4 or 5 string...

[SGMan88]

What kind od bass do you prefer...4 or 5 string???

 

[cgworkman]

i use to be 100% four string - kind of a purist i guess.... but after purchasing my SR5 - I'm not sure how i got by before - So i guess i perfer a 5 string now.....

 

[bovinehost]

My answer would have to be, "Yes."

 

[cgworkman]

My answer would have to be, "Yes."

Ditto.

 

[jubjub721]

9 string
ocasionally 7

 

[SGMan88]

I like 5 string more, more versatility!

 

[dlloyd]

I like 5 string more, more versatility!

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]

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]

I like 5 string more, more versatility!

I agree - fivers all the way for me - I'd really miss the low B - it has become a part of my playing.

 

[bassmonkeee]

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.

 

[StingEye]

I play 4 strings on the even days of the week, and 5 strings on the odd days.

 

[Moondog]

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]

5 definitely
wont hurt to have another low b on top

 

[skabassist13]

4

 

[cgworkman]

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.

At least you know your place!

 

[Bassplyr]

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]

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.

 

[Baddog]

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]

I like 4 strings for slapping, and 5 strings for finger-style.