4 vs 5 string bass OMG

[Mikael Dez]

The vast majority of songs I want to learn are in standard tuning - most of it is Opeth to be honest. There are a select few songs that Mendez uses a 5 string on, and even though I've seen him play Ghost of Perdition live using a 4 string there are 4 and 5 string version tabs out there.

I've got it pinned down to a Squier Affinity series 4 string P bass with PJ pickups, or their 5 string Jazz bass. I will likely buy another bass down the line, so if I get a 4 I'll get a 5 someday and vice versa. What are y'alls thoughts? My gut tells me to stick with a 4 string and transpose any notes that I might encounter below E.

 

[laxu]

My only bass is a 5-string, and I don't mind that at all. The P/J combination is nice though so I'd probably lean towards that.

 

[metropolis_4]

I enjoy playing 4 so much more, and I think the E usually sounds better on a 4 than a 5.

My favorite approach is to use a 4 and use a pitch shifter down a 4th to shift it to the bottom 4 of a 5 string when needed. But a 5 is handy and necessary sometimes. And technically anything you can play on a 4 you can play on a 5, so if you’re only gonna have one the 5 is probably more versatile.

If you can swing a Classic Vibe they’re very good for the price!

 

[Mikael Dez]

I actually got a bit more from selling gear than I expected, so I started looking at used Fenders on Reverb. I love maple fretboards and this one caught my eye, costed me $600 and it seems to be in mint condition:

 

[Mikael Dez]

My drama in buying a bass, omg. There were 3 total P basses on reverb last night with a maple fretboard and sunburst finish. The first one I asked him if he’d take $50 off, he messaged me this morning saying it sold. That left 2. I bought the one I posted above so I could secure the maple fretboard this morning. He refunded me saying that one also just sold last night. I bought the 3rd one

 

[Mikael Dez]

Omg, the third guy refunded me.

 

[FuzzyAce]

Omg, the third guy refunded me.

 

[Alex Kenivel]

 

[Mikael Dez]

I ain’t posting anything else until I get this mf in my hands lmao

 

[Richard_G]

My main bass is a 4 string Music Man StingRay. I also have a budget bass (Yamaha BB414) as a backup, but that has spent most of the time I’ve owned it at a friend’s place. I’d like to replace the BB414 with one of those P basses you posted!