4 strings vs 5 strings

[RocketRalf]

Here's my thoughts:
-I don't think this should be a debate of one vs the other as the two can and in fact do happily coexist.
-I liked the argument that they are different instruments, and make you think and play differently.
-I think when other instruments start falling to the bass range (guitar, keyboards, etc) you need to play in the lower octave to maintain proper balance and keep the root note of the chord clear. In situations with higher pitched instruments, standard guitars, female vocals, etc, a 4 string is enough.
-My only bass is a 5 string, but if given the choice and the money I'd own both. The 4 would be a Stingray for sure, I might go for a Bongo 5.

 

[syciprider]

If both 4 and 5ers were tuned to std then I see them both as the same, to be approached the same way since they are tuned to the same intervals across all the strings. The 5 merely offers more playing position options and some low notes for flavor.

 

[MadMatt]

Another aspect I did not see mentioned, although I might have missed it, but has been running though my head lately, is how a 5 string can possibly allow more flexibility for pitching a song up or down.

I currently only have a 4 string bass and I'm a novice on the bass (only 1.5 years under my belt). I play in a cover band that does everything from 60's classic rock, "Neu Deutsche Welle" to modern rock. I can tackle it all pretty well on my 4 banger. Where I have a problem though is when a song is in G for example and we have transposed it down to E. Learning to playback and playing the song in the band is almost like learning/playing two different songs. I cant practice to playback as effectively as I would like to.

With a 5 string, theoretical I can learn the song, avoiding open strings whenever possible (I know that is not always possible) and then simply move the pattern up or down according to how we have transposed.

My question is does this work in real life on a 5 string or is will transposing always result in brain cramps in my old head?

I'm gassing for a Sterling or Big Al... maybe it should be a fiver.

 

[ZiggyDude]

I have to be honest and say that I really don’t understand most of the conversation about a five or four being so different or abstract from each other. But yet it is something that comes up a lot on almost any forum.

It’s still a friggin’ bass, and it can make lower notes. The trade off is that you got more wood in your hands and strings to deal with. On some songs you can use the lower notes. On some songs you can’t.

Being an “Old Fart” I grew up on a 4 and all the music I grew up with was played on one. (Though “Sunshine of Your Love” comes alive when you use the low D on that riff!!!) And there are some songs that people don’t realize were recorded on a 5 – like TP’s “Running Down a Dream”. Many new songs I use the 5.

When I first got a 5, I made the mistake that many people make and assumed I would need a narrow neck to overcome the added mass. Naturally I was wrong and years later learned that once you are accustomed to navigating the extra string then standard spacing is best for the reasons it was developed in the first place. Learning the navigation was a trip and I told my keyboard player that it “Was like you made all the black keys white and the white ones black”. It took a while – like a year or so to get “Comfy”.

I still like playing a 4 better, but all my new basses are 5s as somehow when I get a four I feel like I am not getting something. Yeah – go figger.

My biggest problem now is that since I switch basses a lot I have been known to start a song in the wrong key as my hand was positioned on the wrong low string

 

[mynan]

Can you elaborate on why a low B is "required" in a non-metal playing rock band?

I play a 5er for 2 reasons...Eb and D on the B-string, but I definitely would not go as far as to say that they are "required". It just used to bother me when going up to the Eb or D on the A-string didn't quite feel right in a progression. I still, sometimes, don't like to go up to the C on the A-string in a progression, but I'm not sure anything below D on the B-string stands up in the mix very well.

 

[sitonmybass]

I have to be honest and say that I really don’t understand most of the conversation about a five or four being so different or abstract from each other.

If they aren't so different from each other why do so many players say things like:

"I just can't wrap my brain around playing a 5-string."

"I'm not comfortable with a 5-string."

"I've tried, but I just can't play one."

"A 4-string is more natural to me."

And on and on and on and on and on...

Do I think that players who play 5-string are better than players that don't?
Absolutely not!

Do I respect someone who had previously only played 4-string (possibly for many years) and then switched to playing 5-string?
Absolutely!

As stated in an earlier post, this is a sore subject with me and it's the debate that I grow weary of and I again apologize for ruffling any feathers.

By the way, ZiggyDude (and anybody else): I totally respect that you play both 4-string and 5-string.

 

[ZiggyDude]

I thought I addressed the above points in my post. But, what ever.

There is something that I find a bit interesting. Back in the 90s when the 5 string thing started a lot of people were wondering if the future of the 4 string was dead. After all - if the younger players went to 5s and the older players on 4s gradually - er - left the music scene in regards to making purchases - the market would be 5 string intensive.

And indeed - back then many stores had large 5 string collections to choose from. That was the Tri-State stores in my area at least. Now - and of course I am limited to the places I see and I do live out in the sticks in Central PA - it seems that the 4 has actually made a comeback. The selection on the wall is heavily weighted to 4 bangers.

All this proves absolutely nothing - but fun to muse about

 

[kylierider]

Even though it is older than the trees I still enjoy reading thru a 4 vs 5 string debate. Some people get so annimated over an opinion based issue that I find it entertaining.

Personally I like 4's and switched back to them in 2001 when I started playing upright. Back in the 90's I was exclusively a 6 string player. I had, and still do, a DR Heartfield 6er which I played solidly for over 10 yrs. To me it's just a matter of preference.

Do I think you should play a 5er different than a 4? No..It's still and electric bass, just an extended range electric bass. It's not some magically new instrument. If you want a lower note it's there for you.

I just tune down my E string to make the song work. I have the 6er, but I would rather just make it work on my 4 string SR.

 

[Boogie.Man]

Prefer a 4

I've tried fives and just don't like the string spacing or not having the E at the top of my bass. It doesn't feel natural to me. I'm sure it's just a familiarity thing.

All of my bass heroes played 4s but they would probably not limit themselves if they were producing current material.

 

[sitonmybass]

I thought I addressed the above points in my post. But, what ever.

I was merely elaborating. I apologize if I made it seem otherwise.

There is something that I find a bit interesting. Back in the 90s when the 5 string thing started a lot of people were wondering if the future of the 4 string was dead.

Several years ago 5-strings were out-selling 4-strings, now I'm not so sure.

It definetly is interesting.

 

[five7]

I ran sound for the presidents of the usa and Morphine at the ogden a few times and if memory serves me right, both bassists played 2 string basses. Good bands and bass players!

 

[bovinehost]

Even though it is older than the trees I still enjoy reading thru a 4 vs 5 string debate.

Aha, I knew there had to be one person out there like this!

 

[PluckyThump]

With a 5 string, theoretical I can learn the song, avoiding open strings whenever possible (I know that is not always possible) and then simply move the pattern up or down according to how we have transposed.

My question is does this work in real life on a 5 string or is will transposing always result in brain cramps in my old head?

I'm gassing for a Sterling or Big Al... maybe it should be a fiver.

Yes it works! For me personally, the 5-string makes my life much easier when it comes to transposing songs. I used to play for a singer that would decide at rehearsal that he couldn't sing a song in the original key and wanted to drop it down. Going from G down to E, for example, is much easier to do when you have the fretted E available. Especially so if you weren't able to practice in the new key and have to do it on the fly.

I own both 4s and 5s but gig with the 5s. At a gig I don't like to fuss with re-tuning or switching basses during a set. With a 5, one bass does it all.

 

[syciprider]

If they aren't so different from each other why do so many players say things like:

"I just can't wrap my brain around playing a 5-string."

"I'm not comfortable with a 5-string."

"I've tried, but I just can't play one."

"A 4-string is more natural to me."

And on and on and on and on and on...

These concerns are the shortcomings of the player. They do not mean that there is a fundamental difference in a 4 or 5 string tuned in fifths. I switch 4 to 5 and back just fine. I do like slapping on 4s but that is because I find the EB 5er spacing a bit narrow.

 

[MadMatt]

I used to play for a singer that would decide at rehearsal that he couldn't sing a song in the original key and wanted to drop it down.

Jup, this is exactly the problem

Thanks, I'll have to put a 5'er on my radar screen.

Now I am kind of regretting not having gotten the 25th as a 5'er.

 

[Movielife]

Well, I've spent ages trying to find s 5 string I like the sound/look/feel of.

I've gone for a Ray 5 HS, and optimistically gone for a Big Al 5 SSS as well. I'll just be sensible and relearn but I do like both types of basses.

I personally think some basses were made for 5 string and look better in that format, eg the Big Al.

It's just patience and practice. If I can play bits of normal guitar, then I'm sure I can play a 5 string bass.

 

[oli@bass]

Now I am kind of regretting not having gotten the 25th as a 5'er.

+1

I also think that the 5er is great if you need to transpose songs a lot especially one or two steps down for a singer, or with horns that always want everything in Eb . If you play originals (with no horns), or don't transpose music, then I don't see the (technical or musical) need for a five string -- except, naturally, if you just love to play five strings.

Anyway, I think it's great that both exist... gives us more reasons to own more than one bass

 

[kylierider]

Aha, I knew there had to be one person out there like this!

I just find it amusing how annimated people get over an opinion based subject.

I like them all but play 4's presently. I do agree with the others that it is easier to transpose on a 5er. One of these days I'll add one to the herd. I'm going to flip my 6 string and a couple other non musicman basses to pay some bills and start a Big Al fund.

I'd rather play my 4 string musicman than my 6 in another brand.

So another can of worms to consider. Who would quit playing 5 strings if EB only made 4's

 

[MadMatt]

gives us more reasons to own more than one bass

You got it!

And it looks like the classic 5 strings have finally arrived in Germany: MUSIC MAN STING RAY CLASSIC 5 TOBACCO MN

No pictures though

 

[ZiggyDude]

It is an old topic but can be constructive if folks self moderate. In this case one poster is more comfy with taking the leap to a 5.

Like Boogie.Man said ("I've tried fives and just don't like the string spacing or not having the E at the top of my bass. It doesn't feel natural to me. I'm sure it's just a familiarity thing.") and I think he is dead on.

The subject of string spacing with 5’s comes up a lot. Especially at the nut. With four strings things get pretty standard with the bulk of basses spaced like a “P” or “J” at the nut. Part of the legacy that Papa Leo (Daddy of Electric Bass) has given us. But when it comes to 5 strings – suddenly everything goes out the window in regards to spacing at the nut and to a lesser degree at the bridge.

This last weekend one of my bands played both Friday and Saturday – the Bongo 5 was at both. (It got great reviews by the way). But the set before that I was on a 5 that has standard P spacing all the way across. The narrow spacing was quite a shock to the muscle memory for a few songs till I internally adjusted.

This is more of an issue when standing than sitting I think – last night was watching a video with an adult beverage and doing scales on the Bongo. Things settled in. Though if EBMM was ever to offer standard P spacing on a 5 as an option I would gladly drop a few extra hundred for it.