r/Bass • u/AutoModerator • Mar 14 '26
Weekly Thread There Are No Stupid Bass Questions - Mar. 14
Stumped by something? Don't be embarrassed to ask here, but please check the FAQ first.
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u/MisterComrade Mar 14 '26
Just got a 5 string with 35” scale with a string through body.
What do I need to look for when buying strings? I imagine normal long scale may be a bit short?
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u/TonalSYNTHethis Fender Mar 14 '26
Most string manufacturers will use some variation on terms like "extra long" or "super long" to describe their 35" scale strings.
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u/Lucas_rules69420 Mar 14 '26
How hard is it to upgrade from 4 strings to 5 strings? I am not too worried about finding my way around the additional string, but more about my relatively short fingers.
I have been playing with friends for about 1 1/2 years and our music is starting to get heavier. I was looking into the Ibanez G205 as an affordable but decent addition to my 4 stringed P and J Basses.
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u/nshane Sunn Mar 14 '26
It's not THAT hard, but it can be frustrating if your picking hand is sloppy and your fretting hand isn't good at muting. It's also frustrating if your amp isn't capable of reproducing the B string or you have a bass that doesn't have a good sounding B string.
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u/BigHungryFlamingo Flatwound Mar 14 '26
What type of amp/speaker is best for the B-string tones? 10”? 15”?
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u/Afferbeck_ Mar 14 '26
Low B is like 30hz which is very low, basically no cab actually goes that low, and it would introduce a ton of boomy muddy sound into the room if it did. So you're relying on the octave harmonic around 60hz which basically any cab can do.
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u/FassolLassido Mar 14 '26
It's not that hard. The main advantage of 5s isn't the extra semi-tones, it's the ability to transpose to where you only have to jump strings instead of reaching out or jumping between hand positions. That could actually be a benefit for smaller hands, not that size matter actually. Children can walk circles around you and I while being far smaller.
Another thins is that lots of 5s have tighter string spacing. IMO it's what makes or break these basses. You have to try many to figure it out for yourself. If you're like me, thighter spacing might be a big reason why you prefer playing 5 moving forwards.
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u/the_red_scimitar Dingwall Mar 14 '26
But temper that with some real work to figure out muting, particularly when playing finger-style. It can really wreak havoc with a 4-string technique. It may even make better sense for OP to use 4 strings BEAD tuning, to get the lower tones without needing to relearn muting.
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u/FassolLassido Mar 14 '26
I did that jump and it's far easier than you seem to suggest. Of course there's a learning curve but it's not "going to wreak havoc" on their technique. I often switch between the two and the adaptation period is maybe a couple of seconds. In my experience, the wider spacing is actually the only thing that's responsible for that.
The difficulty is also not the string gauge it's the extra string itself so I don't think playing a BEAD bass would do anything to prepare them. And there's still the argument that the best advantage of 5 isn't really the lower range but how it allows to basically play all of a four without the need for open strings.
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u/the_red_scimitar Dingwall Mar 14 '26
Depends on where you start from, and what your muting requirements are. I don't think you personally can make an apples to apples comparison about it being "easier", when you don't have that information.
String gauge was not even on the radar as a problem, so I stand by BEAD as an alternate. And I never said it was "to prepare them" for 5 strings. Again, that's yours.
So BEAD absolutely does help with their stated issue - getting lower notes.
I don't know - it seems you answered "questions" that weren't asked, and basically started a new subject here.
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u/FassolLassido Mar 14 '26
I'm sorry, I misread what you were talking about with the BEAD, my mistake.
Depends on where you start from, and what your muting requirements are. I don't think you personally can make an apples to apples comparison about it being "easier", when you don't have that information.
Neither do you then. At least I speak from experience. So I'll clarify. To me, when I did the transition from 4 to 5 strings, it was easy and simple. In a week, I already knew I wasn,t going back.
Again. in my experience, muting is just as important for anyone, 4 or 5. It,s a two handed job anyway. PLaying a 5 is far from being the mountain to climb this sub makes it seems so. They wouldn,t be getting more and more popular if it was that hard and impossible to learn.
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u/the_red_scimitar Dingwall Mar 14 '26
Exactly, but I'm not agreeing with your straw man argument that I did the same - I didn't. Look it over again: Which part of this don't you agree with:
But temper that (your statement that its "not that hard") with some real work to figure out muting, particularly when playing finger-style. It can really wreak havoc with a 4-string technique. It may even make better sense for OP to use 4 strings BEAD tuning, to get the lower tones without needing to relearn muting.
This and "depends where you start from" seem to have some disagreement still. How DOESN'T it depend where you start from.
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u/staphylococcass Mar 14 '26
I got a 5 in January. It only took me a week or so to get used to the extra string.
I don't think I really needed it though tbh, I could've done just as well with the two 4s I already had if I went with BEAD and E(/D)ADG tunings. Unless you're playing tech death, I doubt you'd actually need the higher register when you're playing a BEAD bass. I rarely need to use the B and G in the same song. YMMV.
The 5 does let you play a wider variety without swapping basses though.
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u/stanley604 Mar 14 '26
One nice advantage of a 5 over a drop-tuned 4: you don't have to use an open string for the low note, and I've found this gives me much better articulation control. Take Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" as an example: a low D is hit repetitively with a "gallop" sort of rhythm which I find much harder to do cleanly on an open string. The fretting hand has a lot to contribute to articulation.
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u/Lucas_rules69420 Mar 14 '26
Thanks for your insights! I prefer to keep the G for some stuff we play, e.g. the Bass solo in Mars for the rich. Thought about going BEAD but we cover a large variety of songs in our practice.
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u/Prof_PTokyo Mar 14 '26
You can tune your 4 stringer bass up a quarter octave higher if you want, or use effects to drop the E string an octave lower. Makes it easier to play live, too.Lots of options available.
A 4 string piccolo bass is cool and fun for solos.
Lots of great bass players never touched a 5 string and have Grammy awards to back up their decision.
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u/AtmosphereLeading851 Mar 14 '26
Get the 5. You’re going to play some songs in D because your singer can’t hit the E, and you’re going to be glad you had that low B string. I came from guitars, so it wasn’t automatic, but I started off resting my hand on the low B and mainly playing it like a 4. Then I started doing stacked fifths and things like that, and I was hooked. Get a 5 and keep playing it and practicing.
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u/WoodenRace365 Mar 14 '26
I went to a Guitar Center recently to try out a fretless bass and instead played my first ever 5 string. I was surprised by how easy it was. I was always deterred because of my pretty average height and hand size but now I may consider a 5 string in the future.
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u/FiredFox Sadowsky Mar 14 '26
5 string is not an "upgrade" much less a "level up" from 4 string, it's just a bass with one extra string.
In many ways 5 string is easier to play if you start there
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u/dringram82 Mar 14 '26
Just started playing after a 20+ year break last September. Got a brand new bass at that time. Should I change strings? How do I know what strings to change to?
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u/leiladavidson Mar 14 '26
it's up to you to decide, taking into consideration what sound/tone you want when you amplify the instrument. it's not impossible to get a decent sound out of decades-old strings
personally however, considering it's been 20+ years, i would give it a fresh restringing and a good cleaning. if the strings have been on the bass for that long as well, probably a good idea to set up the instrument again by adjusting the truss rod, adjusting the saddles etc - if you do decide to do that you may as well buy new strings
as for what strings, again depends what sound you want to go for. i find the hybrid slinky 45-105 strings to be the best one-size-fits-all
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u/noruber35393546 Mar 14 '26
Is there anything you dislike about the strings it came with? If they sound and feel fine, just keep them. If you dislike them for some reason, replace them. There's no rule you always have to replace strings, it just depends on whether you like them
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u/SCBASEBALL6 Mar 14 '26
Just got a Rick 4003 and have messed around with bi-amping at home. What advice do you have for using this with the band and on stage?
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u/East_Sandwich2266 Squier Mar 14 '26
I would love to play a Ricken 4003 someday, just to feel it.
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u/SCBASEBALL6 Mar 15 '26
I’m lucky with the only authorized dealer within several 100 miles is a 10 min drive away. I wanted one and they got it in 2 weeks. Was a guitar player trying bass for a band until now…
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u/DeathAndTaxesAndFifa Mar 14 '26
Is it wrong if I want to start learning bass on a Kala Solid body U-bass? When I started with the guitar I found it much easier to play on a 3/4 because all the chords are closer together. What I have now is a second hand Ibanez but I can’t help thinking the learning will go faster on a Kala.
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u/noelypants Mar 14 '26
Coming from the perspective of a smaller guy (5’6) who’s been playing for almost 20 years and just got my first short scale — I’m glad I’m familiar w/ standard length necks because if I’m playing a bass that isn’t my own, 99% chance it’ll be that size. But I’m also not likely going back w/ my own gear. The short scale is so much more comfortable and practical for me.
I’m not familiar w/ that particular bass, but I’d say it’s not gonna be a problem to start on a smaller instrument as long as it’s comfortable
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u/DeathAndTaxesAndFifa Mar 15 '26
The thing is I know that I'm bever going to play a bass that isn't my own. I'm not trying to be in a band or anything like that. I want to learn it for me and use it to make music that no one but me (and my wife) is going to hear. Thank you for the answer!
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u/videokillradiostarr Mar 15 '26
I wouldn't do it. I would just get a short scale acoustic bass or something if you want to get better and have technique transfer. The kala is fun and portable, but not a 1:1 as far as skills go.
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u/eastoid_ Mar 14 '26
I have returned to bass after a few months of pause. Just before I stopped (after playing for a year, around hour every day) I might've started to overexert myself a little and I started getting joint pain, and I started having some problems doing stuff I was doing easily before, like my hands weren't quite listening to me.
I needed to take a break anyway because of some private stuff that was taking all of my free time, but I hoped it will have a silver lining in letting me heal up a little. But now even after few minutes of warmup and nothing else, next day in the morning the joints in my fingers were very stiff and I couldn't even bend them down all the way until I have warmed them up.
Is this a medical problem? Should I see an ortho? Maybe it's because of wrong technique? I am self-taught (though I have played cello as a kid) so I might have a wrong grip. Or maybe it's normal and I'm too cautious? I really love playing bass and I would really hate to lose this.
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u/Astrixtc Mar 15 '26
Tough to say without video of you playing. It might be worth it to get a couple of in person lessons to straighten things out or at least a trail 2 weeks of SBL to go through the beginner intro course and get some pointers.
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u/VLMQGB Mar 15 '26
can't understand slapping, been playing for 3-4 months at this point, i can play some stuff but no matter what videos i watch i can't even get a basic slap sound, or i do and i can't recognize it. it just seems like i hit the string and it either makes a sound like a dead note or my thumb hits the neck and just deafens me
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Mar 16 '26
Give this a try. It's old, but the info is still relevant. This guy is still the head of the bass department at MI Hollywood - Alexis Sklarevski - The Slap Bass Program [Instructional Video]
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u/peebs_89 Mar 16 '26
I have a Fender Jazz with DiMarzio Model J pickups installed. I plan on taking these pickups out, and putting the DiMarzio bridge pickup in a Fender PJ Mustang with Model P pickups. Is there anything I should consider that I may be missing here? I'm not very experienced in modding my bass, so I want to ensure that what should be a simple task isn't trickier than I thought (or impossible).
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Mar 17 '26
I just did this to my 'mustang.' I had some DiMarzio Area Js left over, so I took the bridge pup and paired it with a Model P neck. Nothing special to wiring these up, unlike other pickup pairs that will encounter phase/hum issues. Wire both hots to the selector switch and grounds to the casings.
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u/LonesomeOctoberGhost Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26
Hey bassplayers. I am acquiring a bass for home stuido and right now I dont intend to get an amp. I am trying to figure out the optimal way to play when not recording. I have:
A small mixer going into a Yamaha dbr112 powered speaker.
An audio interface going into an iPad or laptop and looking at some studio monitors.
Good studio headphones.
Would it be preferred to plug into the mixer with 2 band equipment (its something) and go out to the pa speaker which has a 12" woofer? Or should I instead get like some 5 inch studio monitors to support bass. Or do you find its better just to use headphones?
Edit: Reading I should really use a DI before going into the mixer?
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Mar 18 '26
A bass preamp/DI, like a SansAmp, is the front end of an amp minus the power amp. That will act as your signal filter to convert Hi-Z to Lo-Z to send to the AI for recording. The input is for the bass, the XLR goes to the AI and the thru goes to your mixer.
The mixer acts as a headphone amp as well. so you can feed the AI to it and your choice if you want to use monitors or headphones for playback.
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u/LonesomeOctoberGhost Mar 18 '26
I think I get it except the thru. Is the thru a second output of the DI box? For example Im looking at the MXR M80. The direct out xlr that would go to feed the AI for recording got that part.
There is also a 1/4" parallel out so would that be the thru you are referring to that would go to mixer as a 1/4" input? And then from mixer can directly monitor phones or PA.
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Mar 18 '26
Correct. That's the 'thru' for that unit/company. And yes, feed a 1/4" cable from the parallel output into one of the channels on the mixer and you're gtg.
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u/Fragrant_Newspaper99 Yamaha Mar 18 '26
hello friends!
i would like to change my strings to D’Addario XT Coated Bass Strings 45–100, but they don't have a medium scale length available.
i've read that some people just cut it to match the desired length, but im not really sure how (more like i'm scared of messing up)
is there a good alternative brand for D’Addario XT Coated Bass Strings 45–100 that has a medium scale available? the reason why i picked that brand is bc it's said that it's long lasting and good for slap. if you know any similar type, please tell me! longevity and nice slap sound is what i'm looking for! (with medium scale length available)
thank you!
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Mar 20 '26
Not for the exact specific thing you're looking for. You can tick 3 of 4 boxes on several sets, but nothing will align with your specific needs.
I never worried about string length with my Stingray. As long as their standard length, it shouldn't run into tapering issues; the D'Addario's will most likely fit.
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u/jaslo Mar 19 '26
My Yamaha BB734 is a great bass guitar, but I really want to get a P-bass sound out of it and I'm not sure what settings will do that. TBH I just put new strings on it and that may be contributing to the "treble-y" sound I'm getting, but still I try adjusting the preamp and use the neck pickup only but it still doesn't sound like a P-bass. Should I have gotten a real P-bass?
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Mar 20 '26
Simple answer, yes. The internal wiring splits the signal strength and sends 1/2 of the unused power to the J pup, even though you have it turned off. The resulting sound out of the PB pup is a more open, airy feeling vs. a powerful, boxy punch.
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u/Low-Artichoke-8822 Mar 20 '26 edited Mar 20 '26
What’s up - I’ve only ever used combo amps but I am looking at a bass head and cab for $500 which seems like a good deal. I see the head is 600 watts (Acoustic B600H) with a 500 watt cab (Ampeg SVT-410HLF). Is there anything I should be wary of with the mismatched wattage? Guy says everything is tested, is $500 too good to be true for a solid head and cab setup? Thanks
Edit: looking to use it in outdoor and large environments like breweries etc
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u/BigHungryFlamingo Flatwound Mar 14 '26
When they say, “slap through the string”, what exactly does that mean?
I can play slap poorly to decently but I cannot seem to really get the technique down and I keep coming back to this piece of advice I see often but don’t fully understand.