Fundamental Questions

[nashman]

I'll ask for forgiveness and thank you in advance right up front! I don't know alot about bass gear. I currently own a 4-string Yamaha bass and I'm considering trading up to an EB. I can't decide between a 4/5-string. I assume the 5th string is a low B. Is the B string frequently or infrequently used? Is a 5-string neck wider, and/or are the strings closer together - therefore making the bass more challenging to play? I learn songs via tabulature ... most of the ones I have seen are for 4 string .. are there 5 string tabs? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? (I have never played a 5-string).

I like to play classic rock. Again, I'm having a tough time deciding between models. Is one model more popular/best bang for the buck/better quality? Which model/pick-up configuration would be best for rock music? Should I spend the extra for the Piezo bridge ... what does it do? Coil pickups and humbucker- what's the difference?

A lot of questions!

 

[adouglas]

Some answers...but not all. I'll only speak from my own experience...IMHO, YMMV, etc.

My favorite 5 is (no surprise) the Bongo.

5 string necks are wider than 4s, and generally speaking the strings are a bit closer together, but it depends on what you're comparing it to. The string-to-string spacing is similar to that of a Jazz bass (or a Sterling, for that matter). It is not hard to get used to, even if you have small hands. Some report that slapping/popping is harder on a 5 because of the string spacing, but I don't slap or pop, so I don't really know.

The fifth string is a low B. Some people like to restring higher - EADGC - but that's not too common.

Not much music is written to require the notes below low E, so there isn't much if any tab for it. But that low string is indeed used a lot IF you transpose your music at all. I've found that this is the #1 best reason to own a 5...as you get older, your voice just can't hit those high notes any more. A big chunk of what my band plays is transposed downwards...we're in our mid-40s.

Transposing down a step is easy with a 5, a PITA or even impossible with a 4 unless you employ newfangled gimcrackery like a Hipshot detuner on your E string or take the time to manually detune.

The 5 also lets you play your parts higher up the neck, without having to rely on open notes. This can be very useful, depending on the bass line.

Finally, it's fun to occasionally use those low-low notes to add a butt-kicking accent. But too much is counterproductive.

 

[Moondog]

Now a word from a 4-string advocate. . .

IMO & taking $$$ into consideration and your
style of music, a traditional 1 p/u SR4 or Sterling
would suit your needs just fine, perhaps even a
Bongo.

However, 2 p/u, piezo, & 5-string versions add
variety. Are they a necessity? No, but nice
accessories that may save you money in the long
run when/if you desire or need something more.

Although I traded away my last two fivers, they
should definetly be considered. Like adouglas said,
you can get the SR5 and not have to fart around with
hipshot D-tuners or drop tuning on a 4-string when
wanting to accurately play a lot of todays popular music.
If you're doing the classic rock thing or your own
original stuff like me, a 5-string may not be necessary.
5-strings do have wider necks but string spacing
is comparable to many 4's.

Quality is A+ across the entire EBMM product line so
you can't go wrong. Play all of them and see what feels
best.

 

[phatduckk]

hey man ... welcome to the forum. I'll chime in here and hopefully be of some help.


1) I assume the 5th string is a low B.
yes - but you can restring it any way you want w/ some work

2) Is the B string frequently or infrequently used?
depends on what you play ... in classic rock id say "no". but if you're playing Korn or some detuned metal then yes, it could be used a lot ... just depends on what you're playing

3) Is a 5-string neck wider, and/or are the strings closer together - therefore making the bass more challenging to play?
yup, its both wider and the strings are a bit closer together too.

4) are there 5 string tabs?
yup. writing tabs is just typing after all right? so if some Primus song requires a low B you'll see that in the tab

5) What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? (I have never played a 5-string).
4 string should feel like home since that's what you're playing. I find, personally, that i get confused by the 5th string. obviously you'd get used to that but right off the bat its kinda wierd. the 5 string does give you extra low notes and you can also play a low F (just for example) without having to move you hand all the way up the neck to the E's first fret ... so a 5 can save you movement and lots of folks love it for that reason.

6) Is one model more popular/best bang for the buck/better quality?
in venture to say the Stingray 4 is probably the most popular. However all the MM basses are amazing. I play the Sterlings and think theyre the best bass ever, some love the SR5 some people are all about the Bongo (Bongo 5) and some love the SUB. The best bang for the buck would be the SUB tho. However ... they are all amazing basses!

7) Which model/pick-up configuration would be best for rock music?
its up to you ... people have played rock w/ the SR4 for decades The Sterling has an amazing neck and cool pickup switching possibilities, the Bongo has the Preamp from hell so it can make any sound EVER ... so the moral of this story is that ALL the MM basses are good for rock ... the one that's best for you is whichever feels best in your hands. You can EQ the hell out of your amp ... but you cant change how the neck or body of the bass fee. So play each of em ... and i guarantee that when you pick up the "right one" you'll know it in about 5 seconds - the "right one" for you will instantly feel great in your hands.

8) Should I spend the extra for the Piezo bridge ... what does it do?
i say no (for no real reason) ... the piezo is a little pickup inside the bridge that picks up the resonance not the sound of the strings (i think i explained that OK). do a search in the bass forum for a thread with piezo in the thread's title - there's a whole thread here w/ more info on that.

9) Coil pickups and humbucker- what's the difference?
humbucker is 2 coils

 

[Psychicpet]

by the sounds of things I'd vote for a 4 string for you. My only 4 string is my upright but then alot of gigs I do are in a more "contemporary pop" kinda thang and I need to go low. BUT I would also recommend a 4 string single p/u Bongo, it's a rare but fine bird to begin with and you might want to wait a month or two until the next Limited Edition colour is released before fully deciding. But definitely a single Humbucker Bongo 4 (I believe I read at one point that it's one of BP's faves)

 

[Mobay45]

I play a lot of classic rock in my band.

I use the B string a lot when I'm playing classic rock.

Just thought I would throw this in since a couple of folks have mentioned not needing a 5th string for classic rock. You don't need it, but it comes in real handy for me.

 

[bovinehost]

Hell, I play rockabilly on a Bongo 5, so I'm no help at all.

 

[adouglas]

I play a lot of classic rock in my band.

I use the B string a lot when I'm playing classic rock.

Just thought I would throw this in since a couple of folks have mentioned not needing a 5th string for classic rock. You don't need it, but it comes in real handy for me.

+1.


+1.

Did I mention.....

+1.

I play classic pop/rock mostly. I use the B string all the time, even on songs that aren't transposed. Mostly to make certain bass lines simpler to play and/or more fluid.

See, the point is that there's more to the 5th string than the notes below low E. It's the same deal as using the E string on a 4 to play notes above the low A...it's useful to have it there.

 

[Rayan]

BASSics

I currently own a 4-string Yamaha bass ... I like to play classic rock.

~
hey nashman - of course your questions are all good - and the answers are all good too -

but I'm curious - what exactly do you think (feel) you're missing with your present bass (assuming electric) - and what do you define as "classic rock" ? - and what other types of music do you like to listen / play to ? - and who are your main bass playing inspirations / influences ? - and what type (brand, size, power rating) of amp are you presently using in what type of practice / playing environment ?
~
ultimately, it's *you* who has to play and be happy with your new bass - and if you're in Toronto, Canada, I think there's a rather large musical instrument retailer with a branch near you who rents all the most popular instruments and amps by the month - the beauty of renting before buying is that you get to "live" with a bass for some time before you have to decide on being "married" to her.
~

/R

 

[nashman]

Firstly, great answers folks. I really appreciate the thought/time that went into your responses.

Rayan, specific to your input ... I currently have a decent home theatre system. I play a Yamaha RBX 200, which is an entry level instrument, but fine, coupled with a Canadian-made Yorkville combo 1x15, 150 watts. I also have a small practice amp. I play tunes such as - Pink Floyd, ZZ Top, Radiohead, Tragically Hip (great Canadian band), AC/DC etc..

I have always loved the bass but never bought one until I was in my 30's. Then kids/life came along so I didn't get the start I needed. I'm now 48 (18 with 30 years experience !!) and I have been learning on my own using tabs for a few years. I'm thinking of upgrading - one reason is because I ain't gettin' any younger. It's like golf ... my clubs are better than I am ... so upgrading is more of a want than a need. A Guy I know is a bass player/musician and he has collected too much gear (for his wife). He has an SWR 8x10 Big Rig/Tower of Power with a 750 watt SWR 8004 amp he might sell for really cheap ... way more than I would ever need (but the power would be fun!) ... so I thought that if that happened, I may as well get a new axe. I would like to play in a band one day, but I currently just play along to CD's. I may never buy another bass again, so I'm trying to find the best one/not make a mistake.

Thanks very much again to all ... great comments/suggestions!

 

[beej]

Hey Nashman-

I'm in Toronto (actually San Jose this week, but I'll be back Monday) - I have a Bongo 5 w/ piezo and a SR4 at home.

If you're interested in checking them out you're more than welcome to come on over and play. I live mid-town.

Jason

 

[Rayan]

The BASSics of Brotherhood

Hey Nashman- I'm in Toronto (actually San Jose this week, but I'll be back Monday) - I have a Bongo 5 w/ piezo and a SR4 at home.
If you're interested in checking them out you're more than welcome to come on over and play. I live mid-town.
Jason

~
BINGOBONGO !!!
Looks like you cats got somethin' going' on over there in HawgTown -
Waaayyy 2 Go !

& Hatz off 2 U mr. nashman for chasin' the bass - it seems you're doing this thing because it's really got a hold on you -
I hope you keep goin', and keep us informed about your progress -
~

my only "regret", is to inform you that if you're anything like the rest of us around here, you will eventually find you "need" more than 2 basses ( ha ha ha ha) -

the beauty part is that you can acquire some fine instruments and play some great tunes -

and on a more personal note, I think you *do* need at least 1 Fe#^er , and you *do* need an SR5 and/or a Bongo5, and at least one of them should have a piezo, and I hear the Sterling is also a great bass -

as a sidenote, at least one of your MusicMan basses might like to be fretless -

have I spent enough of your money tonight ??? - but think of all the $$$ you've saved if you get that SWR rig ( ha ha ha ha)
~

/R

 

[Lazybite]

I play a Yamaha RBX 200, which is an entry level instrument, but fine

QUOTE]


I played an rbx650 (funnily enough a four string) as entry level.... and I loved the feel.... when I moved to a sterling it blew my mind... I tried heaps and it was the smoothest transition for me!!

 

[tkarter]

Hey, nashman I am 48 too. Got a SR5 when I was 47 and had only been playing the bass for two years. Well it made me a I don't wanna play the guitar any more or even the baritone or trumpet.

I never got that from my 4 stringer. Which was a Jazz. A good bass, but recently departed.




tk

 

[AnthonyD]

Nashman -- You are certainly pointed in the right direction, but you need to get your hands on the various EBMM models to know what's right for you...

I played bass as a teenager for 6 or so years, then didn't pick one up until about 5 or so years ago. I made a quick purchase to get back into it while I searched for the "right" bass. Picked up everything I could get my hands on in various local guitar shops, but nothing "grabbed" me...

Then about two years ago I held a Sterling. Special-ordered mine just the way I wanted and as soon it arrived I found a renewed interest in playing. Hope the same for you!

And I can completely support your potential amplifier indulgence. I share my home "office" with eight 10-inchers and 550 watts for no reason other than just because I can!

 

[Psycho Ward]

. I share my home "office" with eight 10-inchers and 550 watts for no reason other than just because I can!

Now that's what I like to hear! Rock On!

 

[MrShakespeare]

4 or 5 string?

Hi,

If you're just starting to learn bass, stay at four. There is enough to learn with a four-string. However, if you want a general "work horse," go with the five. The low B is there for doubling the lower octave of the piano, for example, synth bass.

Or you could have one with a high C string which is what some people prefer if you are into a lot of Jazz (melodic soloing, etc.).

But since it seems you know what you want to play, I would go with four strings unless you are into the kind of rock considered progressive like King Crimson where you would either need a low B or a de-tuned E string.

Hope this helps!

 

[roballanson]

I'm no help at all.

Me too Bov...except I play from punk to Jazz using the one SR5...never had any problems apart from occasionally shaking glasses of bars with the low B....

 

[Moondog]

Nashman,
you'll find that this forum also helps promote the "passion"
and is kinda like a candy store for bassists.

 

[strummer]

I'll ask for forgiveness and thank you in advance right up front! I don't know alot about bass gear. I currently own a 4-string Yamaha bass and I'm considering trading up to an EB. I can't decide between a 4/5-string. I assume the 5th string is a low B. Is the B string frequently or infrequently used? Is a 5-string neck wider, and/or are the strings closer together - therefore making the bass more challenging to play? I learn songs via tabulature ... most of the ones I have seen are for 4 string .. are there 5 string tabs? What are the advantages/disadvantages of each? (I have never played a 5-string).

I like to play classic rock. Again, I'm having a tough time deciding between models. Is one model more popular/best bang for the buck/better quality? Which model/pick-up configuration would be best for rock music? Should I spend the extra for the Piezo bridge ... what does it do? Coil pickups and humbucker- what's the difference?

A lot of questions!

Not that I have a lot to contribute, but here goes:
I suggest you get a 5-string, because you will a)Be able to play lower notes, b)Avoid lots of position shifting and c)Immediately impress the non-bass-playing audience that without hesitation equals playing a 5-string with wou knowing what you are doing. I know all three to be true

Edit (I forgot there was more stuff in your Q)
They're all great bang for the buck, and the cost of the piezo is offset by the expanded tonal palette available to you.
I like the dual pickup (2 humbuckers) Bongos, but the ones with a single coil by the neck do have an appealing tone not available form the HH.


Oh, and IMHO get a Bongo, they are the grooviest basses ever built!