Would you ever go back from 5/6/+ string to 4 string bass?

[tasteslikecrab]

I love my six, honestly, but trying to play any sort of slap bass on it is kinda ridiculous so I switch to my five when I'm starting to feel funky. I don't really play fours often, basses just feel empty to me without that b down there. ):

 

[Swedjent]

Although there isn't actually any rational reason for me to prefer four strings I sometimes do. I play a lot of different music, and sometimes a 4string just feels more right than a 5string. I own two basses; one Ibanez SR5 and one Hofner Club, and I wouldn't be able to choose which one I like the most!

On the other hand, fuck that. I'd pick the Hofner anyday unless I'm about to play metal. The ibanez has such a sterile sound that I'd rather cut my arm of than using it for e.g 50's jazz. But for metal it works really great, but as metal is just one of many styles I love it would have to go.

 

[Swedjent]

But of course, no matter how right it feels playing a 4string, when you suddenly can't fret even a low Eb your head will go boom.

 

[ericsleepless]

Actually, I honestly would like to have a 4 string and a 6 string.

I would actually LOVE to have all three but I would have a 4 string for Standard/Drop-D tuning and then the 6 string for everything else.

 

[Konfyouzd]

I never owned a 4 string bass before. I've played them and just find that a 5 feels better in my hands.

 

[MassNecrophagia]

You should sell the four 5er's and get a sick 6er.

Already have a sick 6er, but I can't really be bothered to post a NBD thread or anything.
I'm trying to sell my 5s to upgrade some hardware, though.

 

[Herrick]

I recently got back into Bass. I haven't played a 5-string yet, but I'd really like to. I know the thread question doesn't really apply to me but I'll answer anyway 'cause I'm bored: I don't picture myself ever going back to a 6-string guitar so I imagine if I ever got a 5-string bass, I wouldn't go back to a 4-string. I'm waaaaay too lazy to tune down and I've always been a "One Guitar/Bass To Rule Them All" kinda mang. In conclusion, I think a 5-string bass would reign supreme

 

[malice]

Someone actually asked me this exact question recently and my answer was absolutely not. I've gotten too attached to the low B string.

 

[NeglectedField]

I couldn't give up my 5'er. But I'd sure like a 4 or two just for the wonderful simplicity of it all. Every time I play a 4 it's oddly refreshing.

 

[mortality]

This thread inspired me to pick up my four string for the first time in about a month. I hated it (probably because I've become used to the flatwounds on my fretless six string). It also felt incredibly tiny. I might even sell the damn thing to get money for a seven-string guitar.

 

[GhostsofAcid]

I had a five that i sold a few months ago and recently bought a four. I don't really miss the extra string, and I find the four more comfortable.

 

[spudz]

Even when it comes to some funky slapping, I would use my 6string. It's just what I'm used to. Else it would be just confusing.

 

[JazzandMetal]

I only have a five and have only played a five. I want a four, but don't think I'd use it that much. I want a six more than a four.

 

[velvetkevorkian]

Never say never, but I much prefer my 5s and my 7 to the four string.