5 exclusively. I've brought it to 3 straight practices, and for once in my life, I feel comfortable playing a 5 string...I've even started changing the way I played some songs on 4 string.

So your dilemma is mine as well. I'm still more comfortable on the 4 string...I picked up the 5 because I'm sure I'd need it at some point.