Conference napalm::guitar

    The problem I've seen with the low B on 5 and 6 string basses is
    that they it tends to fart out, either because the bass isn't really
    designed to reproduce the low B frequencies well, or because the
    amp isn't, sometimes both.  Since there's a kind of 5-string mania
    in the bass market right now, every manufacturer is slapping one
    together, a lot of times with poor results.
    
    I've tried some high end 5's and 6's; when it's done right, it
    can be a very powerful and useful tool.  A well defined low B has
    a tremendous presence.  Even notes available on higher strings,
    like the open E, have more power and impact when played on a good
    low B string.  So it has applications beyond just being able to go
    down.  One thing I've noticed is that, even on a good instrument,
    you have to back off on your right-hand attack on the low B string;
    otherwise it'll flop too much.  Like an effect, low B is best applied
    sparingly; save it for those times you really want to kick out some
    low frequencies, for emphasis.  One good metaphor I've heard, "it's
    like the fog rolling in over the stage".
    
    As far as 6-strings go, my view is if you're going to go for extra
    strings you might as well go all the way.  The extra string on a 6
    is usually a high C above the normal G string.  I've heard it said
    that you only need one of these if you're going to do a lot of soloing.
    I disagree.  I personally dislike bass soloing as a rule (of course
    there are exceptions).  But I like the high C string for chording.
    For years, I've played around with 2 note chords on the D and G.
    With that high C, I can get 3 note chords on the bass; it opens
    up a whole new world of possible colors.
    
    6-strings aren't the end though.  There's someone on the Internet
    who claims to play a 7-string bass, with another lower string below
    the low B (F#?).  Of course, he *doesn't* claim to get good tone out
    of the thing :-)
    
    /rick

>>    who claims to play a 7-string bass, with another lower string below
>>    the low B (F#?).  Of course, he *doesn't* claim to get good tone out
    
    
    I'm happy to get a decent tone out of a low E string...
    
    	Jim

    Something Rick left out of .1:
    
    If you think about it, on a 6-string, you can cover two octaves within
    a four fret space by starting on the B string.  
    
    For instance, compare playing two octaves of the G major scale on a 4
    string, you start on the E string at the third fret, then need to do
    two shifts to reach the G sting at the 12th fret.
    
    On the 6, you could start at the eighth fret on the B, then in the
    space between frets 7 and 10, you can play the entire thing.  If you
    are a firm believer in the idea that minimum motion in the left hand is
    desirable, this is a real advantage.
    
    							Brian
    						      Still_at_4

	Ok, I need some advice from everyone, as I can't make up my mind!

	I currently have four basses.  Two need to go for various reasons,
	money being primary.  All have good points and bad...

	Peavey TL-5 five-string, active electronics.  Have this at home on
	approval from the store, and I like it - feels good, sounds great,
	looks super, as it's got an irridescent finish over black.  Down
	side is that it's expensive, but I really think I'd like to keep it
	to give me the added flexibility with the low B string.

	Peavey Dyna-Bass - 4-string, kelly green finish, active electronics.
	Very nice, very comfortable bass - but not very different in sound/
	feel from the 5-string.  A good point in favor of trading this one
	in is that we can get back the same price we paid for it, as I've
	had it less than 30 days.

	Sigma acoustic/electric 4-string, w/active electronics.  This bass
	has a wonderful, unique sound, but I find it difficult to play, due
	in part to the large dreadnought-style body.  If I played it more,
	I might be able to overcome that, but it tends to take a back seat
	to the more immediately playable solid-bodies.  Negative point:  we
	probably won't get much on a trade-in on this one.

	Rickenbacker 4003 in Maple-Glo - my first love, and I'm still
	emotionally attached to this instrument.  It's very different from
	the Peaveys, both in sound and feel.  I don't play it as much as I
	used to, though, as it's not as comfortable - I find myself only
	able to play up near the neck.  There's that large lump of plastic
	over the bridge pickup that a lot of people seem to remove.

	Which ones would you keep? :^}

	Thanks for any input.

        Ummm - sell them all and buy your ol' man that Marshall stack?
        
        Anonymous (ignore the node::username behind the curtain!)
        

    
    Looks pretty obvious - unload the 4 string Peavey and the Sigma -
    unless you're going to do one of those MTV Unplugged sessions...the
    acoustic/electric basses seem to be a popular item there.
    

    
    Thanks for the input, here and in mail.  The outcome:
    
    I've kept the 5-string and the Sigma - not entirely through free
    choice, but due to economics.  The price offered for the Sigma just
    wasn't enough to warrant trading it in.  Due to some very good
    horse-trading by Andy (I should rent him out!), we were able to trade
    the 4-string Peavey and the Ric even up for the 5-string.
    
    So, what I end up with are two very different basses, which is not
    entirely a bad thing.  And who knows?  I may be invited some day by MTV
    Unplugged . . . :^}
    
    Sandy