4 String to 5 String

[Mogee]

Based on the music I am playing, I think that a 5 String might actually be the way to go. But alas, I am scared! I am so used to the 4 and the smaller neck, that I am not sure which direction to go! Some of you guys that play a 5 or have made the switch to 5, what do you recommend I get my feet wet with? I imagine that the Sterling probably has the smallest neck and may be the easiest to get used to? I currently play a Bongo 4HH, which by the way is up for trade if someone has an extra 5 string and has been wanting a Bongo. Anyways, thanks for the help.

 

[cellkirk74]

Same situation with me but i already have my SR5. If you ever played an old P-Bass there is not a big difference between this and an SR5 because they have nearly the same width at the nut.

Also, the string spacing is smaller than on your bongo or even a sterling 4 at the bridge, so it is not really more difficult to play. I find damping the b-string is not a big deal either. In fact the additional string forces me to keep my thumb on the back of the neck and go for a cleaner technique.

I have not tried to play with a pick yet, but it should also be no big deal.

So if you can use the b, get a fiver, it sure is fun to play...

 

[adouglas]

Don't sweat the wide neck.

Just think of it as a 4-string with J bass spacing -- but with a little something extra -- and you're good to go.

I have small hands and it didn't take me long at all to get used to the 5.

For reference, here are my sausage fingers with a dollar bill for scale...

 

[Eggman]

OK - how many of you just pulled out a dollar bill to check your hand size?

Thanks for the visual Andy!

 

[thatsbassist]

When I switched to five string it was actually much easier than I thought. And if your hands are average a smaller neck on a five can be harder because of closer string spacing.

 

[TheAntMan]

I have been wondering about the 5 string world also. I plan on getting a SBMM Ray35 to try it out. This will be a low cost, but high quality instrument from the ones I have tried (Ray34). I will use this as a potential 'Stepping stone' into the 5 String arena.

I might recommend this route to you if you are not sure about the longevity of your 5 string plunge.

Good Luck.

--Ant

 

[Mogee]

How does the spacing on a Sterling compare to a Ray and a Bongo?

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

If I am not mistaken, the spacing on Sterling 5 and Stingray 5 is the same, but the neck on the Sterling is slightly smaller.

If you want to move to 5-string, you just need to jump in. It will feel a little weird at first, but you'll get used to it.

 

[tkarter]

Takes a couple of weeks to get used to the switch. If you like your bongo go ahead and get a bongo 5 as you will be happier with the sound.

imho

tk

 

[TheAntMan]

Takes a couple of weeks to get used to the switch. If you like your bongo go ahead and get a bongo 5 as you will be happier with the sound.

imho

tk

Sound Advice...pun intended

Seriously, that is good advice.

--Ant

 

[Frantic Slayer]

Don't sweat the wide neck.

Just think of it as a 4-string with J bass spacing -- but with a little something extra -- and you're good to go.

I have small hands and it didn't take me long at all to get used to the 5.

For reference, here are my sausage fingers with a dollar bill for scale...

you might have lil more stretch than me. I can almost make it to the ends of the dollar... but not quite

 

[zombi]

At the roundtable Juan discussed the transition from 4 to 5. He said he got a five and it sat for awhile. He said that ultimately he forced himself to gig with it and sure he messed up some the first few gigs, but it got him used to it.

 

[DTG]

yeah just bring it to a few gigs,leave your 4 string at home....you will make a few bum notes but it will make you play it.

it took me about 2 years to get it to a stage where i didn't think about anymore.but its the first bass i pick up when going to a gig.

try out a stingray5

 

[keko]

If you ever played an old P-Bass there is not a big difference between this and an SR5 because they have nearly the same width at the nut.

Yeah, that's right!

 

[Mogee]

How different does an SR5 sound than an SR4. (I am sure there is a thread somewhere that talks about this, but its early!)

 

[ModuMan]

Ah, but it's the left hand that matters. Well, unless you're a lefty I guess.

I went from an Ibazez 5-string with really narrow spacing to my SR5 and it felt perfect. Really though, it's just practice. You'll be fine with whatever you go with.

 

[Mogee]

I played a really nice SR5 HH at the Dayton GC today. Really cool honeyburst, shell pg, and rosewood neck. Set up was gpd, but that sucker was heavy compared to my Bongo. Not sure I can make the jump to 5. I really like the slim neck. IS the Sterling much slimmer than the SR5?

 

[Basspro]

For neck size think of the Sterling 4 as a jazz bass and the SR as a P-bass.