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4 or 5 string...
- Thread starter SGMan88
- Start date
bovinehost
Administrator
My answer would have to be, "Yes."
SGMan88 said:
I used to be in a band where the drummer had a monster kit. Double bass drum, seven toms, about the same number of cymbals, and loads of obscure percussion instruments attached to it...
He would have been a decent drummer if he'd gotten rid of most of the kit. The trouble with his playing was that he'd get distracted by choice and would lose the beat. He refused to strip it down, mumbling something about versatility.
It's not always a good thing.
(note, this wasn't necessarily a dig at five string basses)
Baddog
Well-known member
I love a 5 string! After playing a 5 string I feel funny playing the 4 string, I always miss the low B string!
spectorbassguy
Well-known member
SGMan88 said:
I agree - fivers all the way for me - I'd really miss the low B - it has become a part of my playing.
bassmonkeee
Well-known member
Depending on my mood, I'll grab a 4 string, 5 string, 6 string or 8 string for any given gig.
They all have the same 12 notes, right? It's just a matter of interpretting the material in a new way. If I'm used to playing a particular song on a 5 string with a lot of sub E emphasis, it's fun to think about the song from a different direction with a 4 string--keeps me on my toes, and brings some excitement to a three hour gig.
I like 'em all.
They all have the same 12 notes, right? It's just a matter of interpretting the material in a new way. If I'm used to playing a particular song on a 5 string with a lot of sub E emphasis, it's fun to think about the song from a different direction with a 4 string--keeps me on my toes, and brings some excitement to a three hour gig.
I like 'em all.
StingEye
Well-known member
I play 4 strings on the even days of the week, and 5 strings on the odd days.
Moondog
Well-known member
I have 4&5 but still prefer 4-strings. I have yet to hear a decent sounding B that was not sloppy sounding (IMO). Shortly before I bought my SR5 I saw a show w/TM Stevens & Doug Wimbish. Both are great bassists but when they played their 5's, I was not impressed w/the floppysloppy sound. However, I could not pass up the e-bay deal on my SR5. I'm still trying to like the low B but don't like the sound despite changing strings, set-up, amplification, etc. I'm clearly the minority here so no need to debate my OPINION.
johans
Well-known member
5 definitely
wont hurt to have another low b on top
wont hurt to have another low b on top
skabassist13
Well-known member
4
Bassplyr
Well-known member
4 string. If they were good enough for Geddy Lee, Entwistle, Jack Bruce, Steve Harris, Tommy Shannon, Chris Squire, and billions of other bass gods, they are good enough for me!
Stingraymund
Well-known member
4 or 5 or 6 to 4?
I'd have to say five string. I started on a five. I play a five because my background is keyboards, and in writing songs, I'm not limited to "E" as my lowest note like guitar players usually are.
Plus I love it when notes go down to Eb and lower. The B string also gives more options for fingering notes above E too.
On that note, when it comes to MM basses, I'd have to say BOTH 4 and 5. Because the string spacing is so narrow on their 5 string basses, I prefer a 4-string to slap on. Plus, I hardly ever slap the B string. So for fingerstyle it's a 5-string, for slap it's a 4-string.
I do think 6 and more strings is redundant. If you wanna play notes that high, just play a guitar. Bass is all about the low end.
I'd have to say five string. I started on a five. I play a five because my background is keyboards, and in writing songs, I'm not limited to "E" as my lowest note like guitar players usually are.
Plus I love it when notes go down to Eb and lower. The B string also gives more options for fingering notes above E too.
On that note, when it comes to MM basses, I'd have to say BOTH 4 and 5. Because the string spacing is so narrow on their 5 string basses, I prefer a 4-string to slap on. Plus, I hardly ever slap the B string. So for fingerstyle it's a 5-string, for slap it's a 4-string.
I do think 6 and more strings is redundant. If you wanna play notes that high, just play a guitar. Bass is all about the low end.
Baddog
Well-known member
I started out on a four string but always thought that I needed that extra lower string. When I tried out my first five string I was in love with it and had to have it. I also like the feel of the neck being a bit wider too!
Smoove
Active member
I like 4 strings for slapping, and 5 strings for finger-style.
