4 or 5 strings...or more???

[RockyStar]

I am a guitar player but am interested in a bass to do some simple tracking and just have around. Would I be wise to get a 4 string or a 5 string? I have received a few different opinions but thought I would ask here and get your feedback as well. Thoughts?

 

[ngutenson]

What do you usually tune your guitars to? If you stick with E standard, a 5 (or 6) string would be useful to reach some lower notes.

 

[RockyStar]

Most times I am in standard. If I drop it is all strings equally and usually never more than a whole step down. Maybe 3% of the time I tune a unique way where things are all over the place if even that often.

 

[MrMusashi]

do you play 7 string guitar?

if so, you should have no issues using a 5 string bass

if not, you should try one before buying. some people adjust to the extra string effortlessly while others never get the hang of it

and with that i am implying that a 5 string bass will give you more flexibility in tone range.
a bongo 5 hh would be a great choice

MrM

 

[RockyStar]

I don't play a lot of 7 string but I do enjoy it and am open to using it more often here forward. Agree with you on the Bongo 5 HH. I am leaning that way in my thinking. Thanks for the feedback thus far...anybody else???

 

[five7]

get a bongo 6 and tune it like a guitar.

 

[RockyStar]

I would prefer to stick with 4 or 5 string. It seems like for what I need/do that 6 string bass would be overkill. I could be wrong..?

 

[Dead-Eye]

I don't play a lot of 7 string but I do enjoy it and am open to using it more often here forward.

That's a good argument for a 5. I've written things on the 7-string and had to compromise the bass because I only have my Bongo 4 for that, hence my second priority now (replacing my Ibanez 7 with a EBMM is the first) is getting a 5 string bass.

 

[bovinehost]

I've always thought that the 5 string solves the issues bassists have in the key of D. That is, THE NOTE IS TOO HIGH. Can you tell I don't weedly-deedly way up the neck much?

 

[RockyStar]

That's a good argument for a 5. I've written things on the 7-string and had to compromise the bass because I only have my Bongo 4 for that, hence my second priority now (replacing my Ibanez 7 with a EBMM is the first) is getting a 5 string bass.

This is a very good point. Thank you!

 

[RockyStar]

I've always thought that the 5 string solves the issues bassists have in the key of D. That is, THE NOTE IS TOO HIGH. Can you tell I don't weedly-deedly way up the neck much?

Ahhh yes indeed. The weekly deadly conundrum....lol. I am with you there.

 

[RockyStar]

I came in thinking a 4 string might do the job but am now thinking it may be wise to go with a 5. Any other feedback to further steer me, confuse me or get me to take up the harmonica or pedal steel...lol. Thanks everybody!

 

[tbonesullivan]

how big are your hands? 5 strings aren't exactly small. a 4 can be a bit more nimble, and even if you play up higher, it still has the sound of a bass.

on the other hand, if you get a 5, and don't use the B string, you've still got a nice thumb rest!

 

[RockyStar]

My hands are not huge but certainly not small. I am leaning to the 5 simply because in a 5 I have a 4 and if I need a 5 it is there. If I go with a 4 and need a 5 I am at a loss. I think the majority of what I need can be had in a 4. If I played more bass I would probably get a few of them and have several options. I have a guitar and amp problem and I don't want to interfere with that by adding a bass problem to it...lol.

 

[bovinehost]

Oh, you're in trouble already.

Trust me.

 

[nurnay]

After playing 4's and 5's over many years, I almost exclusively play 5's now. Much more range, and I can play basically any song.

 

[RockyStar]

Oh, you're in trouble already.

Trust me.

I know you speak truth...

 

[RockyStar]

After playing 4's and 5's over many years, I almost exclusively play 5's now. Much more range, and I can play basically any song.

I am really leaning towards the 5 at this point.