BobTheBassist Posted November 29, 2010 Author Share Posted November 29, 2010 [quote name='Low End Bee' post='1041109' date='Nov 29 2010, 01:22 PM']4. I could probably get away with 3. I don't feel any need to go to the low B in my band. Plus I think 5 strings look pug ugly and unbalanced.[/quote] You think 5's are ugly. Take a look at this. [url="http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html"]http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html[/url] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LiamPodmore Posted November 29, 2010 Share Posted November 29, 2010 (edited) 5 String, but i'm debating going back to two 4 strings. One tuned EADG and one tuned DGCF, both with Hipshot D-Tuners. Wouldnt mean taking any more basses to gigs as i take my 5 and Ibanez tuned DGCF anyway. It'd probably be lighter as my 5 feels like it weighs more than an elephant Liam. Edited November 29, 2010 by LiamPodmore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I went from 4 strings to 6 after discovering Dream Theater. To be honest I probably don't need the high C string that much, but it DOES make it easier to play a wider range of notes without moving around too much. Lazy? Maybe! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul h Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I started with 4. Dabbled with 5. Tried 6. Toyed with 6/fretless. Gave up. Back to 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low End Bee Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 [quote name='BobTheBassist' post='1041647' date='Nov 29 2010, 09:10 PM']You think 5's are ugly. Take a look at this. [url="http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html"]http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html[/url][/quote] Vile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartelby Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I took my 5 string to our last rehearsal, I was forever playing a string too low. I took that as a sign to stick to 4 strings... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I really don't get what all the fuss is over people who play ERB's or equally over those who prefer to stick with 4 strings. Surely the tool used doesn't matter one bit, it's the music one plays that matters ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chris_b Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 [quote name='purpleblob' post='1042050' date='Nov 30 2010, 10:21 AM']....Surely the tool used doesn't matter one bit, it's the music one plays that matters ?....[/quote] Stop making sense and start arguing!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EdwardHimself Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 [quote name='purpleblob' post='1042050' date='Nov 30 2010, 10:21 AM']I really don't get what all the fuss is over people who play ERB's or equally over those who prefer to stick with 4 strings. Surely the tool used doesn't matter one bit, it's the music one plays that matters ?[/quote] Well quite. Unfortunately it's just basic human nature for many to feel superior based on not just playing a particular type of bass but any stupid insignificant thing that one might feel puts them in a particular category... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Low End Bee Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 [quote name='purpleblob' post='1042050' date='Nov 30 2010, 10:21 AM']I really don't get what all the fuss is over people who play ERB's or equally over those who prefer to stick with 4 strings. Surely the tool used doesn't matter one bit, it's the music one plays that matters ?[/quote] Don't ruin it all and bring music into the debate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Conan Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 (edited) [quote name='BobTheBassist' post='1041647' date='Nov 29 2010, 09:10 PM']You think 5's are ugly. Take a look at this. [url="http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html"]http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html[/url][/quote] Nice colour! I love the idea of "bass strings" and "treble strings"... My 4 is my main bass. Mainly because I've had it and played it for 25 years so it just feels "right" to me. I also have a five. To be fair, I have not really invested as much time as I should have in practising on it. I use it only when I "need" notes lower than Eb (my status is dropped a semi-tone anyway). That is not very often, so I still feel a little bit overwhelmed by the five string! My fault. The Cort 5 is a decent bass, but is nowhere near being in the same league as the Status 4 in terms of sounds, tone, playability, balance, etc. That is probably the main reason why I only dabble on fives. If the quality differential was the other way round (i.e. five string Status, four string Cort) then i suspect that my main axe would be a five!! I also don't understand this "string-ism" argument. Play what you like! If you feel that an instrument limits you and what you can play - it's the wrong instrument! Edited November 30, 2010 by Conan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thisnameistaken Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 [quote name='BobTheBassist' post='1041647' date='Nov 29 2010, 09:10 PM']You think 5's are ugly. Take a look at this. [url="http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html"]http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html[/url][/quote] Wow, tasteful! Some of these bass builders should hire a designer, even if he just does an hour a week briefly explaining why their basses look so gash. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
purpleblob Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 (edited) [quote name='chris_b' post='1042055' date='Nov 30 2010, 10:27 AM']Stop making sense and start arguing!!!![/quote] Ofcourse, sorry, I had a moment then where everything seemed peaceful. Okay, I'll go 5 strings tuned E-C is obviously the only way to go unless you need a thumb rest then go 6 string and add a B string for that very purpose [quote name='Low End Bee' post='1042058' date='Nov 30 2010, 10:28 AM']Don't ruin it all and bring music into the debate.[/quote] I apologise - not sure what came over me. Edited November 30, 2010 by purpleblob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aceuggy Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 Four for me, not sure I would know what to do do with five, let alone six! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarky Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 (edited) [quote name='BobTheBassist' post='1041647' date='Nov 29 2010, 09:10 PM']You think 5's are ugly. Take a look at this. [url="http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html"]http://www.alembic.com/info/fc_trip.html[/url][/quote] 5s and Alembic 5s at that can be things of beauty (doesn't change fact I am better on 4 strings, mind) [attachment=65382:Copy_of_...paFive_1.jpg] Edited November 30, 2010 by Clarky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BottomEndian Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I play 5-strings because it's easier and I'm lazy. Oh, and I've got quite short arms, so my dusty end is the opposite one from the norm. I'm so lazy that I'm tempted to get a 6 or 7 so I never have to change position, ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MacDaddy Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 started on 4, went up to 6, came down to 5, and now happily on 4 but with an extra 2 frets on my E string for a low D. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AttitudeCastle Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 I play a 6 but could easily get away with a 5er, I only really use the high C for harmonics (i love harmonics, use them all over the neck across all the strings, i'm not just trying to get as high as possible!) and to add extra texture to chords nathan East is a good example of playing something with more than 4 strings, like has been said how ever many strings is needed for the job! and that when your a session lad, can be more than 4 I'm certianly flirting with 7 and maybe an 8 string (single not doubled ) more harmonics + the Low F# is epic sounding, though an amp that can pump out something at 22/23Hz is rather expensive! haha Not meaning that as an insult, but i play in the low end of an orchestra too (Bass trombone/Tuba) and it was wierd playing an instrument lower than my bass when i play the metal stuff i do! But many bands have had 4s and sounded better/worse than us so its all to do with what the player feels best with no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikebass84 Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 5 for the majority of my time as a bass player. I have played a few 6ers and really liked it but the bank account says no to getting one atm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Truckstop Posted November 30, 2010 Share Posted November 30, 2010 6ers 'til I die! Yamaha tuned standard BEADGC Washburn tuned ADADGB Truckstop Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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