Topic: comfort with 4 string bass (Read 2576 times)

jeremyr · « **on:** July 28, 2008, 11:15:00 AM »

As much as I want a 4 string I just can't cop a feel for them at all

They just don't feel right to me.

BigFoot_BigThumb · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2008, 11:51:16 AM »

Quote from: jeremyr on July 28, 2008, 11:15:00 AM

As much as I want a 4 string I just can't cop a feel for them at all

They just don't feel right to me.

I agree. I've been playing five strings at least 11-12 years now and because of that a 4-string just feels funny to me now. I played one on a demo recording session about 5 years ago, and I was outright fumbling on it, but I got through it and laid a pretty good track. I want to get a 4-string for the sake of fundementals, but I also don't want to buy a bass that I will hardly play.

jeremyr · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2008, 01:54:32 PM »

Quote from: BigFoot_BigThumb on July 28, 2008, 11:51:16 AM

I agree. I've been playing five strings at least 11-12 years now and because of that a 4-string just feels funny to me now. I played one on a demo recording session about 5 years ago, and I was outright fumbling on it, but I got through it and laid a pretty good track. I want to get a 4-string for the sake of fundementals, but I also don't want to buy a bass that I will hardly play.

the funny thing with me is if you add a string i'm fine, but once you take away my low B I fall apart..LOL

DWBass · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:09:57 PM »

Just wondering if you guys started on a 4 string? Some of 'old fogeys' started playing when there were no 5 string basses in existence. I play both 4's and 5's but prefer 4's for slapping and when a song doesn't go below low E.

Uh oh, I think the thread is officially hijacked! Lemme bring it back...........

dd, any new vids or recordings??

ddwilkins · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:41:51 PM »

I'm starting to love the feel of the 4 string. I can't explain it, but I'll pick that up before my 5 now. No I don't have any new recordings. We do have some dates coming up for actually gigs. So maybe I can put something up from some of those.

jeremyr · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2008, 02:46:13 PM »

Quote from: DWBass on July 28, 2008, 02:09:57 PM

Just wondering if you guys started on a 4 string? Some of 'old fogeys' started playing when there were no 5 string basses in existence. I play both 4's and 5's but prefer 4's for slapping and when a song doesn't go below low E.

Uh oh, I think the thread is officially hijacked! Lemme bring it back...........

dd, any new vids or recordings??

I started on a 5. The guy i was taking lessons from desperately wanted me to play a 4, but I already knew I'd need that B...and boy was I right..lol

bassthumpa · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:21:38 PM »

Quote from: jeremyr on July 28, 2008, 11:15:00 AM

As much as I want a 4 string I just can't cop a feel for them at all

They just don't feel right to me.

Man, I'm glad it's not just me. It always puzzled me why I could never get comfortable on any 4 that I've picked up... but making the move from 5 to 6 was no problem at all.

Quote from: DWBass on July 28, 2008, 02:09:57 PM

Just wondering if you guys started on a 4 string?

I started on a 5. Like JR, I knew that the B would be essential for me, so I didn't bother starting on a 4.

Torch7 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:24:40 PM »

I started on a 4, but moved to a 5 within months...

I don't feel as comfortable on a 4 either. But if I had to I could.

Ken Felder · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2008, 03:49:39 PM »

this weekend in was in Jacksonville, FL and i played a four string and man let me tell you i havent played a four in about three years and i loved it.
peace ken!

dhagler · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:19:31 PM »

I have a 4 and a 5 but I use my 5 for most church playing. I use my 4 for playing with a jazz ensemble.

floaded27 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:32:32 PM »

i started on a 4 because thats all i had access to (i borrowed my friends bass to learn). Once he moved and i had to get my own, my teacher suggested i get a 5'ver and i did and been on those ever since. Several times when i go into guitar center and i need to get my hands on a bass, since im not spiderman (they always have the 5 strings at the top of the wall for some reason) and impatient to wait for one of the guys that work there i just grab a 4 and plug up to get my quick fix. The whole neck feels funny. so small, feels like a toy. LOL. maybe not the fenders and other wide-string-spacing basses but the others feel like im holding a long popsicle stick. not comfortable, but i guess cause its not a regular thing.

Bullitt · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:43:47 PM »

I started on a 4 but still prefer a 5 (or 6 for that fact).

I still have a token 4-string I left at my parents house....haven't played it in at least 4 or 5 years since it just doesn't feel right anymore. I guess I keep it for sentimental reasons though lol

Be Blessed,
J

cordney · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:50:54 PM »

I recently bought a 4 string from Malthumb. The purpose of the purchase was to get back to the basics of playing.

jeremyr · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2008, 04:56:21 PM »

Quote from: cordney on July 28, 2008, 04:50:54 PM

I recently bought a 4 string from Malthumb. The purpose of the purchase was to get back to the basics of playing.

nothing against you, but you can "get back to bassics" on a 5 string. Just don't use the B.

trsmooth · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:03:48 PM »

me myself i started on a four string and then moved to a five string. i love 5 strings always but just last year i wanted to try and go back to my roots on a four so i bought a fender jazz. at first it took getting used to mot having that low Bb but i got used to it... now i love it!!!!!! like somone else said its soo fundamental, like riding a bike again after so many years. its also less on for my wrist being that its one less string. what made me get one in the first place was seeing maurice fitzgerald killin' on one on the fred hammond live in chicago DVD. i also play for a rock group so i use it for that as well.theye good for every bass player to have in their arsenal.

cordney · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:06:16 PM »

Quote from: jeremyr on July 28, 2008, 04:56:21 PM

nothing against you, but you can "get back to bassics" on a 5 string. Just don't use the B.

True...so true! When I first purchased my 5 string I never really use the B unless I was practicing. It came with time. The reason I went back to the 4 was because I was feeling lazy on the 5.

malthumb · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:18:05 PM »

I have to force myself back to working on the 4 from time to time to make certain I'm still grounded. The cool thing is, if you take the time to learn to play things on the 4 that you've previously only played on a 5, it makes you stretch. Can't explain it. You just have to try it.

But I am still primarily a 5 string kinda guy.

Now, for secular stuff, I do tend to work out more with a 4 because it just feels right.

Peace,

James

ddwilkins · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2008, 05:58:35 PM »

I started on a 5, went to a six, then back to 5 now I'm on a 4, and I'm looking to get a six again.

BimmerFan99 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2008, 07:08:01 PM »

Quote from: Torch7 on July 28, 2008, 03:24:40 PM

I started on a 4, but moved to a 5 within months...

I don't feel as comfortable on a 4 either. But if I had to I could.

+1

Shribs · « **Reply #19 on:** July 29, 2008, 02:07:30 PM »

I started on a 4 now play a 5 but rarely ever use my B string. When I play a 4 it feels to small, but I can get away with playing one. I think sooner or later I'm gonna go for a 3 string

Author Topic: comfort with 4 string bass (Read 2576 times)