Do you pretty much HAVE to play 5-string now a-days?

[Rick]

If your only going to have one bass and you'll be doing lots of different gigs then get the 5. That way you'll have it when you need it. If you're on a gig that doesn't need it then don't use it. If you can afford more than one bass and you'll be doing lots of different gigs then you're gonna need more than just a 4 or 5 string. you're gonna need a P, a J, a MM and probably some really modern sounding bass like a Modulus or something like that.


PS
People like to limit themselves. Whether it's 4 or 5 strings or P, or J or MM. Or whether it's Ford or Chevy, or what ever.
Don't limit yourself to the "I'm a 4 string guy" or "I'm a 5 string guy". Use what YOU like and what fits the project.

 

[Mobay45]

Open B string at the end of Cross Canadian Ragweed's "Alabama". I use it on the end of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" too which we close our show with most of the time. Great effect.

Seriously though, I use nothing but a 5 string. I find that it's easier to stay with it than to switch back and forth. So much so that I only have a couple of 4 strings left and they are being kept for mostly sentimental reasons. I never gig them and almost never even pick them up to play them.

And what adouglas says about transposing is absolutely accurate. If I were a professional player that spent time playing every single day, it probably wouldn't be a problem. But I don't have that luxury so I need all the help I can get.

 

[Goofball Jones]

If your only going to have one bass and you'll be doing lots of different gigs then get the 5. That way you'll have it when you need it. If you're on a gig that doesn't need it then don't use it. If you can afford more than one bass and you'll be doing lots of different gigs then you're gonna need more than just a 4 or 5 string. you're gonna need a P, a J, a MM and probably some really modern sounding bass like a Modulus or something like that.


PS
People like to limit themselves. Whether it's 4 or 5 strings or P, or J or MM. Or whether it's Ford or Chevy, or what ever.
Don't limit yourself to the "I'm a 4 string guy" or "I'm a 5 string guy". Use what YOU like and what fits the project.

Actually, limits = more creativity. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, it it's the case with me. If I have a set limit of tools to create something, my mind totally opens up with what I can do. If I have many choices of tools, my creativity closes down as I get bogged down in the tool itself and what to use..."am I using the right one, maybe I should use this one instead...no no, maybe this one over here, yeah, this seems good...but that one also seems good too."

Again, that's how my brain works. Simplicity in all things...including the tools I use...makes me better for some reason. I know, weird.

 

[Dead Seven]

Again, that's how my brain works. Simplicity in all things...including the tools I use...makes me better for some reason. I know, weird.

Makes perfect sense to me. That being said, I still say go with the SR5

 

[RitchieDarling]

Around a decade ago Marcus Miller said, "if you're hip, you'll have a five".......

Well, as much as I admire Mr. Miller's abilities, I would have to say this statement shows just a hint of conceit.

Mr. Miller is a great player. But he is also one player among many thousands. Perhaps millions.

And there were many before and after who were "hip" while using just 4 strings.


Ritchie

 

[Rick]

Go with the one banger

 

[adouglas]

Actually, limits = more creativity. I know that sounds counter-intuitive, it it's the case with me. If I have a set limit of tools to create something, my mind totally opens up with what I can do. If I have many choices of tools, my creativity closes down as I get bogged down in the tool itself and what to use..."am I using the right one, maybe I should use this one instead...no no, maybe this one over here, yeah, this seems good...but that one also seems good too."

Again, that's how my brain works. Simplicity in all things...including the tools I use...makes me better for some reason. I know, weird.

You're not talking the difference between two tools here. You're talking about having too many tools to choose from.

That's not the same thing.

A more flexible tool lets you do things that a less flexible tool prevents you from doing.

I can do things with my 5 that no 4 can ever do. But there's nothing a 4 can do that a 5 cannot. (Except get me onto BP's "real men" list.)

 

[timmy5strings]

Get the 5 stringer. If you don't, you WILL be spending the next year wishing you did. If you want to get more creative, you can work on making your new 5 string sound like a six string

 

[Mobay45]

Go with the one banger

I think you should show women a little more respect!

 

[Dead Seven]

I think you should show women a little more respect!

Is this better?

 

[Ole Man Blues]

I think you should show women a little more respect!

I wonder what kind of tone she gets out of that Bass?

 

[Rick]

I really don't think it matters

 

[Ole Man Blues]

I really don't think it matters

It matters if that's all you have to play........

Ole Man (Bongo) Blues

 

[1Echo]

If you want to get more creative, you can work on making your new 5 string sound like a six string

Then next year buy a Bongo6.

 

[freddy]

hey Goofball:

Great discussion....I bought a five-string early on in my 'bass-life' and actually find it easier to play than a four-string. All points raised in this thread are good especially transposing (very handy for church gigs as singers and worshippers are sometimes 'challenged' range-wise), the low D and E flat are easy to grab, funky grooves in E using the flat 7th on the B string (which you can't do on a four-string in standard tuning), etc, etc.

I bought an SR5 and few years ago but didn't realize how awesome it is until I joined a funky 4-piece this year. In a band setting, this baby shines and I'm not just talking about the B string. Don't forget, a five-string bass is also a four string bass! The E string on the SR5 also has a wonderful tone (maybe due to it's longer effective length) as do the other 3 strings....just a great bass all around. I've never played a Bongo-- I'm sure it's great, but get over the pickguard thing and get yourself an SR5. I think it's the best bang-for-the-buck in the bass world!

 

[Goofball Jones]

Thanks guys for all the input, and I've made a decision.

Let it be......4!

 

[Dead Seven]

Thanks guys for all the input, and I've made a decision.

Let it be......4!

Are you absotively posolutely sure about that?

 

[Goofball Jones]

Are you absotively posolutely sure about that?

Considering they're way out of my price range and that the 4-string SR is pushing it as it is, yes.

 

[Spectre]

Thanks guys for all the input, and I've made a decision.

Let it be......4!

And yet, the thought of the SR5 continues to haunt your dreams.
"I should have gone with the 5, should have gone with the 5..."

 

[Dr Stankface]

4s rock.



I just find 5s to have a little more Balls.