Thinking about a new 5 or 6 string bass...

[Jarrett]

I've got a very light 4 string bass with EMG J pickups in it that I like a lot. Here is a fuzzy pic of it, its the one on the left.

http://www.plaidfaction.com/images/Gear/100_0580.jpg

I really like the weight and tone of this thing compared to my Warwick. It's very punchy bright and clear. Very piano like with SS strings. I'm kicking around the idea of getting a 5 or 6 string bass that has similar qualities. Light and similar tonally. I like basses with a bare wood feel and fast playability as I vary my technique a lot during play. Meaning finger pick, slap, tap, strum, etc. I've been out of the new bass market for a while, do y'all have any recommendations? Thanks.

[bassrules]

I have a Warwick Corvette Double $$ 5 string, Brand New,
Natural Swamp Ash, comes with gigbag, extra strings, 20' cable,
Tuner, and...........a Warwick Take 12 Combo amp w/1-12' and Horn.

$1,050.00 shipped and insured!!!

Allen
www.musicgearwarehouse.com (http://www.musicgearwarehouse.com)

sales@musicgearwarehouse.com

1-866-448-3098

[FFTT]

Unless you are absolutely heart set on buying another bass, you
can do what I did with my '79 custom shop Schecter.

I simply purchased a 5 string set of strings and used the low
4 strings, very gently widened the normal low E nut with an ignition file, adjusted the bridge, set the intonation and ta dah, the lows of a 5 string without the extra neck width.

[ghoti]

If you don't know how you'd like a 5 or 6, try one in a music store if you can. If you still don't know, order something from Rondomusic or Musician's Friend that's cheap and you can kick around with.

If weight is your primary concern, you probably want Basswood or Swamp Ash in the body.
_______

It's totally up to you; your own ears should tell you what you like when you find it.

[2 Loud 4 You]

Moving from 4 to 6 may be a bit much if you're not ready for it. I play a 6 and I'm not even comfortable on a 4 anymore. I say try a 5 1st BUT if you play a 6 and are comfortable then what the hey.

[ghoti]

Moving from 4 to 6 may be a bit much if you're not ready for it. I play a 6 and I'm not even comfortable on a 4 anymore. I say try a 5 1st BUT if you play a 6 and are comfortable then what the hey.

6'ers were the most comfortable (to me) basses I ever played. I moved there straight from 4's. And, like you, I'm not that comfortable anymore on a 4. Try it a few times if you can...you might not like it simply because the bass you try isn't too great (happened to me once or twice) or you might not like it because you like a thinner neck (a lot of great players past and present use only 4's)

[Bassomatic]

Beyond 5, I have no interest, but that's me.

I think Tony Levin had the right idea with the 3 string bass he had Ernie Ball make him.;)

[FFTT]

Beyond 5, I have no interest, but that's me.

I think Tony Levin had the right idea with the 3 string bass he had Ernie Ball make him.;)

For me bass is all about holding the bottom together in the rhythm section.

This is why I opted for changing my Schecter over to the low 4 strings
of a 5 string set.

It also only cost me the price of the strings and some time on intonation work.

[Bassomatic]

I may just do the same at some point.

For me bass is all about holding the bottom together in the rhythm section.

This is why I opted for changing my Schecter over to the low 4 strings
of a 5 string set.

It also only cost me the price of the strings and some time on intonation work.

[ghoti]

I don't think I'd do that. A 5 or 6 will give you as much bottom end, and then you have more space to either solo or simply have an easier time with some moving passages.

It's all about holding down the bottom end...but it's not always JUST about that...

[Bassomatic]

For the moment, I can say what I need to say with 4 strings. I've had lots of 5s, and will again. I do prefer the ergonomics of a 4, though.

As far as "moving passages" - if you mean changing positions, that's not a problem for most decent players, indeed it's a big part of playing the bass, no? As far as soloing, 4 or 5 strings is plenty here.

[FFTT]

Agreed, I can cover plenty of grace notes to compliment the tune
without letting the bottom drop out.

After 40 years you learn less is more.

[tkozal]

I am findinng that certain riffs I need to play in the band I am in would be a lot easier if I had a low "B". I dug out my sixer, but I don't need the high C. Spent sometime yesterday looking at 5's. (My Carvin fiver is tuned E-C, and staying that way for now)

In NYC, all the StingRays were horrible dull colors. Then Warwicks, and not much else (I'm looking north of a grand).

So I am waiting to look at the new Fenders, or buy a StingRay from Bass Central. I don't want to spend the money on like a MTD (though I'm jonesing), because its for bars in Brooklyn...

[FFTT]

My Custom Shop Schecter is tuned B-E-A-D

I've played 5's too and never liked the neck width or the extra weight.

Also many 5's are neck heavy so you're working harder just keeping
the bass at a comfortable playing position.

[tkozal]

I have no issues with a Five neck, Six necks are just a little too much I would rather get a Five than change a Four to a fourth lower.....

I used to feel that if I was 100% of ability on a 4, it would be 95% on a 5, but drop to 88-90% on a 6, due to the width of the board...I'm talking agility, switching positions, etc...

[ghoti]

My glove size is XXL, and my dress shirts are 37" sleeve length. Sixers were the most comfortable bass I ever played.

Changing positions isn't that big a deal, but with more strings you don't always have to...which can mean you can go faster, easier...or you can be lazy :p

All I know is that nowadays, I'm more comfortable on at least 5. Never played 7 so I'm not sure what that's like really, but 6 feels and sounds good to me, so that's what I do.

[2 Loud 4 You]

I actually have a friend who plays an 8 string. I haven't picked it up but I have played a 7 and it didn't feel comfortable. Just give me a 6 and life's good. Unlike ghoti, I'm not a big guy, my glove size is medium. People are amazed I can play my bass but I have no prolems. A lot of people feel like the bassist should just be the lowend guy and stay there but I like to move. I can guarantee many of my past basslines have enhanced a song much further than plodding the root. Some guys are root guys though, more power to them BUT that definitely is NOT me. One more reason why a 6 is my weapon of choice.

[Tubevalvemaniac]

Pre 1998 Warwick Thumb 5 neck through with upgraded Bartolini/Aguilar PUs/electronics and finding right strings for the style is absolutely killer for modern rock, pop and many other styles. More money can't buy much more bass than this offers. Used go for around 1800-2000 what is worth every penny.

[woodsideh]

Unless you are absolutely heart set on buying another bass, you
can do what I did with my '79 custom shop Schecter.

I simply purchased a 5 string set of strings and used the low
4 strings, very gently widened the normal low E nut with an ignition file, adjusted the bridge, set the intonation and ta dah, the lows of a 5 string without the extra neck width.

I did the same with my Jazz bass just to see how it would work. Surprisingly it takes very little getting used to. I have always played 4 string basses and have a couple of 5's but just can't get completely comfortable with them. I would try changing the strings as suggested at least for a try before I bought another bass.