It is currently Mon Mar 16, 2020 5:32 pm

All times are UTC - 7 hours



Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 34 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Author Message
Post subject: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody?
Posted: Fri Dec 23, 2011 9:10 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:48 am
Posts: 732
Location: SW Oklahoma
Hey gang,

I need your wisdom...

I'm primarily a Telecaster player. I mostly play earlier country (Waylon, Buck, Cash, etc) and 60's and 70's rock.

I've been slowly learning my way around the bass guitar the past year and a half or so. (Thanks to Brotherdave - his website and his good day-to-day info - my hero!)

I have several nice P-Bass guitars (2 MIM 50's P-Bass and 2 modern MIM P-Bass), a Squier Vista Series Music Master Bass and a Squier Bronco Bass. I very much enjoy how each of them plays. As it is, I'm way over gunned for my current ability, and if I never bought another bass, I'd still have a very nice bass guitar arsenal.

Today I found a used (mint condition) MIM 5-string Jazz Bass. The serial # puts it only 2-3 years old, and it is literally in new condition. The guy has it tagged for $500, but I know from earlier dealings with him that $450 will take it out the door. ($650 new at Sweetwater)

So - here's my question... what would I do with it? :mrgreen: I've never given the Jazz Bass much thought, especially a 5-string. I'm thinking it may lead me down different musical paths and playing styles, and for that reason it has my interest. I'm also thinking it would give me a litter bigger kick it the tail to get more aggressive and involved with playing bass.

Any thoughts? Thanks,

RickyD

_________________
Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer


Last edited by RickyD on Sun Dec 25, 2011 9:36 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Fender Play Winter Sale 2020
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question - he'p me out guys!
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 8:47 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:48 am
Posts: 732
Location: SW Oklahoma
Bump.

Anybody?

_________________
Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:11 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
I've played bass for 32 years. Before that, mainly rhythm with an occasional bad attempt at lead. I played a 4 string until '92. That's when I bought a 5 string and I haven't looked back. It seems to come natural to me. I really miss the low B whenever I pick up a 4 string. I get a kick out of playing the songs where I use all 5 strings. It really seems to give me more options or a bigger playing field to work with.
Go to a music store and play one. That should tell if you'll like it or not.

Good luck and keep us informed on what you decide.

I forgot to mention that I still have my first P-Bass 4 string and while it's not much to look at it still plays and sounds great. The bass I mainly play today is the Jazz 5 string I bought in '92. Great sounding bass and easy to play. If I ever purchase another it will most likely be another Jazz. I play country (old and top 40) along with southern rock and even a little Motown. Probably pretty close to the same type of music your playing.

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Last edited by grho50 on Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:33 pm, edited 3 times in total.

Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Sun Dec 25, 2011 10:17 pm
Offline
Hobbyist
Hobbyist

Joined: Fri Dec 16, 2011 4:11 am
Posts: 14
As a semi-professional bass player I have quite a few basses, mainly fenders. I have 6 jazz and only 2 precisions. I much prefer the growl I can achieve with a jazz and it certainly suits the style of music of the 3 pce band im in. I play hard/heavy rock but that doesnt mean it wont suit other styles. I guess its personal choice, I just feel at home with a jazz hanging from the strap.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 7:39 am
Offline
Amateur
Amateur

Joined: Wed Oct 12, 2011 5:17 am
Posts: 135
If you're in the mood to experiment with a Jazz, try a Fretless Jazz. 8)

_________________
Am. Std. Jazz / Maple / Olympic White
D'Addario ETB92 Nylon Tapewound Strings
Hartke LH500 head / Acoustic B410 cab


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 10:46 am
Offline
Rock Star
Rock Star
User avatar

Joined: Thu Aug 07, 2008 3:12 pm
Posts: 6355
Location: Albemarle, NC
I had a 4 string bass I totally loved. I've had it about 7 years now. About 4 years ago I bought the 5 string version of that same bass in an effort to modernize at the urging of a keyboardist. I found quickly, almost instantly, that I didn't need a five string after all. I had to alter my technique too much to play it and I was out of my comfort zone. I eBayed the five off in about 6 weeks or less. Gorgeous bass though. Some people love their fives and that's fine by me and glad they like them.

When I look at all the people who influenced me, none of them played a 5 string or play a 5 string today. The standard long scale 4 string electric bass covers the entire range of the orchestra upright acoustic bass. There are no 5 string orchestra basses, not that I know about anyway. So if a five-string bass was actually musically necessary wouldn't there be a stand up 5 string 4/4 or 3/4 bass fiddle in orchestras? You have to wonder why there isn't one if a low B string is actually such a huge advantage.

If you are going to do some Larry Graham type stuff fives are indispensable for the thumb octave stuff. But I'm not going there. I'm not a flashy solo player. Just a basic bassist.

I have nothing against using a Jazz for country/western/swing/big band stuff as it does have a more up front tone and can be dialed to sound more like an upright if set up with flatwounds. If in a smaller band like a drum/bass/guitar trio they are often a better tonal fit than a P-Bass with rounds. Also Jazzes set up correctly can play faster and easier for some people with small hands or players coming from a 6-string guitar than a beefier P-Bass neck. The Jazz disadvantages to me personally are more knobs, more RF noise and getting a vintage correct P-Bass thump is no easy feat.

The fretless Jazz was a great suggestion. I am much more comfortable and efficient playing a fretless 4 than any fretted 5 and I'd be more inclined to buy a fretless 4 string Jazz than a 5 string fretted myself.

Your mileage may vary, that is just what works for me. Everyone is different. "Different strokes for different folks. And so on and so on and scooby doobie doobie." (Sly Stone) That has become one of my favorite quotes lately.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Mon Dec 26, 2011 12:30 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Sat Dec 03, 2011 2:43 pm
Posts: 670
brotherdave gives a very good detailed answer, doesn’t he?

Like him, I too play pretty much a basic bass. Stay on top of the beat, lead ‘em in and out of chord changes, solid correctly phrased riffs and an occasional lick or two.
I’ll try to explain in better detail why I prefer the 5 string.

Here’s one example I do with the 5 string that I can’t do with a 4. It’s the ability to play the same octave only higher on the neck. Take a country 3 chord 4/4 shuffle played in the key of C. I can play the same note on the E string 11th fret as the A string 3rd fret. Referring to the Nashville number system, I can go down to the B string to play the 4 & 5 chords. Using a 4 string I would have to go up to the A. That may be a little picky on my part, but I try and let the song dictate which way I should go, up to the 4 & 5 or down.
I also seem to get a warmer sound playing up on the neck. This gives me a different sound when playing 2 different 4/4 songs in the key of C, a brighter snappier sound on the A string 3rd fret and a warmer fuller sound on the E string 11th fret. Again, I try to let the song dictate which sound I need to play.

Now there may not be any real difference, but to me there is. Some may read this and think I’m talking crazy and they may be right.
Let’s just say that’s how my stroke goes. :D

_________________
2012 American Standard Precision V - Candy Cola Red
2012 Squier Vintage Modified Jazz V - Surf Green
2011 FCS Custom Classic Special Jazz Bass V - Violin Burst
1996 MIM Stratocaster HSS - Black
1975 Precision Bass - 3 Tone Sunburst


Last edited by grho50 on Mon Dec 26, 2011 2:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Tue Dec 27, 2011 7:44 pm
Offline
Aspiring Musician
Aspiring Musician
User avatar

Joined: Wed Sep 02, 2009 12:48 am
Posts: 732
Location: SW Oklahoma
Thanks everyone for your great advice - I really appreciate it.

After reading everything, I think at this point I'll probably stay away from the 5-string. I'm getting comfortable finding my way around 4 strings and up and down the neck - a 5th string, like BroDave said, would probably put me way out of my comfort zone. I don't think I'll ever stray very far from the P-Bass. A Telecaster and a P-Bass give me everything I could ever want.

Several of you mentioned a fretless J-Bass. Interestingly enough, there is also a fretless J-Bass on the rack next to the 5-string. (The only Fender basses in the shop.)

Having never touched a fretless bass, what can you all tell me about playing a fretless bass? Again - where would it have the potential to take me?

Thanks - I really appreciate everyones comments and advice!

RickyD

_________________
Old age and treachery will win every time over youth and enthusiasm.

"You can never have too many Tele's." A quote from my Sweetwater Sales Engineer


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Sun Jan 08, 2012 5:48 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:01 am
Posts: 2842
I've had 4 or 5 , five strings. Didn't like any of them because to me there was something lacking in the E and A strings. Plus the B just never sounded that great to me. I think you need to spend big bucks to be satisfied with a five-----well I think I would have to spend big bucks to find one I like. Don't need one though. None of the people I grew up with listening to played 5's. They are okay enough for other people to play but I don't really get into them.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Mon Jan 09, 2012 10:00 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:19 pm
Posts: 1480
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
After playing bass for 33 years I bought my first 5 string this past May (a 2011 American Deluxe Jazz 5) I have to say it was like putting on a new pair of shoes that you have to work in to make feel comfortable, I was out of my Comfort zone for about 5 months (my playing was sloppy on the 5 string.)
I'm now very comfortable on this bass, I've also adjusted the string height to my comfort.
I'm glad I took the plunge & bought a 5 string it's been a good experience.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 1:44 pm
Offline
Amateur
Amateur
User avatar

Joined: Wed Jul 30, 2008 5:24 pm
Posts: 175
I play a 5 string jazz and play "floating hand" style (think classical guitar). I don't have a problem with the 5 ringing when I'm not playing it. I would say if you have a problem with this, blame your technique not the guitar.

As for whether or not to play a 5, it really comes down to 2 or 3 decisions:
1) are you hands big enough? I have big hands and played string bass for many years. Even still, I will steer clear of some basses strictly because they aren't comfortable to play (although this is usually a problem with 6 strings for me)

2) does your preferred style of music/playing style call for a 5? I play in a jazz funk band. We play everything from jazz standards to dub, and I really appreciate having the low b.

3) does your musical ability warrant a 5th string? If you don't have a certain amount of experience playing, and/or don't know your way around a neck, the 5th string might just be a waste for you. The 5th string is not just for low notes. I probably spend 60-70% of my time on the b string above the 5th fret as I have big enough hands to do it comfortably and it fits my playing style.

So choose wisely.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 9:12 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:01 am
Posts: 2842
I've gone out to see bands around my town. When I see a 5 player I have to say that the B string does not get used that much. I watched one guy play a whole set and not hit the B that I noticed. It was probubly all about the type music they were doing. When I had mine I'd try to play the B as much as I could but it didn't sound right to me because I was playing Classic Rock and I don't think any of the songs were played and recorded with a 5 by the original artists. I'd say the other poster was right about if the 5 is needed. So I wasn't pleased with the tone of the 5's I had and they sounded odd in Classic Rock for the most part. I'd still like to have a really good sounding one though.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Tue Jan 10, 2012 10:16 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:19 pm
Posts: 1480
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
I think Bassists playing a 5 string would use the B string more in music genre's like Jazz,
R&B, progressive Rock, ....( for those low end bass pedal type sustained notes.....I mess around with Rush stuff & sustained notes on the B string sound Moog...ish) & maybe some newer Funk.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 11:51 am
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician

Joined: Sat Feb 12, 2011 8:01 am
Posts: 2842
I was thinking Rush would be about the only band from way back that one could make use of a B string with. I'm sure now there are others too.


Top
Profile
Post subject: Re: 5 string Jazz Bass question -BroDave, Ox, Vance, anybody
Posted: Wed Jan 11, 2012 12:18 pm
Offline
Professional Musician
Professional Musician
User avatar

Joined: Fri Mar 28, 2008 3:19 pm
Posts: 1480
Location: Vancouver, BC Canada
Yeah I use the Bstring on songs like La Villa Strangiano, Tom Sawywer , YYZ... any of the songs where Geddy uses Bass Pedals....Sounds good too I use Fender 8250 5 string set with a 130 guage B string. :) on my 2011 American Deluxe Jazz 5. :)


Top
Profile
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 34 posts ]  Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next
Go to page 1, 2, 3  Next

All times are UTC - 7 hours

Fender Play Winter Sale 2020

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: Mr. Nylon and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to: