Rumble Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 (edited) For the past x-teen years I've been playing 5 string basses with the odd 6 string thrown in here and there, but recently I've acquired a 4 string jazz and I have to say that I really like what it's done for my playing. I actually expected to struggle with adapting back to 4 strings after so long, but it oddly seems to provide more space for my fingers to move in. I don't know whether it's anything to do with scale length or what, but it just feels somehow .... easier. It also seem to change the way I phrase my playing. Has anyone else ever noticed this? The sour taste in the mouth is that I've also just acquired probably the best 5 string bass I've ever had (Overwater). Aaarrrggghh!! Edited March 1, 2011 by Rumble Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blademan_98 Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I have only recently bought a 5 string. I practice on that first, then pick up the 4 string. It seems tiny compared and I feel more fluent! Love them both but find the 5 string gives me more scope. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomBassmonkey Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 4 strings generally have wider string spacing which probably accounts for the feeling of more space. I tend to play the same on both, just with an extra string on the 5. Slap would probably be easier for me and my fat fingers on a 4 but I use the B a hell of a lot so it's not really an option. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble Posted March 1, 2011 Author Share Posted March 1, 2011 I know what you mean about the string spacing, but they are both the same. I think it's more a case of not having the 5th string knocking around in my visual field saying 'do something with me now'! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chrismuzz Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 I tend to use the B string as a giant thumb rest when I'm not playing it Having more strings does feel a bit more cramped though, and obviously the neck is wider which would make it feel different to play, whether thats a good or a bad thing. Then again it could just be psychological if it's not due to the string spacing, but that doesn't mean it's silly! Also if I'm playing sloppily one day i'm a lot more likely to hit the other strings on a 6 than i am on a 4. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geoffbyrne Posted March 1, 2011 Share Posted March 1, 2011 .........what's a 4-string? Uh? Uh? G. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icastle Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I switch between 4, 5 and 6 as required. I really don't notice the switch between 4 and 5 but the 6 has a significantly wider neck that forces me to concentrate a little more on what I'm doing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Musicman20 Posted March 2, 2011 Share Posted March 2, 2011 I think 4 and 5 string basses sound TOTALLY different. I realise all basses sound different even if they are the same model, but the E sounds totally different on a 5 string (comparing my Rays). Totally different feel. Its like having TWO different instruments...and being able to play different 4 and 5 (or more) basses is quite fun and develops your playing. Switching between them, and being able to, is helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rumble Posted March 2, 2011 Author Share Posted March 2, 2011 So do you think it's the tone of a bass that influences the way it's played then? I've noticed in the past that I'll play the same song quite differently using a P bass than how I'd play it with something more modern. Am I the exception rather than the rule?! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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