Which 5-string bass should I get?

Question

So my latest bass was a G&L and I really love it, since you can toggle the sound right on the bass. It has a very warm tone. But I've run into a problem. I want to play songs that are tuned way too low for my 4-string. When I tune done past D, the strings get clanky. A friend suggested thicker strings, but I don't think that would work because it is about tension more than thickness. He suggested the Ernie Ball Music Mans, but I don't know which kind would be best. I play a variety of music, from metal to blues, jazz to alternative, rock to dance. I LOVE to play slap & pop, and I think I could learn to do it on a 5-string. I really want a durable bass too.

So can you give me specific models of 5-string basses that you like?
I've also been considering saving up for a Warwick. Would it really be worth the wait? Would I get my money's worth with a Warwick?
Haha, last thing. Sick Puppies bassist Emma Anzai has a 4-string, and she plays down in C with excellent sound. How is that?

Thanks everyone!

Answer 1

Your friend is actually correct about the thicker strings.



If you want to tune lower, put thicker strings on your 4 string. My old band played in Drop C tuning (drop D a whole step down), and my bass player had a 4 string. He wanted to play in C without losing the tension on his strings (he liked to slap and pop too), so what he did was get a set of strings made for a 5 string and used the 4 lowest strings, discarding the highest. That's probably exactly how Emma Anzai plays in C on a 4 string. When I want to drop tune my guitar I buy thicker strings (I'm fond of Ernie Ball Skinny Top/Heavy Bottom strings)



As far as brands go, Warwick makes quality instruments. You would probably be happy with it, but I can't say for sure because I don't know what you like in an instrument. For example, I realize Fender makes good guitars, but I can't stand the way they play, and their pickups are too thin sounding for the music I play (mostly metal)

Answer 2

I have both and have used the fiver only twice in a live setting. Personally I stick with my 4 stringers when playing live. I do practice on the 5 string but the only benefit I get is a greater appreciation of the feel of the 4 stringers. I mean WTF, you only get 5 additional notes, so what are the benefits? Play an Eb without having to play way up the neck. Play low D riffs without having to re tune your E string. Play two octave runs without shifting your hand. Play tenths on the B-D and E-G strings, instead of just the E-G strings. I only bought the 5 string because I could afford to and because at times when playing I wished I could go lower. I'll tell you this, I'll never waste money on a 6 string. FYI - I own upper end Made in America Fender P and Jazz basses

Answer 3

If you want a versatile bass you should look at some Music Man basses. They can play pretty much anything (especially the duel humbucker ones), but they can be a bit pricey. You also might want to look at the Ibanez SR or BTB series; they have fast necks and great electronics that can dial in pretty much any sound you want. The BTB has a pretty big neck compared to some other 5 strings so I wouldn't recommend it if you have small hands.



Bass choice comes down to personal preference. You should play some Warwicks before you decide to buy one because a higher price tag does not mean you will like it.