5 String versus 4 String

[HornetAMX]

Being in a working cover band I need the 5 string. I made do with a 4 for a good while, but a lot of the stuff we play requires playing the low stuff. Take for example Maroon 5's "This Love". I can be done on a 4, but it sounds better if you play it like the record. We also cover the Selena "Disco Medley" from the opening concert scene in the Selena movie and while I played it for years on a 4 string it just sounds much better on the 5. I used a 5 string in the late 1990's when I was in a Motorola corporate band and we played mostly top 40 country. I started playing 5 strings again when I found a very nice SR5 and basically just took it to my next gig and jumped in. The SR5 has a great neck and the action is very low on my bass and you can't beat the tone. I've not played any of the newer SR5's, but I imagine they are just as great sounding. If the SR5 20th was not coming out I'd have ordered a Bongo Single H 5 by now. Good luck with your search.

 

[IkaruShizzlemah]

I prefer 4 strings myself, but go tryout a 5 string Bongo, you might fall in love.

Ikaru

 

[Rano Bass]

You know you want another Ray, why not get it in 5 strings?
If you are on a budget, just get a D tuner. IMO.

 

[boston asphalt2]

One thing I do like about 5 string basses over their 4-string counterparts is the striing spacing. I like strings that are closer together (even with my meaty hands) for some reason. Now that I think about it, I dont use the B string on my 5 string basses that often, but when I do, its fun Im exicted for my DD which is going to be an SR5

 

[Bill]

Like several of you, I'm a 4-string kinda guy. A 4-string bass just feels 100% natural to me, and I feel like I don't have to think about where I am on the fingerboard when I play. However, I do enjoy a good 5-string bass from time to time. I had a SR5 about a year ago, but I ended up selling it because the 4-banger felt like "home." Big mistake!! I'm GASsing for another SR5 right now, and if (when) I get one, I'm not going to let it go, even if I only play it once every 3 months or something!

(Also, I want a Bongo 6! )

 

[strummer]

Anyhow, as one who started on bass as a classical upright bass player, the four string bass is the true bass.

Not to start an argument, but there are a lot of 5 sting upright basses out there. In Germany and England at least. Been aroud more than a hundred years

Personally, I think all this talk about "true" basses, real men and stuff is fine if used mockingly, but let's get real here: Wether we play 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or whatever number of strings, the basses are just tools. So choose a tool that suits you, and let each man choose his own tool of preference.

 

[adouglas]

let each man choose his own tool of preference.

I am my own tool of preference.

Or at least a tool. My wife tells me that I'm a tool all the time.

 

[Mobay45]

I am my own tool of preference.

Or at least a tool. My wife tells me that I'm a tool all the time.

You beat me to it.

 

[Dr Stankface]

I think it depends on if you find it practical or not. I love 5 strings. I can play a 4 but a 5 is much more comfortable to me and has those 5 extra notes that I love to hit when the time is right. The fact that you don't have to detune (most of the time, for me, any of the time) is also a good feeling.

Just go with what you think will work. Let us know the verdict.

 

[Mr Light]

There are a lot of 5 string upright basses out there. In Germany and England at least. Been aroud more than a hundred years

Ah, good point! I forgot about those. You're talking about the ones with the "C" extensions, correct?

I'd be interested in learning the history behind those. I've never seen one of those in action.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I've seen a two string bass floating around on eBay, looks like a 2X4 with tuners on it.

 

[Rano Bass]

Ah, good point! I forgot about those. You're talking about the ones with the "C" extensions, correct?

I'd be interested in learning the history behind those. I've never seen one of those in action.

No, i think he's talking about actual 5 string upright basses, there are a few ones but never as popular as 4 strings.

 

[tkarter]

I've seen a two string bass floating around on eBay, looks like a 2X4 with tuners on it.

That would work.

I gotta say I am a 5 string man all the way until I get more strings.

I didn't sell my last 4 stringer but I gave it away. Someone needs to play them.

tk

 

[Devo19]

Ok everyone I made the move and I went out and bought a '93 SR5 this week. Just trying to get used to it and relearning the songs now I don't have to detune. The strings are closer of course, but also hard to get used to the fact that the bottom string I am used to hitting all the time is now a B not an E. It will take a wee while to get used to I think, but it's a nice instrument which will complement my exisitng '79 SR4.

 

[endura]

Hello together!

I also like 4 strings more, because as a beginner it is sometimes hard for me to get the string buzz quite.
But since I like the smaller stringspace more and my SR5 was a real bargain I think: This is my bass and I will get used to it and it to me.

So I chose the 5.