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Post subject: RE: Five String Bass
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2009 7:21 pm
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Hi guys. This is my first post on the Fender forums, and I want to start off by saying that I have not even begun to play bass yet (but hope to soon). A question for those experienced bass players out there: What's the advantage of a five string bass over a four string bass? I appreciate a good answer. Thank you.


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Posted: Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:48 pm
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all different advantages to each stringed bass, in all my honesty i could not tell you which to get in time, for yourself but i advise you start with a 4' and then practice on a 5' and see if you like it.

the advantage of a 5 string (which is a thicker string) is to get lower octaves 'notes'- mostly why metal and rock bassists use them but they're fun to play with in general as i love to improvise on mine but i do say learn to play a 4 stringer 1st and then decide if you want to spend alot more * on a 5 stringer, even possibly a 6 stringer.

* generally 5 strings cost alot more then your ordinary 4 string so do try before you buy and make sure its a wise investment for yourself.


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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 2:34 pm
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I agree with big smoke, start on a 4 string, I always tell new bass players that if you can't do it on a 4 string, forget it. I prefer to play on a 4 string when I can, but for my job I play on a 5 string most of the time because of the B string on the bottom. It allows me to touch that real low octave on the insturment and it adds some real nice color to song if you do it right. But get a 4 string and have fun with it.

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Posted: Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:27 pm
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I started on a four string like most people and still play four strings at times. I asked your question and got similar replies to what these other guys said, but my buddy with the five said 'once you get used to it, you wont regret it' and he was right.

Apart from just playing extra low notes, though, I find there are many other advantages to having the 5th string. I have another set of options on the neck as to where to start my 'box', the range of frets to play a given scale or set of related notes. For instance, when playing a song in 'G', if instead of starting with my root at the 3rd fret on the 4th string, if I start on the 8th fret of the 5th string, I can reach all the notes of the scale without having to stretch my fingers as wide - this can aid in precision and speed. I find the thicker strings have a fatter tone too. The point is I can chose either spot, depending on how it fits the tune's demands best. And it's easyer to go up another octave from there without having to change my hand position!

Another advantage is, in playing simple bass patterns, like you hear in bluegrass tunes for instance, which are often in the key of 'G', playing a repetitive pattern of 'I, V, I, V' (which in G would be 'G D G D'), instead of having to go up to play the 'D' at the 5th fret of the 3rd string (or open 2nd string), I can also go down to play the low D on the 3rd fret of the 5th string - that way I can match that pattern (going down to catch the V note) in G, the same as we'd normally do for the C (C, G) or D (D A) in a I-IV-V chord patterened song. Again, the point is, I have another choice of note - I can go up or down, or, better yet, vary the note I play for more variety.

There are trade offs- however. The thicker neck means you have to reach further across to fret those notes on the 5th string. And if you have a bass hanging from you shoulder for a 3-4 hour gig, beleive me, you will feel the slightly heavyer mass of the 5 string basses by the end of the night. And, because there is another set of hardware, they cost more. And when it comes time to replace the strings, a 5 string set is harder to find and more expensive.

But overall... I dont know if I can agree with these other guys that you should necessarily buy a 4 string first. Then if you want a 5 string later, you get to pay for two basses instead of one! But then I never regretted buying another bass. With I think 11 now, including 4 five-strings, I like every one of em, and play them all regularly (they get lonely in the closet). Most gigs I bring a 5 string or two on stage with me, and the four strings end up sitting in the car. I dont need all 5 strings every song..... but my buddy who tole me I'd never regret going to 5-strings is still right... even with a sorer shoulder I love em!

Buckwheat


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Posted: Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:35 pm
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jahbuck has a good point about ending up buying two basses if you start with 4 but decide on 5 later on. But weight and stretch can be (as he says) a factor too -- my 5 string MIM J-bass is about the heaviest one I own.

For my own comments, most songs are probably "written for" a 4 string bass and if you're taking lessons, you will likely start on mastering 4 strings. You can do that on a 5 string but my concern would be adding the extra element and weight. If you already play other instruments, know some music theory, then the 5th string isn't as big an issue as if you've never played anything before.

It also depends on what kind of music you're likely to be playing. I play a lot of jazz and blues, so my "2nd" bass was a fretless (and so was my 3rd for that matter). I managed without a 5 string for over 30 years but that's because they didn't offer any overwhelming advantage in what I play.

Your case may be different. If you know there are a fair number of 5 string players in what you'd be doing and you know you wouldn't be able to buy a 2nd for a long time, go for it.


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Posted: Mon Jan 26, 2009 7:35 pm
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As mentioned; the type of music you'll be playing will have a big impact on this decison. I primarily play guitar, but most of the music that I listen to is performed on a five and the bass players I'v jammed with had fives so I just sorta jumped on the 5-string band wagon. So for a beginner, I would be inclined to reccomend a four to start but if you were an experienced musician or just plain determined to play a five I would suggest starting with one right off the bat.


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Posted: Thu Jan 29, 2009 4:12 am
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Out of all my basses (5), only one is a 4 string. I find the neck to be so darned skinny! I much prefer the neck of a 5 string for ease of playabilty.
But that's just my opinion. I say give one a try before you buy!!

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Post subject: sub-contra...
Posted: Thu Feb 05, 2009 11:20 pm
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I love my sub-contra notes on my V's.

Tone...no problem, it is a Fender bass.

http://www.bassplayer.com/article/fende ... y-08/35503

Bass Player agrees.


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Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2009 3:35 pm
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KENNY929 wrote:
Out of all my basses (5), only one is a 4 string. I find the neck to be so darned skinny! I much prefer the neck of a 5 string for ease of playabilty.
But that's just my opinion. I say give one a try before you buy!!


See I'm the opposite, the 4-string necks are much more comfortable and require less reaching. After playing a 5'er for a while, going back to a 4-string feels so light and effortless. That's why my next 5'er is going to be a G&L L2500 -- the neck's aren't as wide as the Fenders.

But yeah I agree, try before you buy. Each person is different.


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Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2009 7:27 pm
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Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 3:32 am
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hi guys, you know i start to play five string bass because my father wants me to knew how to play 6,5,and 4 but my father bought me five string.


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