Am I going to regret not going 5-string on the 25th?

[Grand Wazoo]

No disrespect to everyone in favor of the 5 but it is easy to take a flier with someone else's money. It isn't like we are taliking Ray 35 money... we aren't talking SUB money... we aren't even talking SR5 money... we are looking at a bass that is on the street at 2k+ (I won't say what the street price is BUT it is a LOT more than your basic SR5). Not that money has eveything to do with it but putting that kind of money into an instrument you are unsure of or for a backup bass is insane (sounds like some of the 5 stringers here want you to get it so you'll throw it on the For Sale thread and they can pick it up cheaper ).

I have bought expensive basses (read as 6s and 12s) I have been uncomfortable with and taken a loss on them. I liked them, they could do a lot, they were very pretty... but they collected dust. You know what the worst feeling was? Taking them to UPS because I couldn't justify keeping them around.

I don't want to discourage you from getting a 5 (I just got a new one) but measure what you want with what you can afford and what you will actually play. What is the added benefit of that extra string to you? Having the Swiss Army Knife means nothing if you won't use it. And that is a ton of cash to spend on "I'll get the knife 'just in case'" (but it is a cool knife).

Just something to chew on.

This is an opionion, your opinion, of course and worthy of respect.

You expressed it and I respect it but, are we here to give our freindly advice to the OP or are we here to argue amongst each other over who's right and who's wrong? That wouldn't be right would it?


FACT:

• A five strings bass can do everything that a four can
• A four string bass cannot do all the things a five can

The fifth string is like a extra gear in a car engine. I cannot see how someone would regret buying a 5 over a 4, and not the other way around?

It is not as if the five inhibits you to play it as a four, is it? Which is why I am beginning to get confused by people's opionions.

Truth is, it would be more likely that you get a four and then think, *** why didn't I get the fiver?

But hey, opinions are opinions and as such must be recpected

 

[oli@bass]

The fifth string is like a extra gear in a car engine. I cannot see how someone would regret buying a 5 over a 4, and not the other way around?

Going down this line of thought, EB should stop making four string basses as the final consequence!

There are players who either prefer the 4 string for some of it's aspects (they do sound different, because there's generally a lower volume of wood involved), like it's old style vibe, or simply cannot get their head around that extra string. Like me.

My take:
If you're an amateur or semi pro four string player and not comfortable on the five string, you should ask yourself whether you want to take this bass on stage or use it mainly in the studio. Because in a live situation that extra fifth string can become a confusing factor, while in the studio it might be just what you need on some tracks.

If you're a pro then you should probably be able to play a five string anyway and will be happier with it on the long run.

 

[Manfloozy]

I really appreciate all the feedback and opinions. I am trying to stay out of the thread and just read so I don't influence the posts. And I will admit I've gone strongly back and forth throughout the last day or so based on the great opinions and personal train of thought, but I just wanted to chime in and thank everyone and let you all know I am reading this very carefully and taking to heart what is said.

 

[oddjob]

This is an opionion, your opinion, of course and worthy of respect.

You expressed it and I respect it but, are we here to give our freindly advice to the OP or are we here to argue amongst each other over who's right and who's wrong? That wouldn't be right would it?


FACT:

• A five strings bass can do everything that a four can
• A four string bass cannot do all the things a five can

The fifth string is like a extra gear in a car engine. I cannot see how someone would regret buying a 5 over a 4, and not the other way around?

It is not as if the five inhibits you to play it as a four, is it? Which is why I am beginning to get confused by people's opionions.

Truth is, it would be more likely that you get a four and then think, *** why didn't I get the fiver?

But hey, opinions are opinions and as such must be recpected

Wazoo, you are right it about opinions. You bring up some good points. I wish I had your outlook on things (really). I would love to float easily from 4 to 5 and back but I don't.

It is all in the neck profile for me. I have smaller hands and I struggle with a 5 all night. It isn't a strength issue or a technique issue it is about comfort. With a hipshot on my 4s I can do nearly everything that I can on a 5 - and I have the 5 for those few songs... and guess what? The moment I bought it I questioned myself as to why? Even with the deal I got (and Brandt took great care of me), what I just spent on my 5 was a lot and I feel guitly about spending that much money for a bass I will use on maybe 1/4 of a night's worth of material - probably less. And the 25th is in the neighborhood of 1k more.

Playing a 5 doesn't inhibit you from playing 4s but the switch, to me, isn't as fluid as I would like it to be. I know quite a few players who are in the same boat.

You assume that ALL things are equal and they aren't. I understand your point about the 5 being more. String-wise it is... but sometimes more is less. Some of the best bassist play/ed 4s - some 5s some 6s, etc... why - for most it is for comfort and needs. If 5s were better across the board we would be having this discussion - all basses would be 5s. Why stop there... 6s, no... 8s, 10s, 12s... Chapman Sticks for all.

If someone is thinking about a 5 but really loves and is at home on a 4 they should spend 2k+ on a bass that may or may not sit??? I don't understand the money-sense on that? I don't have the cash to spend that kind of money on a backup... most don't.

NOW, if all things are equal and he is at home on a 5 or wants to make that serious leap... oh, yeah get the 5 (seriously). With that kind of cash you get what you KNOW you are going to use not what you may/may not use. After all, we are talking about a piece that is going to be played, not an investment piece.

I am not trying to stir it up or be arguemenitive... again, it is easy to tell someone else what to do with their money... I just think that there is simply more to look at than an extra string.

 

[oddjob]

I really appreciate all the feedback and opinions. I am trying to stay out of the thread and just read so I don't influence the posts. And I will admit I've gone strongly back and forth throughout the last day or so based on the great opinions and personal train of thought, but I just wanted to chime in and thank everyone and let you all know I am reading this very carefully and taking to heart what is said.

Matt, great stuff. I hope that whatever you decide it is what is best for you... I am sure you will be happy with whatever you decide (if your heart is into it you can't go wrong with either)

 

[TheAntMan]

My take:
If you're an amateur or semi pro four string player and not comfortable on the five string, you should ask yourself whether you want to take this bass on stage or use it mainly in the studio. Because in a live situation that extra fifth string can become a confusing factor, while in the studio it might be just what you need on some tracks.

If you're a pro then you should probably be able to play a five string anyway and will be happier with it on the long run.

Not sure what your definition of PRO is but:

Marcus Miller
Victor Wooten
Brian Bromberg
Flea
Stanley Clarke
Larry Graham
Jaco Pastorius
Jeff Berlin

All 4 string players that have set high standards in playing.

Just an observation.

-- Ant

 

[oddjob]

Not sure what your definition of PRO is but:

Marcus Miller
Victor Wooten
Brian Bromberg
Flea
Stanley Clarke
Larry Graham
Jaco Pastorius
Jeff Berlin

All 4 string players that have set high standards in playing.

Just an observation.

-- Ant

Great points, Ant!

There are others that have set the bar on 5s, 6s and 12s as the counter-arguement. That is why it is best to be introspective on this (and ignore all of us Knuckleheads )

 

[CFA]

I wouldn't regret getting a 4 personally. Honestly, this is partially because my current amp can't handle a low B well, and partially because I have never felt the need for it. I've always liked having the top string of my bass in tune with the top string of the guitar as well (And since to my knowledge most guitarists play 6s, I prefer the 4. At least where I live all the guitarists play 4 string models).

Besides all that I personally have never seen any use for a 5th string. Last time I saw a song that I wanted to learn that used it, I just played the line an octave higher, and even though it admittedly lost some of its original power, it still sounded really good to my ears.

The only time I really considered a 5 string personally (A new, high quality one) was when I was considering a Bongo. Since I heard of so many people converting to Bongo only players, I decided I'd try and get a 5 string, so that the Stingray would always remain my go-to bass. That was before I realized the problem was most likely my amp, and not the cheap 5 string just being horrible quality, but I digress.

In the end, I would choose the 4 string, unless I wanted to switch to playing 5 string basses, or felt the need for an extra string. Neither of which I've experienced yet. Just my 2 cents.

 

[RobertB]

Going down this line of thought, EB should stop making four string basses as the final consequence!

Nice. And the Bongo should only be available as a 6. Wazoo, you just got served, my friend. Kidding. Anywway, there is something a 4 can do that a 5 can't do: actually be a 4. And whether any perceived differences are real or imagined doesn't matter when you're the one buying. It's not about logic, so there's no point in trying to break it down to a syllogism.

AntMan, great point about the players you mentioned. The very point you're making factored in to my own eventual decision about 5'ers, after having a number of them, and always going back to 4's, myself. And it was based on some of the very same players you mentioned, too. Encountering their stuff, I realized that I still had PLENTY of ground to cover on a 4 without worrying about missing out on something by not playing a 5.

My motto became "Explore more with 4".

Still though, I know that while that makes sense for me, that implies exactly nothing about what anyone else should do. There are aspects of the 5 that I like, no doubt. We're talking about "priority", given preferences in the presence of financial constraints, etc.

 

[Duarte]

Buy a four, then buy the five when they become a production model.

Perfect solution.

 

[Smakbass]

Buy what ever you will play most if your mostly a 4 string guy id make sure my best bass was a 4.

 

[oli@bass]

Not sure what your definition of PRO is but:

Marcus Miller
Victor Wooten
Brian Bromberg
Flea
Stanley Clarke
Larry Graham
Jaco Pastorius
Jeff Berlin

All 4 string players that have set high standards in playing.

Just an observation.

You're shooting at the wrong person... I'm all for four string basses, and what you (and Robert) bring up here is exactly my point as well. Great lines have been and will be done on those four strings. And my remaining lifetime is not enough to cover all that.

However, you mainly list recording artists, even iconic bass players. That's not exactly the same as working professional musicians. In general, artists express whatever and however they feel like, while professionals are hired to do exactly as the composer or producer tells them to do. And if you're a professional (i.e. music is your day job), you most probably should be able to play a five string, as well as you should be able to read sheet music.

 

[Smallmouth_Bass]

My reasons for choosing a 5-string (which may vary in your situation):
1) I just like those low notes. Before I had a 5, I was craving the ability to go lower.

2) My band plays some songs tuned to Eb or even lower. I do not like the feel or sound of my bass tuned down and I would prefer not to have to rely on having more than one bass available at all times.

3) I like the fact that I also have different fingering options now that I have lower notes available in the fifth position. That has been helpful on many an occasion.

If you don't need the lower notes or can get by with a Hipshot extension tuner and you really can't get used to a 5, then I'd go with a 4.

 

[Manfloozy]

What's the difference in string spacing between the 4 and the 5?

 

[Manfloozy]

Thank you everyone for your help. I have decided to stick with the 4-string on this one.

I had a chance to play a Sterling by MM Ray 5 today, and while it was the best 5'er I've played, ever.... I'm going to pass on the extra string for now. I like being a "real man" currently. Plus that extra string is just that much closer to a Guitar... and yeah, not going there.

 

[strummer]

What's the difference in string spacing between the 4 and the 5?

The difference is 1,5 mm
19 mm on the 4-bangers
17,5 on the fivers

Manfloozy, I've read this very interesting thread, and so I'll add my thoughts. I played (briefly) 5-stringers in the late 80's, but as I didn't get a SR5 then the relationship was short lived. Fast forward to 2004 when I got my first Bongo.
As I knew I wanted the bass just by it's looks I just thought "what the hell", got me a fiver and went with it. Initially I had real problems going from 5 to 4 and back, but just a couple weeks ago I was handed a 4-string to try at rehearsals, and I played it for the whole 4 hours with no problems whatsoever.
My point, f there is one, is that it took med 5 years, but now I am apparently able to go 4-5-4 with no problems.

Get the one you feel the most for

 

[Davecg2]

Its preference, i like 4s, 5s are cool too, i just dont dig the feel, im sure i could get used to it if i needed to, but havent run into a need for the fifth string so...

 

[Mayers]

Since I started to play bass, I always found wierd that it doesn't go lower than that on a four strings, especialy when reading music. When you look at the range a guitar has, it goes from very low to very high , so why not the bass. This is why I have a 6 strings bass !!!

So I think it is just a matter of taste or how you see the bass.

 

[five7]

Good point! Maybe "The Presidents of the Usa" have it figured out.

 

[strummer]

Go with the 4...

whose whom play only 4 strings, dont need an extra string to fullfill our own physical inadequacy.

B

Seriously stupid post.