Back to a 4

[Bassistloaded]

Been playing a 5-string for about a year now. At a recent band practice, I had a revelation. There are not many songs I "need" that low B on.

 

I had de-fretted my 4-string and was using that for a while, but since our band does mostly rock covers, I wasn't getting the edgy sound out of it. So, I had switched to my 5-string. Plus, it was a maple fretboard (fretless maple is not a good idea, but that's another story).

 

Anyway... I went out and picked myself up an Ibanez SR900. I'm back to where I started, a fretted 4 string. I am lovin' it! Feels like I just bought a sports car after driving a truck for a year. So much faster and easier to navigate, and I don't miss that low B at all.

[L-1329]

I think I know what you're talking about. Everything I've been playing for the last few years has been newer, heavier rock and most of that really needs the B. Once in a while I pull out the old gibby and always remind myself how comfortable and fun that four is to play. Really does seem more natural to play, but that may because it's the first and only bass I had for years. Anyway, enjoy the new bass!

[sunburstbasser]

Nice man. I really envy people who can easily get around on 5 or more strings. 4 is PLENTY for me, sometimes too much!

[Bassistloaded]

Originally posted by sunburstbasser Nice man. I really envy people who can easily get around on 5 or more strings. 4 is PLENTY for me, sometimes too much!

 

Not saying I could EASILY get around on 5...

 

 

Can't wait until band practice to try it out with the group!!

[Subsonicbass]

Welcome home.

 

B-String is mostly a thumb rest anyhow.

[JenjaBen]

Switching the 5'er over to a high C is pretty nice though. The same is true here that the B string for me never got too much use and going higher, for me at least, is much better.

[Sixgun77]

Welcome back! I do love a maple fretless though.

[c0kenp0pr0ckz]

 

Originally posted by Subsonicbass Welcome home. B-String is mostly a thumb rest anyhow.

 

that's the way i feel...which is why i'm trying to unload my 5er

[mrcrow]

i tried a 5 ....twice....and got lost....

i have been hankering after one for a good fretted E and lower D

but have traded off the extra weight and cost of a big tubby piece of wire which flaps around too much for my

P with flats...

guess i am stuck in the old days...

[Bassistloaded]

Originally posted by Sixgun77 Welcome back! I do love a maple fretless though.

 

I wasn't getting as much articulation as I felt I needed for the type of music we play. But, for a smooth mellow sound maple fretless is a good way to go.

[Bassistloaded]

Originally posted by JenjaBen Switching the 5'er over to a high C is pretty nice though. The same is true here that the B string for me never got too much use and going higher, for me at least, is much better.

 

Interesting. Now THAT is worth trying.

 

I had picked up a used 6-string on eBay if for no other reason than I wanted to see if I could play it. Our band lost our keyboard player and rather than replace him, we decided to go with a power trio. My thinking was that I could do more fills and cover the rhythym guitar parts with that high C. What I discovered is I got lost with all those strings. Fills come more quickly and more naturally on a 4 string. But... high C on a 5 might work out very well. Thanks for the tip!

[Mudbass]

Welcome back to your senses.

[Undertoad]

Mind-bogglingly great music has been made for 500 years with nothing but 4 strings.

 

For the last 50 years or so they were amplified.