More strings = Better

[maddog]

More strings = Better?

Was in my local GC today. They got 2 HH Desert Gold 5-er Bongos on the wall. Currently, I've got a 4-banger SC/H Bongo but have always wanted to spend some time with a 5-er. Plus, they are HH, which is something I've wanted to try as well. I've got the scratch but been trying to build up my savings. So, should I make one of them 5-ers a new home or should I be happy with my 4-banger?

Tom
PS: I think I know what the answer is but would like to hear from you guys anyways.

 

[SgtThump]

I have no doubt that my thoughts are in the minority BIGTIME, but I just can't get into 5 string basses. I'm just a 4 string dude. That extra string gets in my way too much. I like the ability to slap on a whim in the middle of a song that doesn't have any slap and the B string just gets in my way. lol...

 

[maddog]

You're not helping Sarge. ...

I guess I'll sleep on it. No use making the decision now.

Tom

 

[phatduckk]

4 baby ...
if i was gonna dabble in the world of the 5 id start with some POS, $200 thing ... then if i got used to the feel etc and found myself actually using the B then id go for a SR5.

i persoanally wouldnt wanna hop into a $1000+ experiment

 

[marleaux-user]

Most of the time we dont even need the B string. I just find that overplaying it sounds weird. And besides, experienced players can make a 4 string sound somewhat like a 5 string

 

[Mobay45]

I love my 5 string basses. That said, I play finger style. The few times I've tried to slap, I have found that I prefer it on a 4 banger. I use the B string a lot when I'm playing. Some say that the B is overkill but remember that you can use it all the up and down the neck and it has a meatier sound because of it's size. I rarely play a low E open when I'm playing one of my 5 strings.

 

[Urwordsbreakmed]

I had to decide wether to get a 4 or 5 i went with the five. You never have to tune down. and the B string has a cleaner tone then a drop d which can get very flemmsy. I had to get use to it but a 5 string is way better. in my opinion because you dont have to go all the way up to the 1 fret on the e string you can just go to the 6 fret on the b and get the same note if your playing higher up. I mean its a personal preference me im lazy and i dont like to tune down. I also like playing higher up because it gives me more control and i like playing in a box so for me the 5 was perfect the only probably i have is mores metal songs have alot of open C or D nutes in between higher notes so thats impossible to do with a 5 string unless you tune the b to a c

 

[Freddy-G.]

If I was forced to choose between a 4 or 5 string, I'd have to choose the 5er. The lower notes can add so much when used judiciously. Now if I was more of a slapper, I'd have to go with the 4. Do you ever see Flea play a 5 string?

 

[MingusBASS]

I say get the 5. The extra string is a tool. With any tool or technique, it can be used wrong. If you learn how to tastefully use the B(or high C string) it can be a very effective weapon in your bass lines. The low B string is part of the sound in MY head, I like being able to go from high to very low and keep people guessing. Plus, I like being able to play in different positions based off of the B string.

Andrew

 

[bovinehost]

The question, to me, isn't about whether or not to get a fiver.

The question is whether or not to get another bass.

Silly question.

Of course you should get another bass if you can.

 

[maddog]

S/N F10236 has been added to the fam. 5-string, HH, desert gold w/ (I think) a white ice pg.

Will get pictures up as soon as I can.

The HH config has the sound that I've been looking for.

A little bit of paint is chipped at the tip of the headstock. Other than that, everything is perfect.

Got it for a nice price. May end up putting the Rolls up for sale.

Very happy.

Tom

 

[AnthonyD]

Interesting thread... (Congrats on the new bass by the way!)...

I've always played 4 string, but for me it's more about the size of the neck.

Five strings makes for a wider neck - that's not for me...

 

[cgworkman]

More strings = Better?

Practice = Better!

Seriously, If I had to choose, I'd go with the five string. I use to say I'd never play a five string - but once I started that's all I play.

It probably took me a week to get used to the fifth string.

 

[maddog]

Amen on the practice!

Dinked around with this 5-er for about an hour. Switched back to the 4-string to compare sounds and realized I'd already gotten used to the narrower string spacing.

Need to go thru the setup. Been sitting too long in the shop. Somebody had it tuned up a half step as well. I've already decided that this is a keeper (like there was any doubt )

 

[SgtThump]

I've owned a 6-string bass before and could play it fine, but I just prefer 4 (as stated earlier). I have many years of experience on guitar, so I don't get confused by the extra strings. Believe it or not, but I feel limited on a bass with more than 4 strings. I know that seems goofy, but my right hand technique is limited. I can't slap very cleanly or anything with those extra strings.

Chris

 

[ReadNotReed07]

If I was forced to choose between a 4 or 5 string, I'd have to choose the 5er. The lower notes can add so much when used judiciously.

FreddyG and MingusBass can you explain what you mean when you say this?

 

[MingusBASS]

Is it that hard to get? There is a song that I play in one band where I use C(3rd fret A string) during the verses and for the Chorus I use a lower C(1st fret B string) it just adds that extra "HUGE" someth'n that you can't get from a standard tuned 4 string. If you want a good example of how to use the B string, find something that Oteil Burbridge plays on(Allman Bros/or his band the Peacemakers). It adds that extra ooomph.

Andrew

 

[Freddy-G.]

It's a personal decision. A 5-string may not be for you. For me, it gives me more options. The lower notes add authority to the sound. If you're not a bass player, you probably won't hear the difference. But if you are, you'll hear the difference immediately.

4-string bass is the standard, and probably always will be because it's a bit easier to play. 5 or 6-string bass will give you added textures of tone you can never achieve with a 4 string.

 

[OldGuitarPlayer]

Just a thought....

I say get the 5. The extra string is a tool. With any tool or technique, it can be used wrong. If you learn how to tastefully use the B(or high C string) it can be a very effective weapon in your bass lines. The low B string is part of the sound in MY head, I like being able to go from high to very low and keep people guessing. Plus, I like being able to play in different positions based off of the B string.

Andrew

I just thought I would throw my 2 [ok 1] cents worth in...

First, I haven't picked up a bass in 10 years, but....
When I did, I had a custom Ibanez 5 string, and I LOVED it, particularly in the studio. Of course, I wasn't Abraham Laboriel, but a lot of times I doubled on Bass [$] and having that low range was the difference between knocking out the bass line right then, or having to have the Synth player finish a track for me, or try and retune for 2 or 3 notes... It worked for me...

 

[roballanson]

After play a 4 for ages I took the plunge after using a SR5 to test out an amp in the shop....walked home with the bass.

It took a little getting used to, including some of the slap passages I play, but after a couple of months of practise I used it in anger at a gig with no back up.

Certainly saved faffing around down tuneing, and that bottom B and D are so cutting it makes the guitarist quake....

I love it. Now I swap half way through the set for some drop-d songs and am confident the SR5 cuts it as well as the 4.

Have even used it in a big band jazz setting.

would highly recommend it.