discreet Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 So in conclusion: Make sure your B string isn't twisted when fitting; use a tapered B string; raise the action of the B slightly; use a lighter touch than with the other strings; play it nearer the bridge than the other strings... then you'll be fine! I became irritated that I had to basically molly-coddle the B string so much - it takes more effort to tune, to fit, to play... I decided it wasn't worth the effort, the extra weight and the expense compared with the ease and convenience of a four-string. I don't mind moving around the board a bit more and don't miss the extra notes... much. Funny though, after playing a Squier Jazz V, the neck on my Jazz four seemed like playing a pencil for a couple of days. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 I've flipped between 5s and 4s for a while now, and I'm faced with more 5 sting basses in my collection. I'm getting very used to the 5 string ergonomics of a Musicman bass now. The B is tight and isn't 'louder' or boomier than the other strings. It just blends well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrammeFriday Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 [quote name='razze06' timestamp='1404899137' post='2496738'] I've decided to return the bass to the shop I bought it from, and pick another 5er. I need to like the overall tone before I can worry about the differences in timbre between strings [/quote] Good plan. FWIW I would recommend focusing your search on 5-string basses that were actually designed from the ground up as 5-string basses, and not on 4 string basses that have had a 5th string added post-hoc (e.g. Fender/Squier stuff) - you are much more likely to have a trouble-free low B experience that way. (I'm not saying that there aren't any Fender 5ers that play well, but I do think you will have to try out a lot before finding a proper goodun.) Anyway, do report back when you've made your trade and let us know what you ended up getting! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 The best 'post-hoc' Fender 5 string I've played is an American Deluxe Jazz V. Really good instruments with a great B string... but that might just have been the one I played They're not cheap, however. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GrammeFriday Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 [quote name='Skol303' timestamp='1404907528' post='2496839'] The best 'post-hoc' Fender 5 string I've played is an American Deluxe Jazz V. Really good instruments with a great B string... but that might just have been the one I played They're not cheap, however. [/quote] £1,522.00 from GAK - more expensive than my MTD AG5! Now that [i]is[/i] a proper 5-string bass ... [size=4] [/size] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 The stingray 5 has been classed as the industry standard mass produced fiver for years, well worth trying one as there are a few bargains about at the moment Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
razze06 Posted July 9, 2014 Author Share Posted July 9, 2014 Thanks for all the comments, I'll try stuff, check my bank balance and report back. I personally think that 5 string Fenders look wrong, but that's just me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) [quote name='razze06' timestamp='1404910314' post='2496879'] I personally think that 5 string Fenders look wrong, but that's just me [/quote] Me too... at least the ones with the 4+1 tuner configuration. The 5 in-line ones are OK. I think if I ever went for another five it would be a purpose-built five, rather than a traditional 4-string that's just had another string added to it. Edited July 9, 2014 by discreet Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 For me the secret of a good sounding a feeling low B string is to use a tapered string on a bass with either a set neck or through-neck construction. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1404910443' post='2496882'] Me too... at least the ones with the 4+1 tuner configuration. The 5 in-line ones are OK. I think if I ever went for another five it would be a purpose-built five, rather than a traditional 4-string that's just had another string added to it. [/quote] We're in opposite fields on this one. I can't play a 4 string since i bought my second bass (and first 5er). 5 in line tuners look very wrong to me, it must be 4+1 or even better a 3+2 config (i had a 2+3 config on a ATK and that too felt and look akward). [quote name='BigRedX' timestamp='1404910832' post='2496890'] For me the secret of a good sounding a feeling low B string is to use a tapered string on a bass with either a set neck or through-neck construction. [/quote] +1/2 Never felt the need of a tappered string on a 5er and when i used one it didn't felt quite right (i must be weird, i'm realising it now) but a neckthrough makes a lot of difference on the sound of a 5 stringer. All the best B's i've heard came from neckthroughs (with only the exception of a Stingray5). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 It's funny how a stingray five compares to a P bass five when their construction is so similar, I'm not knocking fender but I've yet to try a good fender five. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 (edited) [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1404926137' post='2497091'] It's funny how a stingray five compares to a P bass five when their construction is so similar, I'm not knocking fender but I've yet to try a good fender five. [/quote] Like I said, the Deluxe Jazz V I played was superb - best fiver I've ever tried - but I haven't played a 5 string Precision. Do I perhaps detect a hint of bias in your username? Edited July 9, 2014 by Skol303 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 Yes and no, I actually played a jazz bass just as much as my stingrays for many years, when I went to five strings nothing with the F logo played nicely IMO, I would have been happy with a lakland I tried in guitar guitar but home is where the heart is Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skol303 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 I've never played a Stingray, so my own experience is more limited. I must get round to trying one... but not before my wallet can cope with the GAS that will most likely follow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 9, 2014 Share Posted July 9, 2014 That is criminal! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 I've tried a J Deluxe V and IMHO all of the bass was better than the Stingray V i had exept for that tiny extra bit of b*lls on the B string and the smooth feel of that neck... humm, yummy! Overall the J was lighter, more versatile and the preamp worked very well (i never liked the preamp on my SR5, too muddy or too clancky, no mid term). But i don't think about Fenders or Musicmans anymore, i've got a Yamaha!!! (two of them to be more accurate) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 I've never found any bass more or less versatile to be honest,I get the tone that pleases me most from what it offers and adjust my playing to suit, I did that before going to a single pickup bass so I must have been destined for a stingray! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
discreet Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 [quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1404916843' post='2496966'] We're in opposite fields on this one. I can't play a 4 string since I bought my second bass (and first 5er). 5 in line tuners look very wrong to me, it must be 4+1 or even better a 3+2 config (i had a 2+3 config on a ATK and that too felt and look akward). [/quote] 3+2 fine with me, too. 4+1 just looks too unbalanced somehow. IMHO, of course. 2+3 I don't like either. Looks bottom-heavy to me... bottom. Snort! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 [quote name='stingrayPete1977' timestamp='1404996413' post='2497673'] I've never found any bass more or less versatile to be honest,I get the tone that pleases me most from what it offers and adjust my playing to suit, I did that before going to a single pickup bass so I must have been destined for a stingray! [/quote] I know what you mean but for me versatility is having a neck and a bridge pickup with a blend control and work it together with the right hand positioning and attack. I know that a lot of people won't get it because they're happy with that one sweet spot sound they've found but i'm known for not using the same sound from theme to theme Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghost_Bass Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 [quote name='discreet' timestamp='1404996826' post='2497679'] 3+2 fine with me, too. 4+1 just looks too unbalanced somehow. IMHO, of course. 2+3 I don't like either. Looks bottom-heavy to me... bottom. Snort! [/quote] Bottom-heavy... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 [quote name='Ghost_Bass' timestamp='1404999809' post='2497731'] I know what you mean but for me versatility is having a neck and a bridge pickup with a blend control and work it together with the right hand positioning and attack. I know that a lot of people won't get it because they're happy with that one sweet spot sound they've found but i'm known for not using the same sound from theme to theme [/quote] I dont think it sounds the same though, fingers near the neck does not sound like a pick near the bridge on any bass, I see players trying to get the Jazz bridge sound to do the work while they pluck away over the pickup then muddy it up for the next song by blending/selecting the neck pup yet keep their fingers over the same spot, same technique etc. "It is all in the fingers" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Badderer Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 If i have missed people talking about your cab sizes apologies for doubling up, but my advice would be (as well as getting the right bass with right string gauge that you're happy with), if all of your cab's are under 15" get hold of a 15" or 18" cab for extra depth to the sound of the low notes on the B string. It seems like you were getting a loud shouty sound out of it when playing up the fingerboard (higher notes) but struggling low down. You may find if you're running a 4X10 that adding a 1X15 or 1X18 to this will improve your bottom end massively due to the size of the speaker working better at lower frequencies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stingrayPete1977 Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 Can of worms about speakers sizes I am sure, Lol. I do like a Stingray into a 15" cab though I must say regardless of string quantity Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JTUK Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 IMO, the bass stays in the shop unless the B is balanced and defined. I run an 118 or 120 taper B...but that is because I want the action on one bass to mirror the other and nothing to do with the sound. If you can't get a good slap sound on the D on the B st, then you can try and fix it...if the seller allows this.. but mostly the B wont be much use... The whole idea, IMO, is for the bass to sounds even and balanced across the strings. Neck thru or bolt-on makes no difference as a building technique, ... Sadowsky, Sei, AC and Celinder run bolts-ons, but build quality really does. I think Yamaha can make good 5's but maybe not all of them work. You have to find the one that does and it isn't a given that you can clean up a B st with some tweaking, so it is best to find one that already speaks... as you'd have to ask why you are trying one that doesn't...and why the seller hasn't done so..?? Maybe... it just can't... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deepbass5 Posted July 10, 2014 Share Posted July 10, 2014 I agree a 5 string is a different instrument than a 4 string and needs to be considered as such when selecting one. 35" will make a difference but all mine are 34" a lot of good advice in the video but i also think bridge anchorage and nut material as well as machine head position and neck wood selection all play a part. My advice would be go to a specialist bass shop and try some high end basses to know what a good one can sound like then try and find one as near to that sound as you can afford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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