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vs. 5-string": [stuff deleted] >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string) >Notes on the B sound bigger and fatter i.e. play a low A on your E >string and than play an open A….hear the difference. If your B >string is not tight though all the notes will sound muddy. >Steve
Question to Steve: what do you mean by: "if your B string is not TIGHT"? Enhlish is not my natural language, maybe that is why I don’t understand. Do you mean that the tension has to be high? In that case you need a heavy (thus thick) string to get low notes. Or do you mean something else? I am very eager to know, because I think my B-string lacks the high frequencies. I always assumed that this was inevitable due to physical constraints, namely that the extra thickness of the string in relation to its length makes it less flexible, reducing its ability to produce harmonics (it’s less flexible). What could I do to improve its sound? My bass is a Ibanez Roadstar II series (with active electronics inside). The strings I use are the GHS ‘Bass Boomers’ DYB 40, 55, 75, 95 (a 4-string set), to which I added the DYB 110 for the low B. — Jan Edixhoven Den Haag, The Netherlands
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I’ve been playing a 5 string for about 7 months……and as far as i’m concerned, there’s no looking back. You can play with the groove without too much effert. You’ve got to live with one for a while before you can really decide. During the first week after buying the 5 string, i was gotta have. Do yourself a favor and save some money, do not pick up an Alembic unless you are in the market to buy a new bass……if you do, you’ll be in the market. (kinda get the idea i *REALLY* like Alembics?) Frank Morales Bad Dog ps You wouldn’t believe what the 5 string did for our originals
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Here I wrote a buncha crap… > Every 5 I’ve ever played sounded bad on the low B string. Some sound > better than others but they all sound quite mushy. I like the growly > sound of a Jazz bass and that is missing on those 5 precious low > notes. > – Keith –
5 notes? If you have a Hipshot Xtender key…that would be 3 notes, not 5…I like my Hipshot…blahblahblah |/|arcus… When a man lies he murders Some part of the world These are the pale deaths which Men miscall their lives All this I cannot bear To witness any longer Cannot the kingdom of salvation Take me home ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )
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A lot of good insight has been posted here on this issue, but i’ll add a few random comments … 1. A low B string also gives you more options of where on the neck to play a part. I’ve found that playing a part down one string and up five frets is very useful for getting a short-scale bass sound. Great for getting a thumpier sound for early Beatles and such. 2. One of my favorite uses of the B string is to end a descending run on E on the B string — and then slide down off it (unexpected for ears that are used to a 4-string bass). 3. Yes, the B string is much more of an issue to keep muted. Being closer to your body’s vibrations it has much more of a tendency to vibrate on its own that the other strings. 4. Once you get used to a 5-string, going back to a 4-string feels like playing a guitar with a broken string. 5. Speaking for myself, i had little trouble adapting from the 4-string to the 5-string. Focus on the A string and where the other strings are in relation to it, rather than what the top or bottom string is. 6. At this evening’s rehearsal with the band i actually found that even the open low B string can be wonderfully musically useful — doubled up a octave it sounds very deep yet clear. Well, i warned you that these were random thoughts …. – Jim
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>> Can anyone remember when the first five string electric was made, and by > whom? > Somewhere in the mid-60s Fender made the Bass V, a 5-string bass > that was meant to have a high C, not a low B, if I remember right. > The strings were way too close together, though maybe Matt would > have liked it. It went nowhere; an idea before it’s time.
– Speaking of tight string spacings, there were conversions in the mid to late ’80s where you would switch the nut and the bridge, and slap on 5 strings. I remember those…whoah that was tight. Lawrence Wu
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in > this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve > Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string > (to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? > Because you get the extra notes. More bass is good, right? > If you look, you will find plenty of great players playing the 5, and 6. > Marcus Miller, John Patitucci, Abraham Laboriel, Jeff Andrews, Nathan > East etc.etc…. > Frode Berg > — > http://www.sn.no/~fberg
This argument is really utterly pointless. It makes the mistaken assumption that because a bassist is associated (I’d say in this group, seen in a magazine holding) with an instrument having a particular number of strings that he is no longer a "bassist", per se, but a "n-string bassist" specifically. The gentlemen mentioned above play bass, simply. Talking about this kind of trivial difference is rather like discussing a master painter in terms of what kind of paint he’s using, or who’s brushes he’s buying. It is likely that the people having the discussion care a lot more about it than the artist himself. — R. Andrew Bailey, Jaded MU Computer Center, Systems Division http://www.marshall.edu/~bailey9/ (304)696-3222, Fax: (304)696-3601
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> >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible. > Well, I think a lot depends on how recently he bought the 5 string. > If the 5-string was a recent purchase he probably won’t have re-arranged > the songs to make use of it, especially if the bass-lines were a > distinctive part of the song (I honestly haven’t heard enough Metallica > to know if this is the case). If he continues to not use the ‘B’ string > in new songs then maybe one can wonder if it is a status thing.
I think that had it really early…the earliest pic I saw was with a 5 |/|arcus… When a man lies he murders Some part of the world These are the pale deaths which Men miscall their lives All this I cannot bear To witness any longer Cannot the kingdom of salvation Take me home ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )
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I think that there are no hard-and-fast rules whether a 5-string is better or worse. I tried 5-strings that felt _really_ awful for me (e.g. the Stringray 5), and then there were 5-strings where I hardly noticed that there was an extra string, e.g. the Yamaha Nathan East model or basses from LeFay or Human Bass. IMHO, the only possibility is trying as many 5-strings as possible until you find one which is suitable. Christoph
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I believe the first five string bass was a Danelectro in the late 70s. It wasn’t very good at all by anystandards.
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> Can anyone remember when the first five string electric was made, and by > whom?
Somewhere in the mid-60s Fender made the Bass V, a 5-string bass that was meant to have a high C, not a low B, if I remember right. The strings were way too close together, though maybe Matt would have liked it. It went nowhere; an idea before it’s time. —Michael… My opinions are mine only, though they SHOULD be everyone’s!
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Hello… I know that this is getting kinda old, but for the time I have been a part of this newsgroup, I have never seen this thread being fully explored. Anyways, like the subject line says, I’m looking into getting a 5, but I am very curious about those 3 extra notes (I use a Hipshot Xtender) on the bass (C#, C, B). How often do you use those low notes? If you play on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come through on the mix? I am also wondering how the B string affects the movement os the freting hand. I mean, you can obviously attain more notes in one given position, but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing? How about soloing? How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a different string) How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible. I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string (to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? Any additional info would be great! 
|/|arcus… When a man lies he murders Some part of the world These are the pale deaths which Men miscall their lives All this I cannot bear To witness any longer Cannot the kingdom of salvation Take me home ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )
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>Hello…
How often do you use those low notes? If you play >on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come >through on the mix?
How the low notes sound in either live or studio situations depends on many things including a) quality of instrument b) quality of gear c)quality of player d) quality of sound man…..most of all it depends on you since a good player can make a bad instrument sound good while a bad player can make anything sound bad….except for maybe an american made Spector:) >but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing? How >about soloing?
With a 5 you can defintatly stay in a closed postion longer so if this is your style, it makes it much easier. This holds true whether you are soloing or just layin it down. >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string)
Notes on the B sound bigger and fatter i.e. play a low A on your E string and than play an open A….hear the difference. If your B string is not tight though all the notes will sound muddy. >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible.
Actually Jason used a 5 string (a Spector I think) quite a bit for Metallica, but I can’t remeber any tunes right off hand. There are definatly some notes in there below E though. >I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in >this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve >Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string >(to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today?
One of the big reasons it has become popular in my opinion is due to the increase of synths. Peoples ears got used to hearing those lower notes due to all the synth bass parts. If you wanted to cover those tunes, or you liked what you heard, you got a 5. Plus with all the incredible musicans out there with all that creative energy, they are bound to want to try something new. >|/|arcus… > When a man lies he murders > Some part of the world > These are the pale deaths which > Men miscall their lives > All this I cannot bear > To witness any longer > Cannot the kingdom of salvation > Take me home > ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )
The rain auditions at my window, its symphony echoes through my womb, My gaze scans the walls of this apartment to rectify the confines of my tomb ( Derek Dick) Hell it’s raining here in Seattle so I though it fit Steve
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> I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in > this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve > Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string > (to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today?
Because you get the extra notes. More bass is good, right? If you look, you will find plenty of great players playing the 5, and 6. Marcus Miller, John Patitucci, Abraham Laboriel, Jeff Andrews, Nathan East etc.etc…. Frode Berg — http://www.sn.no/~fberg
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello… >I know that this is getting kinda old, but for the time I have been a >part of this newsgroup, I have never seen this thread being fully explored. >Anyways, like the subject line says, I’m looking into getting a 5, but I >am very curious about those 3 extra notes (I use a Hipshot Xtender) on >the bass (C#, C, B). How often do you use those low notes? If you play >on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come >through on the mix? >I am also wondering how the B string affects the movement os the freting >hand. I mean, you can obviously attain more notes in one given position, >but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing? How >about soloing? >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string) >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible. >I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in >this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve >Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string >(to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? >Any additional info would be great! >|/|arcus… > When a man lies he murders > Some part of the world > These are the pale deaths which > Men miscall their lives > All this I cannot bear > To witness any longer > Cannot the kingdom of salvation > Take me home > ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )
I like the questions you have rgarding he usefulness of the 5th string. I too have considered the purchase of a new 5 string and have the same concerns. I have played a few and like the sound and the increased range but … am a bit concerned about the time it will take to get used to the new placement of notes. I am planing to get one but I will take my time, until I find one i just gotta’ have. later Matt
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: > : : > I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in : > this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve : > Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string : > (to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? : > : : Because you get the extra notes. More bass is good, right? : If you look, you will find plenty of great players playing the 5, and 6. : Marcus Miller, John Patitucci, Abraham Laboriel, Jeff Andrews, Nathan : East etc.etc…. : : Frode Berg : — : http://www.sn.no/~fberg In my own humble opinion, I don’t see the point. my limited experience on 5 just left me with a sore left hand…i found the neck (it was some Yamaha model) very uncomfortable…as for my right hand, the B was just an expensive thumbrest most of the time, i justdidn’t find many occassions to reach for the notes down there..to me a Hipshot seems like far less of a financial or physical commitment (after all, it takes time to adjust to a new instrument, especially a radically different one)…a lot of people say they play them to compete with the range of a keyboard, but my solution is simply to let the keyboard play that stuff while i find a different note…like anything else, if it’s your thing, do it–just make sure you’re doing it for musical(!) reasons… Brad Shelbourn
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Any additional info would be great! > I’ve been looking at switching to a 5 for close to 10 years now. > Still haven’t done it. My reasons are quite simple. > Every 5 I’ve ever played sounded bad on the low B string. Some sound > better than others but they all sound quite mushy. I like the growly > sound of a Jazz bass and that is missing on those 5 precious low > notes. > Adding that 5th string means you have to be more careful to keep > strings from sympathetic resonances. I can play 1 string and keep the > other 3 quite. When I move to 5, there’s usually one string left > un-muted and it begins to ring! Especially a problem when thumping > and poping or soloing. > 5 Strings puts extra load on your speaker system. The low B > fundamental frequency is very close to 30 Hz. Low E is about 42 Hz. > Most PA cabs can easily handle down to 60, some as low as about 45. > Pumping lots of power at 30 Hz into a ported cab with a resonance > above about 45 Hz can blow speakers in a hurry. You need a big box > with a big speaker to get those low notes. > 5 Strings don’t balance as well as 4. The neck is usually heavier due > to the extra tuning machine. > Every time I get enamored with those extra notes, I cruise down to my > local music store and play a few. Then I remember why I don’t want > one! > – Keith –
I would agree that it’s hard to get a system to handle the 5th string. I had to add on a 18" speaker cab to get a nice round bottom on the 5th string. It’s hard to get a good B string sound. Things are getting better though. MY first 5 (when they were first out) had a bad sounding B> The ones these days are sounding better. I found that even today, that only the high end basses have a good B. I’m one of those who believe (after being skeptical for some time), that you can’t use the same woods for a 5 string as a 4. To get the same sound, you need to switch woods. To get make a 5 that has good string to string consistency, you there are some denser woods that are preferably used. I found that to be the belief of a lot of high end bass builders that I’ve talked to. As far as slapping and popping, muting an additional string has never been a problem for me. I can see your point about not being able to mute the B, but it doesn’t showup in the sound, if your articulation is clean. Even when I do digtal recording, there’s no apparent unwanted sonic artifacts that show up. About the imbalance, I think that it’s due more to the the extra wood and string, rather than the tuner itself. If the builder had compensated for the weight in the design, there shouldn’t be any problem. Unfortunately, most companies just slap an extra string, without redesigning the bass, which is also why a lot of 5 strings, well to put it plainly, they suck. I’ve played the 5 for years and years, and haven’t gone back to a 4 since I got my first one. — Lawrence Wu
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Hi: I’ve been playing a 5-string fretless (my first 5-string) for about a month. The extra string does take some getting used to, but it is definately worth the effort. Those 4 extra low notes really come in handy in more songs than you think, and the effect is great especially in minor keys. The B string also makes a handy thumb rest when not in use. For notes above the E on the B string, the B string has a thicker tone than the same note on the E or A string, but it still works quite well and means you don’t have to move your left hand as often. The only drawback I can see so far is that you can’t slap the E quite as freely, and of course the B is just one more string that has to be damped when playing other strings. But I think this is just a question of technique. I really like the 5-string, but to be honest I haven’t yet decided whether my next fretted bass will be a 4 or a 5. Hope this helps. Dave.
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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Anyways, like the subject line says, I’m looking into getting a 5, but I >am very curious about those 3 extra notes (I use a Hipshot Xtender) on >the bass (C#, C, B). How often do you use those low notes? If you play >on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come >through on the mix? >I am also wondering how the B string affects the movement os the freting >hand. I mean, you can obviously attain more notes in one given position, >but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing? How >about soloing? >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string) >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible. >I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in >this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve >Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string >(to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? >Any additional info would be great!
I’ve been looking at switching to a 5 for close to 10 years now. Still haven’t done it. My reasons are quite simple. Every 5 I’ve ever played sounded bad on the low B string. Some sound better than others but they all sound quite mushy. I like the growly sound of a Jazz bass and that is missing on those 5 precious low notes. Adding that 5th string means you have to be more careful to keep strings from sympathetic resonances. I can play 1 string and keep the other 3 quite. When I move to 5, there’s usually one string left un-muted and it begins to ring! Especially a problem when thumping and poping or soloing. 5 Strings puts extra load on your speaker system. The low B fundamental frequency is very close to 30 Hz. Low E is about 42 Hz. Most PA cabs can easily handle down to 60, some as low as about 45. Pumping lots of power at 30 Hz into a ported cab with a resonance above about 45 Hz can blow speakers in a hurry. You need a big box with a big speaker to get those low notes. 5 Strings don’t balance as well as 4. The neck is usually heavier due to the extra tuning machine. Every time I get enamored with those extra notes, I cruise down to my local music store and play a few. Then I remember why I don’t want one! – Keith –
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>5 Strings don’t balance as well as 4. The neck is usually heavier due >to the extra tuning machine.
I actually like the balance of the 5’s I’ve played better, but to each his/ her own. >Every time I get enamored with those extra notes, I cruise down to my >local music store and play a few. Then I remember why I don’t want >one!
I like 5-strings for one simple reason: closer string spacing. I don’t slap or pop, so I actually *prefer* the closer spacing to help my teeny hands work their way around the neck. Matt Ivaliotes speaking only for me
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I went to 5 strings on my "hermaphrodite" bass, something I kludged together from neck & body of 2 cheapo short-scale basses. Anyway, the 1st couple minutes playing it my fingers were lost – couldn’t tell where I was. But before long I found myself playing more like a guitarist – which is my main instrument anyway. Playing more across the neck instead of along the length. As far as "extra low notes" . . . that’s not your only option. In my case I wanted more _high_ notes too, so I split the difference – most times the lowest string is C or C# and the rest in 4ths up from there. Guitarists are always going goofy over alternate tunings; once you have 5 or 6 strings you’ve got a lot of options too. Go nuts. — “ ` ` ` ` ` university of nebraska – lincoln ` ` ` “ ` ` “ ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` grace ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` ` happens `
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>I like 5-strings for one simple reason: closer string spacing. I don’t slap >or pop, so I actually *prefer* the closer spacing to help my teeny hands work >their way around the neck.
I don’t slap or pop either, but I still like a lot of space between strings just for old-fashioned plucking. But what I really wanted to say was: huh? Even with the close string spacing the neck of my Carvin 5-string is still wider than my 4-string Yamaha. No matter which 5-string you pick, there’s got to be a 4-string with a smaller neck. BTW, I’d be willing to bet that my hands are smaller than yours. I find the full 34" scale more of a challenge to the left hand than the width of the neck of my 5-string. mps
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>>I like 5-strings for one simple reason: closer string spacing. I don’t slap >or pop, so I actually *prefer* the closer spacing to help my teeny hands work >their way around the neck. >I don’t slap or pop either, but I still like a lot of space between >strings just for old-fashioned plucking.
Oh, I didn’t make myself clear in that sentence. Lemme try again. >But what I really wanted to say was: huh? Even with the close string spacing >the neck of my Carvin 5-string is still wider than my 4-string Yamaha. No >matter which 5-string you pick, there’s got to be a 4-string with a smaller >neck.
It’s not neck width that makes it hard for me to ‘get around’, but string spacing itself. In other words, I like being able to easily go from string to string. >BTW, I’d be willing to bet that my hands are smaller than yours. I find >the full 34" scale more of a challenge to the left hand than the width >of the neck of my 5-string.
Well, it’s possible but unlikely that your hands are smaller, (I have the hand size of my 5′2" girlfriend), but again, neck width wasn’t what I meant, although I made it sound that way. I like being able to move easily from string to string, and 5-string spacing makes that easier. Matt Ivaliotes speaking only for me
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I’m working on Bach’s Two-Part Inventions and there are a few spots where I’ve said to myself, "I wish I had a five string." — Mathias PS-I *will* be getting one soon.
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>Anyways, like the subject line says, I’m looking into getting a 5, but I >am very curious about those 3 extra notes (I use a Hipshot Xtender) on >the bass (C#, C, B). How often do you use those low notes?
I use the fifth string a lot, when doing runs – especially at the low end of the neck. I use it all the way down to the B, although I probably get most use out of the C C# and D. >If you play >on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come >through on the mix?
It sounds great, lovely low deep sound. I’ve been known to de-tune the B string to B flat, real gut wrenching stuff (although a little confusing re finger positions, but no more so than using a Hipshot). I think that even if one rarely used the B or even C there would still be an advantage over a hipshot as the fingering remains logical. >I am also wondering how the B string affects the movement os the freting >hand. I mean, you can obviously attain more notes in one given position, >but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing?
It makes playing easier and tighter. >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string)
The tone changes, as happens with any other note which can be played in several positions on different strings. Choose the tone/position which sounds best for the song. >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible.
Well, I think a lot depends on how recently he bought the 5 string. If the 5-string was a recent purchase he probably won’t have re-arranged the songs to make use of it, especially if the bass-lines were a distinctive part of the song (I honestly haven’t heard enough Metallica to know if this is the case). If he continues to not use the ‘B’ string in new songs then maybe one can wonder if it is a status thing. >I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in >this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve >Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet never used a 5-string >(to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today?
I think that to be a great bassist it is necessary to have a musical ear, talent, be committed to the bass – oh and practise like fuck. Beyond a minimum of perhaps three, the number of strings is pretty much a matter of what the great bassist in question feels they need for the music they play. For most of the people you cite above they had become great bassists (and possibly even dead bassists) before five string basses became available. The bass I play (a Wal 5 string) wasn’t even available until 1986, and it was one of the reasonably early ones. The people you cite above were mostly over half way through their careers by then. Can anyone remember when the first five string electric was made, and by whom? — Derek Tearne. — http://webservices.comp.vuw.ac.nz/artsLink/ManyHands/ Some of the more environmentally aware dinosaurs were worried about the consequences of an accident with the new Iridium enriched fusion reactor. "If it goes off only the cockroaches and mammals will survive…" they said.
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One of many nice things about a 5-string is that the "E" string suddenly has a much clearer tone than on a comparable 4-string. I guess that’s due to the higher tension on the neck and its increased mass. Whatever the case, the lowest string is nearly always going to be at least a little bit muddier than the rest, so on a 5 you end up with more of a consistent range of notes available than you have with only 4 strings. John In article ca>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Hello… >I know that this is getting kinda old, but for the time I have been a >part of this newsgroup, I have never seen this thread being fully explored. >Anyways, like the subject line says, I’m looking into getting a 5, but I >am very curious about those 3 extra notes (I use a Hipshot Xtender) on >the bass (C#, C, B). How often do you use those low notes? If you play >on stage, how does it sound? If you play in the studio, how does it come >through on the mix? >I am also wondering how the B string affects the movement os the freting >hand. I mean, you can obviously attain more notes in one given position, >but how does it affect the way you play, or the ease of playing? How >about soloing? >How does the B string sound when you are using the notes that could be >found on another string? (ie. Compare the sounds of the same note on a >different string) >How much is it used? I am wondering because I have a Metallica video >where Jason Newstead (Bass) plays the 5, but I have yet to see him use it >on a song, I have seen him using it on a solo, but otherwise, it’s >untouched. Could it be a status thing? Like, "Hey! I got 5-strings!"? >I’m not knocking 5-strings…just want to get as much info as possible. >I’m also curious as to if it is really necessary to be a great bassist in >this day…Jaco Pastorius, Mick Karn, Geddy Lee, Chris Squire, Steve >Harris & Cliff Burton are all great bassists, but thet
never used a 5-string – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->(to my knowledge), why has it become so popular today? >Any additional info would be great! >|/|arcus… > When a man lies he murders > Some part of the world > These are the pale deaths which > Men miscall their lives > All this I cannot bear > To witness any longer > Cannot the kingdom of salvation > Take me home > ( Cliff Burton, 1962-1986 )