That's a really interesting perspective, I think you're probably right. I always look at the fretboard as well but I think that's the reason I can't do 5 strings, I just think maybe more along the fretboard than across, does that make sense?
Great post, it's no surprise bass players are supplied with such incredible tone options these days, we've been crying out for it for decades and every decade gets better.
Technique has got to have a lot to do with it. Most of us will have played 4 strings for our first 5-10 years and by that stage the damage is done - maybe some of us won't ever suit 5s (me included)
Nay, nay and thrice nay. Gave up a few months ago after years of different 5ers. Had to say goodbye to a beautiful Stingray but it just doesn't happen for me :(
Best I've used in 30 years, I've stuck with mine for 4 years now which is something of a record. There is loads of bottom end! They don't mind if you swap between active and passive either.
You're not "missing" anything except maybe a really great bass for you - I've tried with a number of them and my advice would be to make sure you try all the options on the fingerboard, it makes a hell of a difference on a P.
Boiling strings - when I was a kid with no money I would always boil before a gig, makes them zing for a few hours but BEWARE, also makes them more likely to snap......
That's well out of order. Rudy is one of the pre-eminent rock bassists of the last 30 years, you don't get the gigs he has without being seriously capable - look at his CV maybe? What is it that made you think he was crap?