To 5 string or not to 5 string? That is the question.

[zero9]

Most bass cabs won't produce the fundamental frequency of a low B. Stick with the 4 and get an octaver. Fivers are the work of the devil

[chris_b]

Many well known and popular cabs can't handle the fundamental of the E string either.

It doesn't matter that cabs can't reproduce the fundamental. They reproduce the harmonics and that's all you need to hear the note.

[JTUK]

[quote name='zero9' timestamp='1417345952' post='2619277']
Most bass cabs won't produce the fundamental frequency of a low B. [b]Stick with the 4 and get an octaver[/b].........
[/quote]

This is funny... Almost thought you were serious.

[bubinga5]

i find the B string very useful and will play from it. just make sure you get an instrument with a good one. no joy comes from a floppy B string.

[bubinga5]

[quote name='zero9' timestamp='1417345952' post='2619277']
Most bass cabs won't produce the fundamental frequency of a low B. Stick with the 4 and get an octaver. Fivers are the work of the devil
[/quote]really.?

[Grassie]

[quote name='jgmh315' timestamp='1417201006' post='2618223']
I always liked Billy Sheehans answer to that question.
[/quote]What did Billy say then?

[stingrayPete1977]

[quote name='Grassie' timestamp='1417371028' post='2619654']
What did Billy say then?
[/quote]
When asked can you play Valerie in Eb with a horn section he said "err let me see, nope but I can twiddle with three fingers all over it instead if you like?", something like that anyway

[Telebass]

[quote name='bubinga5' timestamp='1417357776' post='2619498']
really.?
[/quote]
Quite true.

[kulabula]

Well, having had the five string for a few days now and I am finding that the option of being able to play stuff in different positions great. For the band that I'm depping with this week it is making the set list a lot easier. But I'm definitely not 100% yet, but given more time and practice, I'm sure I will make the change quite happily.
This instrument itself is awesome, I love the sound and the eq is really good. I went for a TRB off here in the end. Very nice chap in Leeds sold me it .

[stingrayPete1977]

Welcome to the club

[Diablo]

Arghhh - curse you "For Sale" section. Why am I drawn to sitting here trawling the ads for a 5er instead of working like I should be. I need help, does anyone have the phone number of basschatters anonymous?

Mmm, 5er. Xmas. Must buy myself present.

[Si600]

There's a very nice Precision Deluxe V for sale in there somewhere...

[Matt P]

i made the transition to a 5er many years ago, i swap between 4 and 5 but it's usually the 5 string Letts that gets the gig, the best advice i can give is to watch out for the low B ringing out when you don't want it to, i have learnt floating thumb technique and the difference to my sound is immense, it all sounds cleaner and more precise.

Matt

[Telebass]

I am doing a NYE gig with a pop/party band this year, and the fiver is the bass for it. Hard work, learning a (sort of) new instrument, and learning to play Le Freak on it!

[Telebass]

[quote name='JTUK' timestamp='1417340556' post='2619200']

The classic poor B manifests itself as a poor flubby D note on the B string ...and poor sustain.... more double bass
than electric bass.
[/quote]

Well, my £246 Squier P5 with standard gauge Chromes has a great B by that definition!

[jonunders]

A good mid range priced 5er is the G&L2500. I can recommend this bass,

Edited December 8, 2014 by jonunders