chris_b

I have 1 x 8.3lb, 2 x 7lb and 1 x 6.8lb 5 string basses sitting right here. If anyone can't find a lightweight 5 string bass they're not looking hard enough.

Leland Sklar said in an interview that he'll play the bass that the songs require, but if he has to play one note below E he'll use a 5 string bass for the whole show, because he's not going to switch basses on stage. Pretty much my thoughts. I don't see the point in switching basses around (even less point in retuning mid set) when I've got one instrument that covers all formats. If there's a 4 string song that really doesn't require the B string then I'll just play it on the upper 4 strings. I also play several songs on 2 strings and one song that that only requires the E string. As I say, it's a good to have one instrument that covers all requirements.

I've had fantastic cabs for the last 30+ years, but over time the weight issue keeps cropping up. I went from a Dynacord combo that weighed as much as a small planet to 2 x 90lb Mesa Boogie EV cabs, to a 52lb Epifani 410, to 3 x 30lb Bergantino 112's. Then 10 years ago I discovered I could solve all my physical problems with 2 x 22lb Barefaced 112 cabs. These days there are many great lightweight cabs to chose from, but my BF's are the lightest, loudest and best sounding cabs I've owned. I haven't used my trolley in years.

The tribal thing gets very tedious. Everyone's choices are equally valid, even when they obviously made the wrong choice!!

Pino and Marcus Miller both play 5 string basses. Top players are always going to be flexible enough play what's required, as the recently posted Sean Hurley video shows, when he got out his 55-94 Lakland. Only the silly billy's are going to push one side or the other.

Since 1996 I've preferred the extra options that 5 string basses provide. I'm happy that others have different preferences.

String height is a personal choice. What do you think? If you think your fret buzz is excessive, check the neck is straight, check the frets are level, raise the action or play with a softer touch.

At this time of the year, Christmas lights would look cool. Better still, if you got those flashing ones.

I use the same two basses for all my gigs. One is active with rounds, one is passive with flats. I sound check them and choose the one I prefer on the night. All my basses sound great with the controls on the amp set to 12 o'clock. Buy the right amp and you probably won't need the EQ. Very bad sounding rooms can throw a spanner in the works, but usually the master volume is usually the only control I use. IMO if you regularly have to take big swings at the EQ to get a sound you like, you bought the wrong amp.

Aah!

I put my basses back in the gigbags when they're not being played.

Says it all.

I'm suffering the same problem with a couple of lightweight basses that weren't expensive, look nice and play well, but are not quite there with the sound. I'm getting the same hollow clonk instead of a full blooded tone. Do I cut my losses and sell or do I spend more than the basses cost on high end replacement pickups and preamps, and still end up with a bass that doesn't sound right. I'm reluctant to throw cash at a problem with no certainty of the outcome. I'm thinking I should sell. IMO the Bart Mk1's do not sound good enough on any bass I've played.

Nice one.

One of the greats. Listen to any Stax record and there's a 99% chance it's him on bass.

Play with other musicians. Get more experience, improve in leaps and bounds.

Some fabulous New Orleans musicians. . . . . . .

Where does your age come into this? Your "limits" are self imposed. Stop that!! Push those limits every time you pick up a musical instrument. You're not spectacular? Very few of us are. Just put more effort into being the most "spectacular" you can be.

Learn to play your favorite numbers and the ones that interest you. That's the best place to start.

Many years ago we had a drummer who was about the join the band when he dropped a bomb-shell, he'd do the gigs but wanted to dep out the rehearsals!! He didn't join the band.

A giant in his field. Even so, I didn't like the way he shoehorned strings and choral arrangements into everything.

150 watt guitar amp? I'm getting killed in my loudest band with a guitarist using 35 watts! My usual rig is 700watt amp and 2 x 112 cabs, Aguilar and Barerfaced. Light, loud and the best sound I've had so far. My trolley gets no use these days.

I spent awhile in a band where the singer was a trained chorister. He sang every song in the original without any effort. If singers practiced as much as the rest of us they would be far more flexible than they are.

My 1968 Fender Precision, bought new by me in March 1969, seriously modded in 1986 and finally put in its case in 1996 when I switched to 5 string basses.

Choose one and if you don't like it send it back and get the other one.