i play guitar, but i am wanting a bass for Christmas, i want this bass, http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Peavey-Millennium-BXP-5String-Bass-Guitar?sku=511370 , its a nice looking bass, but idk to get a 4 string or a 5 string, and i just want a nice practice bass thats it, just to play with

I'll say 4 but I'll be in the minority here.

By the way and for what it's worth, I think Peavey basses are a lot of bang for the buck.

I vote for a 4 string. Later, if you want to pursue the bass further, you can add a 5 string. I own both but I really enjoy the 4 string the most.

Do the bass players you like to listen to play 4 or 5 string basses? That information might help you make your decision.

p.s. I have both kinds and my 5 string bass is a PRS.

I have been playing for a while and I continuously debate this question. I have a 4 and a 5. My 5 was my go to bass for a long time. My 4 is a "better" bass so I have been playing it a lot lately to see if I really NEED 5 strings.

NEED is the debate. For most of my playing 4 strings are plenty. Then there are about 3 tunes a night that a low B would be "nice" and "appropriate" to have, but not necessary.

Of course, there are many times where taking something down just sounds good or changes things up. If not over-done this works. This is where I struggle. I have been playing my 4 exclusively for a few weeks and while I an used to it, there are plenty of times where I miss my B string - especially at church.

I guess I'm fortunate to have both, but I'd really like to have just one bass to do all my gigs with.

I know that wasn't much help, but at least you know that people who have played for years can also struggle with the decision.

Obviously, from your post above, your 5 can cover everything, whereas your 4 doesn't quite.

G.

Depends on how much slap playing you do. Nothing equates to a 4 for slapability, and if you are a minimal or non-slapper, then it is hard to argue with the versatility of a 5.

98% of the world's great bass lines were played on 4's, and that is what I use. I have a Hipshot Xtender and a Boss OC-3 to help me go deeper on those "nice" occasions.

Get a 4 string.

Yeah, I guess I just need to trade my 4 string Sadowsky for a 5'er.

I go along with Jeremy. If you need or want to replicate the sound of an instrument, get that instrument or something like it. Fivers give you more range, fours are easier to get used to is you're used to playing a guitar with an E as the string closest to your chin.

I disagree.


Part of that is because most of what we currently consider "the world's greatest bass lines" were played before 5-strings were common.

I'd say go with the 4. Might be a bit easier to trasition from guitar. Then again, maybe having the 5 will make you think differently and challenge you more.

Or get a six string. Tune is B E A D F# B and there you have it.

Not really recommended for a beginner.

Jeremy aren't those normally tuned B E A D G C or are you kind of simulating guitar tuning only starting with B?
I was a guitar player and started out on a short scale 4 string bass. It was easy to get used to. Now I use a 5 string which is pretty versatile but that low B might throw you off at first. Also the necks are a tad wider which will also be a little more difficult for a beginner. I recommend a 4 string first then eventually get a five if you like.

Yes.

Peace.
--SW

No.

Peace.
--SW

Yes.

Peace.
--SW

Yes.

Peace.
--SW

Yes.

Peace.
--SW

Maybe.

Peace.
--SW

I was simulating guitar tuning to lower the learning curve for someone switching from guitar.

Thank you Dr. Sweet "Post Count" Willie.

Yeah, I thought so. I'm a little slow in the uptake today.

You will also find many bassist that "Love" a Jazz bass for it's slim, trim, lean, small, FAST neck. Then they will tell you they prefer a 5 string. Go figure?????
Rocky

5 for speed. I rarely touch B when playing popular music, but I love to hammer out the bottom end.

The one bad thing about a 5 string is you don't have to move around the neck as much which is maybe not such a good thing. With everything pretty much in one spot you don't have the tendency to explore the neck as much as with a 4. At least I haven't. I think that's one of the reasons why I recently bought a 4 string. To get out of my comfort zone.

I've been playing a 4 lately and this was one of the reasons.

I switched to 5-string about 6 years ago, and the main trouble I have when I try to play a 4-string now is that the strings are spaced too far apart. My hand is so used to the closer spacing of the 5-string that the wider spaced 4-string is awkward. I also love playing in F Major starting on B6, thereby avoiding the open A string from playing F Major on E1.

I've noticed that also when switching from a 5 to a 4. It throws my timing off just a little as I have to reach farther for the string and it takes me a bit to get used to that.

Just get whichever bass tickles your fancy, and if need be trade it in later or sell it. It's not a science, it's a tool. I went from 4 to 5 to 6 and back to 5, and the WAV is a 4. No biggie (usually).

Oh and if anyone even thinks of replying with "you're a tool" ...

...and also that Ibanez necks are too small as well.

On the topic though...I haven't owned a five yet but why not give it a try? I've actually been considering a six in the spirit of Billy Sheehan in that if I'm gonna make it more complicated then I might as well jump in with both feet. Only thing though is that reaching the B with my pinky is a challenge.