4 Vs 5 String Bass Options

[SinoMan]

Heya.

I might be getting myself an electric bass soon, but I really can't decide between a 4 string vs a 5 string bass. I really would like to go for the 4 string, but I don't really like detuning it like most rockers and metalheads do. Are there many songs that require a 5 string OR a 4 string detuned bass?

Thx in advance.

This post has been edited by SinoMan: Mar 13 2008, 04:50 PM

[OrganisedConfusi...]

If you're new to bass I'd get a 4 string. If you like metal music over every other genre then get a 5 string. Depends what music you like.

[SinoMan]

If you're new to bass I'd get a 4 string. If you like metal music over every other genre then get a 5 string. Depends what music you like.

Well, that's the problem. I both like metal and other styles of music. But a 5 string is soo huge :/

[OrganisedConfusi...]

Most basses are pretty big. If you want to play stuff like Slipknot, Korn, Carcass, Cathedral etc etc or really downtuned music then a 5 string helps a lot. Dream Theater also at times if you want to play stuff like The Mirror requires a 5 string. Most rock songs need only 4 strings. If you aren't sure then get a 5 string as you can always not attach the 5th string.

[SinoMan]

Most basses are pretty big. If you want to play stuff like Slipknot, Korn, Carcass, Cathedral etc etc or really downtuned music then a 5 string helps a lot. Dream Theater also at times if you want to play stuff like The Mirror requires a 5 string. Most rock songs need only 4 strings. If you aren't sure then get a 5 string as you can always not attach the 5th string.

How often do you have to detune a 4 string for hard rock/power metal?

[OrganisedConfusi...]

Quite often to other tunings like a step down but rarely is having an extra string worthwhile in any rock music. Power Metal bassists tend to have 5 or 6 strings however.

[OrganisedConfusi...]

Bogdan is your man in this area though.

[SinoMan]

Quite often to other tunings like a step down but rarely is having an extra string worthwhile in any rock music. Power Metal bassists tend to have 5 or 6 strings however.

You need pretty heavy strings for detuning, don't you?

This post has been edited by SinoMan: Mar 13 2008, 05:03 PM

[OrganisedConfusi...]

Not really on a bass guitar to be honest. You can do step down with most bass strings to be honest. Not many rock songs require more than a step down. Black Sabbath have a lot in C# but that is easily doable on 4 strings. It's when you get to needing drop B that a 5th string is ideal as no need to drop

[Bogdan Radovic]

Hmm well I would suggest 4 string for start..My philosophy is master the 4 string and then buy 6 string one hhehehe
But if you play metal a lot and really need that low B string go for it (I don't need it much)..But make sure its a quality made one..

This post has been edited by Bogdan: Mar 13 2008, 05:08 PM

[SinoMan]

Not really on a bass guitar to be honest. You can do step down with most bass strings to be honest. Not many rock songs require more than a step down. Black Sabbath have a lot in C# but that is easily doable on 4 strings. It's when you get to needing drop B that a 5th string is ideal as no need to drop

Do you think it's possible to do drop D with these?

http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.aspx...&Class=ACBA

I really need extra light strings, as I'm coming from light strings on a guitar you know...

This post has been edited by SinoMan: Mar 13 2008, 05:08 PM

[OrganisedConfusi...]

Do you think it's possible to do drop D with these?

http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.aspx...&Class=ACBA

I really need extra light strings, as I'm coming from light strings on a guitar you know...

Easily. You shouldn't have a problem on bass as long as you make sure the action is fairly low as some basses that are cheap have ridiculously high action and need setting up properly.

[SinoMan]

Well I guess I'm gonna get the 4 string one. Thanks all for help.

[Bogdan Radovic]

Do you think it's possible to do drop D with these?

http://www.daddario.com/DADProdDetail.aspx...&Class=ACBA

I really need extra light strings, as I'm coming from light strings on a guitar you know...

You can do dropped-D easily with those strings..I have the same gauge on my bass right now and it works cool..

I use ernie ball extra slinky bass with that same gauge

[Bogdan Radovic]

Well I guess I'm gonna get the 4 string one. Thanks all for help.

I think that is best for start.. If you have some choices of bass you want to buy feel free to present them here so we can give you advice on it if you need it

[SinoMan]

I think that is best for start.. If you have some choices of bass you want to buy feel free to present them here so we can give you advice on it if you need it

http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMRBX170

The cheapest one in the music store =/

[Muris Varajic]

5 strings is ideal solution imho.

[Bogdan Radovic]

I heard about that bass (I knew someone who owned it) it should work nicely..But cheap yamaha basses are not famous for their quality/price ratio And its made from agatis wood...

Here are some of my suggestions though : http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVMILBXP4 ($239.95)
I think this is a great guitar for the money.Peavey makes great basses and presents great quality/price ratio (although many people don't know that)..I know people who play millennium bass and it works great for them..Also I think I tired some and they worked cool I play the peavey cirrus bass and I'm very satisfied with it...

Thats my best recommendation from the close price range that I think its worth thinking about..

p.s.

Here is the same bass in 5 string version with a similar price (maybe worth looking to it too) : http://www.zzounds.com/item--PEVMILBXP5 ($259.95)

This post has been edited by Bogdan: Mar 13 2008, 05:41 PM

[audiopaal]

It depends, I strongly advice you to try both 4 and 5 string bass before buying.
I like the 5 string basses better because the strings are closer together which makes it easier to play..
At least for me

[Bogdan Radovic]

It depends, I strongly advice you to try both 4 and 5 string bass before buying.
I like the 5 string basses better because the strings are closer together which makes it easier to play..
At least for me

That is the best option of course..Always try before you buy..And see how it feels in your hand..Also always look at the string action (height) on cheaper basses it tends to be too high..You can always make low action higher but other way around is often difficult

String spacing depends on the scale of the neck..You can find 4 string basses with strings closer together.