Combining 4- and 5-string Basses. . .

[kakobass]

For those of you who own both, can you play 4- and 5-string basses interchangeably with no problem?

I started with 4s, then sold all my 4s and switched to 5s and play them exclusively for 3 or 4 years, then I sold all the 5s and I went back to only 4s.

I felt uncomrfortable switching back and forth and I just wanted to stick to one kind. I now have all my basses with 4 strings, 22 frets, and same string spacing at the bridge, so they all feel immediately familiar.

I swore I would never play 5s again, but now, every other day I get "messages" from within telling me to get a 5 again!

Help!

(My current playing situation allows me to play whatever I want, so is not like I "need" a 5-string. . . )

 

[adouglas]

I don't actually own any 4s anymore, but whenever I pick one up I have no problem at all.

I think it might have to do with the fact that I use the "wandering thumb" technique on my right hand (i.e., I don't anchor my hand to the body of the instrument...I use my thumb on a string (or the pickup) for position reference). So I don't have to change the way my right hand stretches to accommodate the 5th string.

Also, I'm pretty sure (not certain, don't really think about it much) that I reference my left hand position from the G string down instead of from the lowest string up. So a 5 string feels to me just like a 4, but with an extra string down low if I want it. I never put my left thumb over the top of the neck.

I find it interesting how lots of people are really sensitive to neck with and profile, fingerboard radius, etc. The only thing that ever throws me off is trying to play a 6, and that's only because I've got small hands.

 

[cdb]

For those of you who own both, can you play 4- and 5-string basses interchangeably with no problem?

I started with 4s, then sold all my 4s and switched to 5s and play them exclusively for 3 or 4 years, then I sold all the 5s and I went back to only 4s.

I felt uncomrfortable switching back and forth and I just wanted to stick to one kind. I now have all my basses with 4 strings, 22 frets, and same string spacing at the bridge, so they all feel immediately familiar.

I swore I would never play 5s again, but now, every other day I get "messages" from within telling me to get a 5 again!

Help!

(My current playing situation allows me to play whatever I want, so is not like I "need" a 5-string. . . )

I played 4 strings for 20 years. I switched to 5 about 5 or 6 years ago. When I rehearse with the band I bring 2 basses along, and sometimes one of them is a 4. At gigs I always bring 2 a pair of 5 stringers.

I find it hard to switch on some songs, and not on others. ...songs in D, for instance, where I like to hit the low d on the B string... I have to rethink how I play the song. Also, instead of using open strings like I would on a 4, on the 5, I use different and fewer positions and most do not involve open strings.

So the answer is yes, I can switch back and forth, and sometimes its good, just to keep the mind sharp and avoid rote "pattern" playing.

 

[sandman@midlife]

I switch back and forth at home every day when I practice. When I gig I switch a little. It didn't take long to adjust. It's kinda nice at the gig. I have a Bongo 5 with flats and a SR4 with rounds. Pretty versatile.

 

[Alvabass]

Last year I got my first 4-string after 15 years of playing 5-strings exclusively and playing both hasn't been a problem for me.

 

[Psycho Ward]

I play both, pretty much which ever bass is the closest, I only get picky if I'm trying to match my shirt.

 

[brooklynfall]

Yeah, I started on on 4 strings but have been playing both for about 9 years or so. To me they are totally interchangeable, and it didn't take long to get that way either - maybe a few months.

 

[strummer]

Since I adapted to the Bongo 5, I feel real lost on a 4-string. I envy you guys who can switch with no problem.

Otoh, the other day I sat, Bongo in hand, and thought about what a narrow little nut it had. Wonder if I'm mentally preparing for a Bongo 6

 

[Moondog]

I've had SR5's but I prefer the SR4. Never had a problem
going from one to another besides the weight . . I had
one heavy SR5!

I'm definelty getting the SR3 when it's offered next year.

 

[Kirby]

Depends on the band I am playing with. With today's country and heavier rock a low B makes things very convenient unless you tune BEAD. I am playing 4's pretty much full time now, but it always seems to switch in a few months.

To go back to a five, is like riding a bike, it may be a little shakey at first, but you never really forget and soon you have the hang of it again.

 

[adouglas]

I'm definelty getting the SR3 when it's offered next year.

Why stop there? Go for the SR1, currently in prototype stage:

 

[Randracula]

I play both and have never had any problems switching from one to the other.

 

[Caca de Kick]

I play both too and have no problem, even when going from a skinny J neck to my SR5.
Here's another one...many of our songs are D-tuned on the 4 string, but still switching is no problem.

 

[Figjam]

I don't play my 5er enough to be as comfortable on it as on my 4. The string spacing is different so this is a little strange, but it isnt a big deal.

 

[bovinehost]

Sometimes I think I am completely gone over to the dark side, but tonight I broke out the sparkly Sterling and was reminded that the 4 banger is where I come from.

If you switch often enough (which I do), it doesn't seem to be a big deal.

I do miss the low D, though. That, to me, is what the fivers give you - the age old conundrum of what to do with a song in D.

Jack

 

[IkaruShizzlemah]

every other day I get "messages" from within telling me to get a 5 again!

I know what you're going through, except my "messages" say other things, but I won't get into that.

Don't go back to 5er's. If I may quote a wise man that posts on this forum -

"Real men play four strings".

Nuff' said.

No, nuff' said.

Ikaru

 

[ExLurker]

I switched to 5's about 3 years ago. Playing in cover bands with some of the more modern stuff and singers dropping keys pretty much seals the deal for a fiver. It really is the bass players monkey wrench. Having said that I find that the E on a 4 banger just sounds so much better (articulate and focused) particularly when slapping. I'm coming round to the idea of switching between the two. Like anything you'll get used to switching if you do it enough.

 

[cdb]

I switched to 5's about 3 years ago. Playing in cover bands with some of the more modern stuff and singers dropping keys pretty much seals the deal for a fiver. It really is the bass players monkey wrench. Having said that I find that the E on a 4 banger just sounds so much better (articulate and focused) particularly when slapping. I'm coming round to the idea of switching between the two. Like anything you'll get used to switching if you do it enough.

Thats the real challenge- slapping a 5 and muting that B string to avoid feedback, while maintaining clairty on the E. Good times.

 

[Oh! Henry]

Sometimes when I'm tired and concetration is at a low. I'll get these crazy evil eyes looks from my guitarist, only to realize that I'm playing an E string riff on my B

 

[delberthot]

I've been rotating between 4, 5, & 6 string basses now for the last few years. The 6 took a couple of months to get used to but I can now change between songs without any issues.

I am now back to playing purely an SR5 but am on the look out for an SR4, possibly a 30th anniversary for that monumental mahogany growl.