barkatozz
Well-known member
I was anti-5 string for the longest time. I tried on 2 occasions previously to use one & failed miserably....just couldn't find the 'A' string until last summer when I got a Bongo 5. After about a month of adjusting it was natural for me to play a 5. Now when I play a 4 I flub alot. The one gig I played with that dreaded Warwick was a bit of a nightmare....my backup was a 4 banger & after I played the 1st set w/ the Warwick & decided it would be better used as firewoodThis has been covered several times...do a search for more on this topic.
My take is this...
Pros
-Access to notes below low E (often thought to be the primary purpose, but I think this is actually one of the less important benefits of a 5).
-Ability to transpose songs down (highly useful to accommodate singer capabilities, especially age-related lowering of range).
- Ability to play lines in closed position farther up the neck (very useful indeed, opens up flexibility in creating bass lines, better ergonomics for less fatigue in the long term).
- Making the rafters shake with your low B is fun. Besides, chicks dig it. Offer to let her sit on your cabinet.
Cons
- String confusion as noted above. A non-issue after a short adjustment period. If you can tell your E string from your A string, you'll be fine.
- Less room for popping/slapping due to closer string spacing. How much do you pop and slap?
Myths
- You'll have a problem if you've got small hands. Hogwash. I've got small hands and I have no problem at all. The string spacing is not unlike that of a Sterling. Think of it as a 4-string with a little something extra along one edge of the fretboard.
- Real men play 4 strings. By that logic, a real "real man" should play a one-string bass.
I used the 4 for the rest of the night & felt like a fish out of water with it.As noted above...my favorite 'cons' are the extended range & the ability to fret a low 'E'.
