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I've been playing for a while now. Should I get a 4 or a 5 string bass?
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If you are even considering a five string then you probably want to have it for the low B string or the extra playing possibilities that it offers. If you also have no problem with the wider neck then go for it. |
Schrotz
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I recently bought myself a new bass. the last one for the next few years I expect. I tried quite a few 5strings in the first round and they all got kicked out.
Couldn't find even one that had an at least agreable low b.
. . . My opinion |
Dazza
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I'd get a 4 sting if I was you there alot better if your in a rock band. There lots louder. Well thats my opinion. |
Twiggs
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I would go with a 4 string you dont get mixed up near as bad |
Cawriter
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Here are two 5-string points that I have not seen anyone else address. First, if the low "B" string sounds bad, try different strings. I recommend RotoSound, the best ever. Get RS roundwounds if you play a fretted bass, and RS Tru-Bass flatwounds for fretless (which is better than a fretted bass anyway). Also, that low B's vibration pattern covers more distance than does an "E"; try lowering your pickups to avoid magnetic field interference and distortion. Second, the purpose of the low "B" string is not necessarily to go down that low. Its main function is to allow you more flexibility with positions. For instance, f you're playing in the key of G, you can reach your lowest root note on the 8th fret, not the 3rd, and use a guitarist's box-scale patterns across a full five strings. Of course, you can also hit that low "B" now and then. But just because the lowest note is there does not mean that you use it much; how often does a pianist hit that lowest "A" key? But man, what and effect it can have at the right time! |
Rhob
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4 String will cover about 98% of the songs out there that are performed regularly. 4 Sring is also stronger when using slap/pop techniques.
That said, if you are moving towards playing today's country - get a five string. The range and dynamics of a five string are much nmore versatile and sweeter than a four string. Plus having those low Ds, E,s and Cs to end on really seals the deal on a lot of slower tunes.
Playing the 5 string can be a tough start if you are a lifelong 4 string player. To get comfortable with a 5 string the first thing to do is try and play without 'cheating' on open string patterns - meaning play your G patterns up on the neck on the low B string instead of the 3rd fret on the E string for example. This will give you a better feel for the instrument - which is definitely not the same as a 4 string if played well. Likewise going from 5 string to 6 string bass.
You may wnat both 4 and 5 string basses in your bag of tricks - I do, and I use both nightly, but it can be a brain twister if you dont give the 5 string the respect it requires when learning it.
Hope that helps!
- R |
Jjbraunius
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Get a six string!
Really - you can play it like a guitar - chords and all the good stuff.
I am still on 4 string since I only play bass for support, but if you wanna shine - look at Les Claypool! |
David
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6 string are pretty poo-tastic, maximum respect to les claypool, stay low I say. you don't necessarily have to settle for a wider neck. I have an ibanez SR405 and the neck is pretty much the same width as my old proaxe because they moved the strings closer together. takes a bit of getting used to but after about 3 days your sussed |
Brian
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I just bought a Fender Jazz 5-string and I love it. The main reason I bought it was to keep up with my guitarist's Ibanez 7-string. We're going to start writing some really low pitched stuff, and I needed the goods to keep up. I originally bought an Ibanez SR645, but I hated it and had to take it back. The sound was really clicky, and the low B (which I was tuning down to an A) was really loose and flabby. The Fender, on the other hand, has an awesome warm tone, and the strings are a nice tension even tuned down a whole step. I actually prefer a wider neck. It does take a little getting used to, but I do a lot of tapping and two-handed stuff, so the wider neck gives me room to maneuver without tripping over the other strings. I recently played a 6-string in the studio (couldn't tell what brand as it didn't have a headstock), and it was awesome. I agree with David about holding down the bass (after all, that's our job) but if you're accomplished enough to add some upper register tricks at the same time, the 6-string offers a much broader canvas |
Sandman
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4 on the floor is where it's at!!!!!!! |
Propain
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If you are going to plan on playing in E down to D go with the 4 string If you plan on playing in C down to A go with the 5 string. I also recommend Carvin basses they are great basses for the money |
Sammy
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4 strings are the best people just like the 5 string because it has that other 1 string that is extra loud but what you should know is that you can tune the 4 string so it has that extra sound the 5 string has so 4 strings are the best
Sammy |
22788
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Carvin I think is the best for the money and if you have plenty of money and I mean plenty get a warrior bass or guitar |
Simonrex22
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Get a 5 string. its awesome having those low notes to mess around with |
Mystic
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I play 4. I think 5 would be fun to try, but if I had the moo laa, I would actually GET BOTH ;)
So, in my opinion, 4 strings to start, and as you progress, and your savings account rises, add a 5 to your collection.
Mystic |
Cross
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Get a 4 string and a six string |
J
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I own a 4 and a 5. I started out with the 4 and played it for about three years but then decided to try a 5. the 5 gives me a punchy low tone on the B for stuff I play like linkin park, but the 4 string is a keeper. It is a lot more comfortable to play and I can fly around the fretboard faster. The 4 string is a Fender jazz bass that has yet to be beaten by any other bass ive played. My 5 is an OLP that was reccomended to me at guitar center by a professional bass player. It is nice. But if you are just starting to play, I recomend a 4 string. Sometimes the fifth string just got in the way |
Danyotathemax
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If your metal head, blues, jazz, get a 5. if your punk get a 4 |
Julie
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Oi, some kid told me that Les Claypool was one of the worst bassist he had ever heard! I nearly flipped out!
Well it kinda depends on what you're playing. . . If you're more into the punk/rock get a 4 but if you want heavy metal get a 5 string! I recomend the Ibanez EDA 905! bad ass bass right there my friend!
Keep Hope Alive - Julie |
Mikasizer
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Loved my 5-string. I think you really need one of each. Sometimes you want to hammer without that 5th string in your way.
Anyway, my friend is selling his, on ebay, item #2529405899 |
Growlbass
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Go for a 4 to learn it all, then branch out.
I use a Fender Geddy Lee.
Less claypool is great, but my favorite is robert trujillo |
Metallicafreak2
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You should get a five string. Because with a five you can play all of the four string stuff, but if you wanna play some deeper, heavier stuff, like MetallicA/Korn/Slipknot then you still can. |
Masamax
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It all depends really on what 5 string you get. I have found that some companies (cough) IBANEZ (cough cough) make some pretty shitty 5 string basses with Bs about as flat and lifeless as one can imagine. Only B string on an Ibanez I ever liked was from the Erodyne 5 string with piezo.
IMO 5 strings are where the future is at. The B gives you more sound ranges, and also makes it easier to play songs that require fast movement up and down the E string since you can just use the B string. I would recommend getting one sooner rather then later simply because they can be a bitch to get used to, esspecially for slapping.
If you have the cash, I would recommend looking into a Stingray 5 from Musicman. This has been rated by many, including Bass Player Magazine, and me of course, to be the best factory 5 string. I own a Trans. Red SR5 with a piezo bridge pickup and with this bass I can replicate the Fender P and J basses easily, and as well have that growling, distinctive Stingray sound. They can be pricey, but it's worth it.
If you decide to get a Fender, just get a Mexico one. Their US factory is just accross the border anyways, and their electronics and much of their pre-construction materials are from Mexico either way, and you can save 50%. I liked Fender, but not nearly as much as my SR. Sometimes it's worth spending the money on |
Bortzi
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I started with Fender Heartfield DR4 an I like it for the crisp and punchy sound (like piano) but since I have a DR5 the band I play sounds much interesting. It takes a while to accomodate but woths. There is a wider spectrum that gives space to guitar and voices and if you' re interested about the melody that bass plays (not just the root and ritm) you'll find a 5 very usefull and pleasant
Take a 5 srings bass but a good one because it needs . . . good neck , pickups&electronics, . . . and if you have to play slap must have a wide bridge one |
Embo
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Looks like you already have alot of opinions. Mine is this: bass has 4 strings, period. Anything else is just a toy! Mike |
Pouchkiller
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Mike your wrong and the one that said the 5th string gets in the way no your wrong also. I had a four string bass and I was always telling my lead guitarest that I cant do shit with it. he gave me a song and I learnd it. four strings or fun if your a master at bass. 5 string basses are awesome bc it just gives you so much more to play with. I went to a 4 string to a ibanez sr406 if you dont know what that is its a 6 string bass. 6 string owns everything out there, have you heard jon myung from dream theater, he has a 6 string and he is awesome. but if your only asking between a 4 or a 5 then I would get a 5 and Mikasizer is wrong the 5th string cant get in your way its the biggest string yes but its also the top string so it wont get in your way. I agree with Cross about owning a 4 and a 6 after you play a 6 for a year you will own the world at four. the six string gives you speed and strength for when you go back to the four. (get a six string) but if you have to get the 5 |
Pouchkiller
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Not to piss anyone off but embo try a six string and if you dont like it then tell me |
Flipper
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Get a four string and install a "D-tuner" they run about $60 or so and you get the best of both worlds |
Will
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I totally agree with the comment about the 5 string giving added flexibility in positions, I've only been playing for close to 2 years and played a 4 string for most of that . . . well, a month ago I finally got my American Fender Jazz V and I love having the option of that B string! I will probably play the 4 sometimes, but the 5 is awesome! That low B really isn't used much, but it's a great deep thump when you need it . . . it's so deep, people don't even hear it as much as feel it! (grin) |
Pouchkiller
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Or no dont listen to flipper no no no no no 6 string all the way four strinf is not a bass its a guitar with four strings and you can do anything with it 5 string is gettin there but still you cant do everything get a 6 string bass |
The Hammer
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There are some variables to decide on before you can make this decision. I played a 4 string for over 30 years before I bought a 5 string and I have been playing that for 9 years. It depends on what kind of music you are playing as to if you NEED more than 4 strings. The primary reason I went a 5 string was so that I could play stuff like Stevie Ray without having to tune down (lots of E flats). It also depends on your bass rig. I use an 8-10 cabinet with a 1000 watt head and with the proper technique, my B string is as tight and punch as the other 4. So, it is a personal decision based on what you want to play, how you want to play it, and what you are playing it through |
Chappers
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Personally, after bein a bassist before I became a guitarist, I would go for a 4 string! 5 are ok, but 4 gives u a nicer noise! |
Nwp
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Fieldy from Korn rocks with a 5 string Ibanez. If you want to play some of that deeper stuff like that, then 5 string is the way to go. With a 5 string, you can also play everything a 4 can anyway, so why limit yourself? |
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