5 string or 6 string bass???

[Claypool22]

I am trying to buy a new bass. It's either going to be a 5 string or a 6er. Did anyone ever have to make this kind of decision?

I definitely need a low B, but I don't know if I will ever need a high C.

Do you guys, who have a 6er, use that high C string a lot, or not? Is it a practical thing to have?

Talk to me.

[Jimbobntnr]

I had a six string for about 3 months, and used all 6 strings. It was too heavy and crowded so I sold it.

[Jake=Suck]

I use all six strings about the same amount, and i was in the exact situation a few years ago, i wanted more than 4 strings so i got a 5 and decided it wasnt enough so i got a 6. I say get a 6.

[Pinhead13]

According to TB: 13 > everything else.

Get a bass with 13 strings.



:thumb::amaze:

[EADG]

I am trying to buy a new bass. It's either going to be a 5 string or a 6er. Did anyone ever have to make this kind of decision?

I definitely need a low B, but I don't know if I will ever need a high C.

Do you guys, who have a 6er, use that high C string a lot, or not? Is it a practical thing to have?

Talk to me.

I play a 5 tuned EADGC and I used my C all the time

I barely like playing my 4 string anymore because of it


and I did make that decision, I picked a 4 over a 5 and wish I got a 6

[Jimbobntnr]

http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536920

[Jake=Suck]

http://www.musicianforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=536920

123 grind's are great, especially for the price, if i hadn't found my washburn i would've gotten one.

[Pluperfect_Arson]

I went from a 4 to a 5 to a 6, all on whims.

I don't know if I am too keen on the 6, even after having it for a year. The C string doesn't really see use all that often, and I would rather have a fretless 5 at this point.

[BenJammin]

I have a 6 and use the full range of it on a regular basis.

[thelowsoundofbass]

When I had my six string I used the B and C all the time. Albeit I had to force myself to use the C string in a band context, well not force, but think harder.

lowsound

[EADG]

I want a 6 string tuned EADGCF


no band would ever hire me


but I would play the hell out of that thing in my bedroom/dorm

[fajitaben]

I went from a 4 to a 5 to a 6, all on whims.

I don't know if I am too keen on the 6, even after having it for a year. The C string doesn't really see use all that often, and I would rather have a fretless 5 at this point.

You're a douche bag and you'll never be happy with any bass. Unless you get a 13 string. I hate you >:[

But, no, I'm positive you'd get as bored of a 5 string fretless as you did with your 6 string, and you have a damn nice 6 string.

[Left Shoe]

no one likes five's

[Az_Holl]

no one likes five's
Yeah... fives just look... awkward.

IMO just go 6

[Pastorius]

I have a 6, and I use all the strings all the time. VERY useful for 2 handed tapping, and arpeggio tapping. My string spacing is pretty small too, so the neck isn't even that thick.

[Akira]

I definitely use my high F more than my B...

Before I found the Conklin I was going to get a sixer tuned EADGCF.

[o b s]

I play a 5 tuned EAGDC right now, I only really use the EADG with other people but when playing alone the C makes everything so much better, I would like a low B but its not needed and I wouldn't want more than 5 strings on a bass, I just don't like the look of 6 strings. Generally If I'm not playing with other people often I string it EADGC and if I'm playing with others mainly I string it BEADG, only right now I'm mainly playing with other people and Its strung EADGC because I ordered the wrong set on stringbusters : /.

[Pastorius]

The main use of my B string is playing with guitarists who detune.

[Claypool22]

I am not a big fan of small string spacing, so I don't know if it'll be a problem if I get a 6er.

[Pastorius]

You can get 6ers with large string spacing, don't worry. I just prefer small string spacing on mine because I have small hands.

[Jeckyll]

6 string basses reminds me of the time I saw SYNT.

I have no idea how he follows the guitar like that

[Claypool22]

So what are some 6ers that are in the $300-700 range with a large string spacing?

[Pastorius]

It's not like large string spacing is an asset that costs more money, most 6 strings have aedquate string spacing. I just like my string spacing a tad smaller because my hands aren't that huge.

[Claypool22]

It's not like large string spacing is an asset that costs more money, most 6 strings have aedquate string spacing. I just like my string spacing a tad smaller because my hands aren't that huge.

Yeah, I know. I just prefer larger string spacing, so if you know any basses in $300-700 price range with large spacing, don't be shy to say.

[o b s]

Probably saw that interview where Sheehan was talking about how cool it is to have large string spacing. Back when I did I went around for about a week proclaiming my distaste for small string spacing too, then someone asked me why and I was like 'uh.. because.. uh..' and stopped.

[naut]

i use my C the most, and my B the least - although i'm still glad it's there.

[Pastorius]

Pretty much how I feel naut.

[Claypool22]

Probably saw that interview where Sheehan was talking about how cool it is to have large string spacing. Back when I did I went around for about a week proclaiming my distaste for small string spacing too, then someone asked me why and I was like 'uh.. because.. uh..' and stopped.

Actually, Billy Sheehan's interview has nothing to do with my decision to go for larger string spacing. I play a lot of double thumping (Vic's technique), and I find it easier to play when there's a lot of space between the strings so my thumb can land on the adjacent string while the string that is struck is vibrating. Can't really do that when the strings are too close. Plus, slapping and popping is a lot easier (at least for me) when there is more space.

[naut]

So what are some 6ers that are in the $300-700 range with a large string spacing?

Ibanez BTB-556. new it's like 750 or so. i could've sold you mine a few weeks ago.:angry:

[naut]

Actually, Billy Sheehan's interview has nothing to do with my decision to go for larger string spacing. I play a lot of double thumping (Vic's technique), and I find it easier to play when there's a lot of space between the strings so my thumb can land on the adjacent string while the string that is struck is vibrating. Can't really do that when the strings are too close. Plus, slapping and popping is a lot easier (at least for me) when there is more space.

i'm actually more comfortable doing that with a smaller string spacing.

too each their own.

[EADG]

Yeah, I know. I just prefer larger string spacing, so if you know any basses in $300-700 price range with large spacing, don't be shy to say.

Brice?


define large spacing

[Claypool22]

Brice?


define large spacing

When there is the most space that a 6 string can have?? lol

I am basically asking for basses that have as much string spacing as Yamaha 6 string basses.

[EADG]

When there is the most space that a 6 string can have?? lol

I am basically asking for basses that have as much string spacing as Yamaha 6 string basses.

and what string spacing is that

[One Groovin Clown]

I'm a 5'er man myself. I did try out the 6 string for a while, realized it isn't me and went back to 5's.

Really, it's up to you. i think that trying out a 6 string is a good experiment.

[Claypool22]

and what string spacing is that

That would be basses which have a string spacing of about 19mm. I know that basses like Yamaha John Patitucci signature bass has this string spacing; Ken Smith basses also have this large string spacing. But those basses are too expensive. I also know that Dean 6 string basses have a string spacing of about 16.5mm which is way too narrow for me. So, I am just wondering if somone could please recommend me a bass in the price range of $300-700 that has about 18 or 19mm string spacing (ala large string spacing).

[Pluperfect_Arson]

You're a douche bag and you'll never be happy with any bass. Unless you get a 13 string. I hate you >:[

But, no, I'm positive you'd get as bored of a 5 string fretless as you did with your 6 string, and you have a damn nice 6 string.

It is just that I never use the C string on my 6 string.

It just stares at me, sadly. :upset:

[Sablate McNuff]

I played a 6-string exclusively with my band. The only time I EVER used the 4 or 5 strings I had was when the 6-string's battery died and I didn't have a spare, or when I grabbed the wrong case.

I'm almost exclusively using the 7-string now. The ringing open strings can be used for some sweet riffs.

I really want to buy another 6-string and tune it F#-G...

[Naminator]

My high F is pretty good, great for soloing on F# phrygian.

CORAZON ESPINADO!

[EADG]

That would be basses which have a string spacing of about 19mm.

So, I am just wondering if somone could please recommend me a bass in the price range of $300-700 that has about 18 or 19mm string spacing (ala large string spacing).


(non-custom) 6 strings with 19 mm are rare

18, more likely.. but still not that common


Brice has a lot of cheap 6 strings (and they sound decent for the price) but they didn't have the string spacing in mm on the site


I'd ask at talkbass, they have way more 6 string players

[Claypool22]

(non-custom) 6 strings with 19 mm are rare

18, more likely.. but still not that common


Brice has a lot of cheap 6 strings (and they sound decent for the price) but they didn't have the string spacing in mm on the site


I'd ask at talkbass, they have way more 6 string players

That sucks. I really hope I can find a 6er that has large string spacing. Otherwise, I'll have to go for a 5 string as low B is the primary reason for the purchase. high C would be nice if the string spacing is 18mm or more.

[Pastorius]

Honestly, even if you get a 6er a mm or 2 off what you want, you'll get used to it in about 4-5 hours.

[BenJammin]

String spacing isn't really a huge factor, really. You might have to refine your technique a bit, but I can assure you you'll adjust. I DT and slap and whatnot and my bass has 16.5mm spacing. My custom is going to have 16mm spacing and I'm not worried about it.

[EADG]

String spacing isn't really a huge factor, really.


Actually, when you have hands my size, it really is

[funkyhoney]

likewise my 6 string has some bullshit tiny spacing (can't remember exactly) and i manage most things fine. although the actions inadjustably too high for my liking now so i might sell it or grind the bridge down.

[EADG]

likewise my 6 string has some bullpoop tiny spacing (can't remember exactly) and i manage most things fine. although the actions inadjustably too high for my liking now so i might sell it or grind the bridge down.


If your saddles are down as far as they can go and it's still too high, you either need to adjust the truss rod, or live with it because no other bass is going to be able to get any lower

[funkyhoney]

If your saddles are down as far as they can go and it's still too high, you either need to adjust the truss rod, or live with it because no other bass is going to be able to get any lower

that's true, i will have to live with it, the saddles are at the very lowest and any truss adjustment makes it unplayable as the open strings can't even sound; i even took it to a professional to see if i was doing it incorrectly, but no, just have to live with it unless i change the bridge or 'adjust' it with a grinding tool.

they can very well go lower at the bridge end, just that the saddles can't be lowered anymore. i might check out other 6er's in the future to see if the same thing occurs.


for reference, my 6 string is 15.5mm and my other basses are 18 and 20mm, so TSi wouldn't worry about adjustment issues.

[Claypool22]

Actually, when you have hands my size, it really is

http://youtube.com/watch?v=twEvRB9raZo

^^Billy Sheehan will assure that it string spacing is not a factor. lol

But anyhow, I think that the biggest factor is the scale length.

[Soulfly666]

I went from 4 to 6, and I just couldn't get used to the C string. It was also super heavy, and the neck dive was crazy, even with a wide strap, so I ended up trading it for an amp. As of now, I've played several 5's and I just haven't been able to find the right one. I'll probably stick to 4 for a while, but it wouldn't hurt to have a 5 sometime in the future.

[Left Shoe]

That sucks. I really hope I can find a 6er that has large string spacing. Otherwise, I'll have to go for a 5 string as low B is the primary reason for the purchase. high C would be nice if the string spacing is 18mm or more.

check ebay for an original series trb, we got huge spacings n ****

[Az_Holl]

How big is the spacing on the 6 string thumb basses? they look pretty huge

[Claypool22]

How big is the spacing on the 6 string thumb basses? they look pretty huge

Probably 18mm; they are very heavy too, lol.

I was looking at this Schecter bass:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Stiletto-Custom-6-6String-Bass?sku=513840

I was really considering it, but when the customer service guy told me that it weighs 15lbs, it turned me off.

I can do 8-12lbs basses, but 15 can get really tough to carry on your shoulders for more than half an hour.

[trumpeter]

check ebay for an original series trb, we got huge spacings n ****

This is what i was about to say.

[Pastorius]

549 dollars for a Stiletto 6? I'd snap that up! I got strong shoulders though :p

It'd be twice that in the UK.

[EADG]

Probably 18mm; they are very heavy too, lol.

I was looking at this Schecter bass:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Stiletto-Custom-6-6String-Bass?sku=513840

I was really considering it, but when the customer service guy told me that it weighs 15lbs, it turned me off.

I can do 8-12lbs basses, but 15 can get really tough to carry on your shoulders for more than half an hour.

Any 6 string bass is going to be heavy

start working out I guess

[EADG]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=twEvRB9raZo

^^Billy Sheehan will assure that it string spacing is not a factor. lol

But anyhow, I think that the biggest factor is the scale length.

Well you'd get used to it eventually


but why make it harder on yourself?

[Claypool22]

Any 6 string bass is going to be heavy

start working out I guess

Not really. Dean Edge 6 string is only about 8.5 lbs. But like I said, it has a string spacing of only 16.5mm.

[EADG]

Not really. Dean Edge 6 string is only about 8.5 lbs. But like I said, it has a string spacing of only 16.5mm.

ic ic

[Viscous Fridge Magnet]

I've always felt it's pretty prudent to get a 6 if you're in doubt, after all if you don't want to use one of the strings you don't have to, but it's still there if you need it. I suppose the size of the neck and the weight could be an issue for some people but i'd still go for a 6.

[Claypool22]

I've always felt it's pretty prudent to get a 6 if you're in doubt, after all if you don't want to use one of the strings you don't have to, but it's still there if you need it. I suppose the size of the neck and the weight could be an issue for some people but i'd still go for a 6.

Size of the neck is not an issue for me. I don't really have a preference of fat or thin necks. When doing a show, however, a heavy bass (13+ pounds) can be tiring after a while.

[Left Shoe]

http://youtube.com/watch?v=twEvRB9raZo

^^Billy Sheehan will assure that it string spacing is not a factor. lol

But anyhow, I think that the biggest factor is the scale length.

o i trust his opinion a ton.

[Mr_GoodPoster]

I perfer a 12 string, you can hit all the notes possible

[Left Shoe]

I perfer a 12 string, you can hit all the notes possible

....i know your account is a joke, but srsly.

[Sablate McNuff]

Probably 18mm; they are very heavy too, lol.

I was looking at this Schecter bass:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Schecter-Stiletto-Custom-6-6String-Bass?sku=513840

I was really considering it, but when the customer service guy told me that it weighs 15lbs, it turned me off.

I can do 8-12lbs basses, but 15 can get really tough to carry on your shoulders for more than half an hour.

You should hold my 7-string Conklin on a strap for a 2 1/2 hour gig...

[o b s]

I wish I'd bought a 4 string instead of my 5 really, its much more fun just to sing and play with a 4 string than the stupidly extended 5 and 6 strings. I think I'm going to get a "30 Viola bass then cut my hair into a Beatle do, 2 steps closer to becoming Paul Mccartney.

[Akira]

A five string is barely bigger than a four string.

[Sablate McNuff]

I wish I'd bought a 4 string instead of my 5 really, its much more fun just to sing and play with a 4 string than the stupidly extended 5 and 6 strings. I think I'm going to get a "30 Viola bass then cut my hair into a Beatle do, 2 steps closer to becoming Paul Mccartney.

How does the number of strings have anything to do with singing while playing?

[o b s]

It just does.

[EADG]

Jean Baudin sings while playing his 11 string


lose

[o b s]

Paul Mccartney sings better,

win.

[EADG]

Paul Mccartney sings better,

win.


But can he sing Supermarket


I don't think so

[o b s]

Ah, but is Baudin the most important electric bassist in the history of the instrument, and music altogether?

[EADG]

Ah, but is Baudin the most important electric bassist in the history of the instrument, and music altogether?


History is irrelevant


Jean Baudin lives in the now

[o b s]

Paul Mccartney will live forever.

[Spaceman Spiff]

McCartney is the most important electric bassist ever?

Then why couldn't I give less of a **** about him, his playing, and his band?

[EADG]

McCartney is the most important electric bassist ever?

Then why couldn't I give less of a **** about him, his playing, and his band?


You =/= every bassist in the world since the 60's

for the record

[o b s]

McCartney is the most important electric bassist ever?

Then why couldn't I give less of a **** about him, his playing, and his band?

Lack of knowledge.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Lack of knowledge.

:lol:


That laugh is directed AT you, for the record.

[Spaceman Spiff]

You =/= every bassist in the world since the 60's

for the record

I'm still a bassist. I figured the most important bassist should still have some effect on me, I should still care about the most important electric bassist of all time, right?

[Akira]

OBS, you seriously need to get off your knees.
Paul isn't half as important as you seem to think he is.

[o b s]

If it wasn't for Paul then Harrison would have never joined the Beatles and Lennon would probably have not done well enough to get to the point where Ringo joined, without him the most important group in the history of music would not have existed and the modern music industry would be a very different place. Then theres his influence over electric bass.

[BassVirtuoso]

Paul McCartney is only good because he was in The Beatles. Sad but true.

If it wasn't for Paul then Harrison would have never joined the Beatles and Lennon would probably have not done well enough to get to the point where Ringo joined, without him the most important group in the history of music would not have existed and the modern music industry would be a very different place. Then theres his influence over electric bass.


That has like, nothing to do with his bass playing. If Kerry won the election last year that would probably make him the most important electric bass player ever.

[Akira]

Lmao@"the most important group in the history of music."

[Spaceman Spiff]

If it wasn't for Paul then Harrison would have never joined the Beatles and Lennon would probably have not done well enough to get to the point where Ringo joined, without him the most important group in the history of music would not have existed and the modern music industry would be a very different place. Then theres his influence over electric bass.

If they hadn't done it, some other group of schmucks would have.

[o b s]

Paul McCartney is only good because he was in The Beatles. Sad but true.

Cause/effect. He only took up bass because he was forced to, but he went on to become the greatest bassist ever to live. None of the Beatles would have been a fragment of the musicians they were had they not spent their entire lives (up to the Beatles end) constantly playing and innovating with the 3 other most talented musicians on the planet.

[Akira]

Are you serious?

[o b s]

If they hadn't done it, some other group of schmucks would have.

Who? Name the band that would have been popular in place of the Beatles. If they were good enough to change the world forever then they'll have certainly had a record deal and have just existed on a smaller scale. Its not like they'd get up one day, see the Beatles on TV then say "sh1t, sell your guitars, someones already done it lads".

[BassVirtuoso]

Cause/effect. He only took up bass because he was forced to, but he went on to become the greatest bassist ever to live. None of the Beatles would have been a fragment of the musicians they were had they not spent their entire lives constantly playing and innovating with the 3 other most talented musicians on the planet.

I was wrong when I thought no one could possibly suck Lennon's dick more than Yoko Ono.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Christ, you're thick.

[Akira]

I think someone forgot to tell OBS that the Beatles weren't the only pop band in the 60s.

[o b s]

I think someone forgot to tell OBS that the Beatles weren't the only pop band in the 60s.

They're the only one that I listen to. Infact, they're the only band from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s that I listen to. Can't improve on perfection.

[BassVirtuoso]

It they were perfect then there wouldn't be anyone who didn't like them.

[o b s]

Jealousy, basic human nature.

[Akira]

Now you're just trolling.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Jealousy, basic human nature.

ABBA is perfection.

The Beatles need a new gimmick.

[BassVirtuoso]

Jealousy, basic human nature.

The only reason people don't like the Beatles is because they are jealous of them? Please don't ever run for President.

[o b s]

For the record I was mostly joking, I posted the first 'Paul worship' post slightly drunk and got a funny reaction, so I continued today. Paul and the Beatles were a massive force in the development of music and electric bass, but not the singular most important force like I've been saying.

I think its funny though how in one thread the regulars will say that the forum sucks, then in the next as soon as someone voices an opinion that slightly deviates from that of the 'MX officially self-declared cool club's they are instantly barraged by internet smartassery, usually until the person leaves or stops posting and order is restored. Try debating deviant viewpoints instead of just insulting anyone with a different opinion and perhaps this place will pick up. That said, I know my opinions here were all ridiculously exaggerated.

Paul Mccartney > you and me.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Did I mention that the Beatles suck?

[o b s]

Schoolyard logic.

[EADG]

Did I mention that this thread is retarded

[Left Shoe]

obs is a ****ing delusional moron

[EADG]

Can we all stop being 12 year olds in chatrooms now

thx

[Brandon_S]

This is a mess?

[Left Shoe]

no sir.

this is a gimmick

[Brandon_S]

haha,i was going to say "this is a gimmick" but I didn't know if I would have been made fun of for saying that since i was not apart of the thread.

Hows Berklee Phil?

[Brandon_S]

ITT: I start to drink some Crown Royal and coke,delicious.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Okay... **** this thread.