Should I learn on a 4- or 5-String Bass AND Pawn Shop Squier (VM?) 4-string Jazz Bass questions

[Micah D]

I came from an almost exact place you’re starting in now. I was a drummer all through high school, took 20 years off, then decided to pick up the bass.

Personally, I started on and continue to play on a 5 string. I do it because where I play (at church), key changes are very common. It’s easier to change keys on a 5 because, the progressions are the same if you’re not using open strings.

Where I play (there are around 10 bass players), 90% also play on a 5 string. It’s by no means necessary so it’s literally up to your personal tastes and the type of music you want to play. I do recommend starting on what you’ll want to end up playing on.

Thank you, very much. Your situation parallels mine really closely. I think the 5-string is the bass for me. I’d love to have the authentic slap of the 4-string, but it seems that going between a 4- and 5-string won’t be the most efficient approach for learning electric bass, at least not for me.

Now, my search begins for a good deal on a decent 5-string instrument.
Blessings

 

[Micah D]

My advice is to play them both amplified and see what speaks to you in areas of feel, playability and sound. If you buy one that doesnt give you that “ Ahhh feeling “ and fights you to play it you will not be inspired to play. I have a 5 string I really love and noticed when I play it and then went to my 4 string jazz it is effortless, fast and easy. I have small hands so that may not be your experience. Not all 4 strings are the same as not all 5 strings are the same. I find Fender and Squier 5 ‘s to be too wide and chunky as compared to Esp LTD’s, Ibanez, and Peaveys

Thanks!

 

[Bassbeater]

I assure you it is not a problem to authentically slap on a 5!

 

[Micah D]

Haven't read thru the full thread so apologies if i've missed something.
Coming late to this thread and a relative newcomer to Talkbass. I started on 4 strings 40yrs ago and in last few years moved to 6 string for a spell and then back to a 5 and eventually i'm back to 4 again. I feel more comfortable with my 4 strings but that may be due to fact i played 4 string for 30-35 yrs.
I have relatively small hands and take a Med motorcycle glove however you will adapt to whatever bass you think you need for your style of music. One thing to remember is that the more strings on a bass then generally more wood and therefore more weight. Some of my heavier basses i struggle to play for longer periods as my neck and shoulder get a a bit of an ache whereas my Jazz or P basses are fine.

Sounds like the bass is a pretty good buy.

Thanks for contributing to my education, both on string # selection and the pawn shop VM.
Blessings

 

[A-Ro]

Thank you, very much. Your situation parallels mine really closely. I think the 5-string is the bass for me. I’d love to have the authentic slap of the 4-string, but it seems that going between a 4- and 5-string won’t be the most efficient approach for learning electric bass, at least not for me.

Now, my search begins for a good deal on a decent 5-string instrument.
Blessings

You’re welcome!

On choosing a bass, there are a LOT of good options. You’ll get as many opinions as you can imagine. The best advise is to get one that you feel connected to. You’ll know it when you hold it.

Also, buy used. Your first bass won’t be your last and if/when you decide to sell it, you’ll get close to your money back.

 

[Micah D]

Lots of great advice on here already, but idk i dont think it matters.. i started w a 5 bc thats what my friend lent me but didnt really get it till i went to a 4 then back again.. everybodys different. I prefer a 5 now bc i like a thicker neck and i like having the extra options of notes and positions that it offers. But fours are super fun too, maybe best to get one of each

HAH! You guys may have figured out that I can be kind of a goofball, but I think this is where I’m headed.

I do want to play many of the classic Motown lines the way they sounded back in the day, especially Jackson 5. Those are the songs I want to start learning, right off. I guess that calls for the 4-string. Also, it allows me to pursue the neat VM ‘70’s Squier that’s at the local pawn shop.

I want to reach the point of being able to play with the Worship Team, at church, in a bass, as well as drumming, capacity. When I reach that skill level, I’ll begin the search for a 5-string, if necessary, as it sounds like a 5-string will make life a whole lot happier in that context.

I appreciate — and respect — the expressed opinions of both groups: the “start on the traditional 4-string” camp and the “start on the instrument to which you aspire” camp. Compelling arguments on both sides.

All of you have helped me realize that I fell in love with the 4-stringed sound and that’s where I want to begin this journey. I look forward to reaching the point where I become competent enough to switch between 4- and 5-string basses with fluidity. Hopefully, that will happen sooner than later.

I’ll try to post pics of the new-to-me-bass after I buy it.

This forum is amazing!

Blessings

 

[dmccombe7]

If i understand your thinking on this you have some doubts that a 5 string will give you the sounds you have in your head for Motown songs. A 5 string will do what a 4 string does with the addition of an extra string. As others have said i suggest you go to a local shop and try both 4 & 5 string basses for feel and weight. Try and use the same manufacturer for both to give you a better comparison. Do you have any friends with basses that you could try if you feel its too much to play in a shop as a beginner. ?
Dave

 

[zon6c-f]

Most recorded music prior to the 80s was exclusively on 4s and afterward on 5s

So if you first buy a 4 you’ll still cover most music ever recorded and transition to 5 is easy

When you can afford it you should own both and fretless versions as well eventually and some basses strung flat and some strung rounds and several rigs

I have incurable GAS and the basses rigs etc to prove it

 

[Micah D]

If i understand your thinking on this you have some doubts that a 5 string will give you the sounds you have in your head for Motown songs. A 5 string will do what a 4 string does with the addition of an extra string. As others have said i suggest you go to a local shop and try both 4 & 5 string basses for feel and weight. Try and use the same manufacturer for both to give you a better comparison. Do you have any friends with basses that you could try if you feel its too much to play in a shop as a beginner. ?
Dave

Hi Dave,

Thanks for your excellent advice.

It’s funny — at first, I was thinking of ‘pawn shop’ as opposed to guitar shop, like a Guitar Center. Your suggestion makes a lot of sense.

I’ll do that.

Have a great day!

Blessings

 

[Robscott]

I just read through all these replies. So here's this total newbie posting his questions and you guys are all giving him so much helpful and encouraging advice, no-one trying to be smart, no gear snobs, nothing like that at all. I am doing up a strat at the moment and I jumped on a s***t owners forum yesterday, and boy are those guys up themselves by comparison to you TBers. We have a laugh but we watch each other's backs. That's what bass players do I guess, absorb everyone else's egos. Long may it continue!

 

[Bassbeater]

I just read through all these replies. So here's this total newbie posting his questions and you guys are all giving him so much helpful and encouraging advice, no-one trying to be smart, no gear snobs, nothing like that at all. I am doing up a strat at the moment and I jumped on a s***t owners forum yesterday, and boy are those guys up themselves by comparison to you TBers. We have a laugh but we watch each other's backs. That's what bass players do I guess, absorb everyone else's egos. Long may it continue!

TB is a pure love machine that runs on kindness and honesty.

 

[dmccombe7]

Think we are a more patient musician. We therefore know people need to start somewhere and if we can help them at that early stage of taking up bass we just feel better in ourselves.
We all started at the beginning so why not offer useful information.
There is so much valuable experience within the forums that we have lots to share.
I'm proud to be part of something that can offer that kind of support to everyone that asks.
Dave

 

[Micah D]

Think we are a more patient musician. We therefore know people need to start somewhere and if we can help them at that early stage of taking up bass we just feel better in ourselves.
We all started at the beginning so why not offer useful information.
There is so much valuable experience within the forums that we have lots to share.
I'm proud to be part of something that can offer that kind of support to everyone that asks.
Dave

A real breath of fresh air that I appreciate, SO MUCH.

Blessings

 

[Maxdusty]

HAH! You guys may have figured out that I can be kind of a goofball, but I think this is where I’m headed.

I do want to play many of the classic Motown lines the way they sounded back in the day, especially Jackson 5. Those are the songs I want to start learning, right off. I guess that calls for the 4-string. Also, it allows me to pursue the neat VM ‘70’s Squier that’s at the local pawn shop.


This forum is amazing!

Blessings

The Jazz or P Bass is going to give you that nice retro sound I think you're looking for. I'm not sure if it's been mentioned before, but if and when you test the bass at the pawn store, make sure you've got the volume on both pickups at around the same level or else it's going to hum. It's not a flaw or defect, it's just the way the stock single coil pickups work on jazz basses, if there's an imbalance in output volume of the two, you will hear a hum. If they're at the same level, you shouldn't hear the hum.

 

[jd56hawk]

Just remember one thing, 5 strings might be fine but a 4-string bass will get the job done.
Not one song I know requires that extra string.

 

[Micah D]

The Jazz or P Bass is going to give you that nice retro sound I think you're looking for. I'm not sure if it's been mentioned before, but if and when you test the bass at the pawn store, make sure you've got the volume on both pickups at around the same level or else it's going to hum. It's not a flaw or defect, it's just the way the stock single coil pickups work on jazz basses, if there's an imbalance in output volume of the two, you will hear a hum. If they're at the same level, you shouldn't hear the hum.

Thanks for the info on avoiding the hum. I was aware of its existence, but not how to avoid it. Very helpful.

I’ll admit to premature GAS. I am hopeful for the pawn shop VM and there is an interesting cherry burst Squier MB-5 on Craigslist that’s about two hours away from me. If both instruments were to work out, I’d be set for quite a while with both a 4-string and 5-string.

Blessings

 

[dmccombe7]

Thanks for the info on avoiding the hum. I was aware of its existence, but not how to avoid it. Very helpful.

I’ll admit to premature GAS. I am hopeful for the pawn shop VM and there is an interesting cherry burst Squier MB-5 on Craigslist that’s about two hours away from me. If both instruments were to work out, I’d be set for quite a while with both a 4-string and 5-string.

Blessings

That's it started Micah D. You've gone from buying a 4 string Jazz to now wanting a 4 and 5 string bass.
WARNING :- PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WITH BASS COMES GAS.

Have you considered an amp yet. ?

Dave

 

[Micah D]

That's it started Micah D. You've gone from buying a 4 string Jazz to now wanting a 4 and 5 string bass.
WARNING :- PLEASE BE AWARE THAT WITH BASS COMES GAS.

Have you considered an amp yet. ?

Dave

HAH! Believe it or not, I received a neat Behringer Ultrabass BX1200 thrown in with a vintage Ovation Celebrity acoustic-electric guitar that I got a few weeks back, virtually, for no extra cost! The pedal, too.

I’m working on learning guitar and bass, together. If not now, when?

I’m hopeful to get that Squier ‘70s VM at the local pawn shop and have my eye on a unique used Sterling (Music Man’s Squier) S.U.B. 5-string. In another talkbass thread, I read that the active pups of the S.U.B. 5-string help with the low B string tonal distractions. Yippee!

Blessings

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Just remember one thing, 5 strings might be fine but a 4-string bass will get the job done.
Not one song I know requires that extra string.

game, set, and match.

Spoiler

BEAD I guess...

 

[basslicks]

I’m a 4-stringer myself, personally. The 5 is nice because you can play most songs closed so it’s easier to transpose, but I prefer the open E sound to a closed E sound on a 5. Also, most fivers sound kinda muddy on the B string IMO.