Adjusting to SR5

[aja_19]

Hello one and all

I purchased a SR5 last year and i`m trying to get adjusted to playing it,the problem i`m having is that i have been playing a 79`Sabre for the last 27yrs from my old school days, i always wanted to get a Sting Ray back then but got the Sabre instead with no regrets what so ever,its been my bread and butter! But now that i could afford a SR5 i didn`t realize i would have the struggles that i`m having which is missing or tripping over notes,the string spacing is wider on the Sabre so i`m used to it ,where as the SR5 is narrow spacing, i was wondering if any of the members here experienced this and what technics or remedies did they resolve to, info suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tkarter]

Play it exclusively for a couple weeks and you will be right back on your game with it.

You might even get stubborn like me and forget how to play 4 strings well.

It does take some getting used to.

Good luck on getting where you want to go with the SR5.

Floating thumb usually helps you know what string you are on.

tk

 

[Rano Bass]

You'll get used to it don't worry, just learn to mute that extra string when not using it.

 

[DTG]

it took me a while too,i even nearly gave up beacuse it just did not feel right.Now i love it. i go between floating my hand and resting my thumb on the pick up.

i prob dont use the B string right,i play it like a 4 string and only use the b when i want to get some deep notes or when my singer changes the key of a song and i need a low D# or D.i dont think i will ever use a 4 string for playing covers.

in saying that a 4 string still feels more natural to hold and play and its alway the first bass i look at when i go into a store.

stick at it,i think you will find it is the best of both worlds.

but Stanky is the SR5 king,he might give some usefull info or insights

 

[mrpackerguy]

We are brothers. I have a '79 Sabre I played for 25-25 some odd years. Then I got struck with bass gas and what once was 9 basses is down to a manageable 4 now, including my Dargie SR5.

If you gig, force yourself to play it out on a couple consecutive gigs. You'll get the hang of it. You definitely do not want to overdo that low B string.

 

[brooklynfall]

Yeah, no tricks, just time. I remember back in the day I went straight from 4 to 6 string. Quite an adjustment, but it only took about a month of playing it every day. Good luck!

 

[jsntrenkler]

I only have about 10 years experience and just switched to a 5 string bongo ... I am still getting used to it (Been about 3 weeks) ... It's coming. Good luck man, you will be rocking in no time.

 

[Thornton Davis]

I've been playing for over 40 yrs now, and when I decided to switch over to using a 5 string as my main bass, I struggled as well with it for quite awhile. I was just so use to playing a 4 string, I found it some what difficult to get my head around having a 5th sting being there all of a sudden.

Then, one day I picked up my bass to play it and it all clicked and felt so natural. Since then I rarely play any of my 4 string basses anymore. But when I do, I miss having the low B. I won't gig with any of my 4's, only my SR5's.

Stick with it, and you'll find it will feel natural to you. I'd suggest you try to avoid playing your Sabre until you're really comfortable with your SR5.

Good luck.

TD

 

[tkarter]

I've been playing for over 40 yrs now, and when I decided to switch over to using a 5 string as my main bass, I struggled as well with it for quite awhile. I was just so use to playing a 4 string, I found it some what difficult to get my head around having a 5th sting being there all of a sudden.

Then, one day I picked up my bass to play it and it all clicked and felt so natural. Since then I rarely play any of my 4 string basses anymore. But when I do, I miss having the low B. I won't gig with any of my 4's, only my SR5's.

Stick with it, and you'll find it will feel natural to you. I'd suggest you try to avoid playing your Sabre until you're really comfortable with your SR5.

Good luck.

TD

That is well said and the best advice you are likely to get. If you want to play a 5 string.

tk

 

[aja_19]

I certainly do appreciate your input all who replied,and i`l keep plugging away at it,was just kinda wondering if the struggles were experienced by some,it`s gonna be tough sittin my Sabre down for a while.