Nick Barnes Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 How many strings are really neccesary? I had a 4-string, but sold it so I could get a 5- string, but am also looking into a six. I've also had the privilige of playing a Conkllin 7-string. Thats out of my price range, though. But I still can't decide if I should go 4, 5, or 6. I play everything from emo to death metal so I use a full range of notes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornbread_medhotmail.com Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 For me, 4 strings is all I need. I see no need in any more, as 4 can get confusing enough. Playing emo and death metal on a 6, however, would look rather odd and may be hard to play. Your results may vary. You may find that 7,8,9, etc isn't enough. In that case, might I suggest the Chapman Stick? Play whatever you want to play. That's why there are so many different options. I can do everything I want on my 4. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill C from Nashvegas Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Ah, the old "how many strings do I need" question. Answer: at least one. (But should it be nickel, or stainless? Flatwound or roundwound?) My own preference now is a 5. I don't play a low B very often, but several times a night I'll hit a low D, and the Eb is very convenient. But for me the biggest advantage of the 5 is the ability to play up in a higher position--for example, an F on the 6th fret instead of the 1st. But this is a personal preference question. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_dont_fret Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Dood are you right about that upper-register playin', Bill C. I looove it, man, I play my bass like it's a g***ar sometimes, with overdrive, of course. As for me, I like 4 strings just as much as I like 6 strings. I have a fretless four (which brings up another question) and a fretted 5. I do enjoy 6 strings when I can find one with a neck small enough for me to play. I have really no use for anything lower than a B, as I really wouldn't hear it too well. I like em all, really. It's all good, ya know? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeremy c Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I have 47 strings on 8 basses and 2 guitars. It's not enough. I need more more more more. Free download of my cd!. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_dont_fret Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Wow, you've got some major problems, JeremyC, you should seek counseling, really. Charter, anyone? I was born at a Lakeside, in New Orleans (it was near a lake, but i don't tell people this, I just let them ponder). Anywho, what was the topic, oh yeah. You know what I said. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adamixoye Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 6, man...6. What you need/want is up to you. Don't let anyone tell you that one is inherently better (especially the "only-4" crowd ), because they all have their purpose, they're just different. Except 6, because 6 is the best. I believe that is the greatest reply I\'ve ever read! I\'m not even joking. -- justinruins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BNC Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Not that my opinion is correct for anyone else, but I prefer 4's. I started on 5 and found that for me, the B got in the way more than it got used, but hey, just get what feels best. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I've got a fretless 4 and fretted 6. I love them both. I need them both. Well... I need a fretted 4 too... And a 5. Maybe an 8! Wow... here I go being no help again. "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
groucho Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 The whole reason I got the Kubicki Ex Factor was to "have it both ways" I have 3 "4's" and an "8" I tried the "5" but like BNC said I found the "B" more in the way a help - with the Factor you get that super handy "Eb" and "D" and still have the thin neck and comfort of the "4"! if it ain't broke don't fix it... unless you need the overtime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornbread_medhotmail.com Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Adding to what I posted earlier, when standard tuning doesn't cut it, I will whip out alternate tunings in a heartbeat. No matter what tuning I'm in, I have no problem finding the right notes on my 4. When I had my 5, I was lost. My hands couldn't communicate with each other. I had to "think" about what I was playing. On my 4, I just feel it. But, that's me. I played for 12 years on a 4 before I played a 5. Maybe if I played a 5 for 12 years, it would feel like a natural extension of my hands like my 4. I'm too lazy to go through that learning curve again. I'm not anti-"more strings" by any means. I definitely see their advatnages. I have just been able to adapt, to "grow gills", if you will. I'm envious, Jeremy C. 47 strings and need more. It's kinda like crack. Once you start, you're addicted for life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveC Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I have settled (for now anyway) on 2 basses. One Modulus Q5 fretted and one Modulus Q5 fretless. I think I can play just about anything I need to between these basses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Bear Jew Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 OH, so now you guys need strings to play bass? You guys are SO elitest. I just hit my pick-ups with spoon and run it though and octave pedal and a harmonizer. I'm better than you all. Screw the strings, you fascists. Fer cryin out loud... you need as many strings as you wanna have. Whatever does the job. \m/ Erik "To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy's resistance without fighting." --Sun Tzu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Christopher Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 The answer is five. Less may cost you gigs. More is gravy (and may also cost you gigs). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr M Pulsive Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Four strings with a Hipshot Extender works for me... may not for you. Try all the combinations.... twice. -Mike ...simply stating. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Originally posted by Mr M Pulsive: Four strings with a Hipshot Extender works for me... may not for you. Try all the combinations.... twice. -MikeWhat about the Hipshot? I've heard about it, but have neither seen nor played it. How does it work? Does it actually stay in tune? "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davebrownbass Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I've found it's not the string count that matters. I got up to over 100...huh. What I think makes the difference is the longness and thickness of them... That's what I'm goin' for. Ever go up to a guy wire for a telephone pole and pluck it....serious groovin' there. Now if I could just get it in the back of my KIA. "Let's raise the level of this conversation" -- Jeremy Cohen, in the Picasso Thread. Still spendin' that political capital far faster than I can earn it...stretched way out on a limb here and looking for a better interest rate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob Gollihur Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Originally posted by BassGuy21: Originally posted by Mr M Pulsive: Four strings with a Hipshot Extender works for me... may not for you. Try all the combinations.... twice. -MikeWhat about the Hipshot? I've heard about it, but have neither seen nor played it. How does it work? Does it actually stay in tune?See photos: http://www.hipshotproducts.com/xtenders.htm The lever flips out, which rotates the entire tuning mechanism: the string post, gear, tuner shaft, and ear. The small knurled bolt you see is turned to adjust the amount of movement, and is held in place by the pressure of a spring around the shaft. You interactively tune both the E and D (or other note to which you detune), adjusting the main tuner and knurled bolt so that both are in tune. I have one on my Gibson Leland Sklar bass and it is very effective and easy to use. My .02 on "how many strings?" start with four or five and decide your path from there. You can ignore the fifth string, when you first get started, if you want. 1000 Upright Bass Links, Luthier Directory, Teacher Directory - http://www.gollihurmusic.com/links.cfm [highlight] - Life is too short for bad tone - [/highlight] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jason Hoyt Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 I started on a 5'er, and now I'm really starting to get into 4 stringer's... I bought a Yamaha TRB-JP6 (John Pattituci signature)last year, because I thought it was a step up. I found out that alot of people don't want to play with a bassist who has 6 strings, and the people who DO want to, are usually playing "progressive" stuff... Since I bought my 4-banger, it has made playing a bit more challenging, creative, and it doesn't seem to scare off too many rockers... However, I still like having my Stingray5, and my custom 5'er nearby... Different strokes for different pokes... Now if I could only afford that Upright.... But should I get a 4 or 5? High C or low B? "Suppose you were an idiot ... And suppose you were a member of Congress ... But I repeat myself." -Mark Twain http://artists.mp3s.com/artists/63/condition_1.html (my old band) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewstermaniac Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 If your having trouble deciding on a 4 or 5 string bass, just get a 4.5. Its the politically correct thing to do. Check out my work in progress. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick Barnes Posted November 27, 2002 Author Share Posted November 27, 2002 I think i'll get a 4 and a five. I have a wonderful plan with one of those s**ty rogues (they don't deserve capitals!). I'm going to chop of the sides of the body and put a battleaxe blade on the lower part. Sure i wont have a right thigh anymore, but wont it look cool? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornbread_medhotmail.com Posted November 27, 2002 Share Posted November 27, 2002 Or you could get a Gene Simmons Axe bass and save your thigh. It even has blood on the blade! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Banta Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 IMO, 4 is all you actually need to play BASS. 5 is even better (the low B adds more bass range,) but anything beyond that gets up into a higher register that is better covered by other instruments. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
patrick_dont_fret Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Originally posted by Banta: IMO, 4 is all you actually need to play BASS. 5 is even better (the low B adds more bass range,) but anything beyond that gets up into a higher register that is better covered by other instruments.I have to disagree. You really only NEED one string to play the bass. It just helps to have more, since you can cover more notes in a shorter amount of time, but one is all that is physically needed to play a bass (cough [washtub bass] cough). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cup Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Can I chime in ? No ? Well I will anyway !! I'm afraid I'm one of the "any more than four and you'll lose an eye" brigade. I've only ever played fives in shops and usually for a very short time, then embarressment kicks in. The string spacing really causes bother...and that big fat one on top of my normal big fat one shakes my fillings out. If I was to bring a 5 up to rehearsal my band would crack up..laughing. I might even get accused of wanting to be a musician Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shex Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 if you're playing emo to metal, i don't relaly think you need a 6. maybe not even a five. i play almost all metal, and i just tune down my four string... for these styles you don't relaly need to get up real high, and if you do, you can always ride up the frets... ps: do you play metal with pick or fingers? - roses on your breath but graveyards on your soul - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Addix Metzatricity Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Originally posted by patrick_dont_fret: [You really only NEED one string to play the bass.Of course! Just look at Motley Crue... "Bass isn't just for breakfast anymore..." http://www.mp3.com/Addix_Metzatricity Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cornbread_medhotmail.com Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 Originally posted by BassGuy21: Originally posted by patrick_dont_fret: [You really only NEED one string to play the bass.Of course! Just look at Motley Crue...You mean they actually played their guitars? OK, for real now, I've been trying to get my 5 back that I traded for my Stingray. I really hate that I'm going to have to buy it twice. I would love to grab a Lakland, but I'm too honest to rob a bank. That Fender had an amazing tone. I already know what my problem will be. I will get too frustrated playing the five, and, since I won't get rid of my 'Ray, I'll turn to Ol' Faithful when times is tough, and I won't give it a chance and I'll end up trading it again. I really need to work on my will-power. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
doc taz Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 If you play in a trio, I imagine a 6 could come in handy. At least for me it would, for I could tap doublestops along with the main bass line, while the guitar player solos. Detuning is fine, but in some situations, it's limiting. Steve DiGiorgio uses his 5 strings tuned like this (ex.; he may adjust this depending on the music): D A D G C, low to high. I'm lucky enough at the moment to use just four strings, but now that we have a keyboardist, I'll definitely have to get a 5 or 6 soon. He uses three keyboards, so I can't expect him to pump out the low end all the time. Also, some of the songs we play now really would sound better with a 5 or 6 string. Substitutions can only do so much. sevenstring.org profile my flickr page Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wally Malone Posted November 28, 2002 Share Posted November 28, 2002 I don't have nearly as many strings as Jeremy, only 14 but use them all on a regular basis. Lately I've been playing a lot of jazz gigs with small units, duo and trio gigs, where I get to play a lot of melodies and solos and really enjoy using the six. As discussed on another thread I've started working in the URB as well. For r&b and funk gigs my Kubicki gets the call. It's great having choices. Wally I have basses to play, places to be and good music to make! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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