I've always wanted a stingray bass, and decided to finally pull the plug. I've only played 4's before, but i'm playing in a church prasie band and the low b would come in handy, but I like to play slap and find the spaceing a little narrow on the sr5. Is this something I could just could used to? I'm debating getting a SR4 because i'm used to 4 strings. Any advice?
- Thread starter funkybass
- Start date
TheAntMan
Well-known member
The fact that you are contemplating it means that you feel a need. Go with your gut feeling. You will adapt to the feel and extra string with practice.
I am in the same boat, I think I will get a SBMM Ray35 due to cost as a way to break into 5 string.
Good luck.
-- Ant
I am in the same boat, I think I will get a SBMM Ray35 due to cost as a way to break into 5 string.
Good luck.
-- Ant
five7
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2008
- Messages
- 4,296
Both of you guys need to go for it. Life is short, enjoy it. A five string only adds a few more notes. It's when you go to a six string, you have to work those brain cells. Right now I only have 4 strings and I am really jonesing for a five and a six again. Would love to try a seven string. Maybe Ernie will bring out a seven string bongo.
7broccos
Well-known member
go for the 5, more versatile,B string comes in handy.Sounds good when you use your thumb especially on the B on funk lines.
oli@bass
Well-known member
Hm. I've been there, mumbled over that. Went down the five string route (though with a different brand), just to come back after nine years to finally play the bass I've always wanted (20 years or so): The StingRay 4.
I started out with a SR4 H 2EQ simply because it was the only one used available in Switzerland, soon added a SR4 H 3EQ, then came to the SR 4 HS and finally to a SR 4 HH. And this is my "go to" bass. The double humbucker is the best of all worlds. And four strings are enough.
Jaco, Flea, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Billy Sheehan, Dave Meros, Larry Graham, Randy Hope Taylor and many other great talented bass players did remarkable work on a four string bass. I don't think anyone would have told them they neede five more lower notes...
I started out with a SR4 H 2EQ simply because it was the only one used available in Switzerland, soon added a SR4 H 3EQ, then came to the SR 4 HS and finally to a SR 4 HH. And this is my "go to" bass. The double humbucker is the best of all worlds. And four strings are enough.
Jaco, Flea, Geddy Lee, Steve Harris, Billy Sheehan, Dave Meros, Larry Graham, Randy Hope Taylor and many other great talented bass players did remarkable work on a four string bass. I don't think anyone would have told them they neede five more lower notes...
7broccos
Well-known member
A 5 sting also allows less fret hand movement,in other words you are able to play more notes with less hand position changes.The necks on the MM 5`s are so good it is an easy transition.Go for it!
CFA
Well-known member
MrMusashi
Well-known member
get the 20th sr5... best of both of worlds
MrM
MrM
OldManMusic
Well-known member
I went to a 5 string last year and have never looked back. The low B string offers some nice punch point.
jlepre
Well-known member
6 strings are for guitards hehehe
I love the versatility of the 5ers. I switched over 8 years ago, and never looked back.
Manfloozy
Well-known member
I prefer 4's but may add a 5 again in the future. Play one and see how it feels to you. Personally if a song doesn't need it, to me the low B just gets in the way.
RaginRog
Well-known member
It really is. I've always hated 5 strings.....and even have my license plate that says "4 String", but as you said, the SR5 is very easy to adapt to. Having owned 5 strings by Ibanez, Fender, Warwick, and Spector- the SR5 is certainly a keeper. I love the neck on it...not too thin & not too wide.....Perfect!
bovinehost
Administrator
BP will tell you that real men play four strings.
I was a real man for a long, long time....but have decided that I am now, without any reservations at all, a fake man. I like fivers. I feel comfortable with one even if I never use a note below E. (But they do solve that "what do I do in D" problem, don't they?)
There's only one way to resolve the question, isn't there? Get yourself a fiver.
Jack
I was a real man for a long, long time....but have decided that I am now, without any reservations at all, a fake man. I like fivers. I feel comfortable with one even if I never use a note below E. (But they do solve that "what do I do in D" problem, don't they?)
There's only one way to resolve the question, isn't there? Get yourself a fiver.
Jack
RobertB
Well-known member
there's another solution: get one of each
strummer
Enormous Member
I like playing fivers, so I think you should get yourself a SR5
Dasgre0g
Active member
If you actually will USE the B-string, get the SR5. However, if all you're gonna do is plunk it every once in awhile, save some cash and go 4! The less weight of the SR4 will justify not having a low B to smack.
Dasgre0g
Active member
Or go play both for awhile and see which you like
patobrujo
Well-known member
get a bongo 6!!!
