Stubacca

I think that clip demonstrates the "why not?" point perfectly - those guys have got the skills and the talent to make those beasts into incredibly expressive instruments.

I'm surprised that anyone questions the 5-string these days - I'd be lost without those low notes, especially the D and Eb - let's face it, the D string on a 4-string bass just isn't low enough sometimes. And whenever I put the low B in, my drummer can't help turning round and grinning.

I can't remember who said it now, but I remember reading an interview in Guitarist mag years ago, when someone said they instantly get a warm fuzzy feeling whenever they hear a note lower than bottom E on a bass - that kind of sums it up for me.

Can't play 6-string for toffee, though - wish I could.

I used to own the fretless version of this, bought it back in 1995. Great bass for the money - really nice feel. Sound Control were selling them for £300 at the time - it was their silly price period - and they were going like hot cakes.