More than 4 strings on a bass unnessecary?

[TeKNiQue]

What do you think about this? I hear people saying that is is really not needed, isn't it? Some music is played on 7 string guitars and you gotta have that low B string, but what about adding a high C string?

 

I personally think that the 6 string bass seems perfect, but is it just too much?

[SAV1OUR]

i have played on both 4 and 6 sting bases to be honest i couldnt notice any difference

[91wow]

It depends really, some heavy metal/death metal bassets use 6+. It not really needed unless a song needs it tho.

 

Just like a 12 string guitar or a dual guitar. It's not needed but it can be useful. 

[JoshM]

i have played on both 4 and 6 sting bases to be honest i couldnt notice any difference

Personally I notice the extra 2 strings lol....

[kinkywink]

Personally I notice the extra 2 strings lol....

yeah beecause there there, but just because they are there doesnt mean you will ever use them

[xyza]

more strings may be necessary depending on the type of music you play or write, personally i would prefer adding a top string for deeper sound

[Volbet]

I really depend on the type of music you plan on playing. Some jazz and metal bassists prefere 6 strings, but some of the most talented bassplayers that I have seen all use 4 strings. But again, that is all about the type of music that is played.

I also depends a lot on you playing style. For example are you going to use your fingers or a pick? 

[JoshM]

yeah beecause there there, but just because they are there doesnt mean you will ever use them

Play metal or jazz you will, 

[kinkywink]

Play metal or jazz you will, 

only one instrument i play and thats keyboard.. annnnd its mechanical.

[Almercenary]

Above six, you may as well not call it the bass.  Six strings were in for about a week, now only (mostly) jazz fusion bassists play with it.  If you are a soloist, sure, 6+ strings are ok, or of course les claypool (ie have a bass centered band).  If you are not any of these, it really depends on how you want you sound to sound.  I personally hate 5 strings due to the thinning of the neck having a shit sound on B and G but you get a good quality one and the neck ways a ton. Seeing as i'm a metal bassist mostly, I just put BEAD on my four string, and it comes out with a fucking beastly sound.  5 strings can be good if you like the nu-metal genre because they often use funk riffs and also that low power B.  Best way is to go into a dedicated bass shop and play a huge range of bassses imo,  then go with the bass you find has the best sound and you feel like it's the best for you in your budget.  Then you can switch strings later.  I did this and I have ended up with an awesome bass.  A fender Jazz with B-D d'addarios on it.  IMO the bass is the backbone of the music in most genres, so over 5 strings it gives way to much highs and just gets lost in the guitar, and you know all those jokes about bass solos....

 

 

Play metal or jazz you will, 

not really.  A four string with a 5 string setup gives a much punchier, louder, meaner sound on that low B.

[JoshM]

Above six, you may as well not call it the bass.  Six strings were in for about a week, now only (mostly) jazz fusion bassists play with it.  If you are a soloist, sure, 6+ strings are ok, or of course les claypool (ie have a bass centered band).  If you are not any of these, it really depends on how you want you sound to sound.  I personally hate 5 strings due to the thinning of the neck having a shit sound on B and G but you get a good quality one and the neck ways a ton. Seeing as i'm a metal bassist mostly, I just put BEAD on my four string, and it comes out with a fucking beastly sound.  5 strings can be good if you like the nu-metal genre because they often use funk riffs and also that low power B.  Best way is to go into a dedicated bass shop and play a huge range of bassses imo,  then go with the bass you find has the best sound and you feel like it's the best for you in your budget.  Then you can switch strings later.  I did this and I have ended up with an awesome bass.  A fender Jazz with B-D d'addarios on it.  IMO the bass is the backbone of the music in most genres, so over 5 strings it gives way to much highs and just gets lost in the guitar, and you know all those jokes about bass solos....

 

 

not really.  A four string with a 5 string setup gives a much punchier, louder, meaner sound on that low B.

yeah

[felixbearpig]

not to someone who really knows what they are doing 

[Askew]

This guy makes so much use of 4 I'd like to see what happens if you give him more lol

[techswede]

I like 5 strings. It's a good middle ground. Baaah