Five String Pro #2 – Don’t Have to Re-Tune Therefore a 5 string bass gives you these notes in a lower register while remaining in standard tuning. On a 4 string, to achieve the desired low notes in a low register, the only option would be to tune down the strings to Drop D or Eb.īut as mentioned, you would then have to transpose your memorized scale patterns and key positions on the fretboard which is inconvenient. However, because they are only available in a ‘higher register’ (further down the neck) they sound too ‘bright’ and ‘piercing.’ Whereas playing them in a low register they sound ‘deeper,’ ‘warmer.’ as a bass should sound. Of course, you do have these notes available on a 4 string bass in standard tuning. These ‘low notes’ essentially ‘fills in the gaps’ that a 4 string in standard tuning can’t produce in a ‘low’ and ‘deep-sounding’ register.Įssentially a 5 string bass gives you these important low register notes while the other strings can remain in standard tuning. Allowing your memorized scale patterns, keys, and note positions on the fretboard to remain unaffected. Why? These low register notes correspond to the most common tunings including Eb, D, and C#. Now, these five additional ‘low notes’ mentioned above are absolutely critical to the function of a 5 string bass. This means the extra B string allows for five additional ‘low notes,’ being the: Whereas on a 5 string bass standard tuning is B-E-A-D-G. On a regular 4 string bass standard tuning is E-A-D-G. To understand the function of a 5 string bass first let’s compare the tunings… If you didn’t know already an extended lower range means that you have more access to low registry notes on the same instrument. So with a 5 string bass, what is the function of the extra string? And what are the benefits of this setup? Five String Pro #1 – Extended Lower Range In comparison, a 5 string bass has an extra string allowing an extended lower range to play notes in lower keys and the choice of more scales, chords, and arpeggios but has a wider neck and a heavier instrument.Ĭost 3% – 10% more than four-string version (same model)Īs we all know, all bass guitars in standard tuning are tuned exactly an octave lower than regular 6 string guitars. What is the difference between a 4 string and 5 string bass guitar?Ī 4 string bass has a narrower neck, wider string spacing, and is easier to play. These include the function, benefits, pros & cons, and how to decide if a 5 string bass is the ideal instrument for you. My valuable post will answer the key differences between a 4 and 5 string bass. If pre-slotted, you should also have a tech make sure the slots are cut correctly for your particular string gauge and fingerboard radius.Have you looked at a 5 string bass and thought… ”Why do bass players need the extra string?” Are more strings better than a standard 4 string bass guitar? The most important thing to check is that the string spacing is a close match to your existing nut. The extra material is easily shaped down with fine grit sandpaper. Tech's notes: "Replacement nuts and saddles typically measure slightly larger than necessary to ensure a tight fit. Its the difference between a four piece choir and a twelve piece choir singing every time your play a note. Increased harmonics equals more richness and character in your tone. TUSQ delivers a rich tone, crystal clear bell like high end with big open lows and a significant increase in harmonic content and harmonic sustain. TUSQ offers you harmonically rich tones without the problems associated with natural materials. TUSQ is made from 100% organic polymers, contains no oil or animal by-products and is consistent from piece to piece, and within each piece. TUSQ nuts, saddles and bridge pins are precision engineered under high pressure and heat, specifically to govern which frequencies are transferred to your guitar top (tone), and which frequencies remain in the strings (sustain). TUSQ is simply more efficient at transferring vibrations to your guitar top, resulting in big open lows and clear bell like highs.īone and Ivory nuts and saddles have one inherent problem - they're made from animals, and therefore are inconsistent in their growth causing soft or dead spots because of their natural grain. Guitar makers and players agree.acoustic guitars come alive with TUSQ man-made ivory. TUSQ DELIVERS THE OPTIMUM FREQUENCIES FROM THE STRINGS TO THE GUITAR TOP, PRODUCING RICHER AND FULLER TONE. It is pre-slotted so it will make for an easy install. The PQ-1214-00 is the perfect option to upgrade or replace the nut on your 4 string Fender Jazz style Bass guitar.
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