4 or 6 strings?

[bassist_lewis]

I currently play a very very nice 4 string which I wouldn't sell for love nor money (well, perhaps money) but I'm thinking about buying the 6 string version.
My thinking is that it allows me to play almost 2 and half octaves in one position, I'll never be at a loss for notes, and that when singers transpose down (eg don't stop believing) I can play it nearer the original pitch.

However, there is a lot of hostility to this idea. last night the singer said to me "I'm glad you don't play that 5 string pish, nae ******* point in them things, they should be ******* outlawed" and a while back the drummer told me "don't bother with a 6 string, they're for pretentious *****".

now I shouldn't be influenced by other people's opinions but lets face it, we're social animals.

Any thoughts?

Edited August 14, 2011 by Johngh
Language

[thepurpleblob]

I think it depends. If you play blues in a pub band then you'll probably look a bit strange with a 6. If you play two handing tapping in a new-age jazz ensemble it'll look right at home. I've always thought that if you're not into chords and such then a 5 gets you out of most trouble. This is speaking as a five string owner that I very rarely play.

Your band do sound a touch opinionated

Edited August 14, 2011 by thepurpleblob

[EdwardHimself]

[quote name='bassist_lewis' post='1339410' date='Aug 14 2011, 10:50 AM']Any thoughts?[/quote]

Yep. If your singer or drummer doesn't like it then they can go f*** themselves why don't you check out what drum kit he has? "2 crash cymcals? 3 TOM TOMS!? That's a bit pretentious. All you need really is a snare, bass and hihats, isn't it?" As for your singer, tell him to stop being such a lazy bastard and actually pick up an instrument and learn it before criticizing what other people play.

Edited August 14, 2011 by EdwardHimself

[Acebassmusic]

[quote name='bassist_lewis' post='1339410' date='Aug 14 2011, 10:50 AM']I currently play a very very nice 4 string which I wouldn't sell for love nor money (well, perhaps money) but I'm thinking about buying the 6 string version.
My thinking is that it allows me to play almost 2 and half octaves in one position, I'll never be at a loss for notes, and that when singers transpose down (eg don't stop believing) I can play it nearer the original pitch.

However, there is a lot of hostility to this idea. last night the singer said to me "I'm glad you don't play that 5 string pish, nae ******* point in them things, they should be ******* outlawed" and a while back the drummer told me "don't bother with a 6 string, they're for pretentious *****".

now I shouldn't be influenced by other people's opinions but lets face it, we're social animals.

Any thoughts?[/quote]

I would say that unless you are being paid to play a certain instrument in a professional situation where a certain image is nescessary then just buy and play whatever YOU want to. Its YOUR money and YOUR choice. When I moved from 4 to 5 and 6 string over 10 years ago I was nervous about the perception that it might give (6 string = you must solo over everything and be a flash b'stard...lol). Not so.... I find most people, if they are interested at all, are just curious as to why the bass is so big! Six strings used to be the preserve of the jazz end of the market and 4 strings for rock / metal etc. Take a look at how many of the rock / metal players are using multi strings now.

I wonder how your singer and drummer would take it if you started dictating to them what microphone they used or how many drums and cymbals was "acceptable"?


[quote name='thepurpleblob' post='1339420' date='Aug 14 2011, 10:57 AM']I think it depends. If you play blues in a pub band then you'll probably look a bit strange with a 6. If you play two handing tapping in a new-age jazz ensemble it'll look right at home. I've always thought that if you're not into chords and such then a 5 gets you out of most trouble. This is speaking as a five string owner that I very rarely play.

Your band do sound a touch opinionated [/quote]

I use to play a six stringer with a 3 peice blues band and the only comment I ever got was from another bassist asking how I handled 6 strings as he "struggled" with 5! It allowed me to do some things easier and fill in the sound without having to race all over the neck....saying that we did support the British Blues All Stars with Colin Hodgkinson on bass and he managed quite well on a 4...lol Have a listen to Los Lonely Boys - 3 peice Texicana "blues" - 6 string bass - excellent.

[stingrayPete1977]

I used to be a firm beleiver in 4's and was in the anti 5 gang on here (Its well documented!) then bought/needed a 5'er Now I would say the same about 6'ers being too many but look what happened to my thoughts on fives, I even have a thread about my feelings of selling most of my 4's

Do what you like I say.

[thepurpleblob]

[quote name='Acebassmusic' post='1339475' date='Aug 14 2011, 11:43 AM']Have a listen to Los Lonely Boys - 3 peice Texicana "blues" - 6 string bass - excellent.[/quote]

Great song but that guy on the bass looks a bit weird playing a six

[bassist_lewis]

cheers for the support, guys!

the drummer/singer in question are good friends of mine which is why I'm considering their opinion at all. I don't tap (I think Kevin Glasgow does enough tapping for everyone!) but I play quite a broad spectrum of stuff, from classical to fusion to pop to funk, and my thinking is a 6 string allows me to do all that without switching instruments.

I'll remember to count the drummer's kit pieces next time i play with him! (and don't most guitars have 6 strings...)

[d-basser]

I love having a 6 string, as you say offers a lot more versatility, particularly if your singer is prone to switching keys for songs. Get the odd weird comments but most folk think it is pretty cool and some how makes me a better bassist (little do they know). That said I have just finished putting together a precision copy for one of my bands because 6 string really doesn't look right for folk punk. I would go for it though mate, what bass was it you where thinking of getting?

[bassist_lewis]

[quote name='d-basser' post='1339626' date='Aug 14 2011, 02:14 PM']I love having a 6 string, as you say offers a lot more versatility, particularly if your singer is prone to switching keys for songs. Get the odd weird comments but most folk think it is pretty cool and some how makes me a better bassist (little do they know). That said I have just finished putting together a precision copy for one of my bands because 6 string really doesn't look right for folk punk. I would go for it though mate, what bass was it you where thinking of getting?[/quote]

Its more that I play covers with so many singers (8 I think) so I have to play the same songs in a load of different keys, good for my playing/ears though. I'm looking at the Clover XP15.6 as I've got the 4 string and want the same tone and feel.

[url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/Clover_Bass_Guitars_Xpression_at_Bassdirect.html"]http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_sp...Bassdirect.html[/url]

[d-basser]

Lovely looking bass, as I say go for it, I would never listen to drummers and singers for advice on instruments or aesthetics any how

[lojo]

[quote name='bassist_lewis' post='1339410' date='Aug 14 2011, 10:50 AM']last night the singer said to me "I'm glad you don't play that 5 string pish, nae ****** point in them things, they should be outlawed"[/quote]


I dont currently play anything other than a 4 , but I know singers and players who make similar comments and they've no right to when they also ask to swap keys of covers to suit their own ease

It really gets to me when someone tries to dictate what you gear you should use, jut to suit there image of whats cool or right

Edited August 14, 2011 by Johngh

[Johngh]

I very rarely play a 4 string any more. It's mainly 6ers now, mainly my Status S2. Were a 4 piece band with one guitar, so the 6 lets me be a bit more extravagant in places to fill out the sound a bit. I ain't no fretmelt merchant, but it suits me. So I don't really give a toss what others say.

To be honest I could get away with a 5, but I've always hankered after an S2 6er through neck with all the bells and whistles (led's front and side) and now I've got one I can't see the point in it sitting in it's case. One of the punters commented that the LED's "looked cool" through the dry ice last night apparently, we headlined a charity gig.

Besides, it seems to be a good talking point for the band as a lot of the punters don't see many 6ers.


Personally, I'd tell your singer to get stuffed. I agree with Johnson, just buy it.

[Len_derby]

I went to see a package tour show of three 'new wave' blues bands a couple of months ago. All three bassists played a 5-er, and all were probably in their twenties. Certainly broke the mould regarding the excepted blues band set-up. But what the hell, it all sounded good to me.

Regarding comments by lead singers, I always half-expect them to say twatty things. Thoughtful, reflective people tend not to take on that role.

[chris_b]

If you want a 6 string bass then get one. You might not keep it but you should try one anyway.

And, objects aren't pretentious, only people!

[JimBobTTD]

[quote name='chris_b' post='1339688' date='Aug 14 2011, 04:49 PM']And, objects aren't pretentious, only people![/quote]

Explain this, then!

[Guest bassman7755]

My view is that the extra range on the bottom end for a 5-string dramatically increases the flexibility of the instrument. Lots of songs are in Eb D etc and can be handled with no messing about drop tuning and you can also play "proper" root notes for those songs in B C and C# . Also ... those low notes sound f*ckin cool .

Not be tempted to go "6" yet myself as I dont play any styles that it would help with and with a 6 you need to adapt your technique more because of the extra width of the neck.

[Chris2112]

I don't think there is anything wrong with playing 6'ers in most contexts, though if you're just a pub band doing pub covers then you'll probably not 'need' the extended range and the other benefits of having a 6. If you're in a functions band or other highly rehearsed professional covers band then they can be quite useful. I'd quite like to get back into playing 6 strings, I might give that a punt next year. I used to have a Status Stealth 6 string that was a great bass...

[Lozz196]

I`d say get the right tools for the job. If having a 6 string is the best bass for what you`re doing, get one. Especially for de-tuned songs, I can see how much easier it would make things.

Opinions about looks of instruments to me, are only really relevant to genres once you`re signed, or going through the process of taking it very seriously, in order to get signed. Unfortunately, at those points, image does matter to many.

BC Rich Warlock for country music anyone?

[EdwardHimself]

[quote name='Len_derby' post='1339684' date='Aug 14 2011, 03:45 PM']I went to see a package tour show of three 'new wave' blues bands a couple of months ago. All three bassists played a 5-er, and all were probably in their twenties. Certainly broke the mould regarding the excepted blues band set-up. But what the hell, it all sounded good to me.[/quote]

And that's just the point really; who gives a sh*t what anyone plays bass-wise as long as it sounds decent?

[uncle psychosis]

Personally, I think 6 strings are rubbish but if I wanted one, I'd get one. Lifes too short to worry about other people.

So long as your playing suits the band you're playing in then its none of your bandmates business what the instrument you're playing is.

[pantherairsoft]

Just play what's comfy on you, has a feel that suits and tonally does what you need. If it has 4,5,6,7,8,10,12 strings, who cares... If it's comfy for you, that's what counts.

I play a 6. In one project I use the full range of the instrument so it makes sense, I also find a wide, flat neck forces my thumb into the correct position and as such my technique has improved massively since I played 6ers. Not to say that will work for everyone, but has for me.

My other project does not step outside of the 4 string range except in one number. Beauty is that a 6 still has the same 4 strings as a 4 wether I use them or not!

Just get what you love dude, it's the only way.

[Chris2112]

[quote name='pantherairsoft' post='1339786' date='Aug 14 2011, 05:18 PM']Beauty is that a 6 still has the same 4 strings as a 4 wether I use them or not![/quote]


They do, but for whatever reason I just never found playing 4 on a 6 to be as comfortable as playing 4 on a 4...if that makes sense!

[pantherairsoft]

[quote name='Chris2112' post='1339803' date='Aug 14 2011, 05:37 PM']They do, but for whatever reason I just never found playing 4 on a 6 to be as comfortable as playing 4 on a 4...if that makes sense! [/quote]

Makes perfect sense. I guess it's mainly due to familiarity, although one mans ideal is another mans nightmare.

I've played 6ers exclusively for nearly 2 years now. When I pick up a 4 it feels so odd and I'm not at all comfortable moving around the freeboard as I'm so familiar with the 6 now.

[chrismuzz]

Not a lot pisses me off more than people who judge you for the number of strings your instrument has. I don't think any more or any less of people who play a 4, 5, 7 string or more. It's an approach to playing that gives you a different feel, or more tonal possibilities. It's only pretentious if you never use the added options, and never plan to.

[alanbass1]

I say play whatever bass you want to play and ignore what others say (unless you want to get into a really lucrative music opportunity with ground rules of course!). That said, I have tried playing five string several times (purchased real nice fiver's to inspire me) but just couldn't get on with the extra string.